Psychologist and private practice owner Simone Brand applied for the Health Workforce Scholarship Program to offset the costs of professional development and to ensure her rural practice was built around community need – specifically services for children under 12 and adults in the Great Southern region, where options are limited.
With the scholarship, Simone trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for young children, an evidence-based intervention for helping patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Attending this training and developing these skills has significantly improved the lives of Simone’s clients.
One of her youngest clients, a three-year-old with medical trauma, now attends kindy, sleeps independently, and engages confidently with others. She describes working with Rural Health West as “a great experience,” with a simple application process and supportive communication.
To other rural health professionals considering applying, she says, “Do it. It’s been invaluable to my development and practice and ultimately, to the outcomes I can achieve with my clients.”