At The Park, psychological support plays a vital role in helping both service users and staff feel safe, supported, and understood. We spoke with our Psychologist, Anna, to learn more about her role, how trauma-informed care shapes her work, and what makes the therapeutic support at The Park unique.
The Role of a Psychologist at The Park
“As a psychologist at The Park, I provide support to both service users and staff. All residents have access to individual psychological therapy, and we are currently developing group-based therapeutic interventions to further enhance the support available. The level and type of support offered is tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
For staff, I facilitate regular reflective practice and formulation sessions, as well as debriefs following challenging incidents when required. A key aspect of my role also involves contributing to the development of a compassionate, psychologically informed culture throughout the service,” says Anna.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
“Trauma-informed care significantly shapes my approach when working with service users at The Park. Many individuals accessing our services have experienced trauma through abuse, neglect, violence, or systemic adversity, so it’s imperative that we prioritise safety, trust, and empowerment in every interaction.
Healing happens in safe, supportive relationships, and every interaction has the potential to either harm or help. I try to remain mindful of potential triggers and adjust my methods to minimise distress wherever possible.
Trauma can undermine a person’s sense of control, so supporting individuals to make choices about their own care whenever possible is really important in restoring autonomy.”
Changes We See in Service Users Over Time
“One of the most significant changes I typically see is increased trust, emotional openness, and a willingness to engage with difficult personal issues, many of which may have been avoided or suppressed for years due to past trauma or negative experiences with mental health services.
In the early stages of admission, service users may feel guarded, overwhelmed, or mistrustful, often because of past experiences that left them feeling disempowered or judged.
With consistent and compassionate care, people often begin to feel emotionally safe enough to open up. This shift is usually gradual, but it’s incredibly meaningful to witness.”
What Makes Psychological Support at The Park Different
“One thing I wish professionals considering placements at The Park knew is how deeply rooted our psychological support is in flexibility and compassion. Each service user’s journey is unique, shaped by their experiences and their own pace of recovery, so I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
While I offer structured individual therapy and am developing group-based interventions, for some people therapy may begin with informal conversations and relationship-building before moving into more structured work. That flexibility is key in building trust.
Psychological thinking isn’t limited to formal therapy. It’s embedded in day-to-day interactions, staff support, and wider care planning. Staff are encouraged to think psychologically, reflect together, and respond with empathy, especially during challenging moments.
Professionals coming to The Park will find a team that values human connection as much as clinical expertise, and a therapeutic environment that is genuinely person-centred, emotionally safe, and adaptable to real-world complexities.”
A Truly Person-Centred Approach
At The Park, psychological support is not just a service; it is part of our culture. By combining trauma-informed care, flexibility, and compassion, we aim to create an environment where service users feel safe to heal, and staff feel supported to provide the best possible care.
Do you want to learn more about the Park or enquire about our referrals? Please email us at [email protected]
