BELINDA A’BELL - FLOURISHING BLOOM PSYCHOLOGY

PLEASE BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR MILITARY

BACKGROUND:

I joined the Air Force in March 2004 when I was18 years old. I initially joined as a Clerk Supplier with my first posting being to Newcastle NSW. After four years pf service, the Clerk Supply

mustering ended, and I had a choice between Supply or Movements. I chose Movements and was posted to Townsville QLD as a Corporal. In my full-time career, I was deployed three times to the Middle East Area of Operations (two times as a Clerk Supply and once as Air Movements). I moved from full-time service to Reserves in 2012 once I moved back to Newcastle to complete my Psychology Degree. As a Reservist, I won the Tasman Scheme Award where I was able to spend two weeks working with the New Zealand Air Force.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE ADF?

My friend at high school was interested in joining the Army, so she asked if I would come with her to complete the aptitude testing. I went along with her and did the testing as well. I also enjoyed going to the air shows and found the military vehicles and aeroplanes interesting. I am not sure exactly what inspired me to join, but I felt that this would be an interesting career path. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY

ABOUT BEING IN THE AIR FORCE?

I enjoyed meeting new people, seeing new places, travelling, playing sport and being active. I remember on one deployment, I was on the back of a C17 at night with the runway lights lit up, waiting for the cargo to arrive, and I remember thinking; “this is such an amazing job” - most people don’t get to experience this.

WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE ABOUT BEING IN THE AIR FORCE?

The greatest challenge was navigating a role change from Clerk Supply to Movements as a Corporal, and also recovering from a knee reconstruction within the same year, so I was unable to complete my Air Movements training for a year. However, once trained and having all the qualifications to join Mobile Air Load Team (MALT) trips, being away all the time led to exhaustion and almost burn out, which is one of the reasons I ended up transitioning to Reserves.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN THINKING ABOUT JOINING THE ADF?

Be clear why you want to join, do your research, own your space (you belong there, back yourself), find your support network, expect challenges but don’t let them stop you, try to find a way to make work-life balance work for you, think beyond the uniform, and be willing to give it a go.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ABOUT SEPARATING FROM THE AIR FORCE?

I transitioned to Reserves first before fully discharging in 2018. I found the slow disconnect was helpful and the distraction of my Psychology Degree also very helpful. When I joined Reserves, I felt a sense of relief, like I had taken back control of my life. I then had a choice on when I wanted to work and where. The biggest challenge was navigating life without defence being the most important driver of my life. It was lucky I had something else to focus on which was following the pathway to become a Psychologist.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SKILLS/LIFE LESSONS YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME IN THE ADF?

It sharpened my skills of organisation, problem solving, resilience, flexibility, and communication. It taught me to speak up, be confident in my knowledge, and to know my limits.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AIR FORCE MEMORY?

I really enjoyed my trip to New Zealand as a Reservist. Especially jumping out the back of a C130 (tandem sky diving) and joining in on ANZAC day commemorations.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY?

I have always been interested in understanding people. I originally studied Performing Arts Theatre at the University of Tasmania, however, I never finished it as I ended up joining the Air Force in my second year. I started to study Psychology in Townsville a couple of years before transitioning to the Reserves, however, I found it really difficult to commit to the subjects as I was always away with work and would be writing assignments whilst doing other military courses. I ended up putting Psychology on hold for about 2 years. After my third deployment and multiple MALT trips, I was feeling stressed and overworked, and I decided I needed to make a change. So, at the end of that year, I transitioned to Reserves and applied for Bachelor of Psychology in Newcastle.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?

I was already in private practice and working alongside other wonderful Psychologists in Newcastle. I started to notice that the way I delivered Psychology tools and support to my clients was shifting. I was very creative and noticed that art, play and creative processes were helping my clients. I then decided to complete a Transpersonal Therapy (Art Therapy) Advanced Diploma in 2022/2023. This then pushed me in the direction to create my own space and to give my business a name. When my husband was posted to Tindal, I decided to open up my own private practice in Katherine.

PROUDEST MOMENT IN BUSINESS?

I never advertised my business when I arrived in Katherine - my business has grown thanks to others recommending me based on the support I was able to provide them.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A PSYCHOLOGIST?

I love that I can connect with people on so many different levels, across various ages. I love that I can be authentic and support people in navigating life's challenges and get to use a variety of tools and knowledge to support this - I love going to work every day... I am always learning!

Interviewed by Viv Kleemann

Community Coordinator

The Top Ender Magazine

STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

• Talk to someone - trusted friend, family member, or therapist;

• Keep a simple routine - sleep and meals at regular times;

• Move your body - even just a little, go for short walks, stretch, dance to music;

• Get natural light daily - open your blinds, sit near a window;

• Limit doomscrolling - social media and news can heighten anxiety, set time limits or mute triggers;

• Write things down, or draw how you are feeling - journal your thoughts, track how you are feeling;

• Set tiny goals - big changes can feel impossible, break things into small, achievable tasks;

• Use calming tools - guided meditations, relaxing playlists, breathing techniques;

• Be kind to yourself - avoid beating yourself up when you are struggling;

• Know when to reach out for professional help - you deserve help just like anyone else.