Interview completed and written by Olivia Hung, UNSW psychology undergraduate on a brief internship at Inlight Psychology. Final edits completed by Dr Liza Chervonsky, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Director.
Bella Gilbert is a therapist at Inlight Psychology, who greatly enjoys working with adolescents and young adults, and finds it very easy to form strong therapeutic connections with people in this age group. Bella has been a wonderful addition to the Inlight team, and was invited to stay on at Inlight after the completion of her placement and Masters in Clinical Psychology (UTS).
Bella uses CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy, ACT, Emotion Coaching, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy. She also has a strengths-based approach and works from a relational lens.
Olivia (interviewer): Thanks for joining me today, I’d love to start by hearing a bit about you—who you are and how you found your way into psychology.
Bella (therapist): Thanks for having me! I’m Bella and I’m a therapist working here at Inlight Psychology. I recently completed my Masters of Clinical Psychology, after many years of university study and practical work.
Finding my path into psychology began a very long time ago. Since I can remember I have always been a curious observer and “psychological detective”; When I was younger, I would find myself observing people around me and almost always would find myself asking - what’s their story? Who are they? I also really enjoy detective and crime shows, where so often there is an exploration of the human mind and how it influences behaviour in some very fascinating and unique ways!
I am also very passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. I find there is something uniquely rewarding about helping young people. They’re at this crucial stage of their life, which usually involves a period of exploration and self-discovery, and figuring out who they are for themselves and within social situations. I really do value the opportunity to work with young people and am grateful that I get to be a part of their journey and a supportive figure for them.
O: That’s wonderful, it sounds like you’ve found a path that really resonates with you. What would you say are the most rewarding aspects of being a psychologist for you? What do you love most about your role?
B: One of the things I truly love about this work is the opportunity to support others in a meaningful way and see them progress towards their goals. I get to meet people exactly where they’re at, in whatever situation or mindset they bring into a session. I’m in a privileged position, where I get to hear people’s raw and unfiltered thoughts and feelings, which can often be hidden from others outside the therapy space.
Being able to walk alongside clients as they gain more clarity, resilience, and a better understanding of themselves and the world around them is truly rewarding. Witnessing people go through a process of discovery, growth, and finding their own strengths, continually inspires me.
I really love what I do!
O: You mentioned working closely with young people through some challenging periods in their lives. How would you describe your psychological approach to supporting clients and guiding them through these experiences?
B: I tailor my approach to fit each client’s unique needs, drawing from various psychological approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and always ensure I am working from trauma-informed and attachment-based frameworks. I believe that most of the concerns clients bring to sessions are rooted in their development and attachment one way or another, which I think is part of the reason I am passionate about supporting young people as a form of early intervention.
I also believe that all behaviours serve a protective mechanism and I always try to validate clients through this approach, whilst also recognising that their goals may require an alteration of these protective mechanisms. By using these approaches, I aim to always empower clients, helping them to recognise that they already have really valuable tools within themselves to help navigate and overcome their concerns.
O: I love how you base your practice in psychological concepts while also using creativity to tailor your approach to clients. Could you give us a glimpse into what a typical session with you might look like? What can clients expect when they come to see you?
B: It is actually quite hard to say what a typical session would look like. The structure of each session really depends on the individual, each having their own unique needs, experiences, and perspectives. However, one consistent element I strive to create is that safe environment where clients feel comfortable to discuss their difficulties and express challenging emotions without fear of judgement. From there, I build the sessions based on where the client is at and what feels right for them.
Thinking about this question, I don’t believe there is a ‘typical’ session - every client requires and deserves an approach that works for them both relationally and practically. Considering I work with young populations, I will always have fidget toys and colouring in on hand. Across my experience, I’ve learnt that many clients find that engaging in these activities can make it easier to talk about the harder topics.
Overall, I really value creativity and flexibility. Sometimes being in a therapy room can be overwhelming for a person, so I always strive to be open with my practice and adapt the session. For example, we might move outdoors or incorporate activities that help the client feel more relaxed or at ease. I’ve gone to a park and kicked around a rugby ball with a young person before and building the therapeutic alliance and their comfortability this way was such an important part of the therapeutic process. Using this flexible and creative approach I find it allows me to meet the client where they’re at, which can really act to improve their capacity to engage and get the most out of therapy.
O: That sounds like a great approach! I really like how your sessions aren’t confined to just a room. It’s clear you prioritise creating a supportive environment for your clients. What would you say to someone who is considering therapy for the first time but might feel uncertain or hesitant?
B: It is completely okay to feel nervous! It can be so nerve-wracking talking to a stranger about what is happening in your life, especially if you’re not the kind of person to reach out for support in the first place. I hope clients know that your clinician is there to support you and will do their best to create a comfortable and welcoming space.
I would also like people to know that the benefits of therapy can be truly transformative; it offers a chance to explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a safe environment, gain new insights, and develop strategies that work for them. There is no shame in reaching out for support and letting that guard down. Many people find that when they take that first step, they experience a sense of relief and empowerment, knowing that they have someone in their life who can act as a secure base, someone who is in their corner and is dedicated to helping them navigate the range of challenges life can throw at us.
O: Thanks so much Bella, it’s clear that your compassionate approach to psychology makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of your clients.
INLIGHT PSYCHOLOGY | BONDI JUNCTION
Bella Gilbert is offering therapy at Inlight Psychology, located in Bondi Junction. The team at Inlight Psychology works with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, difficulties regulating emotions, low self-esteem and confidence, youth issues, eating and body image concerns, and difficulties in social, romantic, and family relationships.
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.
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