Emeritus Professor Henry Jackson Inspires Graduate Diploma Students in Special Clinical Psychology Session

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences recently hosted a special capstone event for our Graduate Diploma Summer Semester students to conclude the clinical psychology week.

The Brain and Mental Health Hub’s Dr Chris Groot interviewed and moderated an extended Q&A with our very own Emeritus Professor Henry Jackson. What was planned as a one-hour session became two hours, thanks to the students’ enthusiasm and Professor Jackson’s generous discussion.

Drawing on his more than 40 years of experience across clinical practice, research, training, and policy, Professor Jackson shared reflections on major developments in the field, the realities of clinical work, and the personal qualities that underpin effective psychological care. Students gained practical insights into developing therapeutic skills, working in the public mental health system, working with diverse clients and complex presentations, and the importance of lifelong learning and supervision.

A central theme of the discussion was that excellent clinical psychologists are not defined solely by technical knowledge and skill, but by curiosity, openness, warmth, respect, and authenticity. Professor Jackson emphasised that these interpersonal capacities often play a decisive role in therapeutic outcomes and are qualities that our students can already be cultivating as their head towards formal clinical training.

Students described the session as inspiring, candid, and deeply motivating as they begin their professional journeys.

One student said,

“Thank you so much for your excellent module and the session with amazing Henry - the focus on curiosity, openness, kindness and respect - it is surely in my long-term memory.”

Baylene Li, Graduate Diploma in Psychology Student.

We are deeply grateful to Henry for his generosity and for the lasting impact he continues to have on future generations of Australian mental health professionals.