An in depth conversation with our counselling psychologist Anne-Marie Davis about what makes her tick, the professional and personal journey she has travelled, and what keeps her motivated at work every day.

Hello, Anne-Marie, it is great to hear more about you and your experiences so far. Can you tell me how did you decide to make a profession out of psychology and what has been your professional journey so far?

My career started in Organisational Psychology and I spent many years working in HR. When I moved to Australia, I decided to pursue a career as a counselling psychologist. In order to do this I furthered my studies and completed my Masters in Psychology at Monash University.  For me, this was the right time of life to become a psychologist. I had really valued and enjoyed my time working in a corporate environment but I was ready for something different. I had also gained more life experience, which I think is invaluable as a psychologist in terms of understanding other people’s experiences. My journey continues in that there is always something new to learn in this field of work.

What are some particular areas of interest in your practice?

I am very interested in life transitions, as I have experienced this myself in moving countries. It wasn’t easy for me and so I think that gives me invaluable insight into any life transition that my clients bring into the therapy room. Life transitions can be both daunting and exciting and it’s so important to recognise the grief as well as the opportunities it brings. To be heard and acknowledged is vital in such situations.

I am also very interested in working with relationships, be it working with an individual or couples. My own parents split up when I was 12 years old and I remember there weren’t many resources available for support other than family and friends. It’s wonderful to now be in a position to provide such support. I believe that relationships should be nurtured on an ongoing basis not just when serious problems arise. Relationships are too often put on the backburner until they are no longer bearable.

What are some challenges you encounter in your work?

It’s tough to see relationships not work out as one would hope. To see such heartbreak and sadness can be challenging. Sometimes it’s about helping people move on separately. It’s also important as a psychologist to reserve your judgement and not be influenced by your own experiences. The focus is very much on the client.

Another challenge is not always knowing the outcome for individual clients or couples in the long term after therapy has stopped.

In your opinion, what are the biggest benefits of psychotherapy for clients?

I think therapy provides a safe non-judgmental space for clients to tell their story. That, in itself, is very beneficial and a privilege for me as a therapist to be the first person to whom that story is told. The relationship between the client and the therapist is crucial in terms of success.

I think therapy affords clients a different way of seeing their world – an objective perspective in times when they feel drowned by their own ruminations, losses and hopelessness. So much of what we see and hear is simply about being human. It’s comforting for clients to know that what they are experiencing is not that unusual or abnormal.

What are some important lessons you have learned through experience so far?

That you can’t make it happen. As a therapist, you can provide all the support and guidance but it’s the person who attends therapy that has to make it happen. Important decisions should not be rushed. Taking time to consider responses and decisions is very important.

I’ve learnt that there is always something to learn in this work. You can never feel complacent that you know it all. That makes it exciting too!

What have been some of the most defining moments of your life that also inform the kind of psychologist you are?

My own life experiences that I have mentioned earlier such as moving countries, my experience as a child in a broken family, being a wife and a mother. Also furthering my studies when I had 2 young children and becoming a psychologist later in life.

What interests and hobbies do you have outside of the area of psychology?

I love film, theatre, reading, travel. I love to walk my dogs and enjoy playing tennis. Given more time I would like to take a course in furthering my knowledge about art. I would like to attend more cooking classes. I am passionate about my work and find that even in my spare time I am naturally drawn to books, articles, podcasts and courses. There is a wealth of information in the area in which I work.

If you could miraculously take a year off work without having to worry about money, how would you spend it?

I was very fortunate to be able to do this a few years ago where I spent a year overseas traveling with my family. It was an adventure where we were able to have so much freedom unbound by time and deadlines. We experienced so much together and made many wonderful memories. This was a highlight of my life, which I will always cherish.