With a passion for writing and a desire to help people, it’s not surprising that Fin ended up studying towards a Master’s degree in Psychology—and writing a series of novels.

“Before starting at University I knew I wanted to do something that would both challenge me intellectually and allow me to help those who are most vulnerable. I was drawn to both of my undergraduate courses (Psychology and English Literature) because they offered these two things. One of my passions is writing—I am currently penning an epic fantasy saga. My interest in psychology sits at the heart of the story, and manifests particularly in the antagonist’s ‘fall from grace’ in a backdrop of pre-judgement and discrimination.”

Fin has found studying psychology in Wellington to be both challenging and rewarding. He says that this combination is one of the main reasons studying at the University has exceeded his expectations.

“Even now, in my fifth year at university, I find myself continually challenged and can see with each passing week my knowledge and confidence growing.

“The University has offered me numerous opportunities. During my undergraduate years I completed the Wellington International Leadership Programme, instantly broadening my worldview. I then completed a year abroad at the University of Leeds where I was introduced to different styles of teaching and perspectives on psychology.”

Fin’s Master’s research is concerned with men who have been victimized by female intimate partners, and their experiences with disclosure and help seeking services—an issue that Fin is passionate about bringing more attention to, in order to help both men and women.

“I see it as tremendously important to get these experiences into the light, so we can normalize this discussion around men who are victimized—alongside the predominant discourse of women who are victimized—so that both men and women feel able to disclose and seek help when in such positions.”

Creating community and clinical resources was at the forefront of Ellie’s mind when she decided to enrol in her PhD alongside the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. After completing her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Criminology, Ellie undertook Honours study in Psychology, which led her to realise the area she was researching was underdeveloped.

“I came across some findings that I really wanted to research more, I thought that exploring the topic could be really beneficial in a practical way.”

Ellie’s supervisor and lab group have been of great support in researching a difficult topic.

“I have a really amazing and supportive supervisor (Professor Marc Wilson) and lab group. It’s really great to have an experienced researcher to bounce ideas off and to help guide my ideas to form a cohesive research idea.

“My PhD is focused on perfectionism and non-suicidal self-injury in rangatahi Māori. It’s really great to be able to do my own research—I want to translate the findings of my research into resources that can be used in the community and clinical practice.”

Rongo completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology and a PhD in Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington. He was motivated by the desire to understand people better in order to help them. He finds his work challenging at times, but also very rewarding.

“I work as a clinical psychologist in a District Health Board mental health service. This role involves one-on-one therapy work with clients, organising and running therapy groups and advising on how services can be developed for our clients and the community.

“Many clients go from the depths of their struggle with addiction (and multiple other problems such as poor physical health and housing concerns) to leading meaningful lives.”

“The training I received at the University allowed me to step straight into this role. I am able to apply my knowledge of evidence-based practice and research to my clinical practice with clients and to my role in the mental health service.”