RUBIAN REIJERINK, MSC
Psychologist at Mediant
In May 2018 I obtained the Master’s specialization Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety at the University of Twente. Prior to this Master, I have obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at an University of Applied Science (HBO).
Why Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety?
During this study I have experienced that I am interested in doing research and understanding the behaviour of individuals in relation to their social environment. I also wanted to know how to develop and implement interventions in the field of controlling and resolving conflicts in social environments. I found out that I wanted to learn more about these topics, wanted to develop my research skills, and that my passion lies in helping people with psychological problems within their social environment. I saw the Master’s specialization in Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety as a broad foundation to be able to grow to the career path as a psychologist. The courses that appealed to me the most were: psychology & crime and group dynamics & interventions.
Forensic addiction healthcare
After completing my Master’s degree I started to work as a sociotherapist in the forensic addiction healthcare. I saw this as an opportunity for my personal growth, as most patients were in treatment as part of their sentence. I noticed that the obtained knowledge from the Master contributed to understanding the factors that played an important role in the development and maintenance of risky behaviour of the patients individually and within different group settings. This knowledge was important when supervising parts of the group treatment program, and for personally guidance of the patients.
Mental healthcare
Since 2019 I started working as a psychologist at an outpatient department in the mental healthcare (in Dutch: poliklinische GGZ). To work in this field, I have taken extra courses which I carried out part-time. In my current job I can combine my passion for psychological research and treatment of mental health issues of individuals. To help them understand themselves better, to learn them to cope with their mental health problems, to improve their quality of life. When writing and interpreting psychological research, I use skills gained from research-related courses of the Master, for example substantiating the results based on literature, critically assessing literature, and understanding test results.
Advise for (future) students
I would like to inform future students that there are different ways to explore your passion and to make it come true. Keep believing in yourself, follow your dreams, and do what makes you happy.
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