Simran Dhillon (MSc, BSc, GMBPsS)
Derby
Summary
A dedicated Psychology graduate with a strong foundation in therapeutic approaches and broad experience supporting adults, children and young people across educational, clinical and community settings. Driven to advocate for mental health within BAME communities, with a commitment to culturally informed, inclusive practice. Bringing a proactive, person-centred and trauma-informed approach, alongside a growing interest in Educational Psychology and a clear focus on continuous professional development, working purposefully towards a future career as a qualified Psychologist.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
Zen Educate
Birmingham, West Midlands
04.2025 - Current
- Part-time position alongside Assistant Psychologist role to gain further experience within secondary schools.
- Encouraging Year 10s and 11s in active participation with extracurricular activities, improving social integration before stepping into life after GCSEs.
- Developing positive relationships with SEN students, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
- Implementing individual education plans to support teenagers with special needs and assisting with reaching their full potential.
Assistant Renal Psychologist
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nottingham, East Midlands
06.2024 - Current
- Establish and manage caseload of 10 renal patients under weekly supervision of Renal Clinical Psychologist, delivering evidence-based interventions and progress reviews.
- Work within multidisciplinary Renal Weight Management Team (psychologist, dietitian, physiotherapist), using Motivational Interviewing to help patients qualify for UK kidney transplant.
- Attend weekly clinics, record psychosocial themes, provide tailored psychoeducation to patients, families, and wider team.
- Conduct research and audit projects - analyse increasing databases to improve referral pathways and explore health beliefs among BAME patients.
- Participate in monthly reflective practice groups and maintain effective hybrid working, fostering collaboration and continuous service improvement.
Assistant Clinical Psychologist
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Supported ASD/ADHD assessments for children aged 7–18 under a Clinical Psychologist's supervision, conducting parent/carer appointments, cognitive testing (WISC-V and WAIS), school observations, and liaison with teachers and the external parties including social workers.
- Maintained accurate records of notes on RiO, tracked waiting-list progress in Excel and produced detailed reports for weekly MDT panels and referring meetings.
- Engaged in weekly supervision and bi-weekly reflective practice.
- Contributed to service evaluation and audit, advancing departmental knowledge and contemporary literature reviews.
- Offered psychoeducation to professionals within team including Neurodiversity and its growing prevalence.
Assistant Psychologist
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Dudley and Walsall, West Midlands
02.2022 - 02.2023
- Supported MDTs across The Poplars, Dudley (02/22–09/22) and Dorothy Pattison Hospital, Walsall (09/22–02/23) within Psychological Therapies Hubs, contributing to assessments, client support, and service delivery.
- Co-facilitated online Distress Tolerance, Emotional Resilience and Mindfulness groups for clients with Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders and Learning Difficulties alongside co-morbid Anxiety and Depression - assisting with goal-setting, referrals and ongoing recovery.
- Attended weekly MDT referral meetings for Walsall North & South, offering clinical input and collaborating with clinicians and primary care staff on case discussions.
- Designed and distributed Welcome Booklets for clients and trainees and participated in bi-weekly supervision with Clinical Psychologists to reflect on cases, develop understanding, and ensure safe practice.
- Conducted assessments alongside Clinical Psychologists, engaged with therapeutic models through literature and professional reports, applied therapeutic communication techniques to support clients and maintain accurate documentation.
Mental Health Support Worker
Cygnet Healthcare
Derby, East Midlands
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Provided consistent 1:1 support to patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act, primarily with diagnoses of Paranoid Schizophrenia and Personality Disorders, alongside complex needs including self-harm, substance misuse, and challenging behaviours.
- Assisted with personal care, meal preparation, and feeding support, while encouraging healthier lifestyles and independence through engagement in physical activity and therapeutic programmes.
- Carried out risk assessments through observations, contributed to daily progress notes, and assisted nurses with psychiatric medication administration and monthly Commissioning for Quality and Innovation checks.
- Collaborated closely with the MDT to deliver person-centred care, adhering to individualised Care Plans to support rehabilitation and transitions into community-based living.
- Applied training in PMVA, BLS, and Ligature Rescue to safely manage incidents and de-escalate behaviours, promoting a safe and therapeutic ward environment.
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
Aquinas Education
Derby, East Midlands
12.2020 - 07.2021
- Delivered daily group and 1:1 interventions for pupils with ADHD, ASD, Fragile X Syndrome, and Speech, Language and Communication Needs, using strategies such as Precision Teaching, Speech and Language Therapy plans, and Applied Behaviour Analysis informed approaches.
- Supported pupils with co-occurring social, emotional and mental health difficulties through behavioural management plans and contributed to creating a structured, supportive learning environment.
- Created visual aids and learning resources to aid comprehension, while maintaining strict adherence to health and safety protocols within the school setting.
Early Years Teaching Assistant
Teaching Personnel
Derby, East Midlands
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Supported early childhood development of 1–2 year olds through sensory play, social interaction, and creative activities such as storytelling, puppet shows, and role-play to promote early literacy and imagination.
- Ensured a safe, hygienic, and nurturing environment by encouraging positive peer interactions and preparing nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs.
