We’re delighted to be welcoming Dr Marcelina Watkinson, Clinical Psychologist, to The Link at Beachborough Prep next week. During this 45‑minute session, Marcelina will introduce the topic of Rejection Sensitivity Disorder, before opening the floor to parent questions.
Ahead of this valuable event, we’re pleased to share a little more about Marcelina – her background, her approach, and some of the practical advice she offers to support families.
And with that, let’s hand over to Marcelina.
Hi Marcelina, could you start by telling our parents a little about the work you do?
I usually think of myself as a bit of a detective and translator. I spend my time with families in assessments and therapy, trying to figure out why children and adults do what they do, thinking together of ways to make life easier for everyone.
What inspired you to become a Clinical Psychologist?
I have always been a curious person, wanting to make sense of why things happen around me. I was always fascinated by the idea that some people somehow don’t fit into society’s norms, and I wanted to understand why.
What do you find most rewarding about the work you do?
What I love most of all is helping parents see that when we shift how we see our children’s behaviours and responses, a lot of things start making sense, and solutions are much easier to see. This means that the moments that we all struggle with the most can actually become the best opportunities for connection and change.
What can our parents expect when they join your session at Beachborough Prep?
Parents can expect a relaxed session, with an opportunity to learn a little more about specific topics and have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, in a bigger group or individually. I come to these sessions as a psychologist but also as a parent, sharing many challenges parents come to me with.
What do you hope parents will leave the session feeling or understanding more clearly?
I want parents to feel like they have a little more clarity about what might be going on for their child, with some ideas going forward. But mostly, I want parents to feel reassured that they are already doing a lot of really good things to support their child, and to trust that feeling.
Are there any simple takeaways or strategies you love sharing with families?
Yes! So many, but I find that the most significant shifts happen when parents take time to consider what their child is communicating, and what message hides beneath their behaviour. The other thing is to truly meet your child where they are; that is the most effective way in which we can then move them to where we want them to be, physically and emotionally.
If you could give one encouraging message to parents, what would it be?
Having met many parents and been one myself for 15 years, I want to say to parents (and my younger self) that there are many things we get so anxious and stressed about, that don’t actually matter as much as we think in the long run. Your relationship with your child is more important than any societal rule, expectation or value.
Dr Marcelina Watkinson has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, is a Chartered Psychologist (D.Clin.Psy, C.Psychol), and holds an MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology.
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To find out more about Beachborough Prep’s wellbeing provision, click here.
