A BOY who wants to become an octopus psychologist has had his dream come true at the Sea Life centre.

Max Greach, who suffers from anxiety, was given the opportunity to learn from a senior aquarist at the Brighton aquarium.

The 12-year-old was inspired to get into the unusual career after reading The Soul of the Octopus with help of his mother, Emma.

As a result of his anxiety, Max thought he lacked the self confidence to realise his dream.

That was until Emma contacted Sea Life on the seafront to share her son’s story.

In response, the aquarium invited him to spend some time with Pumpkin, their resident Octopus, while learning about the creature from expert Joe Williams.

Together, they carried out various enrichment activities with Pumpkin and experienced first-hand how an Octopus behaves.

Max, from Southampton, said: “I really enjoyed meeting Pumpkin. She’s very clever and interesting. I feel much more confident now, it will be hard work to be an octopus psychologist, but it will mean I can do research about them so we can find out about them even more”

Known as one of the most intelligent creatures under the sea, the Octopus has been the subject of study for animal behaviourists and marine biologists alike for many decades.

General manager for Sea Life Brighton, Max Leviston, who arranged the octopus experience for the family, said: “We’ve been delighted to be able to arrange this for Max and his mum and help to support him in his ambitions to become an octopus psychologist.

“To see the gain in confidence from Max in his time spent with Joe and Pumpkin has been fantastic.

“We hope to continue to help Max with his aspirations because with mental health becoming more of a focus in society, it is great to be able to offer support where and when we can ”