Our eight alumni presented in this series of Alumni of Psychology is Stephanie Bottlinger. She graduated from the master Mental Health Psychology (now Positive Psychology & Technology) in 2013. She works at a psychosomatic institute in Germany.
How long did it take to find your first job?
Less than a month. I currently work in Germany for a psychosomatic institute for people who have been unable to work because of their illness. Goal is to bring them back to work.
What are your tasks and responsibilities?
I accompany people with different mental and physical illnesses (depression, anxiety, chronic pain but also rheumatism, fibromyalgia) to find a way back into their working life. My job involves doing intakes, assessment, diagnostic, group- and individual therapy sessions, lectures and I write a report about the therapeutic sessions. Also I have to evaluate if and what kind of work the person is still able to execute.
What have you taken along your study which you now profit from?
Compared to the German way of studying psychology I really benefit from the eclectic point of view in the Dutch way of talking about psychology. Every psychological theory has something that feels right for you and you can decide if you want to use that piece. In Germany you learn to think inside the borders of one theory, what I feel is a restriction.
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
With some work experience I could imagine to go into the research area.
If you think about your study time, which memory comes to mind?
The first memories that come up are all the good times with the other students. The campus was a great place to come together, if it was to study together, eat together or enjoying the sun lying in one of the many green spaces at the UT.
Which tips and tricks would you like to give to current students?
One thing that no one told me was the problem of getting the license of practicing psychotherapy (GZ-opleiding) in Germany when you studied abroad. For now, there is no possibility for me to get the state license in Germany with my Dutch diploma. That sucks and should be clearly communicated! For the rest the best tip is to have fun and use the possibilities that are offered.
Stephanie graduated writing a master thesis in which she aims to on finding a connection between schema modes and life domains with which persons with personality disorders experience problems. Find it here:
Any questions to Stephanie?
This alumni has given the opportunity to answer questions about his/her work. If you have a question you are invited to mail this questions to amygdala@utwente.nl. Our moderator will bring you in touch with the alumni, who will answer your questions. For direct career opportunities you are advised to get in touch with the Human Resources department of the employer.
Get in touch!
Do you know someone who has a nice job, has an inspiring career of otherwise is interesting to join the Humans of Psychology series? Please get them in touch with us. To be able to keep this series going more alumni are needed.
Published: December 8th, 2018