A profile on Merryn Wigger, Frensham Schools Counsellor.
I started at Frensham in Term 4 2023 in the role of School Psychologist. I was a latecomer to the field of psychology, having previously worked as a zookeeper. I have always been interested in people, and ironically, the more I worked with animals the more I became curious about human behaviour. I wanted to understand and empower people, and so I made the decision to leave my zookeeping career and pursue a career in psychology. Prior to Frensham I was working in co-ed public schools with a short “break” on maternity leave in 2022. My daughter motivates me to be the psychologist I would want her to see if she was ever in need.
I am passionate about empowering young women, walking through adolescence with them, and learning from them. Working with students at the junior school never feels like work, they are a breath of fresh air and I love helping little people navigate big emotions. My practice is guided by research, the young person’s goals and the advice of my mentors.
A quote I keep in my mind which helps guide my practice is by Brene Brown,
“In order to empathise with someone’s experience you must be willing to believe them as they see it and not how you imagine their experience to be.”
I absolutely love living in the Southern Highlands. Having grown up surrounded by bushland the move here eight years ago was an easy choice. Seeing my first wild breeding pair of Gang Gang Cockatoos, as well as a koala in the wild has been a highlight.
When I am not at work I enjoy running, podcasts, seeing my friends, and hanging out with my family.