Solving problems is rewarding work

MAKING a difference to the lives of children when they were state wards and helping adults suffering from depression or relationship problems, has been satisfying for Judy Christian.

Beginning as a social worker at the now Cumberland Hospital, Ms Christian became interested in the intensive therapy side of work and decided to pursue a career in psychology.

She has now worked as a registered psychologist for the past 30 years.

Ms Christian, 58, of Castle Hill, currently works in private practice and in a medical clinic in Blacktown.

"I see 15 to 20 people a week and it doesn't sound like a huge amount, but I also have a lot of report and letter writing, contact with doctors, planning sessions, following up on issues and keeping up with reading," she said.

"There is quite a lot of background work, it's not just face-to-face work."

Ms Christian said she particularly enjoys helping parents who are experiencing problems managing their children's behaviour.

She also enjoys the constant challenges as every person who walks through her door is different.

"The hardest thing about the job is you're seeing people one after the other during the day," she said.

"And you have to keep 100 per cent of focus - and that is quite intensive.

"In most jobs, you can let yourself drift away every now and again if you're feeling a bit tired, or had a bad night, or have a few issues of your own.

"But in psychology, you've always got to be very positive about things."

Ms Christian said she belongs to a group of psychologists in Castle Hill, which allows her to debrief and discuss various issues.

She said this supervision by colleagues is not only a part of the conditions of registration as a psychologist but also important for her own mental health.

Working in Castle Hill and Blacktown also gives her access to people seeking help for different reasons, such as problems caused by unemployment, financial troubles, disability, anxiety, grief or bereavement.

* If distressed, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and MensLine 1300 789 978.

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