Aditya Baburaj

I am a recent First-Class Honours Psychology graduate from Heriot-Watt University with substantial experience in clinical and counselling settings across the UK and UAE. My professional background spans patient engagement, clinical psychology, research, and educational support roles. Most significantly, I worked as a Patient Engagement Worker at NHS Royal Edinburgh Hospital for eight months, providing one-on-one support to a patient with neurological difficulties. This role developed my capacity to build sustained therapeutic relationships, manage appropriate emotional boundaries, and work effectively within multidisciplinary mental health teams under regular supervision. I completed a clinical psychology internship at Medeor Hospital in Dubai, where I assisted with psychological assessments, supported psychoeducation workshops, and observed multidisciplinary case discussions. Currently, I work as a Learning Support Advisor at Rashid Pediatric Therapy Center, supporting students aged 10-15 with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities. Since October 2022, I have also worked as a Research Assistant at Heriot-Watt University, conducting qualitative interviews and data analysis. My experience spans diverse populations and cultural contexts, developing skills in building trust, active listening, empathic engagement, and creating safe therapeutic environments. I have completed my own personal therapy and am committed to ongoing professional development in counselling and psychotherapy. I am seeking opportunities to further develop my clinical skills under supervision while contributing meaningfully to mental health and therapeutic services.