I am 15 and hope to go into Psych, hopefully research based, and I'm aiming for a top uni. Here's what I've got so far and what I'll be doing soon:
- 7Cups internship programme with honours, 136 hours of active listening and providing active support to people. You get trained in basic skills, and there's about 40 courses to get through and 4 written exams. It sounds like a lot but don't worry, it'll go by so quick
It's a minimum of 8 weeks maximum 12, and you also have to be trained as a Group Moderator and a peer supporter. You are assigned a mentor.
- I'm involved with a local charity helping children with chronic illnesses, disabilities with the most common being autism and global development delay disorder. I do a club every Wednesday and key work a child and just do some activities etc. Fun, and you learn good skills. I'd say getting in contact with a charity like this if there's one nearby.
In this charity, they're also paying for my psychology training. They do bereavement (loss) counselling class and counselling skills which cost £180 each, but it's fully funded if you're a volunteer. I'm attending my course next week for bereavement and will attend counselling later on in the year with a hope of going into befriending/family support when I am 16.
- I helped out a yoga class for children. I learned some relaxation techniques and had fun with the children, which was good. I'm interested in adolescent psychology.
- I live in London so I'm able to be a young RI member, and attend whatever lectures I can. Some are psych based, and there's one on autism which will be free for me because it's a discourse. Very useful and gives insight and it's a lovely experience.
I'm aiming to get into a one year placement for next year where I will have a four hours p week to go into a ward/hospital and give support to people who have just been informed of loss/help those who are bed ridden/get groceries and run errands etc. kind of thing. See if this is available at your hospital trust. This will tick off the box for the "clinical" side of psychology as I'm interested in that too.
The most you can do is just read lots about psychology, but if you're already interested in it I'm sure you do
If you've got any more questions do ask, but I think I've covered it for me. x