Jodi Gordon, the former actress, has taken a surprising turn in her career, pivoting from the spotlight to a new venture in mental health. Her journey, as she reveals in an interview with the Stellar podcast, is a testament to her resilience and dedication to helping others.
Gordon's new business, The Modern Recovery Group, is a mental health and peer-support venture, which she launched after working as a mental health counsellor for two years. This transition from acting to a career in mental health is a bold move, and Gordon is open about the challenges it presents.
"People know me from being an actress on television forever," she says, "So now it feels as though I have to justify my credentials. It’s like, no... I promise I’ve studied and worked really hard to get here. This business isn’t me pretending I’ve done something off a whim."
Her candour about her own struggles with alcohol addiction and depression adds a layer of authenticity to her new venture. Gordon emphasizes that recovery is not a linear process, but rather a journey of constant learning and growth.
"We fall down eight times. We get up nine," she says. "And it’s a new experience every time. In the past, I feel like there was a lot of ego involved in talking about specific facts of my recovery. I just won’t do that anymore, because it’s not important. What is important is how I’m being of service to other people."
Gordon's new role as the first Australian ambassador for Vichy Laboratoires, a French dermatological skin and haircare line, further highlights her commitment to mental health advocacy. This visible role comes after years of working anonymously as a digital and telehealth support counsellor, allowing her to develop her skills and anchor her work.
"It feels as though in that quiet anonymity, I’ve been able to really anchor myself and my work, develop really great skills, work with amazing people, learn to stay teachable and share that with other people when the time is right," she says.
Gordon's journey from acting to mental health advocacy is a powerful example of how personal struggles can lead to profound professional growth and a desire to help others. Her new business and ambassador role are not just about her credentials, but about her passion for making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues.
