Diego Oliverio, Dip ComSer, BPsych, Grad Dip Psychotherapy.
Over the last decade, I have planned and managed my time for studying, meditating (Zen Buddhism), working, and travelling. In 2005, after becoming a health-social worker in Italy, I started working as a caregiver. Initially, I supported older patients with different forms of cognitive impairment. Later, I worked with patients in a vegetative state caused by a spinal or brain injury. Finally, I was employed as a youth worker supporting adolescents living with psychiatric disorders. Working with seniors and young people who have experienced significant trauma has been a transformative experience. It has helped me understand patients living with major clinical problems and my personal predisposition to caring for others.
I travelled from Italy to Morocco on a bicycle. I lived in the central highlands in Italy, walking and sleeping in the forests. Afterwards, I lived in monasteries (Christian, Tibetan Buddhist, Théravada and Zen). Then, I travelled to India and Nepal with the deep desire to know myself, and I met spiritual masters and fascinating people. Later, I moved to Sydney (Australia). In 2012, I began studying English, and in 2016, I completed my degree in Community Service at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) College. During my studies, I conducted an internship at Richmond PRA. The organization was designed to help people whose mental health was compromised pursue a career or find employment. My role was to support and guide people towards orientation in the workplace. They may turn their illness into creativity and become, to name a few examples, actors, painters, poets and writers. Travelling and studying have brought me back to new inner stability.
In Australia, I lived and practised Zen meditation at the Sydney Zen Center. The practice of meditation taught me an appreciation and devotion for the present moment. In addition, I discovered how the Sangha (meditation group) is essential for developing a stable internal structure and how the Buddha's teachings contain a profound truth. Also, in psychology, psychotherapy and personal development, I encountered the same concepts reformulated in various ways. Zen's pathway and Zen masters have enriched my inner harmony.
In Sydney, I had a hectic period, possibly to redeem myself. In addition to studying at TAFE and practising Zen meditation, I started researching NLP techniques (Neurolinguistics Program) and had to work. Learning about the NLP taught me how to apply potent cognitive-behavioural strategies (anchors, self-hypnosis, circle of excellence, timeline, etc.) in every dimension of my life. NLP helped me to establish and achieve my goals with enthusiasm, improved my communication skills and taught me how to manage my emotions. Finally, I was working part-time as an autonomous support worker. Patients approached me for direct clinical support at home using a web-based application.
I have lived in Glasgow (UK) for the last four years, where I graduated in psychology from the University of West of Scotland (UWS). During my study, I worked for Aspire Inc as an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Support Worker in an emergency facility. I provided intensive therapeutic and supervised support to residential youth and children with extreme traumatic behaviour. Through various organizations, I also worked with a non-profit children's organization (National Autistic Society) and a public organization (Glasgow Council).
There is a correlation between my life abroad and the biculturalism present in New Zealand. On the one hand, I have lived in countries with Anglo-Saxon cultural roots, whilst the origin of Italy is rooted in Latin culture. I believe the exposure to biculturalism for over ten years has enabled me to integrate a flexible and culturally sensitive communication structure. On the other hand, the biculturalism of New Zealand consists of the indigenous Māori culture and the Anglo-Saxon culture: dramatic biculturalism, in which imperialism has destroyed the Māori identity and culture. As a result, the loss of their lands and traditions by Tangata Whenua led them to various forms of mental health issues. The Te Tiriti o Waitangi is an official spiritual document that supports the Tino rangatiratanga of Māori people. Working in a Māori cultural framework means recognizing the spirit and identity values implicit in the Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Maori Support must consider enculturation (preservation of the indigenous culture) and acculturation (adaptation to the dominant culture). Both contain an inestimable value for the Tangata Whenua and their struggle for emancipation. For this reason, I believe that my experience in the union earlier and abroad later could be invaluable support for working with Tangata Whenua in a bicultural contest.
In conclusion, I worked as Other Drugs (AOD) Support Worker and Youth worker in the different social and cultural contests in three different countries (Italy, Great Britain and Australia) has enriched my clinical and experiential pathway. I helped people with psychiatric or mental disabilities find employment and helped patients with physical, psychological and behavioural problems feel better. I have assisted drug users in planning intervention strategies, clarifying their goals, identifying barriers and overcoming them. I offered intensive therapeutic support and supervision to youth with traumatic behaviour in institutional care facilities.
I am available to participate and work in person with the clients to plan and organize face-to-face sessions. At the same time, I was studying and vowing to discover myself with the most significant commitment.
Thank you
Diego Oliverio
