University of St Andrews

Joely Nicol

Mental Health Development Graduate, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) & Project Officer

I’m part of the Student Services Wellbeing, Counselling and Mental Health team here at the University of St Andrews. My role involves being both a practitioner in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, meeting with students who have mild mental health issues, and mental health development work.

After studying Anatomical Sciences, I worked as a sabbatical officer concerned with student welfare issues at the University of Dundee. I created and developed campaigns focusing on gender-based violence, mental health, sexual violence and wellbeing. I gained a key insight into working alongside the university and students to achieve the best student experience while supporting students through advocacy work.

My practitioner work focuses on evidence-based CBT interventions influenced by a person-centred, psychoeducational approach. I work collaboratively with the student to find working ways to manage their difficulties.  In my mental health development role, I support the delivery of projects and initiatives to improve student and staff mental health and wellbeing at St Andrews.

With my colleague Dr Adam Welstead we are developing the Student Mental Health Agreement and deliver training and presentations to support the development of staff and student literacy in mental health and suicide prevention. 

The Mental Health Development & Trainee Psychological Therapist (CBT) role also includes training at Queen Margaret University in Person-Centred Care and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. On completion of the course, I will work on becoming accredited with the BABCP.