(Forensic Mental Health MSc, 2020)
Originally a film production graduate from Southern California, Makayla shares her experience of finding an academic interest in forensic psychology and her present career in NHS psychological services.
Why did you choose to pursue a Masters in Forensic Mental Health at Queen Mary?
I had previously completed an MSc in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies from UCL where my area of academic focus was in sexual perversion, specifically in women. My dissertation for my first Master’s degree focused on the genesis of perversion and women and how/why they express their perversion differently than men. After completing this first theoretic masters, I decided that I needed to gain a more clinical understanding of some of the ideas that I had written about. I felt that studying forensic psychology was the best next step in my academic career. I chose to study Forensic Mental Health at Queen Mary because of the reputation that Barts and the London School of Medicine has and the chance to undertake a clinical placement. This course also had a strong emphasis on psychodynamic ideas, so I felt comfortable exploring my interest within this theoretical and clinical model.
What made you enter this field? What opportunities did you see?
I first became interested in this topic in my undergraduate degree when I took a course on Forensic psychology. I had always wondered what brings an individual to act out aggressively towards others and towards society. Anti-social behaviour is incredibly fascinating and symbolic. I felt that I had both the interest and emotional capacity to explore this in an academic and professional setting. The United Kingdom, compared to the United States, has a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and has incredible services for offenders in prison and specialized forensic units, which is why I am interested in pursuing a career in the UK. The main opportunity I saw here in the UK was a chance to engage in a therapeutic relationship with offenders while being supported by experienced practitioners in the field.
What type of research or extracurricular activities did you participate in at Queen Mary that helped you succeed?
While undertaking this MSc at Queen Mary, I worked in the Millfields Unit's Personality Disorder Service as a part of my clinical placement. Being able to work closely with offenders in a therapeutic community was a transformative experience. I was able to learn the ins and outs of how NHS forensic services work, how they are connected to Her Majesty’s Prisons and the Ministry of Justice, and the importance of fostering autonomy in individuals who have been deeply institutionalised. One of the most important skills I have learned was how to deal with patient’s aggression and how to help them understand the meaning of their aggression.
I was also nominated as class representative. This leadership role strengthened my communication skills gave me experience in mediating any conflicts between peers and staff. Both of these experiences have helped me build confidence in my ability to deescalate high tension situations and has helped me build trust in my own knowledge and voice.
Talk us through your dissertation titled “Differentiating Female and Male Sexual Abuse of Children: A Narrative Analysis in the Context of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.”
This piece of work was incredibly difficult, both emotionally and academically. As I read through the relevant literature, I became more aware of how male centric previous research and theory was. Most of the literature is written with the male experience and male body in mind, rarely touching on women’s capacity for sexual aggression. The goal of my research was to give a nuanced explanation as to how and why men and women sexually abuse children differently. I decided the best way to explore this was through a qualitative approach, reviewing psychothereputic case studies with men and women who have sexually abused children. The data analysis was guided by five domains that were found in the literature: (1) the early life of the patient, (2) the therapeutic relationship the patient has with their analyst/therapist, (3) the perceptions that the patient has about their body and the body of their victim(s), (4) the emotions surrounding the sexual offence, and (5) descriptions of the offence. The main conclusions of the research showed that men were more likely to have experienced early sexual abuse and had a mother who was unable to empathise with them or understand them, leading to a fragmented sense of self. Women were less likely to have experienced sexual abuse, but had early experiences with an intrusive mother who had resented her daughter’s femininity and female body, treating them as an object to meet her needs. The most noticeable difference between the sexes was the experiences they had with their therapist and other healthcare workers. Clinicians who were working with women who had sexually abused children were less likely to acknowledge the severity of their female patient’s sexual abuse. Women are more likely to abuse their own children, or extensions of themselves. This abuse can easily be disguised and rationalized as “care” which is why it is much harder to see or believe.
Could you give us an insight into your current work as a Clinical Support Worker for the NHS? What is the best thing about your work?
I have been working in the Lambeth IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service for the past year. This is a primary care psychological service, mainly offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling. It is estimated that we see around 25% of the population of Lambeth. The main aspect of my role is to conduct telephone assessments, to get a sense of what the individuals needs are and what their therapeutic goals are. I often encounter people who have never voiced what they have been thinking or feeling. It can be a tremendously liberating to get some of their struggles off of their chest and to have someone listen to them without fear of judgment. The best part of the job is hearing the relief in peoples voices when that their distress has finally been heard and being able to support them in a way that suits their needs.
In your career to date, what achievements are you most proud of?
The achievements that I am most proud of are the small ones: the moments when I am able to offer some insight or direct a client to a line of thinking that they have not previously explored. Those brief moments of self-realisation are key in psychological change and are what makes working in the mental health field so rewarding.
What is something about you that people might find surprising?
One thing that people are often surprised to learn about me is that I had originally studied film production in University. I decided attend a film production programme in Southern California, hoping to get experience in directing and editing. I have acted in, directed and edited a few short student films (which are hopefully are not accessible to anyone as they are quite embarrassing).
What advice do you have for students interested in mental health?
Get as much experience as you can! I always recommend that students get involved in mental health charities such as Mind, The Listening place, The Samaritans, etc. Employers are always looking for people who have experience working with individuals with mental health needs. Getting as much experience as you can with individuals with varying mental health needs can also help you decide which area of psychology you are most interested in. I would also recommend getting your own therapy. As Carl Jung said, “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”
Where do you see yourself in 2030?
I have recently been accepted to a Counselling Psychology Doctorate course at the University of Roehampton. I hope to be a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist by 2024. My goal is to begin working in a forensic service with individuals who have committed violent and/or sexual crimes.
If you would like to get in touch with Makayla or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.