Prepared by former colleagues of Ms Simonetta Pica.
Simone completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Melbourne University in 1990 and then went on to work in public mental health for many years. She undertook various roles over the years, working in Royal Park Hospital inpatient and CATT services, then EPPIC for several years and then Summit (drug and alcohol service). During this period she commenced her PhD at the University of Melbourne. Her thesis was in the area of Schizophrenia, addressing what were termed ‘negative’ symptoms, particularly social withdrawal.
In approximately 2000 she moved to private mental health, becoming the head of psychology at The Melbourne Clinic in Richmond where she also started her own private consulting practice. She left The Melbourne Clinic in 2015 and subsequently concentrated on private practice.
Simone always had an interest in research and published in the areas of personality disorders, early psychosis and dual diagnosis. It was a great disappointment to her that she didn’t complete her PhD. She also had a longstanding interest in psychoanalysis - opting for the psychoanalytic stream of the Clinical masters at Melbourne Uni and continued her own development in this field throughout her career.
Simone developed strong friendships with colleagues who remember her as warm, genuine and with a strong intellect. She was unafraid to express a well-formed opinion and could be formidable in debate. Although she could be formidable, she occupied a really important place in the development of her colleagues' professional identity. She had a great sense of humour, and mischief. She is warmly remembered with her heartfelt laughter.
Simone left a mark on others - she was unique, unforgettable and is greatly missed.