About the Placement
At Inclusion, within our Health in Justice services, we are offering clinical placement opportunities for Trainee Clinical Psychologists entering their third year of training.
You will work as part of our Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use Team from the available sites:
- HMP Dovegate – a Category B adult male prison near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire (Mondays and Tuesdays)
- HMP Oakwood – a large category C adult male prison near in Featherstone, South Staffordshire (Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Placement Structure
The Principal Clinical Psychologist is flexible in how the placement is structured and welcomes trainees who would like to gain experience at both sites, or focus on just one, depending on their preferences. However, we have found that placements of at least two days per week are most effective, as they allow time to integrate into the prison setting and build rapport with clients who the trainee can then work with over a longer period. Additionally, 12-month placements tend to be significantly more beneficial than shorter ones.
Clinical Approach and Training
By Dr. Michelle Rydon Grange, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Inclusion.
“I work primarily from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model, having completed extensive training in this approach. I am also trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), so any trainees with an interest or experience in DBT will have the opportunity to work from this model. The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) is also a core conceptual framework that I use to understand psychological distress in the context of social, relational, and systemic factors. I am influenced by social constructionist, critical, and trauma-informed perspectives and so would welcome trainees who would be keen to develop their learning in these areas.”
As a trainee on placement, you will work with men presenting with a range of psychological needs, often rooted in developmental trauma, disrupted attachments, and complex emotional and relational needs. Many of the clients we support have experienced significant trauma, often in conjunction with problematic substance use, and harmful coping behaviours, such as self-harm and/or suicidal behaviours. Depending on the length of your placement and your areas of interest, you may have opportunities to deliver both 1-to-1 and group interventions.
Key Learning Opportunities
This placement offers a valuable opportunity to:
- Develop skills in working with men who have experienced complex trauma and who may also experience other additional needs (e.g. co-occurring substance use, neurodiversity needs).
- Gain experience in formulation, intervention, and consultation within a complex prison setting.
- Deepen your understanding and skills in third wave therapies.
- Develop skills in working effectively within multi-agency and complex systems.
- Facilitate group work alongside individual interventions (capacity dependent).
- Opportunities to develop and deliver training to the integrated team on specific psychological models (e.g. ACT or DBT).
Experience and Requirements
Previous experience working in a prison setting is not essential. What’s most important is a genuine enthusiasm for working in a health in justice environment and a commitment to developing your clinical and professional skills with this population.
Contact
If you are interested in this placement or would like further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Michelle Rydon Grange, Principal Clinical Psychologist, at michelle.rydon.grange@mpft.nhs.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!