Principal Clinical Psychologist Selina

Meet Selina, a Principal Clinical Psychologist for Addictions Plus at Forward Leeds

• Name: Selina
• Role: Principal Clinical Psychologist
• Service: Addictions Plus at Forward Leeds

What influenced you to pursue a career in this role?

I did a placement year at Cardiff Addictions Unit as part of my undergraduate Psychology degree. After graduating, I worked as a drug and alcohol worker in various services in Wales and Yorkshire. So I already had an interest and experience in substance use before starting clinical training. I really enjoy this field because it’s truly multi-disciplinary and multi-layered. Psychology works alongside psychiatry, medicine, occupational therapy, social work and nursing, and each discipline brings value to the complex needs of our clients. Psychology can make a meaningful impact at many levels—from individual to systemic and even national.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I support my team’s clinical work through supervision, formulation clinics, multidisciplinary team meetings and informal conversations. I see individual clients for therapy. I attend meetings across partner organisations and work to build strong relationships across teams and services. Through conversations with my team, I promote a trauma-informed understanding of our clients and our work.

How has your career developed since becoming qualified?

After qualifying, I spent the first part of my career in an adult psychotherapy service. This was a great opportunity to develop my therapy skills, supported by experienced psychological professionals who helped shape my work and understanding. It helped me build confidence as a therapist and define my identity as a psychologist. This experience prepared me well for working in a service where I was initially the only psychologist.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Direct therapy with service users has always been my favourite part. But as my career has progressed, I’ve come to really value influencing systems. At Forward Leeds, it’s been a pleasure because psychology is so well respected in the organisation.

What qualifications did you gain to get this role?

I have an undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology, three years of experience working as a drug and alcohol worker, a Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and five years of post-qualification experience.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into this career?

For a while, there weren’t many opportunities for psychologists in substance use or homelessness due to changes in funding and policy. But recent changes have brought more funding and recognition of the value of qualified professionals in the sector. If you’re interested in this career, it’s important to be open to others, embrace complexity, and work flexibly and collaboratively.