Get To Know Emma

What is your work-life background?

I’ve been a clinical psychologist for almost 20 years with a focus on child and family psychology. I now worked primarily with children, adolescents and families although I have also spent several years working with adult populations, particularly war veterans, complex trauma, mood and anxiety. The majority of my time now is spent doing complex autism assessments and being the CEO of Spencer Health and supporting my coaching clients.

What is a little bit different about me too is that I spent 5 years working in consulting roles in the heart of Sydney City CBD. This exposed me to lots of opportunities to develop skills in supporting Leaders and building successful businesses. I also had the opportunity to work as the Allied Health Executive of a private hospital in Sydney’s North West which was a really wonderful experience.

So I have really had a whole wealth of experience both as a clinician, leader and business owner.

When did you open your first private practice?

My husband and I opened our first practice in Parramatta called Wattleseed Healing Centre in 2007. Life circumstances meant we closed our Parramatta site in 2010 and in the years after I had babies we re-established the clinic in Hornsby. This then led to many years of business growth, acquiring other business and establishing new sites until we find ourselves now with 4 sites, well respected training programs and an online training Institute.

My work as a coach began in 2019 following my years of private practice and an enjoyment for mentoring others through the process of establishing their own practice and leading it to success. I really felt that my experience as a clinician, business owner and background in HR consulting and Leadership development was worth sharing with other practice owners.

Why did you turn to coaching?

During the later part of 2018 I found myself sharing my knowledge around business and leadership with colleagues and it was suggested to me that it was something I should pursue more formally. Of course Imposter syndrome set in and it took until Mid 2019 for me to really start to formally offer some free training and I established my Facebook group – HR and Leadership Skills for Aussie Practice Owners. From there I have been working 1:1 with other practice owners, offering small group mentoring and ongoing training packages. I have big plans for 2022 so watch this space!

Also, I love helping! It’s as simple as that. I’ve had to navigate the world of business and the politics of setting up private practice, and I genuinely get a kick out of helping others do the same.

What do you love about it?

What I love about coaching is helping my clients to figure out exactly where their passion lies, and how to work towards building a business that is reflective of their values. I also really love helping practice owners learn to “back themselves” and develop the confidence to achieve their practice goals!

What do you love about it?

How would you describe your coaching style?

My coaching style is pretty much the same as my style in Life! If I had to pick my 3 top attributes they would be Fun, Compassionate and Organised. I bring these qualities to all that I do, so I seem to be able to strike the right balance between understanding and supporting people through challenges, but also providing clear support, direction and a way forward – I’m also pretty good at giving a gentle “kick up the bum” if needed as well!

My style is also heavily influenced by my passion for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, so get ready for lots of conversations about values and committed actions!

Why will clients love you?

I feel like this isn’t for me to say but I hope my clients love me because I provide them with the support and direction to achieve their value driven goals!

What’s your most binge worthy tv recommendation?

I’m currently working my way through all the the Great British Bake-Off series, as I am a baking fanatic! – but Ted Lasso, hands down wins as my recommendation for anyone and everyone!

Who is your greatest Inspiration?

As cliched as this sounds, it has to be my children. Everyday in everything I do I am inspired by them and work hard to be the type of human that they deserve as a parent. In some ways I bring this responsibility to my clinical and coaching work too, as I really see myself almost in the “parent” role in those contexts too.

Outside of this I am really inspired by the writing of the Persian poet Rumi and the gorgeous art and words of Charley Mackesy.