When Emma was studying to become a clinical psychologist, she knew there was only one place in the world she wanted to work.
After securing her dream student placement at Carinity Talera in 2010 while completing a master's degree, Emma has never looked back.
Carinity Talera is a specialist childhood trauma and domestic family violence counselling service on Brisbane's southside. The service welcomes an average of 65 children, young people and their protective caregivers through the doors each week.
"I wanted to work at Talera because of their reputation as an industry leader when it comes to supporting people who have experienced child abuse, neglect, and domestic and family violence," Emma said.
"I have always loved supporting people and was drawn to working in a helping profession.
"I originally considered becoming a forensic psychologist, but after completing a prison placement during my honours year, it really became apparent how childhood trauma could impact people's development trajectories if they don't receive support and intervention.
"The work we do at Talera is so important because we're a free service providing medium to long-term support to families and all our care is trauma-informed, meaning we approach everything from a place of understanding and compassion."
Emma's career progression at Talera has seen her advance from student to Child and Family Therapist, and now Senior Practitioner. During this time, she also returned to university to complete a PhD focused on burnout and secondary trauma in health practitioners who support people exposed to complex trauma.
"Working in this field, I have become passionate about the wellbeing of therapists, both in terms of training and the organisational support and supervision they receive," Emma said.
"This work can be so rewarding and such a privilege to do, but there can be some negative impacts on the health of practitioners who provide trauma therapy, which I explored in my PhD.
"Secondary trauma (sometimes called compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma) is essentially where, through providing empathic support to clients who have experienced trauma, practitioners can start to experience symptoms that directly mirror their clients.
"My research identified the importance of organisations being trauma-informed, including having supervisors who are trained in trauma, and that workplaces need to be emotionally safe for staff."
Talera's Program Manager, Victoria, said she was proud that the service continued to attract highly educated and passionate employees.
"Emma is a clear example of the kind of therapist we look for – someone who blends clinical excellence with warmth, humility, and a deeply grounded, compassionate presence," Victoria said.
"Whilst all our therapists hold master's level qualifications in counselling, social work or psychology, it's their capacity to stay present in the face of distress, engage in reflective practice, and build authentic, attuned relationships that's so important."
Leading a team of 11 dedicated individuals at Talera, Victoria said that what sets the service apart from an employment perspective is the prioritisation of staff wellbeing.
"We're protective and supportive of our team's safety and wellbeing. That means regular internal and external clinical supervision, debriefing, and a culture of self and collective care.
"We also place strong emphasis on professional development, offering financial support and dedicated time for learning to ensure our team continues to grow, feel resourced, and stay connected to best practice."
Victoria said the best part of her job is bearing witness to the healing experienced by children, young people and families as they begin to feel safe, seen and heard.
"It's also enormously satisfying to support a team of compassionate therapists who approach every day with care, consideration, and integrity," she said.
"I'm inspired by the work we do together – holding hope, honouring stories, and walking alongside families on their journey toward recovery."
