My name’s Jhai Randall Paul Bartley and I’m 28 years old. I come from the Yiman people, originally from Taroom, in the Chinchilla region of Queensland. My family name is Waterton, and I often introduce myself as Jhai Bartley Waterton—a nod to my heritage and the nomadic warrior spirit of my tribe. We shared a rich cultural history, connecting with neighbouring communities through trade and shared practices along the Dawson River, all the way to Gubbi Gubbi country. I’m proud to be a part of a tapestry of interactions and traditions, even as we strive to reclaim what has been lost over time.
Growing up, I was raised by a single mother. Although she is non-Indigenous, Mum ensured I stayed connected with my Murri roots, allowing me to engage with my cousins and aunties. My early childhood was in Rockhampton; Mum was a young teacher who had to do her rural placements in Charters Towers, Finch Hatton. Then, we moved to Gympie, where I graduated from high school. She supported me in going to Rockhampton to catch up with my aunties, uncle, and cousins during the holidays when I occasionally went to Woori. My little brother’s family is from Palm Island; they identify as Bwgcolman, and most of his family live in Townsville, Charters Towers or Palm Island.
Life wasn’t without its challenges. We faced significant mental health issues in our family, particularly with my father. He struggled with schizophrenia, a condition that stemmed from drug-induced psychosis. Unfortunately, his battle ended tragically when he took his own life during my childhood. That experience left a profound impact on me, igniting a desire to understand the complexities of mental health, depression, and the realities of young mortality in our communities.
I began to see the pervasive issues that affect our mob—suicide, substance abuse, and violence. These challenges are often more pronounced among First Nations peoples than mainstream Australia. I felt a strong pull to be a part of the solution, to be a positive influence and help create change.
Initially, I approached psychology with a clinical Western mindset, thinking it was all about diagnosis and treatment. But as I delved deeper into my studies and engaged with my culture, I realised that mental health is far more nuanced. It’s not just about fitting people into boxes; it’s about understanding the fluidity of their experiences. A culturally safe approach is essential. Sharing their stories within their cultural contexts and discussing spiritual beliefs or traditional practices fosters deeper connections and healing.
I am passionate about bringing humanity back to mental health practice. It’s about recognising that our culture and history shape our experiences. In therapeutic settings, we can integrate Indigenous perspectives with mainstream practices. Let’s include spirit, ancestors, and community connections, blending those elements with evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This marriage between cultural sensitivity and clinical practice allows for a more holistic approach to mental health.
I aim to understand everyone’s cultural background and how it shapes their worldview. Every community is different, and so are their norms and beliefs. By acknowledging these differences, we can ensure that discussions about mental health are respectful and validating, not dismissive. It’s crucial to navigate the complexities of mental health through a culturally safe lens, allowing for conversations that honour spiritual experiences without jumping to conclusions about psychosis.
In my work, I strive to normalise discussions about trauma and resilience, acknowledging the historical impacts on our communities, including the Stolen Generations. I want to create space for meaningful conversations that help us identify the factors influencing our lives today. We need to recognise the struggles faced by our families, the pain of separation, and the lingering effects of trauma. By connecting these dots, we can better understand ourselves and our communities.
As Aboriginal people, we find ourselves in a uniquely challenging political landscape. Advocacy for our rights often comes with the risk of racial abuse and discrimination. It’s a tough battle, but I’m committed to it. I believe in our strength, resilience, and ability to thrive as individuals and as a community. I’m excited to keep learning and growing as I pursue complete registration as a General Psychologist and seek recognition with the Australian Indigenous Psychologist Association. My journey at Wakai Waian Healing is just beginning, and I’m dedicated to fostering understanding, compassion, and cultural awareness in psychology. Through culturally safe counselling and healing, we can create a future where our people feel heard, respected, and empowered to heal.