Honor Young - Health Psychologist
Academic Background
I’m Dr. Honor Young, a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and a Health Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). My academic career spans over a decade at Cardiff University, where I am a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences.
Previously based in the National University of Galway, Ireland, I currently work within the Centre for the Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) at Cardiff University, where I serve on the Executive Management Team. I co-lead the programme of work on Improving Population Health and contribute to a variety of large infrastructure projects.
What I Do
Academic Research
My academic work focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health interventions in complex systems. I am especially interested in researching topics relating to young people’s health and wellbeing, sexual health, dating violence, gender-based violence and women’s health. I am particularly interested in the development and evaluation of interventions to improve these health topics, especially those taking place within community and educational settings. I am also passionate about public and service user involvement in research, and value the importance of engaging experts by experience in my work. I have a strong track record in supervising PhD and professional doctorate students, supporting them to completion and publication. I’m an enthusiastic mentor to early-career practitioners and researchers and keen to help them translate evidence into professional practice.
Teaching
I hold a Postgraduate Certificate for teaching in Higher Education and am a Fellow of Advance Higher Education. Over the course of my academic career I have taught extensively on undergraduate and post-graduate programmes, covering a wide range of health psychology, public health and research and statistical methods topics. My teaching experience includes not only delivering lectures, seminars and workshops but also developing new content ensuring materials are research-informed, engaging and accessible to diverse student groups. I am a module convenor, taking responsibility for the full cycle of teaching delivery, including assessment design, marking, moderation and feedback. I place a strong emphasis on student experience and continuous improvement. I actively gather and reflect on student evaluation and feedback, and have used this to refine and strengthen my teaching approaches and curriculum design. My goal is to foster an interactive and supportive learning environment that equips students with both academic knowledge and practical skills for future careers in psychology and health.
Clinical Practice
In addition to my academic role, I offer private practice services as a Registered Practitioner Health Psychologist. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, person-centred, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw on integrative methods, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I support adults facing a range of health and wellbeing challenges, with a particular interest in women’s health, health behaviours, lifestyle change, self-esteem, self-worth, perfectionism, anxiety, motivation and confidence-building. My practice is practical, flexible, and tailored to my clients’ individual values and goals. I aim to create a safe, supportive environment where we can work together to overcome challenges and build strategies for long-term wellbeing. I offer online therapy sessions via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, making support accessible and convenient.
Supervision
I am a British Psychological Society Registered Applied Psychology Practice Supervisor (RAPPS) and I have completed Supervisor Skills Training with the British Psychological Society. With over ten years of experience supervising PhD students and professional doctorate trainees, I am committed to providing structured, reflective, and supportive supervision to Stage 2 Health Psychology trainees. I strongly believe in a personalised and collaborative approach to ensure trainees achieve their professional potential. Whether you are navigating clinical placements, consultancy contracts, academic milestones, professional challenges, or even a combination of these, I offer a collaborative space to develop your skills, maintain ethical practice, and grow in confidence. My supervision approach is grounded in both academic insight and applied psychological practice, helping you bridge the gap between research and real-world delivery. If you're a trainee looking for supervision aligned with HCPC and BPS requirements, and tailored to your personal and professional development, I would be happy to discuss how I can support you.