Interview completed and written by Kirsten Hertog, UNSW psychology undergraduate and content creator at Inlight Psychology.

Chloe Cavanagh is a therapist at Inlight Psychology, Bondi Junction. She commenced at Inlight Psychology as a provisional psychologist, during her Masters of Clinical Psychology. Since then, she has forged strong connections with both the team and our clients, so we were excited to invite her to stay on at Inlight beyond her placement. Chloe is a wonderful addition to the psychology team!
Chloe utilises CBT, ACT and Mindfulness, DBT, Schema therapy, and a Relational and Family Systems Approach. She cares deeply for her clients and is incredibly passionate about psychology and helping people.
Kirsten: What inspired you to pursue a career in psychology?
Chloe: I've always been fascinated by people - the way we think, behave, and experience the world. I'm particularly drawn to understanding how mental health manifests uniquely in different individuals. I genuinely love connecting with others and hearing their stories and I've also found that people often come and share difficult things with me. So, for me it was kind of a no-brainer to pursuit psychology. I also really love that the field is ever-growing, and we're continually stimulated and challenged.
K: To naturally be the person that others come to and want to open up to, I imagine that requires empathy, good active listening and your ability to communicate and reflect those feelings back to people. Those qualities are a real strength when it comes to therapy and psychology. How has your own journey throughout your psychology studies and supporting students during your psychology placements shaped your approach to therapy?
C: I have worked with a lot of students throughout my placements and it has really allowed me to understand the pressures and the expectations that are placed on students in addition to all of life’s other complexities and struggles. So, I think in that way it has really shaped my ability to empathise and understand what people are going through in their work, studies and personal lives.
Alongside my studies, I've also worked in the public sector with individuals dealing with chronic mental health concerns. This has been invaluable in helping me understand the long-term struggles some people face and the importance of providing sustained support. It's shown me the resilience people have, while also deepening my compassion and shaping a more holistic approach to therapy.
K: I can see how important it would be to look at all those different aspects of someone’s life. I imagine that you would have to have a really balanced approach in which you make sure you're not projecting your own experiences onto clients but that you instead simply take the empathy from your experiences to really valid what they are going through.
C: Yes, absolutely, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced approach. I don’t rely solely on my own experiences, though this definitely helps in understanding and empathising with others. I am guided by empirical research and my training, which allows me to better understand, connect, and formulate with my clients.
K: What does that look like when you say formulating? How do you prepare for a session and how do you approach that first session with a new client?
C: For me, formulation goes beyond just following a standard psychology assessment checklist. While those elements are important, I like to take the time to truly get to know the person sitting in front of me and all the different factors that may have led to some of their challenges today. I recognise that it can be extremely nerve-wracking and deeply personal for clients. So, I prioritise creating a space where clients feel comfortable sharing their story in their own words. I have found that this approach helps me better understand their unique experiences and needs, allowing me to tailor our sessions in a more meaningful way.
K: It sounds to me like you really prioritise the person over the diagnosis. I think with the use of mental health language on social media and within the realm of psychology in general, a lot of pathologizing can take place. So, I imagine that to take that moment to recognise that you are simply just two humans talking and that you are there to genuinely know more about what they are going through would create such a genuine dynamic. I can see how doing so would build a real feeling of safety and trust. What are your thoughts on this concept of over-pathologizing? How do you balance that important medical model that we utilise within psychology with the importance of just being human and authentic?
C: Absolutely, I think it's so important to truly understand the client and their unique experience in order to recognise what the purpose and benefit of that diagnostic label would be. Sometimes considering specific symptoms and tailoring therapeutic approaches to address them can be more beneficial than leaning too heavily on diagnostic labels. That said, a diagnosis can also be empowering for some individuals, offering clarity and validation. I aim to strike a balance, approaching symptoms gently while also recognising when a diagnosis might be a valuable.
K: I imagine that for someone who's been suffering for a long time, questioning what's wrong with themselves and trying to find an answer to it all, a diagnosis can also be a moment of liberation and relief. But on the other hand, it can end up almost being a burden or maybe a hindrance to someone's recovery as well. You touched on something which I think is interesting - focusing more on the therapeutic models. I know that you utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as other modalities. Can you tell me a bit more about them and how you utilise different therapeutic approaches?
