Written by Kirsten Hertog, UNSW psychology undergraduate and content creator at Inlight Psychology.
Recently, our clinic director and principal clinical psychologist, Dr Liza Chervonsky, was invited to participate in a psychology panel at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Dr. Liza has a special connection with UNSW, having completed her own Bachelor of Psychology there. Over the years, Liza has supported UNSW psychology students through work placement opportunities, so it was a special moment for her to share her wisdom and insights with many of the current students. The event aimed to provide guidance to students and professionals on the pathway to becoming a clinical psychologist, with Liza offering her experiences and advice on several key topics.
The Pathway to Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
During the panel, Liza provided practical advice on the journey to becoming a Clinical Psychologist. She emphasised the importance of personal growth alongside academic and professional development, encouraging aspiring psychologists to engage in self-reflection early in their careers. "It’s so important to develop your self-awareness as a psychologist," Liza noted. "It's beneficial to take time to explore who you are as a person, what might unsettle you, what your drives are for becoming a psychologist, and what you believe your role is in being a psychologist.” Liza also encouraged the students to consider the pros and cons of taking a break between completing their Honours degree and beginning postgraduate studies. She believes this time can be invaluable for gaining practical experience, exploring the world, and deepening self-awareness. "This period allows you to grow both personally and professionally, making you a more well-rounded and effective clinician," she explained.
Balancing Work and Life as a Clinical Psychologist and Director
Liza discussed the challenges of balancing work and life, particularly when managing the responsibilities of running a clinic (Inlight Psychology, Bondi Junction). She highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between professional obligations and personal well-being. "This balance is essential for being fully present with clients and sustaining a long-term career in the field. I don't believe that a psychologist's work needs to follow a traditional Monday-to-Friday, full-time schedule. It isn't sustainable to see so many clients throughout the week. We should consider more flexible, balanced approaches to the work week, that prioritise both the well-being of professionals and the quality of care provided to clients.”
Relational and Attachment-Focused Therapy
Liza's approach to therapy and supervision, centred around relational and attachment-focused methods, was another key topic of discussion. She emphasised that the therapeutic relationship is central to effective therapy, and that understanding attachment dynamics can lead to real meaningful change. “The relationship is central to the therapy. You can have every strategy in your toolbox, but if the rapport and relationship isn’t strong, then you are missing the vehicle that delivers that strategy to the client. Therapy isn’t just about solutions. I think that oversimplifies mental health and psychological difficulties. If it was just a matter of learning strategies, we wouldn’t really need therapists. Robots and online programs could teach us everything we need to know. But in reality, therapy is very much about healing a person through the therapeutic relationship and by having the opportunity to explore effective communication, self-reflection, emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience within the therapy space."
Key Strengths in a Therapist
When the panel discussed the key strengths that make an effective therapist, Liza emphasised the importance of not being afraid to look inward and reflect on personal challenges and areas of struggle. She highlighted the value of self-awareness and the willingness to explore uncertainties within oneself. "Therapists need to be comfortable with uncertainty, to ask questions without knowing the answers," she explained. "I often speak to early career psychologists who are really afraid of asking a question if they can’t predict the answer. That can be very limiting. It’s not your role as a psychologist to have the answers before the client does. It’s your role as a psychologist to join a person in the unknown and guide them in making sense of it and finding the answers together.”
INLIGHT PSYCHOLOGY | BONDI JUNCTION
For more information on Dr Liza Chervonsky's therapeutic approach or to explore opportunities at our clinic, please feel free to reach out. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone seeking therapy, Liza is dedicated to supporting others on their psychology journey.
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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