Ms Janelle Wright

A conversation with Janelle Wright

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I became interested in counselling and psychotherapy as a young adult when I realised that the skills and coping strategies I had learned in childhood needed refining. Learning self reflective skills has been valuable in assisting me to become aware of when I'm repeating patterns of behaviour which no longer serve me well. Learning to reflect on my thoughts, emotions and behaviour gives me more freedom and choice in how I live my life and relate to others.
  These realisations led me to want to continue learning about the many theories of human development and models of psychotherapy.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  I'm strongly influenced by attachment therapy, self psychology, intersubjective approaches, somatic integration and systems theory.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  Single individuals.
  Relationships and preparation for parenthood.
  Parent and infant attachment and the adjustment to parenthood.
  Families.
  Separation adjustment.
  Bereavement.
  Developmental trauma.
  I'm also interested in the role addiction plays in our attempts to soothe wounds and how it sabotages self care.

• What methods do you use?

  Psychodynamic therapy (working with you to understand relational patterns that occur in the room with me as well as in your other relationships).
  
  Exploring how feelings are often expressed through bodily symptoms.
  
  Mostly by deeply listening and supporting you to understand and explore the many different facets to your story.
  
  When working with a couple or family I want to bring the many different perspectives into the room to assist you to understand yourselves and the other in a compassionate way that assists you to make positive changes.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  The client will feel that progress is made when they begin to understand themselves and others better and begin to feel kinder towards themselves. They may become aware of patterned responses they make and start to consider other possible responses they can choose from. They will start to notice how they impact on others and are also impacted on by others.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  It has helped me to develop resilience, self compassion and compassion toward others. I have developed a broader perspective on the complexities and strengths we have as humans.
  

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  Being a privileged witness to another persons narrative and to have a small part in how they make sense of this narrative.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  I definitely do!
  In those bad hair moments it is important to become aware of managing my shame and providing myself with self soothing and kindness. I'm then in a better position to repair any disruptions I may have caused to others and to reflect on how the disruption came about. Humour and self acceptance helps me a lot here.

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  Isolation and disconnection with other individuals, groups and cultures. This also leads us to isolation from our environment and the harm that we are causing to our planet.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  I'm currently reading Look What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. It is challenging me to think about the many dimensions of power that exist in all relationships and explore in my own mind how it can be addressed.
  
  I also really enjoyed the Australian film Lantana.