Fifty years of clinical psychology in North Wales

This paper shares the author’s experience of working as a clinical psychologist and researcher in Wales over the last 50 years and describes the changes in the routes into the profession and challenges facing our profession. The major focus of the author’s work with socially disadvantaged families and children at risk of poor outcomes is described. Her research to support early intervention services to address/reduce the long term risks of poor outcomes facing these young children is summarised. The important role of clinical psychologists in delivering clinical services and undertaking research is highlighted and the way in which the author has done this within Wales and internationally is described. Mae’r papur hwn yn rhannu profiad yr awdur o weithio fel seicolegydd clinigol ac ymchwilydd yng Nghymru dros y 50 mlynedd diwethaf ac yn disgrifio’r newidiadau yn y llwybrau i’r proffesiwn a’r heriau sy’n wynebu ein proffesiwn. Disgrifir prif ffocws gwaith yr awdur gyda theuluoedd dan anfantais gymdeithasol a phlant sydd mewn perygl o ganlyniadau gwael. Mae ei hymchwil i gefnogi gwasanaethau ymyrraeth gynnar i fynd i’r afael â/lleihau’r risgiau hirdymor o ganlyniadau gwael sy’n wynebu’r plant ifanc hyn wedi’i chrynhoi. Tynnir sylw at rôl bwysig seicolegwyr clinigol wrth ddarparu gwasanaethau clinigol ac ymgymryd ag ymchwil a disgrifir y ffordd y mae’r awdur wedi gwneud hyn yng Nghymru ac yn rhyngwladol.