Mahnoor Raja
Birmingham,West Midlands
Summary
I am currently completing an MSci in Psychology and Psychological Practice (integrated master’s with placement) at the University of Birmingham. Alongside my studies, I work as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist within an NHS paediatric diabetes psychology service, where I support psychological assessment, formulation, MDT working, and supervised therapeutic interventions with children and adolescents living with Type 1 Diabetes. My experience has strengthened my interest in applied clinical psychology, particularly in integrating psychological thinking into physical health settings, service evaluation, and early identification of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work history
Honorary Assistant Psychologist
University Hospitals Birmingham
Birmingham, West Midlands
10.2025 - 05.2026
- Conducted psychological assessments with children and adolescents living with Type 1 Diabetes, integrating emotional, behavioural, and systemic factors into care planning
- Administered WHEEls Reflections during annual reviews for paediatric patients, integrating psychological, behavioural, and systemic factors to inform MDT understanding of patient progress and needs
- Supported one-to-one therapeutic sessions under supervision, drawing on CBT-informed, compassion-focused, and psychoeducational approaches
- Contributed to psychological formulation of complex cases, including presentations involving anxiety, low mood, body image concerns, emotional dysregulation, and diabetes distress
- Actively participated in MDT reviews, offering psychological perspectives to inform holistic, patient-centred treatment plans
- Supported service evaluation of eating disorder risk in young people with Type 1 Diabetes, focusing on early identification of disordered eating behaviours
- Administered and interpreted standardised measures (e.g. RCADS, SEEDs questionnaires), using clinical judgement to identify limitations in comprehension and meaning
- Applied biopsychosocial and systemic models to understand how family dynamics, illness beliefs, and developmental stage impact psychological wellbeing and treatment adherence
- Supported patients experiencing procedural anxiety and pain-related distress, using psychological frameworks (e.g. fight-or-flight responses, emotional literacy, graded exposure) to inform intervention
- Collaborated closely with Clinical Psychologists, Trainee Clinical Psychologists, Dieticians, and Nursing staff to ensure integrated care delivery
- Maintained accurate, timely clinical documentation and uploaded detailed notes to Dendrite, adhering to confidentiality, governance, and NHS standards
- Engaged in regular clinical supervision, using feedback to develop therapeutic skills, reflective practice, and professional identity as a future Assistant Psychologist
- Supported service delivery pathways (e.g. high HbA1c pathway), integrating psychological considerations into physical health care frameworks
Retail Assistant
Dunelm
Birmingham, West Midlands
09.2022 - Current
- Delivered high-quality customer-facing support in a fast-paced retail environment, responding calmly to diverse customer needs
- Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills, including de-escalation and problem-solving during complaints or high-pressure situations
- Maintained professional boundaries, confidentiality, and emotional regulation when working with the public
- Managed competing demands and prioritised tasks effectively during peak periods
- Worked collaboratively within a team, adapting communication style to different colleagues and customers
Education
Master of Science - Psychology & Psychological Practice
University of Birmingham
Birmingham 09/2022 - 07/2026
Skills
- Strategic time management
- Resilience and emotional stability
- Cognitive development understanding
- Human behaviour understanding
- Crisis prevention training
- Assessment of suicide risk
- Therapeutic engagement
- Practice ethical guidelines adherence
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Clear communication
- Cultural competence
- Crisis Intervention
- Initiative taking
- Psychological assessment
- SPSS proficiency
- Neuropsychology basics
Custom
- I value reflective practice and actively seek feedback through supervision to support ongoing learning and development
- I am reliable, organised, and able to manage competing academic and clinical responsibilities effectively
- I enjoy creative writing and team sports.
- I am fluent in English and Urdu.
Timeline
Honorary Assistant Psychologist
University Hospitals Birmingham
10.2025 - 05.2026
Retail Assistant
Dunelm
09.2022 - Current
Master of Science - Psychology & Psychological Practice
University of Birmingham
09/2022 - 07/2026