Occupational Psychology Services for Individual Members of the Public

School/College leavers and Graduate Career Counselling

If you are looking for your first job but feel overwhelmed by the choice of careers or are not sure what you are best at or what you are interested in, we can help you make those important decisions.

Initially, you may have an informal discussion with an Occupational Psychologist who will decide with you what your next steps might be. This may include taking psychometric tests and questionnaires to give us an objective measure of your different abilities and how your approach and interests match different occupations. At the end of the process you will have a written report including an action plan to help you work towards making that first step into the world of work.

Mid-Career Counselling

If you are feeling 'stuck in a rut' or are looking for a change of direction, whether you are fed up doing the job you 'fell' into when you left school or are looking to return to work after a long absence or facing redundancy, we can help.

Initially you will have an informal discussion with an Occupational Psychologist to look at what your personal needs might be and what options are open to you. Sometimes a chat may be enough to put you on the right lines to progress further by yourself. For others a more indepth assessment will be required, assessing your strengths and helping you to focus on your career in an appropriate direction. This may include psychometric testing and questionnaires. You will receive a written report and an action plan to help you progress after the consultation.

C.V. Assistance

When applying for a new job, your first contact with a prospective employer will probably be through your C.V. When you have already had a number of years work experience, it is sometimes difficult to know what to put in and what to leave out. Additionally, the way you present your C.V. can materially influence whether you are chosen to progress to the next stage of the selection process. Our Occupational Psychologists can assist you to write a C.V. that will maximise your chances of success.

Mock Interviews

Interviews are your chance to present yourself to your prospective employer and assure them of your suitability for the job. Many people, however, are overcome by nervousness and/or lack the confidence to present their abilities and strengths in a comfortable manner. If it has been a while since your last interview you may find it helpful to experience an interview situation prior to the real event. Our Occupational Psychologists can provide this training, giving feedback on how you can improve your interview technique.

Job Information

We have up to date computer software that provides comprehensive information about many different jobs.

The software includes:

Pathfinder: This traces through your own individual interests in different work areas and suggests jobs that may be suitable for you.

Odyssey: This gives a wealth of information on over 1,400 jobs, including a description, qualifications/ training required, important job characteristics, opportunities and salary information.

If you would like more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact us.

 

Our Occupational Psychologists include:

John McKeown, MA (Hons), M Ed Psych, PGCE, AFBPsS: Chartered Educational Psychologist, Managing Partner

John McKeown is the Clinical and Managing director of MPA and has been an Educational Psychologist who has worked both within the local authority service and as an independent consultant for over 25 years. He works across the full age range from young children to adults. His experience includes particular expertise in assessments for general learning and specific learning difficulties (Dyslexia), behavioural management and adjustment issues related to promoting effective learning and emotional development.

He has a particular experience in both low and high functioning autistic spectrum conditions. His work extends to the interaction between school, college, family and community in the development and support for children, adolescents and adults. He has considerable experience in working as an expert witness in the courts on educational and child care matters as well as the special educational needs and disability tribunal.

 

Lynne Spencer, MSc. C.Psychol.

Lynne Spencer is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist who has worked with both organisations and individuals. She worked initially as an HR manager in industry and at the BBC, then specialising as a consultant in assessment, psychometrics, team building, organisation and career development, training and coaching. She is the author of 'Life and Career: A workbook for Managers' available from Amazon, and is a member of the editorial board of the magazine 'Coaching At Work'.