WHY THE VICTORIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS' NETWORKING GROUP WAS CREATED
When I graduated and started my psychology career over 15 years ago, I did not know one other psychologist, I had no peers and no mentors.
I had completed my Masters as a part-time mature student with two very young children, which did not allow a lot of time for socialising..
On graduation I was straight away offered work in a private practice, which was so exciting. However, over time all I really came to know was that practice; their policies and procedures, their client base. The owner was a wonderful psychologist, but my knowledge of psychology as a professional world was very limited.
So at first I soaked all this in, then I struggled. I really had nowhere to go with my thoughts, to figure out what clientele I actually wanted to see, to understand the bigger world of psychology..
An added complication was the navigating through the political division that exploded around the time I was struggling to find my feet as a psychologist.
Remember, this was pre Facebook. And I had very young children, and a husband doing rotating shifts.
Fast forward to today where I work as a solo psychologist and get to make all the decisions about how my business looks and what I focus on.
As part of my journey, I joined the local MHPN works, and even ran one or two for a while. I also joined Facebook groups - paid and unpaid.
I found some community and help in these, and listened to different ways of doing things. And I did gradually find some psychologists who I trust - mainly those who I have met face to face outside of the online world.
One thing I learned was that not all Facebook groups for psychologists are the same.
They serve different needs and espouse different philosophies.
Maybe you have found this in your experiences.
The VPNG was founded on the ideal of providing a safe, nurturing space for all Victorian psychologists. Yes, it provides a referral network, and it also a place where you are accepted and valued for your strengths, experiences and passion. Where you are provided with opportunities to flourish, an environment that services to help you have a sustainable career as a psychologist.
I had completed my Masters as a part-time mature student with two very young children, which did not allow a lot of time for socialising..
On graduation I was straight away offered work in a private practice, which was so exciting. However, over time all I really came to know was that practice; their policies and procedures, their client base. The owner was a wonderful psychologist, but my knowledge of psychology as a professional world was very limited.
So at first I soaked all this in, then I struggled. I really had nowhere to go with my thoughts, to figure out what clientele I actually wanted to see, to understand the bigger world of psychology..
An added complication was the navigating through the political division that exploded around the time I was struggling to find my feet as a psychologist.
Remember, this was pre Facebook. And I had very young children, and a husband doing rotating shifts.
Fast forward to today where I work as a solo psychologist and get to make all the decisions about how my business looks and what I focus on.
As part of my journey, I joined the local MHPN works, and even ran one or two for a while. I also joined Facebook groups - paid and unpaid.
I found some community and help in these, and listened to different ways of doing things. And I did gradually find some psychologists who I trust - mainly those who I have met face to face outside of the online world.
One thing I learned was that not all Facebook groups for psychologists are the same.
They serve different needs and espouse different philosophies.
Maybe you have found this in your experiences.
The VPNG was founded on the ideal of providing a safe, nurturing space for all Victorian psychologists. Yes, it provides a referral network, and it also a place where you are accepted and valued for your strengths, experiences and passion. Where you are provided with opportunities to flourish, an environment that services to help you have a sustainable career as a psychologist.
FIND YOUR PLACE
- Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.-- Michele Jennae
Kim Dunn
Psychologist
Founder of the Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group
I am an independent, private psychologist who works on increasing connection and self-care in everyday lives, through individual counselling, workshops, podcasts, and the Essential Self-Care for Psychologists program. I also founded the Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group. In my downtime I love to read fiction and watch Collingwood (AFL). I also walk, spend too much time on social media, and love catching up with my friends and family.
Psychologist
Founder of the Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group
I am an independent, private psychologist who works on increasing connection and self-care in everyday lives, through individual counselling, workshops, podcasts, and the Essential Self-Care for Psychologists program. I also founded the Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group. In my downtime I love to read fiction and watch Collingwood (AFL). I also walk, spend too much time on social media, and love catching up with my friends and family.
Nonie Carr
Psychologist
Co-Administrator of The Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group on Facebook.
www.enhancelife.com.au
Psychologist
Co-Administrator of The Victorian Psychologists' Networking Group on Facebook.
www.enhancelife.com.au