Heart and mind
CLARA SARRIS BUILT A PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE AND PEOPLE AT ITS HEART
Heart and mind
CLARA SARRIS BUILT A PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE AND PEOPLEAT ITS HEART
From an ambition sparked during her studies, to a thriving clinic employing a team of 18 in just over a year, the Bond psychology alumna built the largest private psychology practice on the Gold Coast, redefining the therapeutic space and delivery of people-first care.
Clara Sarris’ ambition to start her own psychology clinic was born during a class at Bond University. She was in her final stage of study to become a registered psychologist, completing her Master of Psychology (Clinical), when Dr Peta Stapleton spoke about psychologists in business. Less than a year after graduating from her master’s, Clara opened the doors to the Gold Coast Psychology Centre.
“I walked out of the class with the spark of what I wanted to achieve, and I never looked back,” Clara says.
Clara's career journey
Clara started her first degree, a Bachelor of Psychological Science,at Bond 15 years ago. She went on to do aMaster of Businessand moved to Sydney for a couple of years before returning to the Gold Coast and completing her psychology training, graduating from her master’s in 2023.
“I wasn’t ready to become a psychologist after my undergrad degree,” Clara reflects. “I needed a bit more time and life experience.”
Clara’s early career included experience in inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation at Burleigh Clinic and Mirikai, and in youth mental health with Headspace. While continuing her work in private practice, she began shaping her own clinic - driven by the ambition that had taken root in that classroom at Bond.
Clara got to work. She found a clinic space in Robina and in February 2024, began the Gold Coast Psychology Centre with one psychologist: herself.
Bringing an ambition to life
From the very start of the Gold Coast Psychology Centre, Clara was clear on what she wanted the practice to provide its patients and its psychologists.
“I thought about what I would want in a workplace as a psychologist, and thought if I can nail all those things, that would translate to everyone else,” Clara says.”
“If the team are happy, it creates a great environment for the psychologists to do their work well,”
For clients, she wanted to fill a gap she saw in the market.
“I wanted to create an environment and therapy space the Gold Coast really needed — one that was upmarket and professional but really comfortable to be in,” Clara says.
The practice has grown to a team of 18 in just 17 months since opening.
While Clara began with a wealth of degrees under her belt (four Bond testamurs take pride of place in her office) she also had the wisdom to know she didn't have to do it all on her own.
“You can’t run a successful business if you think you’re going to be doing everything,” she says.
“The most important thing in starting my business has been having the right people in my corner. You need to know what you’re good at and what you need to delegate.
“There are so many areas of running a business, but it's all just learning — every roadblock and every win. I’ve loved it.”
Bringing an ambition to life
From the very start of the Gold Coast Psychology Centre, Clara was clear on what she wanted the practice to provide its patients and its psychologists.
“I thought about what I would want in a workplace as a psychologist, and thought if I can nail all those things, that would translate to everyone else,” Clara says.”
“If the team are happy, it creates a great environment for the psychologists to do their work well,”
For clients, she wanted to fill a gap she saw in the market.
“I wanted to create an environment and therapy space the Gold Coast really needed — one that was upmarket and professional but really comfortable to be in,” Clara says.
The practice has grown to a team of 18 in just 17 months since opening.
While Clara began with a wealth of degrees under her belt (four Bond testamurs take pride of place in her office) she also had the wisdom to know she didn't have to do it all on her own.
“You can’t run a successful business if you think you’re going to be doing everything,” she says.
“The most important thing in starting my business has been having the right people in my corner. You need to know what you’re good at and what you need to delegate.
“There are so many areas of running a business, but it's all just learning — every roadblock and every win. I’ve loved it.”
Meeting the moment
In the 15 years since Clara began her journey to becoming a psychologist, the industry has changed. While the number of registered psychologists in Australia has increased steadily since 2011, demand still outweighs supply.
More than 3.4 million Australians — 17.4 per cent of the population — saw a professional for their mental health in the previous year. Of those, 21.3 per cent saw a psychologist. In the same time period, 42.9 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 85 reported experiencing mental health challenges at some point.
“The reduction in stigma we’ve seen in recent years in terms of seeking mental health support is fabulous,” Clara says.
The statistics tell a compelling story about the state of mental health issues in Australia, but Clara points out there is also value in those with good mental wellbeing seeking psychological support.
“We operate purely through our minds — why wouldn’t someone want to work on that, or enhance that?” Clara asks.
“A person doesn’t need to be experiencing mental illness to see a psychologist. I’ve got clients who are CEOs and top athletes. There are always ways people can improve their mental landscape.”
The ties that bind
Clara has spent most of the past decade at Bond, and she remains a strong supporter of the University.
She met her current supervisor at Bond and keeps in contact with the mentors and teachers she has learnt from over the years. She said her time at Bond empowered her with the confidence to go out on her own so early in her career.
“The master’s program was fabulous,” Clara says. “It’s very in-depth and you gain a lot of experience so when you enter the workforce you feel confident and equipped.”
On a personal level, Clara keeps in touch with the peers she met in her first semester at Bond in 2010.
“Bond is such a balanced place,” she says.
“The academics are amazing, but also the social life, the culture, and the togetherness. Some of my best memories are at Bond.”
CLARA'S FIVE TAKEAWAYS FOR
ASPIRING PSYCHOLOGISTS
- Say yes to diverse experiences early. Exposure to different settings sharpens your skills and shows you where your passion lies.
- Don’t hold back. Put your hand up, lean in, and back yourself, don’t wait to “feel ready.”
- Balance clinical skill with business acumen. Psychology is people-first, but don’t underestimate managing systems, finance, and growth in private practice.
- Find your unique value. Whether it’s your therapeutic style, the environment you create, or the way you connect — let that become your signature.
- Dream big. Don’t limit yourself to what feels comfortable — aim higher than you think possible.
Published Wednesday, 8 October, 2025.
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