Lauren Barrett is the director and principal psychologist at Regenerative Psychology. Lauren made Holbrook her home in 2020, and has watched her business flourish into a national service, expanding to address diverse needs. With over a decade psychology career, and degrees in both psychology and business, Lauren has honed her expertise with extensive training in mental health services tailored for varied presentations.
Tell us about your business and how it started?
In 2020, my husband and I made a life-changing decision to leave the hustle of Sydney and embark on a journey to a farm outside of Holbrook, NSW.
The seeds of Regenerative Psychology were planted in 2021 when I discovered a pressing need for a local psychologist through our incredible team of doctors.
Starting off as a one-day-a-week side hustle, the practice quickly blossomed. Within six months, I bid farewell to my remote Sydney job, dedicating myself full-time to nurturing and growing the business.
By 2022, our reach extended beyond Holbrook, spanning rural communities across NSW, Victoria, and even the ACT. I welcomed aboard my first team members and admins in 2023. This pivotal step allowed me to refocus on the clinical work with my clients and refine the business's direction.
Currently, we are in the exciting process of combining my dual passions for psychology and business. Our goal is to seamlessly blend these elements, empowering us to assist employers in supporting their teams effectively.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of owning your own business?
Owning my own business has granted me the freedom and creativity to pursue what I love without succumbing to burnout or compromising my values in clinical services. It's been a journey of cultivating a meaningful service that resonates with both my clients and myself. Every morning, I wake up with excitement, ready to work and evolve in a way that aligns with my passion.
What is your next big project?
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) tailored specifically for small to medium regional and rural businesses.
Our dedicated team has put in the hard yards to create a service that truly understands the unique needs of rural teams.
Our EAP service is designed to eliminate high overheads and provide customised packages that cater to the specific needs of employers and their teams. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including EAP counselling, preventative wellness coaching, an engaging online wellness program (featuring videos, articles, skills, and more!), along with top-notch training solutions and executive coaching. All delivered by a team of passionate professionals who genuinely "get it".
We are currently welcoming new employers on board for this exceptional service. Let us help you make your workplace a happier, healthier place.
What do you love about Regenerative Psychology?
I'm truly passionate about delivering services that align with our values and are firmly grounded in evidence. At our main practice, we proudly offer teletherapy and online courses, providing a platform to showcase our skills and experience for those who truly need it.
Our newly launched Employee Assistance Program (EAP) fills me with pride! EAP isn't just a service; it's an opportunity for employers to demonstrate genuine care. It goes beyond the workplace, contributing to enhanced employee wellbeing, company culture, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism. It's a powerful way to foster a work environment where people not only have to but genuinely want to come to work—a sentiment we believe is crucial.
What are your favourite work tools?
Sustainability holds immense significance for us at Regenerative Psychology, and as a result, we proudly operate as a paperless practice. Embracing technology, including my trusty iPad and our comprehensive practice management system, allows us to seamlessly digitise all our forms and procedures reducing our carbon footprint and waste.
In moments of self doubt, how do you build yourself back up?
When concerns or doubts about my business arise, I take a moment to pause and reflect. I consider where I am, how far I've come, and what steps are needed next. This practice provides valuable perspective and allows me to assess the facts behind my worries—asking myself if it's necessary to worry at this moment and how it contributes to my progress.
If the struggle persists even after reflection, I turn to trusted advisors and supports to discuss my concerns. Through experience, I’ve learned that living in worry doesn’t solve problems, it just makes you miserable while you wait for them to come.
What do you love most about living in Holbrook?
I love the rural lifestyle - the unhurried pace, the quiet, and the connection to nature. Living on our off-grid farm outside of town could potentially be isolating, but we've embraced it as an opportunity to authentically enjoy and value our community rather than feeling confined by it.
Holbrook has been a delightful change from the hustle of Sydney. Moving from a place where I barely knew my neighbours (beyond their pets' names) to a community where I know my neighbours, local business owners, and other community members has been incredibly refreshing.
The countryside doesn't just offer a home; it provides a genuine sense of community. There's nothing quite like striking up a conversation at a local venue with people who genuinely care and are eager to talk!
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CONTACT DETAILS
PO Box 82, Holbrook, NSW 2644
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1 comment
Congratulations Lauren, well deserved