Emerging Minds Podcast

In this episode, practitioners and parents of autistic and ADHDer children explore the concept of ‘neurodivergent-affirming practice’: what it means to them, how it shows up in their work, and how it supports both children’s and parents’ mental health and wellbeing.

All children deserve to have safe environments where they can thrive. But when a child’s trust is broken and their environment no longer feels safe, this it can have significant ramifications for the child’s life and development. In this podcast episode we talk with Dan Moss, who has a long history of working in support services with children who have experienced trauma. Dan helps us understand wh...

In this episode, Miranda Bain describes her involvement in developing the Victorian Charter of Rights for parents with intellectual disability. Miranda is a special advisor to the Office of the CEO for Courts Victoria and the Chair of the Disability Advisory Committee. She discusses her journey in working with child protection, non-government organisations and parents with intellectual disability...

In this episode, Alisa Hall describes her work as Director, Practice Development and Engagement at the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse. The National Centre was established in recognition of data showing that one in three girls and one in five boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Alisa’s work focuses on prevention and education campaigns to protect Austra...

In this episode, we’re joined by Melanie Renwick. As a child, Melanie lived in several residential and foster care placements. She shares her experience of living in care and discusses some of the things that practitioners can do to support the mental health of children in out-of-home care.

In the second part of this two episode-episode series, we speak with Ben Shannahan about working therapeutically with children, young people and families impacted by the suicide of a loved one.

In the first part of this two-episode series, we speak with Ben Shannahan about working therapeutically with children, young people and families impacted by the suicide of a loved one.

In this second of two episodes, we continue our conversation with Joanne Donne, a practice manager with Relationships Australia South Australia, about the single session consultation service they offer to children and their families.

In this first of two episodes, we speak with Joanne Donne, a practice manager with Relationships Australia South Australia, about the single session consultation service they offer to children and their families.

In this episode, Global majority and language empowerment, our host, Rosie, engages in a deep conversation with guest speakers Julie and Nancy about the power of language in shaping identity and empowerment, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The discussion explores the complexities of terminology, with a focus on the term "global majority" and its potential to...

In this episode, host of the Emerging Minds Families podcast Alicia Ranford talks with Dr Zali Yager, an internationally recognised expert on body image, with a background in health and physical education. Dr Yager co-founded the Embrace Collective with 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Bromfield. Dr Yager shares how families, educators and practitioners can help create safer body image environme...

In this episode, psychologist and author Alan Jenkins describes his practice theory for working with fathers who use violence, coercion or threats towards partners and children. Alan’s two books, Invitations to responsibility (1990) and Becoming ethical: Parallel political journeys with men who have abused (2009) are seminal texts for practitioners in behaviour change programs. Alan has been influ...

In this episode, psychologist and author Alan Jenkins describes his practice theory for working with fathers who use violence, coercion or threats towards partners and children. Alan’s two books, Invitations to responsibility (1990) and Becoming ethical: Parallel political journeys with men who have abused (2009) are seminal texts for practitioners in behaviour change programs. Alan has been influ...

This episode is the second in a two-part series discussing culturally responsive practice and key considerations for working with culturally diverse families. In this episode, parents and practitioners discuss considerations and responses when navigating family tensions that arise from differing ideas about priorities.

This episode is part one of a two-part series discussing culturally responsive practice and key considerations for working with culturally diverse (or CALD) families. We hear from parents and practitioners about responding to experiences of racism and navigating practitioners’ cultural mistakes. Keep an eye out for part two which focuses on navigating intergenerational cultural tensions.

In this episode, host of the Emerging Minds Families podcast Alicia Ranford talks with Emerging Minds Director, Brad Morgan, and Emerging Minds Manager, Digital Health, Ben Rogers. They take an in-depth look at children’s mental health, including a new suite of resources aimed at supporting parents’ understanding of this important topic.

In this episode, we’re joined by three guests: Margaret Dempsey (registered nurse), Dr Shereena Sinnayah (general practitioner) and Jacinta Goldenberg (practice nurse). They share their experience of responding to child mental health concerns with families in the primary health care sector and the considerations for practitioners, from systems level to daily practice.

In this episode, Miranda Bain describes her involvement in developing the Victorian Charter of Rights for parents with intellectual disability. Miranda is a special advisor to the Office of the CEO for Courts Victoria and the Chair of the Disability Advisory Committee. She discusses her journey in working with child protection, non-government organisations and parents with intellectual disability...

In this compelling podcast episode, join us as we explore the vital importance of including Aboriginal youth voices in mental health discussions. Through the heartfelt narratives of Kahli Regan and Tannielle McHugh, two inspiring young Aboriginal voices, you’ll gain profound insights into the challenges faced by Aboriginal communities and the transformative power of cultural connection. Discover t...

In the second episode of this two-part series, Mark Hoppe and Roger Currie from Family Support Newcastle continue to share their practice wisdom of working with dads in the early years of parenting.

In this episode, Professor Helen Milroy guides us through the transformative power of Indigenous storytelling and the profound impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on her extensive experience and rich cultural background, Prof. Milroy discusses the ancient knowledge system of Aboriginal culture, emphasising the importance of intertwining it with modern science for the benefit...

In this two-part series, Mark Hoppe and Roger Currie from Family Support Newcastle share their practice wisdom of working with dads in the early years of parenting.

This episode is the second in our two-part series on supporting the mental health of children who stutter. We are again joined by Rich Stephens, President of the Stuttering Association for the Young Australia (SAY:Australia), and Mitchell, who has been involved with SAY:Australia for the past four years, first as a participant and now as a mentor to other children and young people who stutter. In...

In the second episode of this series, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Belle Selkirk and Dr Joanna Alexi delve into the essence of decolonising psychology. The conversation explores hopes for a robust Indigenous psychology workforce and culturally safe mental health spaces; a future where diverse programs cater to universal wellbeing, fostering deep respect. Gain insights into the inspiring efforts resha...

In part one of this series, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Belle Selkirk and Dr Joanna Alexi, key figures from the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research program, share their journey in decolonising psychology. With a focus on the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP), they discuss the historical challenges faced by Indigenous people and their persistent effor...