Meet the Practitioners: Joel Maczkowiack

Joel Maczkowiack

When did you start at NBP?

I started with NBP on July 2nd 2020

Why did you get into Psychology in the first place?

Almost 10 years ago I found that the career I was in was no longer fulfilling and I knew I needed to transition to something I found more meaningful. I went through a time of soul-searching and realised that the thing I felt most called to was creating a safe space for people to feel seen and heard – so psychology seemed like the natural choice! 

What would you have done if you didn’t become a Psychologist?

If I didn’t become a psychologist I probably would have continued as an audiovisual technician or studied computer science.

What do you like best about your job?

I like seeing people become more aware of the unhelpful patterns they find themselves in and gain insight which propels them to make the changes they want to make. It is truly a privilege to be trusted by others, have deep and meaningful conversations about things which truly matter, and help people let go of what is holding them back.

Which are your favourite therapies to draw from and why?

I like drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I find the principles useful for helping people focus their energy on moving toward what is most important to them, rather than spending too much time getting stuck fighting with difficult thoughts and feelings. I find ACT helps people feel more empowered in their own lives. I also find it very useful in my own life!

What does a typical day on the job look like for you?

Depending on the day, I may be facilitating group therapy programs in a hospital or seeing clients for individual therapy – or both! No matter what, I start the day with coffee.

What activities do you enjoy outside work?

I particularly enjoy cooking for friends and family (lately I’ve been making sourdough bread), spending time with my fiance, walking/running/doing yoga, going to the beach, and reading.

Joel sees clients at our Aspley clinic. Book in to see Joel today.

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