Sabrina Davis

Studying the Master of Research Psychology equipped Sabina Davis with clinical and academic skills that enabled her to successfully open her clinical practice as an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and become a lecturer in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy at Keele University.  

Building skills and friendships over twenty years

Sabrina has studied at the University of Derby several times over the past 20 years. She achieved a PGert in Primary Care Mental Health Practice (graduating in 2005), a PGDip in Adult Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (graduating in 2014), a Certificate of CPD in Project Management (graduating in 2022), and most recently a Master of Research in Psychology.

Her time at the University was both inspiring and rewarding, giving her the opportunity to create lasting connections and develop her skills and experience. 

“When I think of my time at the University of Derby, I think of all the amazing people I met. This includes students and the lecturers, as each and every one of them shaped my life in some way. I have always enjoyed being on campus and practising new clinical skills with my peers.”  

Sabrina is most proud of completing the qualitative research project for her MRes in Psychology, which was positively received and of interest to fellow researchers in the field.   

How the University of Derby shaped Sabrina’s journey

At university, Sabrina developed and acquired skills relevant to the workplace, including teamwork, autonomous working and intellectual curiosity. Through her Masters degree, she further developed a breadth of academic and research skills and took the opportunity to present her research at the Society of Psychical Research (SPR) conference earlier this year. 

Additionally, Sabrina submitted her abstract for consideration and inclusion in the International Network for the Study of Spirituality Conference 2025. She is also a member of the Spontaneous Cases Committee for the SPR where her research was provisionally accepted with revisions for publication. Sabrina believes that none of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of the academic team, who inspired and encouraged her on this journey.  

“I would not have achieved any of this without my supervisors having faith and confidence in my abilities and continuing to encourage me to progress out of my comfort zone.” 

Advice for current students

Sabrina highlights that the clinical courses provided skills training in all aspects of the role and that it is important to maintain ongoing CPD to stay up to date with current evidence-based practice as well as clinical workshops. 

Balancing studying, working and family

During her studies, Sabrina worked as a Graduate Primary Care Mental Health Worker to help people manage common mental health problems in primary care NHS settings. This led to permanent employment and an easy transition into working in IAPT/Talking Therapies services. After completing her PGDip she worked as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist in-Training, where she was required to find her own clinical placements. Due to her previous experience in IAPT/Talking Therapies services, she secured a role that enabled her to build a foundation to develop further her pre-existing CBT skills learnt in her roles as a Primary Care Mental Health Worker, and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.  

“Working whilst studying was challenging but worthwhile as it ensured I was able to achieve financial stability for my family. In addition due to the concentration and enriching nature of the programmes many of my peers have become lifelong friends. “ 

Career journey 

Since graduating Sabrina has secured a lecturer position whilst also working as an accredited BABCP Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. In her role, Sabrina assesses and treats adult clients experiencing mild, moderate and co-morbid common mental health problems including anxiety-based disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, specialising in neurodiversity using high intensity cognitive and behavioural interventions. She also looks after report-writing, risk assessments and liaison with healthcare, social care and emergency service providers.  

“Owning a therapy business requires good working knowledge of administrative, financial and legal tasks, excellent IT skills, good time management skills, strong negotiation skills and most importantly being able to build an excellent rapport with clients to ensure meaningful and collaborative therapy takes place.

Future aspirations 

Sabrina has always thrived in the academic environment, beginning her BSc (Hons) in Psychology at the age of 21. She would like to further establish a career in academia and research alongside her professional work as a therapist, acknowledging this is fully supported by her family.