Caitlyn McNally

Enthusiastic Psychology graduate eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organisational skills. Clear understanding of psychological theories, interventions and training in challenging behaviour, learning difficulties and SEN children. Motivated to learn, grow and excel within the field of clinical psychology, with plans to pursue a doctorate.

A graduate of BSc Psychology and MSc Psychology of Coercive Control. A conscientious, hardworking, responsible and highly motivated individual, Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to pick up and understand a variety of tasks easily, which has enabled a very adaptable, flexible and eager to learn approach.

Studying Psychology has provided highly transferable skills such as: comprehension of the human mind, understanding vulnerable people who are experiencing varying degrees of emotional/mental distress, effective teamwork and the ability to help others when needed (which can have considerable value on a day-to-day basis).

For my Masters dissertation I conducted a Systematic Review on ‘Evaluating the Efficacy of Interventions in treating Complex Trauma for Victims of Domestic Violence, Abuse and Coercive Control’. In my work I concluded, that there is no singular treatment model which can fit the needs and priorities of all survivors and further research is needed to address the additional domains and secondary outcomes that have not been addressed within these studies, as well as, a need for a greater understanding on the survivor’s individual needs and experiences to enable a better response within the treatments. My hope is to further research and improve various treatments in the various context of Coercive Control, Trauma and Mental Health. I plan to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology to further my understanding and knowledge.

In the third year of my degree, I selected the Workplace Psychology Module which enabled me to gain knowledge and develop my own expertise in the chosen vocation I plan to pursue. I worked as a research Assistant for Dr Clare Allely, undergoing research on Crime Script Analysis (CSA) with a school shooter case. The write-up of our research paper is still being conducted and we hope to have the findings published once it is finished. The research on CSA developed my ability to successfully map the antecedents of school shootings, which is extremely vital in predicting when these calamities occur. I enhanced my understanding on the multiple risk factors which can contribute to a horrific attack such as a mass shooting. Individual risk factors alone do not account for how these particular individuals plan, prepare and carry out their attacks and this is where CSA can be extremely effective. The opportunity to write-up such a comprehensive and evaluative piece helped to further develop my confidence and skill set.