Meet Gary

That curiosity became an important part of Gary’s own growth, but it also influenced the way he approaches his work at Mindplace, part of Bupa. As he puts it, “curiosity opens doors to insight”, and insight can become “a powerful tool for transformation and healing”. 

It is a simple idea with significant potential. When someone begins to notice and question the way they think, they can start to understand themselves differently. For Gary, helping a client reach that point of curiosity can represent an important beginning in their therapeutic journey. 

Creating the conditions for change 

Psychology is a profession grounded in knowledge, evidence and clinical skill, but Gary believes there is another important element: the ability to inspire. 

“With clients, even them starting to become curious about the way they think, that is a huge start to their journey in healing,” he says. For Gary, being a psychologist is not only about helping people understand their experiences. It is also about showing them that change may be possible and encouraging them to begin exploring it for themselves. 

That process cannot be forced. It starts by creating the conditions where someone feels able to look at their thoughts with curiosity rather than judgement. An insight that may initially seem small can begin to challenge a long-held belief, open up a different perspective or help someone recognise that their current way of thinking does not need to define their future. 

Gary’s reflections also reveal something about the nature of purposeful work. Impact does not always arrive as one dramatic breakthrough. It can begin with a question, a new insight or the moment a client becomes willing to see themselves differently. 

Why authenticity matters in Gary’s work 

The ability to support and inspire clients is closely connected to authenticity for Gary. At Mindplace and Bupa, he says he feels encouraged to be himself, which allows him to bring more of who he is to his work. 

“Mindplace and Bupa celebrate you being authentic because that allows you just to be the best version of yourself,” Gary says. “You can then also bring that attitude in your work to inspire your clients.” 

Rather than separating personal identity from professional practice, Gary sees authenticity as something that can strengthen the relationship between the two. Feeling able to be genuine at work can help clinicians bring their perspectives, experiences and values into their practice while continuing to work within appropriate professional and clinical boundaries. 

For candidates considering a psychology career at Mindplace, Gary’s story offers a more human view of workplace culture. Feeling supported is not only about having access to systems or resources. It is also about working in an environment where people can contribute without feeling they need to leave important parts of themselves at the door.

Turning ambitious ideas into something real 

Gary is equally motivated by what Mindplace is seeking to achieve. He describes Mindplace as an ambitious initiative with a comprehensive and holistic vision, and believes Bupa’s scale and resources can help turn that vision into reality. 

“With Bupa being such a large organisation, it makes Mindplace’s purpose very realistic because it has an international presence,” he says. “It has the right resources to be able to actually turn these ideas and these dreams into a reality.” 

For Gary, this connection between an ambitious purpose and the ability to act on it matters. It gives people a reason to bring their best to their work because they can see the possibility of ideas becoming tangible services and support for clients. 

That combination of meaning and momentum is central to Gary’s story. He is not only focused on the difference he can make through individual client relationships. He is also energised by the opportunity to be part of a broader initiative designed to support mental health and wellbeing. 

An opportunity to grow alongside Mindplace 

Change can bring uncertainty, but it can also create an opportunity to contribute, learn and help shape what comes next. Gary sees the next phase of Mindplace as one of those opportunities. 

“It’s a very exciting time to be joining Mindplace,” he says. “There’s going to be a lot of changes. Mindplace is a very ambitious initiative. It’s going to be very comprehensive and holistic, and it’s going to be a privilege just to be part of this.” 

His words capture a distinction that can matter when choosing an employer. Some roles invite you to step into something already established. Others give you the chance to grow with an organisation, participate in its development and contribute to what it becomes. 

For Gary, working at Mindplace brings those experiences together. It allows him to draw on the personal insight that first sparked his interest in psychology, support clients as they begin their own journeys, and contribute to an initiative with the ambition and backing to translate ideas into meaningful action. 

Gary’s story is ultimately one of curiosity. Curiosity about ourselves, about what might change and about what becomes possible when insight is met with the right support. It is also a reminder that professional purpose and personal growth do not need to sit on separate paths. Sometimes, each can make the other stronger.