Let's Get Personal!

I was advised not to pursue psychology.

When I enquired about returning to study, the psychology administrator at my chosen university took one look at my prior academic record and was very frank with me.

“Psychology is a demanding course, postgraduate positions are highly competitive, I’ve seen many people like you hit a dead end when their marks prevent them from progressing beyond the undergraduate stages. I don’t want you to waste your time…”

I was a terrible student at school. I somehow managed to scrape into a Bachelor of Arts degree and my poor academic form continued. More than once I was called in front of the Dean to explain why I shouldn’t be excluded from my degree on account of my bad grades. Eventually, I made it through, though to put it mildly, I didn’t exactly distinguish myself.

I recall my parents congratulating me on my graduation day and feeling nothing but humiliation. I didn’t want to be congratulated. That seemed to imply that my degree represented the extent of my abilities – an achievement of which I should be proud. Instead, I felt that it represented a disastrous failure to live up to my potential. I had a burning desire to show the world – and myself – that I was capable of more.

And so began a fascination with understanding what it was that prevented me from doing what I was capable of. That interest has led me through an incredible process of self-discovery and drawn me into professional roles in which I have been able to assist others with their own barriers.

I have worked with some highly driven individuals looking to harness every ounce of their productivity in pursuit of extraordinarily challenging goals. And I have worked to elicit behavioural change among some of the most notoriously challenging client groups to motivate.

Over 13 years I have developed an expertise in the techniques and practices that enable people to identify and overcome personal obstacles. I know what works to get people out of their own way and affect meaningful change in their lives.

Needless to say, I didn’t listen to that administrator’s advice. I went ahead and enrolled into the psychology course, graduated with Honours and was accepted into a Clinical Doctorate program which I am now on the verge of completing.

When I reflect upon my journey now, I am incredibly grateful for how well it has prepared me to do what I am truly passionate about – helping others to eliminate the barriers to becoming their best and happiest selves.