Why consider a career in therapeutic care and behavioural science?
If you’re someone who values learning, wants to make a real difference in people’s lives, and is curious about psychology in action, this might be the path for you.
In this blog, Hannah, a Behaviour Technician based in Pembrokeshire, shares how a university placement and a leap of faith into a new role changed the direction of her career. Her story highlights just how rewarding and varied this field can be.
Discovering Behaviour Analysis During University
Hello, I’m Hannah! My journey into the fascinating world of behaviour analysis and therapeutic care began back in October 2021, during the first year of my Psychology degree at Swansea University. Whilst searching for relevant hands-on work experience, I came across a job opportunity to work as a behaviour technician in a home-based programme using behaviour analysis, a key part of behavioural science. I had never heard of it before, but during my preparation for the interview, I looked into it and quickly became intrigued. After a successful interview and seeing firsthand how the programme worked, I began my role as a behaviour technician.
A Role That Sparked a Passion
I really enjoyed working as part of a team with other behaviour technicians, members of the client’s family, and supervisors to implement evidence-based interventions that were used to teach key life skills and improve the quality of life of the individual. We ran some programmes within the house, including functional living skills such as washing up, cooking, and laundry. We went out into the community to access local parks and beaches, and worked on communication and money skills in shops and cafes.
During my time working as a home-based behaviour technician, I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the powerful impact that behavioural science had on this individual and their family’s life. Being even a small part of that transformative journey felt incredibly rewarding and left a lasting impression on me.
Exploring Broader Experiences
After leaving my role as a behaviour technician in the summer of 2023, I took some time to focus on completing my degree and broadening my experiences. One of the most memorable experiences during this time was volunteering in schools in South Africa, where I had the opportunity to teach English, Maths, and a variety of sports lessons.
I also took on several different job roles, including working as a nursery assistant, a personal assistant for an individual with Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and completed a third-year university placement in a special educational needs (SEN) school.
Finding Skybound Therapies
I relocated to Pembrokeshire at the start of 2024 and began searching for job opportunities in the area. For a while, nothing really stood out. But after a couple of months, I came across Skybound Therapies, who were advertising for a behaviour technician based in Pembrokeshire. I was eager for the opportunity to return to the world of behaviour analysis and continue learning, and this felt like the perfect fit.
My Current Role in Therapeutic Care
Working in therapeutic care means no two days are the same. You’re not just supporting clients, you’re constantly learning, adapting, and growing.
My main role at the moment is working as part of a team providing two-to-one therapeutic care for a young adult, where we provide support at the client’s home, Skybound’s Care Farm, and out in the community. Additionally, we have provided the client’s family with overnight respite throughout the year.
Alongside my main role, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of some of the Intensives that take place at the centre, as well as working with other clients in the Pembrokeshire area. What I love about working in this field is that no two days are ever the same, and each day presents a new learning opportunity.
“What I love about working in this field is that no two days are ever the same, and each day presents a new learning opportunity.”
Learning, Growing, and Looking Ahead
This career offers more than just a job, it’s a continuous learning journey. Since joining Skybound, I’ve developed my skills through real-world experience, specialist training, and support from knowledgeable colleagues. Colleagues who have helped shape my growth both professionally and personally.
Beyond the day-to-day experience, Skybound has also been instrumental in my professional development, providing endless guidance and training opportunities. I’ve received training for helping individuals when in distress, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) training as part of Skybound’s Psychological Flexibility Support programme (PFSP). The emphasis is on a person-centred and strengths-based approach to improving the independence and quality of life for our clients.
I’m currently working towards earning my Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) qualification, which has deepened my understanding of the Behaviour Technician role.
I’m also thrilled to share that I have recently been accepted onto the two-year part-time behaviour analysis Master’s course at the University of Kent, starting in September 2025. Working at Skybound Therapies while completing competencies and my Master’s degree will act as the next step toward my ambition of becoming a qualified UK Behaviour Analyst, known as a UKBA (cert).
Final Reflections
Reflecting on my journey from my first introduction to behavioural science back in 2021 to my current role at Skybound Therapies, I am incredibly grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my path so far. Looking ahead, I can’t wait to continue my journey with Skybound, deepen my knowledge around behaviour analysis, and keep making meaningful differences in the lives of those we support.
If you’re someone who wants to grow professionally while helping others thrive, a career in therapeutic care and behavioural science might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Check out our latest vacancies here.
