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UEL psychologist named ‘Professional of the Year’ by east London HIV charity

Friday 15 February 2008

A University of East London (UEL) Psychology lecturer has been celebrated as a model professional after establishing an innovative psychotherapy service for women living with HIV.

Dr Angela Byrne, a tutor on UEL’s Clinical Psychology Doctorate, was named a “Professional of the Year” by the users, volunteers and staff of Positive East, the east London HIV charity where she successfully set up the scheme.

Dr Byrne said: “I feel very privileged to have won this award, especially as I have such enormous respect for Positive East’s values and the wonderful holistic care that they offer. It’s been fantastic to work at the charity; HIV psychotherapy services usually operate from a hospital or clinic setting, so this service we've created is practically unique.

“At the University of East London, we aim to produce clinical psychologists who are able to think in innovative ways and respond to the cultural and social context of clients. My clinical work at Positive East fits very nicely with the ethos of our training, and can hopefully set an example for my students.”

Dr Byrne is currently working at East London Foundation NHS Trust on a new project to improve access to psychotherapy for black and minority ethnic residents in Hackney. She was nominated for her award by Jane Tungana, an African Communities Development Worker at Positive East, which has two centres in Stratford and Stepney.

Jane said: “Angela is an excellent role model for all psychologists wishing to develop their skills, particularly in working with African communities. What made her psychotherapy so successful was her ability to give a human face to a somewhat scary and unfamiliar activity.

“Angela made psychotherapy accessible by bringing services directly to our users in an environment where they could feel safe. Her patience, compassion and dedication have encouraged many of our users to break through barriers and learn about the benefits of psychotherapy.”

UEL's School of Psychology is home to London's largest BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and one of the UK's leading centres for postgraduate professional psychology training, with specialist programmes in Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Occupational and Positive Psychology. 

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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