Lili Z Nagy

I work as a research assistant in the CHiMES Collaborative, as part of a large multi-disciplinary team and with 16-24 year olds on ORIGIN (Optimising cultural expeRIences for mental health in underrepresented younG people onlINe). This NIHR-funded study involves listening to the experiences of diverse people aged 16-24, co-designing an online arts and culture intervention aimed at reducing anxiety and depression, and then testing this in a randomised controlled trial. ORIGIN is projected to run until 2028 and is a collaboration between NHS Trusts and multiple UK universities, with museum and charity partners. 

I am interested in using and developing qualitative and creative research methods to better support participation in mental health research and to co-design interventions.

I am also interested in self-compassion, how it is conceptualised by individuals, within communities, and by professionals providing therapeutic interventions, and how our understanding of the concept can support the development of self-compassion-based mental health interventions. My MSc thesis qualitatively explored non-experts' understanding of self-compassion.

Outside of these research interests, I have a keen interest in working with autistic individuals to better understand their experiences of anxiety and self-compassion.

I am also a qualified youth counsellor with almost a decade of experience working with children, young people and their families. Over the years I have had the immense privilege of supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and with various presenting issues, through working in charities, as a school counsellor, and offering therapeutic support privately. 

Before joining the department in August 2023, I have held various senior project management posts working in the field of community sustainability and mental health.

Master of Business Administration
2023
with merit
Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University

Master of Science Psychological Studies with Mental Health
2022
with distinction
University of Aberdeen

Postgraduate-Level Diploma; ACIS Youth Diploma in Relationally Focussed Therapeutic Counselling for Young People
2018
successfully completed
ACIS Youth Centre of Excellence for Therapeutic Counselling Training, Aberdeen

Master of Arts (Hons.) Management Studies and Politics
2013
2.1
University of Aberdeen