• Dr Jillda Wright will graduate with a Doctor of Social Work in Wagga Wagga
• This is the fifth qualification Dr Wright has obtained from Charles Sturt
• Dr Wright is currently providing counselling in private practice
  

Dr Jillda Wright is preparing to graduate with her fifth qualification from Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt).

Originally from New Zealand, Dr Wright has lived in Coffs Harbour for the past 18 years.

She has completed a Bachelor of Social Work, Graduate Diploma in Child Protection Investigation, Master of Child Protection Investigation and Master of Child and Adolescent Welfare via online study at Charles Sturt.

She will graduate in Wagga Wagga with a Doctor of Social Work, which she completed online over six years of part-time study.

Dr Wright’s doctoral research project, ‘An exploratory study into the management of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in Australia’, looked at early development of trauma, therapeutic treatments, psychosocial development, conditioning theory and how DID is being managed in the public and private sectors.

“The research project highlighted the need for more organisational support, proactive training and appropriate therapeutic treatment being available in the private and public sectors,” Dr Wright said.

“My supervisors have been extremely supportive and have gone the extra mile to support me throughout the process.”

Dr Wright is currently providing trauma counselling in private practice.

The advice she gives to future students, especially those considering social work, is to never give up.

“Always be willing to strive for what you want and be committed to what you can offer in your chosen field,” she said.

“Be ready for a challenge, perhaps a lot of frustration and have the determination to want to complete the degree.”

Dr Wright was supervised by Professor in Social Work with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Mahonar Pawar and Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Bill Anscombe.

Professor Pawar said Dr Wright’s research epitomises the usually challenging and sensitive research conducted by social work students.

“Jillda has engaged with inspiring commitment and passion to discover how the manifestation of childhood trauma in adult life is managed in Australia … to improve the quality of life of people affected,” Professor Pawar said.

“As principal supervisor, I was deeply impressed with her tenacity. Jillda’s educational story with Charles Sturt University should inspire many students and practitioners like her.

“I would like to sincerely congratulate Jillda on this exceptional accomplishment and wish her all the best in her personal and professional life.”

Dr Wright will attend her graduation ceremony in Wagga Wagga at Joyes Hall (building 209) at 6pm on Monday 16 December.