Meet Carmen

Why were you drawn to studying Psychology?

There were a variety of factors that drew me to psychology, these being:

- Curiosity about human behaviour

- Desire to help others

- Interest and fascination with the mind and behaviour

What do you enjoy about your work, and what are you interested in or fascinated by?

One of the most fascinating aspects of working as a psychologist is the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the human mind and behaviour. It's captivating to unravel the complexities of why people think, feel, and act the way they do, along with helping them navigate through challenges, discover their inner strengths and identify the weaknesses to flip them over as opportunities to grow. Additionally, witnessing the transformation and growth of individuals as they gain insights, develop coping strategies, and overcome obstacles can be incredibly rewarding.

What drives you to show up for yourself and your clients in this role?

I am driven by a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and a desire to help others improve their mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives. I show up for my clients because I genuinely care about their welfare and am committed to providing support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to facilitate positive change. Additionally, I am motivated by the opportunity to foster meaningful connections, empower individuals to overcome challenges, and witness the resilience of human beings.

In addition to that, I am also driven by a sense of curiosity and passion. I thrive on the intellectual challenge of diagnosing and treating psychological issues, exploring new therapeutic techniques, and staying abreast of the latest research in the field. Furthermore, the opportunity to make a positive impact on society by promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for psychological well-being motivates me to show up for my clients every day.

What have people said about your approach to this work?

I take an eclectic and flexible approach by using various therapeutic techniques and theories, tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Instead of adhering strictly to one theoretical orientation, the eclectic approach integrates elements from different schools of thought, such as cognitive-behavioural, dialectical, systemic, humanistic, and mindfulness-based approaches, among others. 

Flexibility, as a psychologist, allows me to adapt the interventions to the specific challenges, preferences, and strengths of my clients. This might involve incorporating techniques from different therapeutic modalities, adjusting the pace and focus of sessions, or even collaborating with other professionals to provide holistic care. Ultimately, an eclectic and flexible approach allows me to provide personalised and effective treatment that aligns with the individual goals and circumstances of each client.