Tamarra Tranter

Tell us about your career in the mental health sector, Tamarra. 

After my UQ Masters in 2013, I moved into the mental health space running art therapy and psychoeducational groups and programs in a community hub for adults experiencing mental health challenges. I have experience delivering art therapy programs in various settings including hospitals, schools, aged care and community organisations. It has also been a privilege to mentor university students and lead teams in delivering wellbeing support in the community. More recently, I have revisited my passion for working with young people and have begun working in schools in early intervention. The magic occurs when shaping a positive environment for a child to feel safe, valued and celebrated. This pathway resonates deeply with me and is my heart work.

What made you choose a career in mental health?

I’ve always had a natural curiosity in human behaviour, psychology, and the power of the creative arts as a way of storytelling and healing so putting them together had me on a path to being an Art Therapist! It feels natural to me to show kindness, have empathy for others and want to connect with people on a deeper level through their stories and human experience. I have felt the impact of having this type of connection and guidance from people in our community over the years and have been mentored and supported through challenging times in my life, particularly in my younger years so I have always felt drawn to following a similar path.

Seeing the strength, determination and resilience people show during difficult times and people coming together; our local Elders and community workers tirelessly supporting their communities to bloom in adversity has had an enormous impact on me.

Working in the mental health space affords continuous learning and personal and professional growth. We have an opportunity to contribute to societal change with diverse opportunity, working in collaborative environments and in multidisciplinary teams, while sharing common goals.

What do you find most rewarding about your career?

Witnessing resilience and strength emerge through love and connection and through purposeful intervention and therapy is what I find most rewarding about my role. It is such a privilege to be considered a safe person, to build connection and be a witness to positive changes in a child’s emotional and psychological wellbeing. I believe our most powerful weapon against trauma is love and sincere connection. 

Creating a safe space for a child to feel understood and valued, delighted in and celebrated, an environment that accepts them and holds unconditional positive regard is where the magic is. That is true heart work for me. By supporting children, we can by extension support families and communities. We have an opportunity to contribute to and advocate for long term change for our most vulnerable in our communities. There is a sense of fulfilment walking alongside others and bearing witness to not only people at their most vulnerable, but through their growth and their best, working towards living the life they choose.

Creating a safe space for a child to feel understood and valued, delighted in and celebrated, an environment that accepts them and holds unconditional positive regard is where the magic is. This is the definition of my heart work.

Tamarra Tranter

What do you find most challenging about your career?

The growing demand and need for services can make this role challenging which can lead quickly to compassion fatigue. It is important that while being supportive, we also maintain professional boundaries and we balance objectivity and empathy as it is essential to self-care and best practice. Ethical dilemmas pop up and mandatory reporting can be challenging so it has been so important for me to have regular supervision and reflection.

Working in the space can be complex, especially with little people so it is so important we work holistically and consider all the things going on in a young person’s life including the social, psychological and biological factors.

Stigma and misunderstanding are still a barrier not only in relation to mental health but also our role; with advocacy playing a big part. The only constant is change so it’s important to keep an open mind and see every day as a learning opportunity. Keeping up with advances in technology; particularly in the space of children’s wellbeing is also challenging.

What does a typical day in your work life look like? 

There is no typical day; which is what I love about the role. It can be at times reactive, it’s never dull and there’s always plenty of reasons to smile even on the challenging days. The role allows for boundless creativity, new ideas and ways of working.

What are three misconceptions you think that people have about working in the mental health sector?

I feel that there is a misconception that “anyone” can do this role. The reality is that this isn’t a role for everyone, and not everyone can do it; the work involves a range of therapeutic techniques, assessment and intervention, which is based on research. Working in mental health requires not only natural empathy and an interpersonal skillset but also extensive education, training, and ongoing professional development. Mental health professionals employ a holistic approach to care.

There is a misconception that only those with severe mental health challenges require help; however, practitioners in the field support people from all walks of life at all points in their lives, including mild stress and anxiety. A therapist doesn’t always have the answer; the process is collaborative and person-centred.

What advice would you give to people who are interested in working in the sector?

Seek out your own therapy and supervision and continually reflect on your motivations for working in the sector, having a good foundation and being clear with these will be a good reminder to draw on when you experience challenging times. Engage in reflective practice regularly, develop strong communication skills and build your own capacity, be open to continuous learning. Always approach a person holistically, I always see a behaviour as communicating a need. It’s important to be culturally competent, embrace diversity and seek out opportunities to learn. I’ve found that building relationships and networking is key to working in the mental health space, it really does take a community. The field is constantly evolving, staying updated and informed is essential as is good communications skills and building resilience.

What is a question we forgot to ask? What is your answer?

Did your line of study directly translate into your position? No. Many people may complete their studies and go directly into their chosen profession ie Art Therapist however my roles and experience are constantly changing and evolving. At the core of my practice though, in any role I pursue, there is always an art therapist. Creative therapies are a universal language that everyone can participate in. I see art therapy as being fundamental, especially in a school setting where creative outlets are vital to children’s development and overall health and wellbeing.