Meet the Mates: Up Close with Hey Mate’s Team - Caitlin Thamm

Welcome to our exclusive series where we shine a spotlight on the individuals who make our team unique. We’re delighted to introduce you to Caitlin Thamm a remarkable Counsellor, Intake Officer and Dancer whose journey intertwines the grace of ballet with the empathy of counselling.

What is your position at Hey Mate / Mate Studio?

I am a counsellor for Hey Mate, but you'll also find me on the phone or emails conducting intakes with new clients!

Could you share some highlights from your creative industry experience before joining Hey Mate?

Participating as a pre-professional in Qld Ballet Company productions is definitely a highlight that I didn't know at the time. Following this, venturing to numerous countries to audition for companies was definitely an experience I will never forget. 

Which aspect of your work at Hey Mate ignites your passion, and what makes it so meaningful to you?

The first phone call/email that a new individual reaches out for support. Taking that first step is not an easy thing to do and to see each person overcoming that single challenge is the most inspiring action I am honored to witness. It also comes with the privilege of allowing that person space to speak about whatever is burdening them. Sometimes this is the first time a person has ever been given the space or the time to air their challenges and that is 100% why I am here doing what I do, giving others the space they deserve.

If you could champion one change in the creative industry, what would it be and how would it make a difference?

This is a tough one! I think ultimately it would be for all of the creative businesses and organisations to facilitate and set an example for their employees and creatives to put their mental wellbeing on the same level as they do their own creative expression/art/work. 

I still don't feel as though our creatives understand how much their creativity and their production would benefit if for example dancers looked after their mind as much as their body, singers as much as they do their voice, musicians their instruments etc. etc. 

Everyone has a story; what’s a quirky or unexpected chapter / fact from yours?

When I was still training and auditioning as a dancer I was working as a pizza delivery driver and found it unexpectedly satisfying. I later went on to volunteering with charities that drove around the city and community handing out food and beverages to individuals without homes. This is what lit the spark and opened my world up to the possibilities of pursuing a career where I could help others who were in need of support, whether that be physically, socially, or psychologically.

Reflecting on the guidance you’ve received over the years, which piece of advice stands out and continues to influence you today?

Slow down. 

It's not something that I practice perfectly everyday but whether I'm rushing my kids around to get them to bed at a certain time, or feeling as though I'm 'too behind' in my career, or life milestones, when I step into this mindframe everything feels easier and more enjoyable. 

It's a magical state when you realise that you actually don't have to arrive anywhere at any particular point in time. Trust that you will get to where you need to be at exactly the time that is necessary for you and you get to see the beauty in where you are currently. Whether that's arriving at your family gathering, or securing your first professional job, slow down.