Why Diversity is Important for Careers in Psychology

Amal Ali (BSc Psychology, 2019; PG Cert in Counselling Psychology, 2020) - Trainee Counselling Psychologist Student at City, University of London

Amal is a second-year trainee counselling psychologist studying at City, University of London. Shaping her current research project, she feels strongly about improving access to mental health services amongst those from minoritised groups, particularly Black women as they are predominantly impacted by many barriers. Amal have worked in a variety of settings both in the NHS (IAPT, Forensic and Specialist Services) and other sectors (Education).

Dr Shah Alam (BSc Psychology, 2012) - East London NHS Foundation Trust, Clinical Psychologist; UCL, Valued Voices Mentoring Scheme Co-ordinator

Dr Shah Alam is a Bangladeshi British Male Clinical Psychologist, BABCP accredited CBT therapist and visiting lecturer from East London. He is currently the co-chair of the BABCP Equality and Culture Special Interest Group (SIG), where practitioners consider how to better support racially minoritized communities within CBT practice. Shah has developed a short video with the BBC, highlighting the needs of the Bangladeshi community.

Shah has previously worked in IAPT settings as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) and CBT therapist within diverse boroughs around London. He has also worked with children and young people in a Paediatric setting and currently works with adults in the community of Hackney (East London), supporting people with experiences of trauma and emotional dysregulation. Separate to his clinical work, Shah has also created an initiative to support South Asian Male aspiring, trainee and qualified therapists / Psychologists and under UCL he co-ordinates the Valued Voices Mentoring scheme, which looks to support racially minoritized aspiring Clinical Psychologists.

Kiran Bains (Health Psychology, 2019) - Division of Health Psychology, British Psychological Society; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion co-lead

I am a practitioner health psychologist and co-lead for the Division of Health Psychology Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce. Understanding and addressing health inequalities in an intersectional way, including for minoritised groups that I belong to, through research and practice has been a key part of my doctoral training at City and work since qualifying. I work clinically with adults with haematological disorders and also write and do talks on structural discrimination and health, including environmental racism.

Dr Amanda Mwale - Guy's and St Thomas'​ Hospital, Lead Clinical Psychologist in Staff Wellbeing 

I am a clinical psychologist currently working in staff support services in the NHS, with experience in health psychology, including neuropsychology. I recently co-edited the book, “Systemic approaches in brain injury treatment: navigating contemporary practice” and co-authored “Becoming a clinical psychologist: everything you need to know”. As a woman and psychologist of colour I am passionate about demonstrating the importance of meaningful diversity and inclusion in all areas of psychology.