Huma Rizvi

Compassionate and adaptable MSc Psychology conversion student with a background as a qualified pharmacist and former pharmacy owner, I am now pursuing a meaningful career supporting individuals with additional psychological needs and mental health challenges. My career shift is rooted in a strong empathetic nature and a talent for connecting with vulnerable individuals—skills I developed while working closely with over 200 patients annually who struggled with addiction, anxiety, and depression. As the owner and manager of a successful pharmacy, I regularly supported behavioural change and promoted medication adherence, building trusting relationships with patients and helping them overcome emotional and cognitive barriers to treatment. I was consistently praised for my active listening skills and calm, supportive manner. Alongside my professional role, I have volunteered with Samaritans, offering non-judgmental, confidential support to 15–20 individuals each week during moments of emotional crisis. This experience has allowed me to apply psychological concepts such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and active listening, and has deepened my understanding of crisis intervention and the importance of empathy in high-pressure situations. My academic training in MSc Psychology, including coursework in developmental psychology, cognitive processes, and psychological assessment, has enhanced my ability to understand and support individuals with special educational needs (SEN). I have also applied this learning through volunteering and reflective practice. Emotionally sensitive and highly empathetic, I bring strong multitasking abilities and a passion for person-centred, evidence-based psychological support. Eager to apply these strengths to real-world challenges, I am committed to positively impacting the lives of young people with SEN and others facing mental health difficulties. My long-term goal is to build a career in mental health services, where I can integrate my healthcare background with psychological insight to make a lasting, meaningful difference.

- Successfully established my pharmacy business from scratch, developing it into a thriving and respected local service with consistently high levels of patient satisfaction and team performance.

- As the owner and lead pharmacist, ensured the safe and accurate dispensing of prescriptions, while taking great care to advise patients on potential side effects and drug interactions—promoting greater awareness and safer medication use.

- Remained committed to continuous professional development, keeping up-to-date with the latest pharmaceutical research and best practices.

- Managed and trained a team of staff, fostering their confidence and encouraging a supportive, efficient working environment.

- Known for my empathetic nature—particularly by patients facing addiction and mental health challenges—who often turned to me for informal counselling and a non-judgmental ear.

- Drew on my growing psychological knowledge to apply principles of active listening and emotional regulation, offering calm, compassionate support that built trust with vulnerable individuals and the wider community.

- These experiences, particularly in supporting those in psychological distress, inspired my transition from pharmacy into the field of psychology, where I aim to combine my healthcare expertise with a deeper understanding of mental health to better support individuals in need.