I am an independent, private psychologist. I graduated with a Masters of Educational and Developmental Psychology from Monash University, Victoria, in 2007 and have been a psychologist for 13 years. I have always been a member of a psychologists professional organisation, currently the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi). I was involved for a number of years in running and attending local Mental Health Professional Networking groups, and founded the Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group in May 2018.
What I have learned about mental health
Having grown up in an era where mental health was generally ignored, here are some important things I have learnt along the way. Early intervention, understanding and prevention is the key to good mental health. Do NOT wait for things to get better, for the next stage, for problems to fix themselves. Most children want to do their best and when this is not possible, investigation into underlying reasons can help. You cannot get rid of thoughts and feelings. Feeling are messengers and have a purpose. Awareness and acceptance of your feelings is crucial for self-compassion, forgiveness and true self-connection. Self-care is not a luxury, it is essential and can be incorporated into your day to day activities. And it’s never too early and never too late to improve your mental health.
What I do for self-care
The cornerstone of my mental health is around practical mindfulness. I regularly check in with my thoughts and feelings and use this to guide what I most need.
I engage in a daily mindful walk around my neighbourhood where I actively seek out the beauty in the ordinary. I find meaning in my work and motherhood and connection through keeping in touch with my friends and family, being involved in peer networking, and contributing to my community through a range of volunteer activities. The latest has involved helping raise two guide dog puppies.
I love to teach others positive, practical mental health skills. When these are learned, they can create a solid foundation to develop trust in yourself, experience happiness and joy, have strong, connected relationships with others, and discover and use your talents and gifts to produce life satisfaction and benefits for the wider community.
I believe that all healing and growth at a personal and universal level begins with self care. At the heart of this is unconditional love and acceptance of self.
Kim Ross, Psychologist
B.A. Grad.Dip. Ed. Psych., M.Psych (Ed & Dev), AAPi
What I have learned about mental health
Having grown up in an era where mental health was generally ignored, here are some important things I have learnt along the way. Early intervention, understanding and prevention is the key to good mental health. Do NOT wait for things to get better, for the next stage, for problems to fix themselves. Most children want to do their best and when this is not possible, investigation into underlying reasons can help. You cannot get rid of thoughts and feelings. Feeling are messengers and have a purpose. Awareness and acceptance of your feelings is crucial for self-compassion, forgiveness and true self-connection. Self-care is not a luxury, it is essential and can be incorporated into your day to day activities. And it’s never too early and never too late to improve your mental health.
What I do for self-care
The cornerstone of my mental health is around practical mindfulness. I regularly check in with my thoughts and feelings and use this to guide what I most need.
I engage in a daily mindful walk around my neighbourhood where I actively seek out the beauty in the ordinary. I find meaning in my work and motherhood and connection through keeping in touch with my friends and family, being involved in peer networking, and contributing to my community through a range of volunteer activities. The latest has involved helping raise two guide dog puppies.
I love to teach others positive, practical mental health skills. When these are learned, they can create a solid foundation to develop trust in yourself, experience happiness and joy, have strong, connected relationships with others, and discover and use your talents and gifts to produce life satisfaction and benefits for the wider community.
I believe that all healing and growth at a personal and universal level begins with self care. At the heart of this is unconditional love and acceptance of self.
Kim Ross, Psychologist
B.A. Grad.Dip. Ed. Psych., M.Psych (Ed & Dev), AAPi
My Podcast
If you, like me, love the convenience of podcasts, check out my latest episode.