Spotlight Interview: Barbra Clark, Registered Psychologist

How did you know you wanted to become a psychologist? 

I have always been fascinated with the human psyche and why we behave the way that we do. I was also that person that everyone told their worries to – so this seemed like a natural choice of career. Originally, I studied and completed a counselling diploma, then a few years later, decided to return to University to extend my knowledge further. 

What inspired you to work with x patients? 

I love working with all ages and presentations. Although everyone’s experience is different, anxiety and depression is prevalent across all ages, genders, and cultures. Supporting someone to recognise that they have the ability to reduce these symptoms and gain control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours is truly a privilege for me to be a part of.

What is your typical therapy mode and why do you find it to be so helpful? 

I use a variety of interventions, strategies, and techniques based on what the client is comfortable with. Knowing what a client is comfortable with stems from building a safe and strong rapport. The relationship between myself and the client is the foundation to any successful intervention. If a client feels comfortable with me, it is so much easier to navigate the most suitable intervention. Sometimes, clients want strategies to cope immediately with their symptoms, sometimes clients want a clearer understanding of why they are experiencing those symptoms which may include exploring their childhood. I don’t believe there is a ‘one size fits all’ intervention and when we work collaboratively rather than prescriptively, true change can occur.

We all feel stressed sometimes, including psychologists! What helps you to manage your own stress? 

Firstly, sleep, eating well, and some exercise helps me to stay focused, and keeps stress and anxiety at bay. Secondly, I make sure that I regularly connect with my ‘tribe’ because laughter, friendship and family keep me grounded. Thirdly, I have hobbies. Having a hobby, and being creative is extremely beneficial at keeping stress under control. Lastly, and probably the most important is my regular connection to my own therapy. We live in a complex and complicated world and even though I have the tools and strategies to cope with most things, it is the unbiased relationship I have with my own therapist that allows me to process my emotions, and highlight old, unhelpful patterns that emerge every so often, with a professional capable of holding that space for me without judgment.

If you could have given your teenage self any advice - what would you have said? 

I wish I had been connected more effectively with my emotions when I was a teenager. Mostly, I wish I had been taught appropriate boundaries. The boundaries to ask for what I needed, to reject what wasn’t helpful, and to recognise when someone else was taking advantage of where my boundaries should’ve been. I also would have told myself that I am important and special and worthy of love!