Meet the Mates: Up Close with Hey Mate’s Team - Sophie Carter

Welcome to our exclusive series where we shine a spotlight on the individuals who make our team unique. We’re excited to introduce you to Sophie Carter, an exceptional Counsellor and Workshop Facilitator with a rich background in music and musical theatre. Sophie’s expertise in these vibrant art forms enhances her counselling approach, offering a harmonious blend of melody and mindfulness. Join us as we delve into Sophie’s world, exploring her multifaceted career and discovering how she orchestrates creativity with compassion in her daily work.

What is your position at Hey Mate / Mate Studio?

Hey Mate Counsellor and workshop facilitator.

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

I was very fortunate to enjoy a 20 year career in professional music theatre, film/tv and contemporary live music. Highlights from my time in the industry include my first professional show playing Soupy Sue in the Australian premiere of Urinetown for Melbourne Theatre Company, being one of the three original Divas in the world premiere of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and playing Jan in Grease - the Arena Spectacular. Getting to sing songs that I had been singing since I was a kid to an audience of 20,000 was pretty amazing!

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

I love presenting workshops to groups promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. From my time as a working professional, I identified the need for improved workplace support and education, so to be given the opportunity to be part of the solution is something I'm very grateful for.

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

I have always been a huge advocate for decision makers to provide industry specific workplace counselling delivered by mental health professionals who have knowledge and experience of the industry firsthand. I believe by offering mental health support from a place of lived experience provides creative clients a therapeutic environment that promotes understanding in a way that more traditional therapists may not be able to. We intimately understand the stresses, the relationships, the language and the nuances of being a creative professional.

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

After a long career in music theatre, I now front a touring rock band! So in a sense, I live a double life - mild mannered mental health advocate during the week, and rock diva on the weekends. I'm incredibly lucky as it provides me with a necessary outlet for my creativity. Without that outlet, I would be lost.

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

One pearl of wisdom from Music Theatre legend Nancye Hayes was when she said that even at her (then) age of 65+ and after such an illustrious career, that she was still learning. I love this as it's a reminder to always stay curious, be open to learning new things and striving towards fresh horizons. This philosophy helped me when I was making the switch from working professional to counselling student to now - mental health professional.