C: I utilise a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Schema Therapy. I particularly appreciate the practical aspects of CBT, which help clients gain valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to their challenges. ACT, on the other hand, empowers clients to embrace their thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering resilience and personal growth. In addition, DBT can be useful to enhance emotional regulation skills, enabling clients to manage intense emotions. Whereas, Schema Therapy offers a deeper exploration of long-standing patterns and beliefs, providing insights that can lead to change. By integrating these different modalities, I can tailor my approach to effectively address the unique needs of every client.
K: And in doing that, you're helping them to understand themselves, which I imagine is one of the most important benefits of therapy. Understanding your past in order to understand the symptoms and experiences in the present. You mentioned that you have worked with a lot of students in the past, what is the main population you are working with at the moment?
C: Here at Inlight, I work mostly with the adult population and with a really diverse range of presentations. No two people are the same, but generally I commonly see anxiety issues, stress, self-esteem issues, mood issues, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, work and academic stress, anger, and so forth.
K: What are some of the common goals that you help clients identify and work towards?
C: Many people come into the clinic seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their mental health. A common goal is to gain a deeper insight into some of the underlying factors that are contributing to their struggles. Additionally, many clients express a desire to feel happier and more optimistic. People can feel overwhelmed with their current presentation and look for practical strategies to improve their wellbeing.
K: Helping people to increase their quality of life. I imagine that would involve focusing on reintegrating joy, fulfillment, maybe a sense of purpose back into their life. I think it's my understanding that a lot of people, once they have received these diagnoses of complex mental health issues, their purpose in everyday life often ends up being just trying to get through the day and managing those symptoms. So, I can see how slowly working towards a purpose beyond the disorder can be difficult at first, but very powerful in the long-term.
C: Absolutely. It's really about acknowledging their thoughts, feelings and challenges posed by their mental health. It’s important for them to understand that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that these feelings are valid. However, while processing these emotions, it’s equally crucial to focus on meaningful changes to enhance their quality of life.
K: Meaningful changes. I love that. I have a feeling that in order to even have those conversations, there needs to be that sense of safety and trust. I'd love to know how you create a warm, safe, and supportive therapeutic environment.
C: I try to create a space where empathy is at the core of each interaction. For me, it's crucial that my clients feel that they can share their innermost thoughts and feelings without that fear of criticism and shame. To foster this, I place a big emphasis on building strong therapeutic rapport. This starts with taking the time, often over multiple sessions, to truly understand each client's unique experiences, rather than rushing through a single-session assessment. I focus on seeing the uniqueness of the person sitting in front of me, driven by their own values and perspectives of the world and what they think has contributed to what's currently going on for them.
K: I imagine that some clients may come in with the assumption or an expectation that there needs to be that instant, almost perfect rapport with a therapist. But what I'm hearing is that there's actually a little bit of patience required for that, much like how it takes time to form relationships in everyday life. Connection does take time. In saying that, I can see the importance of people thinking about seeing a therapist needing to know a little bit about what they're looking for in a psychologist. So, what do you think are some of those important qualities that people can look out for in a therapist?
C: In terms of looking for a psychologist, it might be helpful to check in and make sure you feel comfortable and safe to explore some of the more uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. I make a point of checking in with the client to gauge how they're feeling, but also acknowledging that it’s completely fine if they don’t feel comfortable sharing some experiences right away. However, I don’t believe you need to achieve a ‘perfect’ connection right from the start; building rapport (or any relationship for that matter) requires time to build safety and familiarity. Ultimately, the journey toward comfort and connection in therapy is a shared endeavour, where both the client and the psychologists play an active role in fostering a supportive environment.
K: Yes, I really agree as no relationship in life is perfect but that is what makes human connection special, it is perfectly imperfect. To me, such a special part of therapy, especially for those who have experienced trauma or are dealing with a lot of interpersonal issues, is to mirror what a safe and supportive interpersonal conversation and therapeutic connection is like, allowing them to maybe take that understanding with them into their real life.
