Manuri has worked in a range of mental health services, both in New Zealand and overseas. After her undergraduate studies, she wanted to learn more. Keen to work in clinical psychology, she opted for the clinical programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, in the country’s only programme in Forensic Psychology.

“One of the places I worked was a large inpatient psychiatric hospital in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, Sri Lankan mental health operates under a medical framework, with patients given high doses of medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Watching vulnerable people line up every day for their daily doses of ECT was extremely brutal, and I wanted to help create change. I want to take the knowledge I learn in the clinical psychology programme back to Sri Lanka and help improve their mental health system.”

Manuri has been impressed by the calibre of her supervisors and the support and guidance they’ve given her.

“My current research is with Associate Professor Louise Dixon and Dr Matt Hammond. We are conducting a cross-cultural study in Sri Lanka and New Zealand to investigate differences in women’s experiences of intimate partner violence. This is an important area to investigate, given that the majority of research in this area has been conducted in Western countries and there’s very limited research in non-Western countries such as Sri Lanka.”

Working closely and collaboratively with staff and fellow students has been a great experience for Manuri.

“I know I’m being set up to succeed with this programme. It’s a journey, with each step providing the foundation for the next. I’m being taught how to apply the psychological theories I’ve learnt about to help the client in front of me.

“I’m very glad to be a part of such a great programme and to be supervised by enthusiastic lecturers and supervisors. They have great academic knowledge as well as clinical experience in a range of fields. They are able to teach us practical ways to combine cultural practices, research, and clinical expertise.”

Studying forensic psychology in Wellington gave Sebastian a unique perspective. The city is both the world’s coolest little capital and the heart of the criminal justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand—a combination that provides many opportunities in the public sector.

“This Master’s study furthered my career in multiple ways. It equipped me to work as an intern at the Department of Corrections, and it gave me the chance to develop professionally and refine my critical thinking skills.”

Sebastian used his Master’s study to adapt a theoretical framework for practitioners to use in the treatment of young people with neurodisabilities who engage in antisocial behaviour.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection between psychology and crime. For my thesis, I focused on young people. International research suggested that young people with neurodisabilities are overrepresented in youth justice jurisdictions. This, among other findings, indicates that current avenues for addressing their offending could be more effective.”

Sebastian now works at the Department of Corrections, where he is an adviser in the probation and case management space.

“I work on a variety of different projects. I’m mainly writing reports and occasionally putting together literature reviews to keep on top of evidence in the field.”