About Me

I have been interested in people and their stories for a long time, though I was more of an observer or “armchair psychologist” before I became an officially registered one! I started psychology studies in high school and followed this passion through to university. Here I also developed a strong fondness for literature and especially in glimpsing into the hearts and minds of fictional characters. I was particularly curious about how characters expressed (or hid) their inner worlds within their outer worlds and relationships. At the time I felt that I learned more about people in literature – and that I was more of “a humanities person” than “a science person” – so I shifted my major from Psychology to English. However, it wasn’t long after graduating that I felt the familiar pull back to the psyche. While working for years in government and then education I reconnected with psychology part time, first though studying counselling and then volunteering as a telephone counsellor with Lifeline. I soon began paid work in mental health and finally took the leap back to university to finish off my psychology studies. From there psychology became a full time focus: through years of formalised education and training, to attaining registration, and then working as a registered Psychologist. Through this process I began to consider myself not only “a science person” but also “a scientist-practitioner”. It’s been a long winding journey towards practicing as a Clinical Psychologist. Over time the work has grown richer and more meaningful to me through various channels of learning. This has included formalised education, training, and supervision. Practical experience has been pivotal and I am so grateful to the extraordinary individuals I’ve worked with over the years who have entrusted me with their stories. I’ve also learned from my own setbacks and challenges, from a strong commitment to reflective practice, personal growth, and lifelong learning, and enriched by a continued appreciation of literature.