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
TeacherActive
Derby, East Midlands
09.2019 - 02.2020
- Provided tailored 1:1 and small group educational support to students with diverse needs, including high-functioning ASD, Dyslexia, and Visual Impairments, using adaptable teaching methods to enhance engagement and comprehension.
- Supported pupils' social, emotional, and behavioural development by recognising signs of distress, offering pastoral support, and implementing effective behaviour management strategies.
Learning Advocate
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham, East Midlands
12.2018 - 05.2019
- Completed MSc placement in a local primary school, supporting Year 1 pupils through 1:1 and group work in Phonics, English, Maths, and guided reading, including tailored support for EFL, low-functioning ASD, and Global Delay pupils.
- Enhanced pupil engagement and development by using creative teaching strategies to boost reading comprehension and by contributing ideas for classroom games and outdoor activities promoting physical, social, and emotional growth.
Clinic Support Volunteer
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton
Derby, East Midlands
07.2018 - 10.2018
- Volunteered at a Specialist Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre, providing company to patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, supporting appointments, and helping create a warm, welcoming environment through practical assistance.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Child Psychology
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham 10.2018 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham 09.2015 - 07.2018
Skills
- Skilled written and verbal communication including timely report-writing, skilled use of Microsoft Word and active as well as empathic listening
- Empathy and resilience
- Creative Problem-solving
- Quick learning and adaptable
- Research and audit including data-handling, statistical analyses and skilled use of systems including SPSS and Excel
- Clear values and ethical standards in line with professional practice guidelines
- Ability to set clear boundaries and remain professional
- Patience and composure
- Therapeutic rapport building and understanding
- Risk assessment and formulation
- Health coaching skills
Publications
BPS Publication: 11/11/2020
Dhillon, S. (2020). Prioritising the Therapeutic Alliance. The Psychologist. Vol.33, pp3-4. (https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/prioritising-therapeutic-alliance).
Languages
English
Native
Punjabi
Fluent
Hindi
Advanced
Urdu
Upper intermediate
French
Intermediate
Training & CPD
- PMVA Training & Refresher – Cygnet Healthcare – 2021, 2022
- Substance Misuse Training – Cygnet Healthcare – 2022
- BLS/AED, First Aid & Ligature Rescue Training – Cygnet Healthcare – 2022
- Trauma Informed Practice – West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership – 2023
- NHS BLS and Breakaway Training – Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – 2023
- Understanding and Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse – Equation Notts – 2023
- Expanding Access – NHS Talking Therapies – 2023
- CAMHS Best Practise Forum – NHS Talking Therapies – 2023
- Adapting Therapeutic Work for Neurodiversity: Strengths-Based Approaches – British Psychological Society – 2023
- Meet the Forensic Psychologist – British Psychological Society – 2023
- Reducing Parental Conflict – Equation Notts – 2023
- Compassion Focussed Therapy for Trauma (Dr Chris Irons) – PESI UK – 2024
- DClinPsy Inspire Program (Ignite Your Inner Potential) – University of Nottingham and Lincoln – 2023/24
- Working Therapeutically with Autistic Young People – Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – 2024
- Working Psychologically with Babies and Their Families – ACP-UK – 2024
- Motivational Interviewing and How to Use It Effectively – The Association for Psychological Therapies – 2024
- Management of Advanced Kidney Disease: Transplantation – UK Kidney Association – 2024
- Health Coaching Conversations – Imperial College London (Coursera) – 2024
- Advancing Advocacy Program – Taraki Mental Health Org – 2025
- Depression & South Asian Communities: Discussing Needs in UK Primary Care – University of Surrey Events – 2025
- The Importance of the Relationship between Diabetes and CKD – Dovetail Medical Events – 2025
- Chronic Kidney Diseases – Nuffield Health – 2025
References
References available upon request.
Retail Experience
Tesco Colleague, 11/2024 to 03/2025
Tesco Superstore, Mickleover - Derby, East Midlands
- Efficiently replenished stock across departments, managed backstock with speed and accuracy, and maintained high standards of shop floor organisation, leading to retention beyond seasonal contract.
Customer Service Assistant, 07/2015 to 03/2017
Central England Co-operative, Heatherton Village - Derby, East Midlands
- Delivered professional till service, supported safe handling of till keys and refunds, restocked merchandise, and contributed to team initiatives and store upkeep.
Family Business, 03/2006 to 12/2016
Booze Barn, Carrington - Nottingham, East Midlands
- Supported stock management, ensured a clean and customer-friendly environment, and developed early retail and customer service skills through hands-on responsibilities in a small business setting.
Timeline
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
Zen Educate
04.2025 - Current
Assistant Renal Psychologist
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
06.2024 - Current
Assistant Clinical Psychologist
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
06.2023 - 06.2024
Assistant Psychologist
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
02.2022 - 02.2023
Mental Health Support Worker
Cygnet Healthcare
11.2021 - 11.2022
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
Aquinas Education
12.2020 - 07.2021
Early Years Teaching Assistant
Teaching Personnel
09.2020 - 12.2020
Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
TeacherActive
09.2019 - 02.2020
Learning Advocate
Nottingham Trent University
12.2018 - 05.2019
Master of Science - Applied Child Psychology
Nottingham Trent University
10.2018 - 12.2019
Clinic Support Volunteer
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton
07.2018 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Nottingham Trent University
09.2015 - 07.2018
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