Jilya

How One Indigenous Woman from the Remote Pilbara Transformed Psychology

De: Tracy Westerman AM

Narrado por: Tracy Westerman AM

From humble beginnings in the remote Pilbara, psychologist and Nyamal woman Tracy Westerman has redefined what's possible at every turn.

Despite neither of her parents progressing past primary school, and never having met a psychologist before attending university, Westerman was the first Aboriginal person in Australia to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology, rising to become one of the country's foremost psychologists. Against significant odds, she commenced her own private business to challenge the way the mental health profession responds to cultural difference, and recently established a charitable foundation and scholarship program to mentor Indigenous people from our highest-risk communities to become psychologists.

In this ground-breaking memoir, Westerman draws on client stories of trauma, heartbreak, hope and connection from her years of practice, offering a no-holds-barred reflection on how the monocultural, one-size-fits-all approach to psychology is failing Aboriginal people and how she's healing those wounds.

Jilya is a story of drive and determination, of what it takes to create change when the odds are stacked against you. Above all, it is a story of one woman's love for her people.

©2025 Tracy Westerman (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing

Reseñas de la Crítica

'Gratitude ripples through Jilya. The highly anticipated memoir from Nyamal psychologist Dr Tracy Westerman is a fascinating insight into a remarkable life. An international trailblazer in the fields of cultural competency, suicide prevention and Indigenous mental health, her work will be studied for generations to come. Her work, and her evidence-based expertise, shows the world what “Yes” looks like ... Jilya is an inspiring example of the importance of self-determination.' (The Saturday Paper)

'Jilya is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful work of the profoundest importance.' (The Age)

'I found Jilya educational, illuminating and contagiously hopeful.' (Books+Publishing)