C: Absolutely. I think modelling a safe space for clients, acknowledging that the process may feel scary and daunting for them is important, but I'm here to sit with them in the discomfort. Finding comfort during the discomfort, allowing them to explore their feelings without fear of judgment. I find this approach not only normalises their experience but also encourages resilience and growth.
K: I know for me; it would make me feel really safe if that's the approach my therapist were to take. We've just touched a little bit on that misconception of everything needing to be perfect right away in that initial session. What are some other common misconceptions about therapy that you've encountered from clients?
C: Although it's changing, I think many people have a misconception that therapy or seeing a psychologist is only for those who are suffering intensely or for those with a severe mental illness. I think we need to normalise that all complexities of psychological difficulties, stress, relational problems, personal growth, indecisiveness of the future are valid topics for exploration in therapy. I think there is still a lingering misconception that they need to present with a “severe” issue or have hit rock bottom before seeking help. However, I believe if you're struggling with anything, even if it seems minor, it could be incredibly beneficial to talk to someone about it, long before reaching a point of crisis. Therapy is a place for anyone looking to enhance their emotional well-being and navigate life’s complexities.
K: It sounds to me like that's almost a preventative approach. Helping people to support themselves before things start to fall apart as opposed to them only coming into the clinic once it feels as though everything has fallen apart. But, as you said, if someone is at rock bottom, then that is also a very important time to reach out for help. So, if someone is at that point and is thinking "Hey, I think I am really needing some help but, I am not sure what therapy would look like.” What does it look like for them to walk in the door here at Inlight? What is a typical session structure, especially for a new client?
C: There is no one-size fits all approach for therapy. I really try to individualise sessions to each client’s unique needs, making sure to go at a pace that they feel comfortable with. In saying that, some people come into the clinic wanting immediate interventions or strategies. So, putting some expectations in place that the first few sessions do require some time to build up that therapeutic relationship, requiring some patience is essential. Therapy is a process, and while some progress can happen quickly, deeper change often takes time. Clients should expect that early sessions will involve exploration and understanding, laying the groundwork for more targeted work.
K: It really is a process, and it always starts with that first step of recognising the need for support and booking in for an initial session. For clients who may be realising that therapy could be helpful to them and who might be wanting to work with you, what advice would you give to them? What would say to someone who's maybe apprehensive about starting therapy?
C: I think it can be really daunting to take that first step into therapy and people may be feeling apprehensive. It’s important to remember that in many ways, you have the opportunity to take the lead on what you want your therapy sessions to look like and what goals you want to work towards. I encourage clients to share this apprehension with me, because we can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level. It can be really empowering as it allows you to take control over your therapeutic journey and to really understand what you’re experiencing. Therapy can be so beneficial, offering you tools to make meaningful changes in your life. Embracing that first step can lead to a rewarding process of growth and self-discovery.
K: In your experience, what does it mean to live a meaningful life?
C: I think in life we can get really busy and we can become so caught up in our daily routines that we fail to truly experience the world, and what it has to offer. So, to me, living a meaningful life is cultivating a sense of contentment within ourselves as well as recognising and appreciating the joys in daily life. It’s about being present, embracing both the highs and lows, and finding purpose in our interactions and experiences. Ultimately, it’s about creating a life that resonates with our values and brings us fulfillment.
K: Yes, at the end of the day, that's what it all comes back to. As humans, we're all longing for feeling those feelings of joy or happiness. Contentment is a beautiful word, feeling a sense of peace despite life’s imperfections. Yet, if someone might not feel as though that is possible at this moment, having a psychologist carry your thoughts and feelings with you is a beautiful thing and therapy is truly the place for that.

INLIGHT PSYCHOLOGY | BONDI JUNCTION
Chloe Cavanagh is offering therapy at Inlight Psychology, located in Bondi Junction. The team at Inlight Psychology works with a variety of concerns, including emotion regulation difficulties, anxiety, mood, relationship and interpersonal issues, eating and body image concerns, gender issues, grief, chronic health issues, and more. 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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