Dr Rachael Molitor BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, CPsychol, FHEA

 University Lecturer and Chartered Psychologist | Health and Behaviour Change | Enhanced DBS Checked

Psychology Work Experience

As part of the UCAS Application process, students are advised to get work experience in a field of Psychology that would benefit their application for Higher Education / University / Personal Statements. With a number of university applicants in the field of Psychology, work experience stands out in the application process to support one's route to university.

​As a Chartered Psychologist, national training provider (for NHS / Private) and University Lecturer, Dr Molitor offers insight in to the world of Psychology, bring the work experience to the school day to provide students the experience of a day in the life of a Psychologist. 

Work Experience Options

Courses below can be tailored to your requirements, designing the format specifically depending on; your time availability, number of students, and additional opportunities for UCAS support.

• Psychological Therapies and the use of Motivational Interviewing Techniques in Behavioural Settings.
  • ​Key points: Learning the principles of psychological therapies like MI introduces students to how psychologists facilitate change through communication. This experience helps students develop interpersonal and reflective skills, and builds a foundational understanding of therapy in applied psychology.
  • ​Content of the day:  Students will be introduced to the core principles of MI (engaging, focusing, evoking and planning). Through discussion, demonstration, and role-play exercises, students will learn to apply skills such as open-ended questioning, reflective listening, and affirmations. Case scenarios will be used to explore how therapy techniques support behaviour change in different settings.
  • Skill acquisition:
    
    • ​Understand the theoretical foundations of Motivational Interviewing.
      
    • Practice communication skills used in therapeutic contexts (e.g., active listening, empathy, rapport building).
      
    • Learn to apply MI techniques in a basic format through guided role-play.
      
    • Reflect on the purpose and ethical considerations of therapeutic work.
      
    • Develop confidence in speaking and working in pairs/groups.

• ​Research Assistant for the Day; Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology and Presentation. 
  • ​Key points: Understanding and applying research methods is a fundamental skill in psychology and essential for further study at university. This workshop provides students with practical exposure to both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. By actively engaging in the research process, students explore the scientific basis of psychology, develop critical thinking, and gain insight into real-world applications and potential career paths in psychological research.
  • ​Content of the day:  Students will take on the role of research assistants, working in groups to design and conduct a small-scale psychological study. Topics may include behaviour change, popular psychology myths, or observational studies in social behaviour. They will consider ethical implications, choose appropriate methods, collect and analyse data, and present their findings to their peers.
  • Skill acquisition:
    
    • Understand the fundamentals of research design, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.
      
    • Apply ethical principles in psychological research.
      
    • Develop skills in data collection, basic analysis, and interpretation of results.
    • Write and present research findings clearly and concisely.
    • Build confidence in presenting to a group and reflecting on their learning experience.
      

• ​Creating Successful Behaviour Change; Intervention Development and Implementation.​
  • Key points: Understanding how psychological theory is applied to real-world health issues is essential for aspiring psychologists. This workshop offers hands-on experience in designing behaviour change interventions, deepening students’ knowledge of health psychology, public health applications, and applied research. It also develops creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—key skills for higher education and future careers.
  • ​Content of the day:  Students will explore core behaviour change models (e.g. Theory of Planned Behaviour, Transtheoretical Model). In small groups, they will choose a target health behaviour (e.g., smoking, exercise, healthy eating) and design a theoretical intervention to change it. They will consider target populations, delivery methods, ethical concerns, and how success would be measured. The day ends with group presentations and feedback.
  • Skill acquisition:
    
    • ​Understand key behaviour change theories and how they inform real-world interventions.
      
    • Apply psychological theory to the design of a public health intervention.
      
    • Develop group collaboration, communication, and planning skills.
      
    • Reflect on ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity in psychological work.
      
    • Present and defend their intervention ideas with evidence-based reasoning.

Feedback from Students

Exploring psychology careers through a session with a Chartered Psychologist expanded my understanding of the field. Researching different pathways has inspired me to pursue health or clinical psychology and develop the necessary skills for a career in this area. – Jaspreet

As part of my A-level Psychology studies, I had the opportunity to engage in a workshop led by a Chartered Psychologist specialising in behaviour change. This experience introduced me to Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based therapeutic approach, enhancing my understanding of how psychology is applied in professional settings. – Sarah

Through a workshop with a Chartered Psychologist, I was introduced to Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based psychological approach. Practising these techniques improved my communication skills and deepened my understanding of psychology’s role in behaviour change. – Ben ​

Discussing ethical dilemmas in psychology with a Chartered Psychologist helped me appreciate the complexities of real-world psychological practice. This experience strengthened my ability to critically evaluate ethical issues in research and therapy. – Supreet ​

I designed and conducted a psychological research project investigating social media and addiction, applying research methods I learned from a Chartered Psychologist. This experience developed my analytical and ethical awareness, key skills for studying psychology at university. – James ​

Through a full day workshop, I gained insight into research methods, learning about both qualitative and quantitative approaches, which deepened my appreciation for the scientific foundation of psychology. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing psychology at university and developing my skills in research and psychological practice. – Sophie 

Understanding Behaviour Change interventions in the real world has allowed me to think outside the box in a critical and complex manner. Understanding the successful techniques used in Commercial Weight Loss Programmes has helped me to gain insight into the Taxonomy of Behaviour Change and how this can support the general population with Health Promotion. Using these skills I am looking to follow a career in Psychology with Counselling. - Dana