Interview with VCCC Supervisor, Dr. Elisa Ambrosia (from our Nov. 2024 Newsletter)

Tell us a bit about your journey to become a psychologist.

My journey to becoming a psychologist has been deeply intertwined with my experiences as an immigrant and a woman. As I navigated the complexities of my cultural background, I found myself fascinated by the interconnectedness of science, mathematics, and poetry—each discipline reflecting different facets of the human experience. Initially, I aspired to be a scientist, drawn to the analytical and explorative nature of those fields. I studied math during my undergraduate years, but as I progressed, my path gradually shifted toward psychology. This transition allowed me to explore the intricate landscape of human emotions and behavior, enriching my understanding of existence itself and the unique singularity of the human experience.

Through my studies in psychology, I've come to recognize that each individual's narrative is not an isolated thread but part of a broader tapestry of community and society. The richness of human experience is amplified within our connections—our shared struggles, triumphs, and vulnerabilities reflect a collective journey. As I enter the final stages of my psychoanalytic training at LAISPS, I realize that my dream of becoming a scientist is being actualized in unexpected and profound ways.

The complexity of exploring the mind parallels the intricacies of studying the universe, with endless layers yet to be uncovered, each interwoven with the stories of others. In essence, every individual we encounter in our clinical work embodies a unique convergence of experiences—a singularity that reflects the vast diversity of human stories and backgrounds. This perspective not only enriches my practice but also deepens my commitment to fostering spaces where these stories can be heard and explored.

What do you like most and least about teaching and supervising?

What I love most about teaching and supervising is the opportunity to connect deeply with emerging clinicians who bring fresh perspectives to our field. Their eagerness to learn and discover allows me to confront my own uncertainties and stimulates growth. I feel honored to walk alongside them, sharing knowledge as I believe it is our ethical responsibility to nurture the next generation of clinicians. Every session with them is a reminder that there is always more to learn, encouraging ongoing exploration within us all.

Moreover, this process of teaching reinforces the idea that our individual experiences do not exist in a vacuum. Together, we cultivate a community of clinicians, each contributing their unique insights and experiences, ultimately enriching our collective understanding of psychology.

Conversely, what I like least about this role is the time constraints we often face in academia and clinical settings. There never seems to be enough time to delve as deeply as I would like into the rich tapestry of ideas, shared experiences, and complexities of human behavior. I strive to create an atmosphere where thoughtful inquiry can flourish, and when time runs short, it feels like a missed opportunity to explore the depths of knowledge together—an interruption of the communal learning experience we all benefit from.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, I often found myself torn between two aspirations: becoming a scientist and a writer. The mysteries of the universe captivated my imagination; I was fascinated by the intricate designs of nature and the mathematical laws that govern our reality. The pursuit of knowledge held a special allure, and I dreamed of unraveling the complexities of the world around me.

At the same time, I felt a deep connection to the world of poetry and storytelling. I marveled at how words have the power to evoke emotions, weave narratives, and create connections between people across time and space. To me, writing was not just a form of expression; it was an art that could illuminate the human experience.

Ultimately, my childhood aspirations reflected a desire to harmonize creativity with logic. I envisioned a life where I could explore the scientific intricacies of our existence while harnessing the artistic power of language. Both fields, though seemingly different, embody a unique artistry—a blend of creativity and reason that resonates deeply within me. This interplay continues to inspire me today, as I strive to approach the world with both an analytical mind and a passionate heart.

What characters do you most identify with in novels?

I often find myself resonating with the profound journeys of Virginia Woolf's narrator from "A Room of One’s Own" and Severus Snape from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series. Both of these characters encapsulate elements that reflect my own struggles, triumphs, and evolving identity—narratives shaped by my experiences as a woman, an immigrant, and a psychoanalyst in training.

From a diachronic perspective, Woolf’s narrator embodies the historical struggle for creative and intellectual agency, a battle that women have faced across generations. Her quest for a physical and metaphorical space to foster her ideas mirrors my own journey in a world laden with diverse cultural influences. As an immigrant, I navigate the complexities of identity while grappling with the legacies of the places I have lived, seeking a deeper understanding of who I am within this continuum. This lens of historical perspective highlights the importance of context, revealing how past experiences shape current identities and aspirations.

In contrast, Severus Snape represents the intricate, often tumultuous nature of the human experience from a synchronic viewpoint. His character arc delves into the motivations and emotions that define him in a given moment, emphasizing the complex interplay of loyalty, love, and sacrifice. As I delve into my psychoanalytic training, I find Snape’s duality profoundly resonant—he illustrates the tension between our present choices and the weight of our pasts. The dichotomy between his outward persona and inner turmoil offers a rich exploration of character depth that I strive to understand in myself, in my work with clients and students.

Both Woolf’s narrator and Snape serve as mirrors reflecting my own journey—the search for understanding and the aspiration to carve out a space for voices often left unheard. They highlight the necessity of recognizing the multifaceted nature of identity, whether it emerges from historical struggles or from the complexity of interpersonal dynamics.

Moreover, Snape’s remark about the “subtle science and exact art of potion-making” resonates deeply with me, encapsulating the notion that what may appear mundane often conceals layers of beauty and complexity. This metaphor can be applied to the field of psychology, where the nuanced interplay of emotions, relationships, and individual experiences may not immediately reveal their significance. Just as Snape expertly maneuvers through the careful balance of his ingredients, I similarly navigate through the intricate layers of the human psyche in my practice.

This intricate dialogue of understanding, intertwined with the shared essence of our collective existence, is what I find deeply enriching in my practice and teaching. Together, we explore not just the individual psyche but the ways in which our lives intersect and inform one another, celebrating the myriad of experiences that shape what it means to be human.