Pioneers: Namalee Bolle

What does your work involve?

I’m a transpersonal transcultural psychotherapist, artist, stylist and mental health activist. I engage in psychotherapy, art, poetry, music, fashion, performance and speaking (though not always at the same time!).

What inspires you? 

My inspiration stems from so many people and circumstances: my family and early life experiences are a big inspiration; my multiracial Sri Lankan/Dutch Jewish heritage; my mum always inspired my fashion career with her incredible style and bold sense of colour; psychology career-wise, Carl Jung and psychiatrists Viktor Frankl, Frantz Fanon and R.D. Laing. I love poetry and writing from Audre Lorde and bell hooks; music-wise, Poly Styrene from [the punk rock band] X-Ray Spex is a hero.

What message would you give to the next generation? 

Take care with your mental health and go to therapy as a way to look after yourself. Check your therapist works with your race and cultural heritage. I think the new generation is far better at reducing the stigma around mental health, but this area needs a lot of acknowledgement still. Other than that, trust your intuition and don’t be scared to go against the status quo.