When people apply for jobs at BodyMatters, or send through their resume, we are often asked what we look for in our staff. Of course excellent counselling skills, specialised experience, and a good understanding of the health based paradigm are a vital start. However the answer of what we look for in staff is, quite simply, an “x-factor”- and no job application, position description or resume can really capture what that is. Obviously components of warmth, genuineness, maturity and life experience are paramount- but still, it takes a lot more than that to be a good clinician.
And so we invite you to meet Jen, a wonderful clinician who we believe has that x-factor! We are sure when you meet her you will agree that she has that special something that makes you feel instantly safe and at ease!
We are delighted to welcome Jen to our team – and we invite you to get to know her too!
NICKNAME:
My full name is Jennifer, but I love to be called Jen all of the time!
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Psychology, I am in the final stages of my Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Psychology, Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Without a doubt, my two top achievements were completing my Bachelor of Psychology degree as a mature-age student, and gaining entry in a competitive postgraduate course at one of the leading universities in psychology. To have all of these as well as enjoy travel and life, by the time I am 30, has been a wonderful achievement.
WHY DID YOU PURSUE PSYCHOLOGY?
I was living and working in London after I had finished school, and I took a role working for a private psychology practice and my world opened. I felt so inspired and in awe of the psychologists and therapists that made up the team. This was a life-changing experience for me, to be part of a team that contributed so much to the wellbeing of others. Before I knew it, I was on a plane home and 6 years later I have never looked backed. It is without a doubt, the reason and still is the reason why I pursue psychology, the passion of others lit the fire of passion within me. The more I learnt from some wonderful job opportunities I have obtained, the more I wanted to specialise within eating disorders.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT BODYMATTERS?
Throughout my time working within one of the largest hospitals in Sydney, I came across a large need for more attention to be paid by health professionals and a lack of education in the field of eating disorders. I did a lot of research and came across BodyMatters, whom I believe created and offered treatment in an area where I had felt there was such a need for. As soon as I meet with Sarah and Lydia, this belief was confirmed, and I felt very excited and connected with their health based approach to treatment and their passion and drive to fulfill a need was inspiring. I felt like it was a really good fit and the underlying philosophy of both BodyMatters and myself clicked.
YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE:
“To have courage is to tell the story of who you are with your full heart.”
Taken roughly from Brene Brown
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS:
I see myself working as a registered psychologist, specialising in eating disorders and hopefully educating other services in this area. I hope to be married, with children and own a beautiful golden Labrador called Herbie!
FAVOURITE SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES:
Sports were never really my strong point at school or thereafter! I love Pilates and Yoga, and the idea of connecting my mind to my body and building flexibility and strength. I love the peacefulness of meditation. One of my favourite activities would be the Bondi-Bronte walk, it always seems to calm me and take my breath away. I would say, that I love to watch the Formula1, and have done ever since I was a little girl!
FAVOURITE HOBBIES OR INTERESTS:
I love reading about all things new in the field of psychology and I love reading a good biography. I am a true non-fiction girl.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SKILL:
Secret skill…. I like to think I have the magic Aunty touch when it comes to playing with my 18month old niece, we play a lot of games!
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU:
The source of my inspiration still to this very day comes from Robert Batt (Owner, The Recovery Centre). He was the reason why I got into psychology, his approach and passion still inspires me to this day. My fiancé would be another source of inspiration that keeps me grounded. And of course, my beautiful family- their approach to life, is one that I treasure very closely. Finally Yalom, his work is a consistent inspiration.
WHO WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD HEROES:
My mum, dad and sister. They still are my heroes!
3 THINGS YOU WOULD TAKE ON A DESERT ISLAND:
My fiancé, a journal and my iPhone!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE INDULGENCE:
I love getting my hair done! Definitely an indulgence, especially the times when I get a manicure at the same time.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE:
Hitch. I love romantic comedies!
FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL:
New York! My dream is to travel around Italy, hopefully that is in the future.
IF YOU DIDN’T PURSUE PSYCHOLOGY, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE:
I would definitely pursue acting. I attended Drama school as soon as I left school, and I loved every moment of doing theatre and plays. Perhaps in the future, I might look at some form of drama-therapy in my approach.
