Interview conducted by Sara Simenson, UNSW psychology undergraduate completing an internship at Inlight Psychology.
Adele initially started at Inlight as a provisional psychologist on placement, during her studies (Masters in Clinical Psychology at ACU). She engaged clients incredibly well and was invited to stay on at Inlight to continue her work. Adele has been working within mental health contexts since 2016, with roles including youth worker with the homeless, ABA therapy, telephone crisis support, university clinics, and psychiatric hospitals.
Adele has a particular interest in anxiety, attachment and interpersonal work, as well as gender, sexuality, and LGBTQIA+.
Why have you decided to study a Masters of Clinical Psychology?
I used to be an interior designer, so this is actually my second career. Despite enjoying the creative side and working with clients, I became burnt out from the industry and felt that I could be making a greater impact with my life. After travelling and soul searching, I realised that I wanted to help and connect with people. I therefore pursued a vigorous 6 year of studies to become a psychologist. Making the career change was very scary and I didn’t realise the full extent that the career change would entail. However, now being able to practise as a psychologist, I am incredibly satisfied with my choice.
What kind of therapist are you?
I am still exploring my style as therapist, but so far I am interested in interpersonal work, Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I believe that creating a therapeutic relationship with clients and seeing what comes up in the room can identify anything troublesome that is going on in the client’s real world. I am also interested in identifying and working through schemas from childhood which may be negatively impacting on a client’s life today. I especially like ACT because it incorporates Eastern philosophies with evidence-based practises. ACT combines mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy which focuses on the client accepting certain difficulties in their life, if change is not possible or practical.
Do you think that social media can contribute to negative self-image and low self-esteem?
Not all social media is bad. However, when you are using it in a way that it is addictive, compulsive, and spending more time on it than you want to, it becomes troublesome. A big part of why social media is problematic is the social comparison function. Social media provides a platform to compare yourself to other people. This comparison is unfair because people present an idealised version of themselves on social media – through editing photos, showing the fabulous parts, and fun activities, a fake reality is created. For people feeling vulnerable, it is very easy to negatively compare yourself to these idealised figures which can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
How do you think pregnancy impacts someone’s mental health?
Pregnancy can be a particularly vulnerable part of a female’s life because they’re dealing with a lot of change i.e., hormones, self-image, identity, and physical changes. Not all women struggle with pregnancy, but for some women these changes can position someone to be more vulnerable for anxiety and depression. Linking back to the previous discussion, social media can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and body image concerns. I have spent time researching this topic and the evidence suggests that limiting social media use during pregnancy can minimise anxiety concerns related to body image dissatisfaction.
What is your favourite self-care practise?
I live close to the beach, so I enjoy a daily coastal walk and practising mindfulness as a form of self-care.
INLIGHT PSYCHOLOGY | BONDI JUNCTION
Adele works at Inlight Psychology, which is situated in the heart of Bondi Junction, with spacious rooms and beautiful views. We have a lovely team of kind and compassionate psychologists, all with tertiary qualifications in Clinical Psychology. The team sees a variety of concerns, including anxiety, mood, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, anger issues, emotion regulation difficulties, perinatal issues, sexuality and gender concerns, and many more!
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.