I feel privileged and humbled to be a recipient of the GWNZ Fellowship. Currently, I am an intern psychologist and in the final year of completing my Doctor of Clinical Psychology thesis.
My previous work experience has involved working alongside marginalised youth and rainbow communities of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. As a clinician, I am passionate about empowering rangatahi to find their voice, and gain strength through resilience and meaningful values in their lives.
In my academic world, I am a qualitative researcher with a focus on understanding underserved perspectives. Previously, my MSc explored experiences of women and gender diverse individuals who engaged in non-suicidal self-injury. The thesis illustrated factors which played a role in the cessation of this distressing behaviour. My current doctoral research explores how youth aged 18-25 conceptualise recovery from mental distress. It also explores youth experiences of an established, but underutilised intervention called intentional peer support. My findings (which were co-produced with a group of young people) prioritise voices from women, Māori and rainbow individuals.
Both my clinical knowledge and research contribute to a body of practice which supports the mental health of all women. I am grateful for my work to be acknowledged by the GWNZ, and appreciate their support as I complete my DClinPsych.
