Verity Bonner-Harris, MSc Forensic Psychology 2017

15 March 2024

Written by: Verity Bonner-Harris

Lead Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner at Oxford Health NHS Trust

Full Name: Verity Bonner-Harris
Graduation Year: 2017
Course Studied: MSc Forensic Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology
Job Title: Lead Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Employer/Organisation Name: Oxford Health NHS Trust
What are you doing now you have graduated from the University of Lincoln?: I am now the Lead Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for Oxfordshire Talking Therapies. I help to run the improving access to psychological therapies service and we treat mild to moderate low mood and anxiety disorders with low intensity CBT. I am involved in supervising and mentoring our PWPs from trainee to senior level and helping the to develop as well as working on improving access for Oxfordshire residents and providing an excellent service.
How did your time at the University of Lincoln support your career?: It helped develop a love for psychology and a love of learning about people. My Forensic background is fairly “niche” in my field, so I’m able to provide alternative perspectives when my staff are faced with patients with a Forensic history. PWP was still fairly new when I left and I know the university has a PWP course now, so I know they’re doing a great job at helping expand this career opportunity.
What are the best parts of your job?: Being able to treat a wide variety of patients using different evidence based techniques is really rewarding. Talking Therapies are meant to be really accessible, so knowing you’re making such a difference to people who in previous years, weren’t able to get support, is really special.
If you could give our current students any top tip for after graduation and their careers, what would it be?: Keep an open mind! I moved away from Forensic Psychology as I realised I loved the theory more than the practice, but didn’t want an academic career I kept looking until I found a role that I probably wouldn’t have considered previously if it hadn’t been for taking the time in other jobs to learn what I liked and didn’t like Psychology is extremely vast! There’s so many opportunities.
What inspired you to study at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: When I first arrived at the University, it just felt like home. I loved the layout of the city, that it was small and gorgeous and it felt like I fitted there. The psychology course was up and coming and it was just far enough away from home that I could have independence, but not too far that if I wanted to see my family I could!
What was your favourite thing about being a student at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: My lecturers!! My Forensic lecturers in particular were so knowledgeable and so willing to talk to you about the work and the theories. They were truly passionate and it was contagious.
What would you say to a prospective student thinking of applying to the University of Lincoln?: All of my friends who I met through Lincoln loved it. It is an amazing place, and it has changed so much since I went! I’m very jealous of the students who get to attend currently. Go with your gut, but you won’t regret Lincoln.