What is a Clinical Psychologist? What do they do? In this episode, clinical psychologist, Alana Davis tells us a bit about her work and what the Division of Clinical Psychology in Scotland are up to

In this episode, I speak with the clinical psychologist, Alana Davis, who talks about her work as a clinical psychologist and what the Division of Clinical Psychology, The DCP, in Scotland are up to.

If you’re listening to this using the Anchor.fm app, then I’d be delighted if you’d leave an audio message I can play in the next episode. I’d really love to hear your thoughts on what Alana has to say.

And yes, I know there were bits where I sounded a bit like a psychology groupie…

Sue me!

Well, bugger me, that’s been a bit of a challenging couple of weeks. For those who don’t know me, I lose about a third of my life to dissociation where the world becomes unreal to me – where I lose most or all of my every day emotions – or I can experience the white-hot silent scream that fills all my senses. Where, after years of life with mental illness I know my only option is a darkened room with loud American cop shows with increased antipsychotics. It’s hard not to feel the guilt and frustration that comes with my desire…hope that I’m going to be producing regular interesting, informative and entertaining podcasts, with great and varied guests (I’ve got loads of fine folk lined up for your future delectation) 

mental ill health, mental illness, mental malady, whatever you like to call it, is a pain in the arse…

Anyway…

Welcome to the Walk a Mile in My Shoes podcast - I’m your host, Chris young, and I’ll be chatting with all kinds of folk, highlighting the experiences of people with mental health problems, many of whom feel on the edge of society, as I walk around the edge of the U.K. over the next couple of years. 

Following in the steps of a hero of mine, Satish Kumar, a Jain Monk who went on a peace march in the 1960’s, I’ll be taking no money with me.

His guru felt, if he did, he’d lack the motivation to speak with people at the end of the day, and that the only people he’d meet would be hoteliers.

I thought if this amazing man could walk from India into Pakistan - expect and receive wonderful hospitality when the two countries were at war - then I should expect nothing less from the people on this beautiful island of ours. 

So far, I’ve walked the 4 thousand or so miles anti-clockwise from Edinburgh to north wales and the people I’ve met, without exception, have been fabulous. 

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, I have a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder - a severe and enduring mental health problem - which, although it curtails me, doesn’t define me. 

But this isn’t a story about me - this is all about those fabulous people I’ll be meeting as I go…well…during this time of inertia, I’m currently hunting down some of my social media heroes – people I’ve virtually bumped into over the years…

That said, it doesn’t have to be quite so selective…I’m inviting you to be part of the story - we’re told we’ve become a more divided nation in recent years - I’m here to prove that wrong.

Join me...I’d love to hear and share your story…help me on my journey, as we challenge mental health stigma, one conversation at a time. 

You can call me on 07535 035 909

Email me at [email protected] 

Or follow me on Twitter @walkamileUk