October 2025
Dr Maryam Delavari – Celebrating the ASPM Fellowship Award
I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have been recognised as a Fellow of the Australian Society for Psychological Medicine (ASPM).
This Fellowship is a testament to my lifelong passion for psychotherapy and my commitment to supporting people throughout their life journeys.
It has also encouraged me to reflect on my own professional path — the good, the challenging, and the significant experiences that have shaped my growth.
A Bit About Me
I wish I could say I had a noble desire from an early age to help people, but my path into understanding the human mind was more organic. I enjoyed both the physical and psychological sciences at medical school, and when my aptitude tests pointed me toward mental health care, my curiosity about the field grew.
My journey since then has been diverse — spanning medicine, physical and mental health promotion, psychology, hypnosis, and even legal and forensic work. In my early career, I experienced both incredibly rewarding and deeply challenging moments that taught me resilience and reaffirmed my calling in mental health.
My first role as a qualified clinical psychotherapist was within a GP clinic, where I had the privilege of working with refugees. Their strength and complexity inspired me to stay current with research and to provide evidence-based, compassionate care. I quickly realised that I thrive when working with people who challenge me — intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
Over the years, my career has evolved toward a deeper focus on mental health care and promotion, a role I truly cherish. My goal is to provide care that is both practical and inspiring — grounded in science, yet filled with empathy and human understanding.
Why I Love Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to:
- Foster Growth: Witnessing a person gain confidence and competence is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to guide them as they take their first steps toward meaningful change.
- Promote Excellence: I am passionate about maintaining high standards in psychological practice and helping individuals develop skills that will serve them and their loved ones throughout life.
- Build Connections: Therapy is a two-way learning experience. I learn as much from my patients as they do from me, and this mutual exchange enriches my practice, my understanding, and my life.
- Champion Wellbeing: I emphasise self-care and resilience, ensuring my patients have the tools to thrive personally, professionally, and socially.
I believe the medical field is far more than just a profession — it is a collaborative, enriching experience that fosters growth, confidence, and competence. Having encountered both inspiring and challenging colleagues, I deeply value creating safe, respectful spaces for professional exploration and growth.
Whether navigating ethical dilemmas, refining therapeutic techniques, or mentoring others in career development, I strive to integrate practical wisdom with inspiration — always with the aim of healing, learning, and evolving together.