Q&A with Eleanor Clifford, Psychologist

Interview completed and written by Trinity Teh, UNSW psychology undergraduate on a 3-month internship at Inlight Psychology.

Eleanor Clifford is a psychologist working at Inlight Psychology, Bondi Junction. Eleanor is a highly empathic and passionate therapist, who values cultural inclusivity and supporting diverse backgrounds and populations.

Eleanor uses evidence-based therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy, and ensures her treatment is tailored uniquely to each individual client.

Q: What inspired you to become a psychologist? Did you always want to be a psychologist?

Eleanor: My journey actually took a few turns before I settled on becoming a psychologist. Initially, I thought about doing politics or law, but ended up choosing the broadest degree I could enrol in (double degree on Arts and Science) to keep my options open. In Arts, I majored in Gender and Sexuality and at one stage I even considered doing a PhD in this area, but in the end it was Science that really sparked my passion for psychology and deepened my fascination with the complexities of the human mind. I realised that psychology work was the perfect fit for me, allowing me to combine my passion for science along with a desire to help people and make meaningful difference to their lives. I was often the friend that people turned to for advice and I have always been curious about people’s stories and experiences, but I just wanted to make sure that I was balancing that with a scientific approach. So, I made the decision to pursue a career path in Clinical Psychology, and I haven’t looked back since!

Q: Are there particular areas that you are passionate about within psychology?

Eleanor: Yes, I am super passionate about gender, sexuality, and societal expectations, and how each of these areas relate to people’s psychology and mental wellbeing. I think it’s so important for everyone to feel seen and heard, and to be considered for the unique issues and needs each may have.

I am also really passionate about accessibility in mental health care. I think it’s so important to keep looking at ways to make mental health services more accessible and inclusive to people of all ages, genders, sexuality, economic backgrounds, and cultures.

Mental health stigma is another issue that I care deeply about. As psychologists, we have the opportunity to break down those barriers and create a safe space for people to feel comfortable opening up about their struggles. So many individuals believe that they have to manage everything on their own, which shouldn’t be the case!

Q: What do you love most about being a psychologist and what is most rewarding working with clients?

Eleanor: One of the things I love most about being a psychologist is having the privilege to work with people in a really deep and meaningful way. I really love connecting with all sorts of different people in a space where they can be vulnerable and show their true selves. I love listening to each person’s unique story and helping them understand their own thoughts and emotions. I believe that by delving deeper and connecting on this meaningful level, we can foster growth and healing, and lead people towards a life that aligns more with their more authentic goals and values.

It’s also really special to witness moments where a client opens up and shares something for the first time and starts to let go of the shame that they’ve been carrying. Seeing that weight being lifted off their shoulders, even for just a little bit, is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding to see as a psychologist.

Q: What would you say to someone who has never done therapy before?

Eleanor: I think it’s completely understandable to feel scared or unsure about starting therapy. I have so much respect for anyone who takes that first step because it’s not easy to open up about personal struggles. But therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It’s a space to talk through anything. I believe no one should ever feel like their problems aren’t considered ‘big enough’ to be worth talking about. If something feels off, even just slightly, you are always welcome in therapy and I will always approach what a client shares with me with kindness, curiosity, and empathy.

Q: Adding on to this, what would you say to a client who is worried about coming into therapy sessions out of fear of being judged? Perhaps it could be a client with a lot of shame. What do you think about this?

Eleanor: It is completely natural to feel daunted by therapy or even the thought of entering the session, especially if your reference point about the idea of therapy is how psychologists are portrayed in movies or TV shows.

I would really like to reassure anyone considering therapy, that they really truly won’t be judged in this space. As a therapist, I see myself walking beside my clients and not standing above them. It is a shared journey where we can work together to understand your emotions and experiences and help you move forward to a life that you want to live by. No one is perfect, not even therapists, and every single person has something that they struggle with, which is part of being human. My role as a psychologist is to create a space where you feel seen, heard and accepted, no matter what you’re going through. There’s no pressure to share everything at once and we can explore whatever you need to discuss at your own pace.

Q: What are you like as a psychologist? What can a client expect when they come into the room? How would you describe your therapy approach?

Eleanor: I would say that I am warm, friendly and definitely not overly clinical or robotic. I generally like to bring humour into therapy when it’s appropriate because I think having that authenticity in the therapy space is really important. I’m very open and transparent with my clients. I focus on working practically and tailoring therapy to what each individual wants to get out of it – I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I’m very flexible and take a holistic approach and I consider all the different factors that might influence someone’s wellbeing.

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INLIGHT PSYCHOLOGY | BONDI JUNCTION

Eleanor is offering therapy at Inlight Psychology, located in the heart of Bondi Junction. She sees clients from all over Sydney, the eastern suburbs and surrounds, and more remotely via telehealth. Eleanor sees clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures, with a particular interest in supporting LGBTIQA+ communities.

Eleanor strongly values her relationship with her clients, and sees clients with a variety of presentations, including anxiety and mood difficulties, relationship and family challenges, eating disorders and body image issues, perfectionism, health concerns and sleep difficulties, grief and loss, and ADHD management.

All our psychologists have tertiary qualifications in Clinical Psychology, as a minimum.

Inlight Psychology offers therapy in-person or via telehealth/video call.

If you would like to learn more about the team at Inlight Psychology, click here.

If you would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact Inlight Psychology on (02) 8320 0566 or contact@inlightpsychology.com.au.