Mim Kempson: Inspiring Change Through Relationship Therapy
With a diverse background spanning Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Quebec, Mim's life experiences have enriched her perspective and shaped her career choices. Having completed a Bachelor of Professional Communications (Journalism and Media) from RMIT University and a Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work from the University of Melbourne, Mim brings in the therapeutic elements of storytelling to her work as a Relationship Therapist.
While pursuing a Graduate Certificate of Sexology in 2022, Mim resided at the Curtin campus of St Catherine's College. Fuelled by a passion for fostering connections and building community, Mim initiated engaging fireplace chats for fellow residents, facilitating meaningful discussions on topics ranging from relationships to sexuality and self-image.
Mim’s lived experience and professional accomplishments allowed her to offer advice and guide discussions meaningfully for the residents. Mim also actively participated in other facets of College life. She was a guest speaker at a Formal Hall where she shared her career journey, including interning at Vogue Australia and then working for the United Nations, during which she discovered that journalism was not for her, teaching her a valuable lesson. She was also the 2022 recipient of the Curtin Citizen of the Year Award, voted for by the residents for her contributions to the College.
Today, Mim operates her private counselling practice in Victoria Park, where she works with couples and individuals, focusing on LGBTQIA+ clients.
We spoke with Mim about her role as a relationship therapist and the experiences that have helped shape her unique path.
What made you decide to become a Relationship Therapist?
After spending my early twenties so focused on work and study, I eventually realised that my relationships - not just with partners, but friends, peers and chosen family - were more important.
I truly believe that the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our life. This lesson led me to want to support others to make meaning of their relationships too.
“I like to share how it’s okay to give ourselves a bit of a break. We can be so hard on ourselves about having it all worked out so soon in life, but we don’t know what fits until we try different things.”
What motivated you to specialise in working with LGBTQI+ clients? Could you share some of the unique challenges and rewards you have encountered in this area of focus?
Coming out as queer at 17, I’ve always felt called to work within the community I identify with. Having navigated my own positive and negative dating experiences, I know how important it can be to have a trusted figure to talk to about queer relationships.
To have a safe space to talk about our sexuality, relationship, and gender and to receive the sex education we never had in school can be life-changing for some. Seeing clients have lightbulb moments when things suddenly make sense, such as their relationship with their bodies, partners, and mental health, is incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give aspiring professionals interested in pursuing a career as a relationship therapist? Are there any important skills or qualities you believe are essential for success in this field?
I’m really glad I didn’t start my career in therapy. I’d recommend anyone interested in pursuing counselling or psychology to live a little first. Trying different things and taking what felt like “wrong turns” taught me the grittier life lessons that helped me understand the complexities of being human (and those lessons never end).
I think versatility and open-mindedness are some of the most important qualities in this work. We hear about such a variety of relationship experiences and preferences people have, it’s important to bring curiosity into every conversation we have.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations in your professional journey?
I plan on hosting more workshops and publishing more of my writing. I will also be launching my podcast about relationships called “What I’ve Learned about Love” very soon. To stay up to date, you can follow me on Instagram @theconnectioncoach_