Tommy Adamson (he/him)
Therapy Assistant
I joined Spark for Life Psychology because it is a place where kids can come to feel safe and begin to understand themselves. The environment is wholeheartedly engaged in ensuring children of all backgrounds are accepted and provided with the skills and techniques to move through life and that encourages their parents to join that journey. I believe Spark for Life Psychology is a space that truly inspires children to be themselves and be proud of their strengths. As someone who has worked all over the world the environment that Spark provides is incredibly rare and a treasure.
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Apart from my degree, I am currently undertaking further psychotherapeutic training particularly related to the positive psychology and mindfulness realm. I have worked as a disability support worker, a teacher, and after school carer, and have completed other certificates within the military world. Within Australia and outside it, I have found that one of the most important ways of helping others is to provide a place of safety and security where every individual can interact, feel comfortable, and most importantly have fun. Working with Spark reflects my aim to provide this.
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EXPERTISE & INTEREST:
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School Issues: Bullying, Stress, and Performance Anxiety
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Youth Mental Health
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Neurodiversity
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Young Men’s Mental Health
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Positive Psychology
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Mindfulness
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Indigenous Australian Support
More About Tommy:
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I grew up in a remote country town where men’s mental health issues were never genuinely supported by the community and were frequently stigmatised. I struggled through school and often experienced bullying and stress there. My home life was not too savvy either; my parents had a messy divorce which often left me in charge of my siblings, of which I am blessed to have three younger ones (all taller than me). It took me a long time to understand anxiety and depression, especially in myself and other young men in my school cohort. After graduating with high marks, I set my sights overseas to volunteer in underprivileged communities. Naturally, I was drawn to the issues experienced by young men again, and this truly set my sights on psychology. Since then, I have often made the occasional trip overseas to work in schools as a teacher; working with young people has become my passion.
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Only when starting my study did I truly understand the complexity of mental health issues. I am excited to continue this investigation to reduce stigma and provide genuinely needed support.
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When I am in Australia, I study at the Australian National University and am in the third year of my degree. When I am not working, I spend time with the Australian Defence Force as a Reserve Infantry Solider or am with my girlfriend and our adopted kitten Nigel. I am also a keen footy player (rugby union) and rock climber. I spend copious amounts of time either at the gym with my friends or reading but don’t be surprised if you find me in the garden planting strawberries.
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Three words that describe Tommy: Funny, supportive, and patient
Spirit Animal: Otter
Favourite Game: Rugby Union
Something people wouldn’t guess about you: I love dinosaurs, I am a massive fan of the Jurassic Park series and games, and I stay updated on new findings within the Palaeontology world.
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