About
ABOUT KRISTA BARRY
Founder, Positive Psychology Practitioner & Flow Educator
Who I Am
I’m Krista Barry (MAPP, Distinction) a Positive Psychology Practitioner, published researcher in Applied Positive Psychology, and the founder of Flow Like Water Academy.
My work sits at the intersection of science, movement, and human performance. I support individuals and workplaces to cultivate clarity, resilience, and balance through evidence-based education and coaching that honours both the mind and the natural world.
🌊 My Journey
I grew up immersed in water and movement. As a former elite Australian swimmer, the ocean and pool became the places where I learned discipline, focus, flow, and self-belief.
Later, I founded Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School, which has become one of Australia’s longest-standing and most trusted surf education programs. While I’m not a surf coach myself, I am the founder, director, and program architect, responsible for designing the wellbeing-centred approach that underpins the school’s teaching philosophy.
My lived experience in high-performance sport, combined with two decades in program design and people development, inspired me to explore the deeper question behind all my work:
What helps people truly thrive, not just perform, but flourish?
This question eventually led me into academic research and the world of positive psychology.
Academic Foundations
I hold a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP), Distinction, through which I spent a full year conducting research into the intersection of movement, nature, and psychological health.
My peer-reviewed research — published internationally — explored the wellbeing benefits of water-based experiences for women in midlife. This work deepened my understanding of:
• psychological resilience
• emotional regulation
• embodiment
• flow and nervous-system recovery
• nature-based wellbeing
I’ve presented my work at the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress, sharing insights into water-based therapeutic models and embodied transformation.
🌬️ The Flow Like Water Philosophy
Flow Like Water Academy integrates three pillars:
1. Applied Positive Psychology
Evidence-based tools for mindset, resilience, behaviour change, and sustainable wellbeing.
2. Neuroscience-informed practice
Understanding how stress, regulation, clarity, and focus operate in the brain and body.
3. Nature & Movement
Using water, walking, breath, and embodied experiences to restore presence and balance.
I also draw inspiration from Taoist principles, seasonal cycles, and the Five Elements model — not in a spiritual or prescriptive way, but as a natural framework for living with rhythm, adaptability, and flow.
My goal is simple:
To help people move through life with more ease, purpose, and meaningful action.
How I Work With People
Whether I’m supporting an individual or educating a workplace, my approach is:
• Evidence-based: grounded in psychology, flow science, and behaviour research
• Practical & embodied: tools you can use immediately in daily life
• Non-clinical: ideal for people wanting proactive direction without therapy
• Holistic but grounded: blending mindset, movement, and environment
• Warm, human, and real: no hype, no jargon, no perfectionism
I believe people flourish when they learn to work with their own rhythm — not against it.
My Mission
Flow Like Water Academy exists to help individuals and organisations:
• strengthen mindset
• bring their nervous system back into balance
• reconnect to purpose
• build clarity and confidence
• and navigate life’s seasons with more grace and flow
All through simple, science-based, nature-supported wellbeing practices.
Work With Me
If you’re ready to bring more clarity, resilience, and flow into your life or workplace, I’d love to connect.
Professional Background
I graduated with distinction from CQUniversity with a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP).
I presented my research findings from my master's thesis at the 2023 Applied Positive Psychology World Congress in Vancouver, Canada. I am an associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), where I will be presenting a half-day workshop at the upcoming International Positive Psychology World Congress in Brisbane in 2025. Additionally, I am a member of the CQUniversity Positive Psychology Course Reference Committee.
As a published author, my research was featured in the 'Annals of Leisure Research' in November 2024. I continue to contribute to the field, utilising evidence-based principles to help individuals improve their well-being.
I hold a Certificate of Professional Development in Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health (2021) and a Certificate in Neuroscience Coaching (2023).
The success that means more to Krista - CQU Positive Psychology Graduate
Coaching and Consulting Services
With over 25 years of experience running my own business, including the Godfathers of the Ocean Surf School, I have established programs that connect individuals to the therapeutic advantages of water.
My consulting services support various organisations, such as small, medium, and large companies, schools, youth groups, and community or sports organisations. I assist them in applying positive psychology principles to cultivate a healthier workplace culture, boost employee engagement, and offer strategies to prevent burnout while fostering a positive work environment. Organisations of all sizes can benefit from adopting positive psychology principles.
Alongside consulting, I provide personalised one-on-one and group coaching, as well as one to three-month coaching programs tailored for individuals at any life stage.
These programs are designed to address specific needs, such as navigating career transitions, enhancing overall well-being, or improving sports performance. My coaching emphasises identifying character strengths and applying evidence-based positive psychology strategies and principles.
At Flow Like Water Academy, I provide diverse services, ranging from traditional consulting and coaching to immersive water experiences, nature programs, and strength-based goal-setting coaching.
Through surf lessons, swimming coaching, or walk-and-talk sessions, I strive to foster an environment where individuals feel appreciated and empowered to pursue their goals. My coaching is offered both in-person at Burleigh Beach and online via different platforms. Together, we'll delve into the principles of positive psychology to nurture meaningful and sustainable changes in your life.