Episode #32 - When the Professional becomes Personal, with Writer and Psychologist Dr Jodie Fleming

Today I’m speaking with Dr Jodie Fleming, who is a Clinical and Health Psychologist currently working at St John of God Health Care in Warrnambool, as well as running her own small private practice. In Jodie’s early career in Newcastle NSW, she developed an interest in psycho-oncology an area which she pursued, starting out working with CanTeen, and then later working with families at the John Hunter Children's Cancer Hospital. As with any person regularly exposed to particular health issues, one can become acutely aware of their own health and wellbeing. For Jodie this meant regular checkups with her doctor, and an increased awareness of any changes to her physicality. In 2010, Jodie received her own cancer diagnosis. She relocated back home, to Victoria, to be closer to her family, and figured out a way in which she could continue working, whilst embarking on her own journey of survival. Jodie was determined to continue working, and whilst there were many challenges Jodie says that in a way her work also saved her. This was 6 years ago and Jodie is now well and thriving. Jodie has rediscovered her passion and the healing potential of writing and in March this year, she launched her blog ‘The Psychology of It’ where she writes about psychology in five different styles, with the view of connecting, human to human. Visit the website to check out all the links that Jodie spoke about and her best self-care tip! Thank you Jodie for your courage in sharing your story.