Jessica Budd

My name is Jessica Budd, a PhD candidate at Monash University with a background in criminology, forensic mental health, and community support. Throughout my career, I have worked with people facing a wide range of challenges, including mental health difficulties, trauma, substance use, incarceration, and major life transitions.

One thing I have consistently observed is that knowing what we should do and actually doing it are often very different things. Many people genuinely want to make positive changes in their lives yet find themselves repeating behaviours that conflict with their values, goals, or sense of identity. This can lead to frustration, self-criticism, and a feeling of being "stuck."

Through this blog, I aim to make psychological concepts accessible and relevant to everyday life. By translating research into practical insights, my goal is to help people better understand themselves, the challenges they face, and the pathways that can support meaningful and lasting change.