From fruit picker to psychologist: the inspiring journey of Collette Caffrey

Mrs Caffery’s working life began as a fruit picker to put herself through university, where she studied education.

After migrating to the Goulburn Valley from Swan Hill with her husband 40 years ago, she worked in several schools both in the classroom as well as acting principal.

Mrs Caffrey said that during her time in teaching, she was passionate about ensuring all students “acquired the ability to read and manipulate the (English) language”.

Her dedication to literacy led her to obtain a range of leadership roles, including literacy coach and regional literacy leader, where she engaged with several staff members from all of Shepparton’s former secondary colleges and, most recently, Notre Dame College.

It was during the coaching role that Mrs Caffrey realised “the power of people to find their personal strengths and meet their own professional and private challenges”.

This insight gave her the momentum to study to become a psychologist, which she did while continuing to work full-time, raise a family and care for her elderly parents.

Now, after years of hard work, Mrs Caffrey has fulfilled her dream of opening her own psychology practice.

Located at 174 Corio St, Shepparton, her practice offers various services, including cognitive and psychometric assessments, schema therapy, narrative therapy, chair work, acceptance commitment therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy.

Mrs Caffrey’s passion for helping others is reflected in her approach to treatment, which focuses on empowering her clients to make positive changes in their lives.

Mrs Caffrey’s journey from fruit picker to a successful psychologist is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication and following one’s passion.

For more information on Collette and her business, visit www.hashtagthoughts.com