Tribal Psychology

28/07/2026

Academia places a huge emphasis on publications. They're one of the key ways researchers share knowledge, contribute to their field, and build evidence that can influence practice and policy. But what many people don't see is just how much work goes into getting a paper published.

Today, I'm incredibly proud to share that my first academic publication is officially out in the world! 🎉

This paper is a scoping review completed as part of my PhD research. It represents many months of reading, analysing, writing, rewriting, responding to peer reviewers, and refining the work until it met the standards for publication. Getting published is no small achievement, so this feels like a significant milestone in my academic journey.

My hope is that this work contributes to the growing conversation around First Nations traditional healing and mental healthcare, while laying the foundation for the next stages of my PhD research.

The publication is open access, so anyone can read it free of charge. If you're interested, you can access it here:

📖 Read the publication here: https://search.informit.org/toc/jaiis/29/1-2

I'm looking forward to continuing this journey and contributing further to research that supports culturally responsive mental healthcare. 💙

26/07/2026

I'm super excited to share that today I have secured 2 portable airconditioners. This means each client can choose their level of comfort in the tropical office environment. Some will enjoy just using the fan. Some will enjoy having the aircon. Not all clients are the same and so at Tribal Psychology you can chose the temperature most suitable for you. This is turning out so much better than even I anticipated.

23/07/2026

Screens have been ordered. The office is coming together, beautifully.

22/07/2026

Thanks The NT News

20/07/2026

🌿 Tribal Psychology Has Found a Temporary New Home 🌿

Sometimes life has a way of redirecting us.

After unexpectedly having to leave my city office, I'm happy to share that Tribal Psychology has successfully settled into a temporary clinic surrounded by nature while I work towards finding a more permanent home.

As an Aboriginal psychologist, I've always appreciated the importance of connection—to Country, to environment, and to the spaces that help us feel safe and grounded. While this isn't traditional "Country" in the cultural sense, it is a peaceful natural setting that reflects many of the values that have shaped my approach to wellbeing throughout my life.

Science also supports what many cultures have known for generations. Spending time in natural environments has been shown to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, improve mood, increase attention, and support emotional regulation. Simply seeing greenery or hearing the sounds of nature can help our nervous system shift from a heightened state of stress into one of calm and restoration.

Of course, I also understand that everyone is different.

For some people, a traditional clinical psychology office feels professional, predictable and reassuring. Others find it difficult to relax in a clinical environment and feel more comfortable in a space that feels warm, welcoming and connected to nature. Neither preference is right or wrong—it's about what feels safest and most therapeutic for you.

If you would like to continue face-to-face sessions, this peaceful little space is now ready to welcome you. 🍃

For those who prefer the convenience or privacy of home, online appointments remain available and continue to provide the same high-quality care.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this unexpected transition. Your kindness, encouragement and patience have meant more than you know.

Sometimes the most beautiful new beginnings aren't the ones we planned—they're the ones we discover along the way. 💚

Tammy Hatherill
Tribal Psychology 🌿

18/07/2026

🌿 **A Little Tribal Psychology Update** 🌿

I've spent some time over the last few days cleaning up a private space at home that I'm seriously considering using as a temporary Tribal Psychology office while we wait for our purpose-built clinic.

One small victory this week was having the overhead fan replaced by an electrician mate. It had been out of action ever since I was reminded that water and electricity really aren't the best of friends during a bit of an enthusiastic clean! 😅 With a working fan now, and plans to add some freestanding fans or air conditioning, I think this little tropical oasis could become a beautiful, calm and confidential space for therapy.

I again want to sincerely thank everyone for your patience as I navigate this unexpected "in-between" period. The move happened much sooner than anticipated, and well before the new clinic has even begun construction.

Progress is happening behind the scenes. The block was cleared of trees and shrubs quite some time ago, but as anyone who has built before knows, there are permits, council approvals, engineering plans, and all the paperwork that comes before the first slab can even be poured. So... for now... I'm in a little state of limbo.

The good news is that I remain incredibly positive. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I know Tribal Psychology will land on its feet. This is simply one chapter on the journey.

For the time being, I will continue offering online appointments while I work through whether this temporary office space is suitable. If it is, clients will have access to a peaceful, welcoming environment during this transition. It's important, though, that everyone also has access to bathroom facilities and it's these hurdles I am navigating.

Thank you for bearing with me, for your understanding, and for continuing to support Tribal Psychology. Your encouragement has meant more than you know, and I can't wait to welcome you into our forever home when the time comes.

One step at a time. 💚🌿

17/07/2026

Sometimes unexpected changes lead us to beautiful new possibilities. 🌿

As many of you know, I'm currently looking for a temporary home for Tribal Psychology while our new office is being built. Unfortunately, the landlord unexpectedly needed the room I was using back, so I'm exploring some different options.

One idea I'm seriously considering is converting a private space overlooking this beautiful tropical view into a counselling room.

Can you imagine sitting on your psychologist's couch, looking out at this peaceful oasis? 🌴🍃

With Darwin's beautiful dry season weather, it feels like it could be such a calming, grounding and confidential space—a place where you can simply breathe, reflect, and feel at ease.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

💚 Would you enjoy attending sessions in a private, tropical garden setting?
💚 Is this something that would help you feel more relaxed and comfortable?
💚 Do you have any ideas or suggestions I should consider?

I'm really interested in hearing your opinions as I decide where to create this temporary space until the new Tribal Psychology clinic is ready. As anyone who's built in Darwin knows, these things can take time!

I can't wait to hear what you think. 😊

14/07/2026

Let's start the generational healing.

To everyone who has liked, loved, shared, and left such beautiful, positive comments on the NT News story about the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Reflection Cards... thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

Your support truly means the world to me. Reading your kind words has been incredibly humbling, and I'm so grateful that something created with so much passion has been embraced so warmly.

These cards were originally designed to support non-Indigenous clinicians to have more meaningful, culturally responsive conversations when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. My hope has always been to provide a simple, practical tool that helps build connection, understanding, and trust.

Of course, these cards are for everyone. Mob, non-Indigenous clinicians, community workers, counsellors, educators, families—anyone who wants to create safe, genuine conversations about social and emotional wellbeing.

There is no right or wrong way to use them. Simply pick up a card, ask a question, listen deeply, and allow the conversation to unfold. Sometimes the most powerful healing begins with feeling heard.

Thank you for believing in this resource and for helping spread the word. Every comment, every share, and every word of encouragement reminds me why I created these cards in the first place.

Let's start the generational healing.

Much love and gratitude,
Tammy ❤️
Tribal Psychology

13/07/2026

For those of you with access to the NT News website, this article came out today:

A Territory psychologist has launched a “game changing” tool for non-Indigenous health professionals to better help and connect with First Nations clients and it is already attracting nationwide attention.