NICKNAME: Jen
QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Clinical Psychology, Honours degree in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Diploma of Counselling
ACHIEVEMENTS: Receiving my general registration as a psychologist, publishing my research in scientific journal articles, awarded “30 under 30” by Out for Australia and Boston Consulting Group for my tangible contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community in 2022
WHY DID YOU PURSUE YOUR FIELD? Since the age of 15 years old, I have been curious about understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. Exploring psychological theories and research has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of human nature and the factors that influence our behaviours. Moreover, I have a desire to help people, in a way that they feel seen and heard.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK AT BODYMATTERS? During my master’s degree, I was privileged to complete one of my placements with BodyMatters. It was and continues to be an incredibly supportive work space. I believe in their values and their advocacy “to prevent the toxic elements of our culture that serve as risk factors for developing disordered eating and body shame, or undermine treatment efforts for those in recovery”. Moreover, witnessing the progress of individuals as they navigate the recovery process is incredibly rewarding.
YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE: “People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, “Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.” I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” by Carl Rogers
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS: I aspire to continue advancing my knowledge and expertise in eating disorders. My goal is to make a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by mental health conditions.
FAVOURITE SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES: Reformer pilates, yoga, swimming, walking in nature, roller skating with friends
FAVOURITE HOBBIES OR INTERESTS: Life drawing, doing pottery, film photography, and reading books related to psychology, sociology and gender studies
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET SKILL: Improv
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU: Observing resilience and courage (that is, doing things in spite of anxiety) in individuals
WHO WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD HEROES: My mother and grandmother. They always make me feel loved and are supportive of my dreams.
3 THINGS YOU WOULD TAKE ON A DESERT ISLAND: Books, a radio and someone to talk with
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE INDULGENCE: Sashimi and oysters
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE: Most recently, the Barbie movie. Not only is the soundtrack fun to dance to but it was also a good exploration of the human experience (e.g., “to feel is to be human”). I also enjoy movies, such as She’s the Man and Legally Blonde, as well as sci-fi and A24 movies.
FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL: I enjoy travelling to the coastal towns in Italy. It’s the atmosphere. There is a famous saying, “Dolce far Niente”, which means “the sweetness of doing nothing”. It is a similar saying “take the time to smell the roses”.
IF YOU DIDN’T PURSUE YOUR CURRENT ROLE, WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU PURSUE: Human Resources
