Anchor’s much-loved and respected Family Therapist, Frances Cucuzzella recently brought up her 23rd year working at Anchor.
Having started working at the Knox Community Support Services prior to its merger with Anchor in 2005, Frances has seen our organisation evolve over the past two decades, from eight workers based in Knox all the way through to present day.
To commemorate her 23rd work anniversary, we spoke with Frances about her time at Anchor, as well as getting some tips on motivation and wellbeing.
Firstly, congratulations! What’s your take on 23 years at Anchor?
It’s gone so quick! It’s been an unbelievable journey. I actually started off part time, three days a week as a case manager, working in crisis support.
I came to that job straight out of study, so it was an eye opener to begin with.
I did five years of voluntary work at Knox Infolink and found that I really loved it.
At the time I was also seeing a family therapist myself and towards the end she said “you should do what I do, you’d be good at it.” – the rest is history!
What do you think they saw in you to suggest you look at becoming a family therapist?
I think they saw passion and an eagerness to learn.
I also connected with her because we were both from an Italian background. I think she helped me to see that my background could be a really strong foundation for what I do.
How does your Italian culture guide you?
I would say that family values are the core of Italian culture. This is not always a good thing, as they can be a bit traditionalist and not always tolerant or flexible towards difference.
Knowing that helps me to connect with clients who come from different cultures – they could be Greek, Indian, Aboriginal – having a strong cultural background of my own helps me to understand that some people have to act or be a certain way because their cultural community expects them to. Sometimes that means not being your authentic self. I am able to connect with people on that and discuss it in terms they can understand.
So after 23 years at Anchor, what keeps you motivated?
I feel really blessed and so supported by the organisation to work the way I want. The organisation really allows me to be flexible in the ways that I support young people and families, to really be able to address their needs. That gives me a big boost, because I always feel like I’m making a difference.
In the community services sector, feeling like you are making a difference and are empowered by the organisation to make an impact is the biggest motivator you can have.
Have you noticed a change in clients’ needs since you first started?
Honestly, the biggest thing is digital media. Social media didn’t exist 23 years ago, and it has had an enormous influence on how parents and their children communicate and relate to each other.
With the rise of social media and online gaming, I’ve noticed that I have to support young people through a lot more instances of bullying, poor mental health, body image issues and eating disorders, and anxiety.
It’s completely changed the way the parents are able to relate to kids and vice versa. I see a lot of instances where parents don’t quite understand what the young people are experiencing because they are from a different generation and didn’t grow up with digital media the way their children are. They don’t quite understand the pressures that young people experience in these spaces.
How has your work shaped you as a person over that time?
I’ve grown in a lot of ways. Mostly it is the families I work with that help me learn and grow. Their resilience and their strength really shapes my view of the world and has given me a broader outlook on life.
I think family therapy and family reconciliation turns you into an advocate, whether you are aware of it or not.
Your self-esteem grows and you learn to be good at making space for other people and allowing them to have a voice. A part of this is being good at setting personal boundaries, and helping others to be able to set theirs.
Self reflection is an important quality that you learn over the journey too.
What are your favorite things to do that nurture your wellbeing?
I actually do reformer Pilates, which I love. It really helps with mindfulness.
I love catching up with family and friends, but I also don’t mind just staying at home and just being on my own.
Is there anyone over the journey of your time at Anchor that deserves a shout out for supporting you along the way?
The two managers I had when I started, Jane Harrop and Kristen Barnes, were hugely influential on me.
They were brilliant managers. They believed in me and really helped me to develop when I was new to crisis work and family therapy. A lot of what I learned from them, I still use today. A lot of their advice and guidance has stuck and helped, even 23 years later.
Then there are managers along the way that I have had like Peter Dinsdale who always had my back. At one time, Nicky Anderson, Anchor’s current Executive Manager of Care Services, was my manager and she was brilliant and supportive.
And of course, our CEO, Heidi has always given me plenty of time and support. Her door is always open.
Finally, what knowledge would you impart to someone who is just starting at Anchor?
Be yourself. Really just be yourself. Don’t think that you know it all. Your colleagues are a wealth of information, so ask as many questions as you can.
Don’t be scared to think outside the box. Being able to go above and beyond for the people we support is what makes this job worthwhile, so go for it!
