Amber Briggs

I belong to Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara Country. I am a single mum to an 8-year-old and I live and work on Gunditjmara country, situated in the South-West of Victoria. A culturally rich part of Victoria and home to biggest mob.

My studies in Psychology were inspired through my love of people, understanding mental wellness, and navigating the effects of colonialism in my family and self.

Working in social work has shown me the gaps and opportunities that exist to be able to provide adequate psychological support for community. It is so hard to find a psychologist with lived Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander experience, I hope to fill this gap in my community.

I have a passion to meet psychological wellness programs with culturally centred practices. In my spare time I read, practice language, weave, go on country. I hope to integrate this into my future work practices.

Holistic psychological support is something I think Aboriginal practitioners can lead and there’s a real need for it.

Receiving this scholarship has validated my sense of purpose in the psychology arena. It also encourages me and fuels my motivation to continue. My goal is to obtain registration as a psychologist.

Something that I have learned about myself is that through community anything is possible, to be part of something larger than myself will open doorways for me. I am so aware of how hard we must work to get half the recognition of non-Indigenous peoples. So, to have access to a community and mentorship from Dr Tracy provides much needed support.