A Leap of Faith That Changed Everything: Ruth’s Journey into Neurorehabilitation

For many psychology graduates, gaining relevant experience can be difficult. Competition for placements is fierce, and finding that first opportunity often requires determination, resilience and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. 

For Ruth Macfarlane, now a Therapy Assistant at Brainkind’s Eastfields service, taking that leap has led to a career she describes as the most rewarding job she has ever had. 

Finding a way into psychology 

Ruth joined Brainkind in April 2026 whilst in the duration of her Master’s degree – classes complete, just her dissertation and remaining assignments to complete, in Psychology. Before joining the charity, her work experience was largely in retail, hospitality and voluntary roles. 

Like many graduates, she found it difficult to secure psychology-related placements while studying. 

Ruth said: “I struggled to find experience related to psychology. I applied for a placement during my Master’s and I did get an interview, but there were only two places, and it was open to everyone in a year of nearly 200 students.” 

When Ruth first saw a Rehabilitation Support Worker vacancy advertised by Brainkind, she wasn’t sure whether she was qualified to apply. 

She added: “I had seen the Brainkind Rehab Support Worker role advertised, but because I had no background in rehab or support work, it seemed quite daunting, even though I have a degree in psychology.” 

However, Ruth realised that gaining practical experience was essential if she wanted to pursue a career in psychology. 

“I realised I needed to find experience,” she added. 

Encouraged by her mother, she applied and was delighted by the response. 

“My mum sent me the job link and the next morning they asked me to come for an interview. I was over the moon.” 

“I found out an hour afterwards that I got the job.” 

Opening doors 

Since joining Brainkind, Ruth has quickly progressed, recently moving into the Therapy Assistant role at Eastfields in September. 

She believes Brainkind’s commitment to developing talent from within has been a significant factor in her growth. 

“Brainkind like to promote within, which I admire.” 

The move into therapy has provided valuable opportunities to build her skills and gain further clinical experience. 

“I am getting experience with clinical notes, working in a multi-disciplinary team and I’ve shadowed our Assistant Psychologist. Although I am not in a psychology-specific role, I am still offering a lot of emotional support to those we support and listening to them while keeping professional boundaries and not extending myself out with my role – which is extremely hard with my background” 

Surrounded by colleagues from psychology backgrounds, Ruth says she has found plenty of support and encouragement. 

“I’ve really enjoyed it. There are a lot of people from a psychology background here at Brainkind.” 

Reflecting on her journey so far, she adds: 

“It’s really opened a lot of doors for me. It’s very competitive in Scotland.” 

No two days are the same 

As a Therapy Assistant, Ruth supports service users across a wide range of therapeutic activities designed to help them regain confidence, develop skills and increase independence following a brain injury. 

Each day begins with planning and preparation, before supporting a variety of therapy-led sessions. 

“For the first half an hour, I do admin, sort out my planner and plan for the week.” 

Her work spans multiple disciplines, including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. 

“We are trying to encourage some service users to cook for themselves and build that confidence to be more independent.” 

Ruth also helps ensure therapy activities can be continued by other members of the team outside formal sessions. 

“It’s helped me plan sessions that can be repeated with Rehab Support Workers so service users can continue learning and practising their skills.” 

Creating meaningful experiences 

One of Ruth’s favourite aspects of the role is helping to deliver creative and community-based activities. 

In her very first week as a Therapy Assistant, Ruth took the lead on the planning of a therapeutic gardening programme proposal as her fellow Therapy Assistant had been dealing with a lot of pressure and Ruth saw this as an opportunity to step-up. 

“I actually organised a proposal for a therapeutic gardening programme and I quite enjoyed that.” 

She has also supported external activities, including a 10-week ceramics course. 

“That was really good and the staff were there to support us.” 

Among the most popular activities she has helped facilitate is a reminiscence group, where themed items and discussions encourage conversation and social connection. 

“We did a Scottish theme with old Irn-Bru cans, tartan and other items. We also did a Scottish slang quiz. The service users enjoyed that, and the staff really enjoyed it as well.” 

Alongside colleagues, Ruth is also involved in planning events and activities across the service, helping create opportunities for service users to engage, learn and build confidence. 

Making a difference 

For Ruth, the most fulfilling part of the role is seeing the impact rehabilitation can have on people’s lives. 

“As much as hospitality and retail was fun while I was studying, I felt I didn’t have a real sense of purpose. Being here at Brainkind has meant I am genuinely making a change for good.” 

She says building relationships with service users and seeing progress, however big or small, makes every day worthwhile. 

“Seeing the service users get really happy is so lovely. It’s honestly been the best job I have ever had.” 

Working in acquired brain injury rehabilitation has also given Ruth a unique perspective. 

“One of the most interesting things about working at Brainkind is that because it’s acquired brain injury, people have had a whole life before. It must be really hard to see your future altered completely.” 

Supporting people through that journey requires empathy, patience and encouragement. 

“It’s about encouraging service users to give themselves credit and believe in themselves.” 

Advice for future applicants 

For anyone considering a role in rehabilitation, care or psychology but worried about their lack of experience, Ruth’s message is simple: don’t let uncertainty hold you back. 

“I would say it’s a great opportunity. Take a leap of faith, even if you think it might be challenging.” 

“Even if you haven’t had any experience in care, support work or psychology, go for it. Do the best that you can and everything will fall into place.” 

For Ruth, that leap of faith has led not only to valuable experience, but a meaningful career helping people rebuild their lives after brain injury. 

And that’s something she wouldn’t change for the world.