Staff Profiles

Background

Since 2012, I have worked in a variety of roles in different NHS adult mental health settings. Prior to taking up the role of CBT therapist in the Psychological Therapies Training and Research Clinic (PTTRC) here at Newcastle University in 2020, I worked across both NHS primary and secondary care mental health settings in North London. I also worked part time as a clinical tutor at University College London, on the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) training programme. I trained as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) in 2016 at Canterbury Christ Church University; obtaining BABCP accreditation in 2018 following my foundation year of clinical practice. My main areas of clinical experience developed with severe, chronic and enduring presentations of depression and PTSD. In 2015, I ran a community engagement project within a London borough, and have since being passionate about widening access to psychological therapies for minoritised groups. Between 2017-2020, a vast amount of my clinical activity was working with asylum seekers. I have received training and development in third wave psychotherapies, such as Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

Current role

In August 2021 I was appointed as programme director of the Low Intensity Psychological Therapies programme (PG-Cert) within the Psychological Therapies Training and Research Unit (PTTRU). I lead the clinical training in line with NHS England Talking Therapies standards to fulfil clinical and academic training requirements of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners. Upon completion, graduates are able to professionally register with an accrediting body, and work in NHS Talking Therapies services. I am passionate about the valuable and respected role PWPs hold in NHS mental services, and strive for pedagogical excellence in clinical training for PWPs. Further to this role, I am a lecturer on the BSc Psychology programme.

In addition to my teaching and training roles, I am also a CBT therapist and clinical supervisor working in the PTTRC. I have since developed a clinical and research interest in student mental health, and LGBTQ+ mental health.

I am part of the Psychological Professions Network (PPN) for PWP networks in the North Region, the North East & Yorkshire PWP senior forum, and the Talking Therapies Oversight Delivery network (TTOD). This ensures strong links with our service providers and other stakeholders in mental healthcare delivery within the region.

My research interests are in LGBTQ+ mental health, and clinical effectiveness of clinical interventions. I also contribute to pedagogical research for clinical training on the PG-Cert.

I supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate research projects within the school.

Publications

Tinlin-Dixon, R., Bechlem, B., Stevenson-Young, L., Hunter, R., & Falcon-Legaz, P. (2024). Community, belonging and acceptance; is this the antidote to shame and societal discrimination? An exploration of LGBTQ+ individuals’ attendance at pride and their mental health. Psychology & Sexuality, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2024.2372047

I contribute to, and direct the teaching and clinical training on the Post Graduate Certificate in Psychological therapies, which includes assessment and engagement with people with mental health problems, low intensity clinical interventions for common mental health problems, and adapted care for minoritised groups. I contribute to other postgraduate programmes in areas of LGBTQ+ mental health and supervision of research projects.

I contribute to BSc Psychology teaching and lead the stage two module: ‘Pathways and therapies in clinical psychology’. This optional module attracts some of the largest number of students, and provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills on the clinical methods used in psychology. It helps students identify pathways of pursuing a career in clinical psychology.

In 2022, I won: Outstanding Contribution to Teaching at The Education Awards for my use of research, and passion in clinical teaching.

In 2024, I was nominated for another Education Award for my clinical teaching qualities.