Mental Health in Practice

How can systems theory help navigate the complexity of mental health work?  In this episode, Dana Shen (Consultant) and Seanna Davidson (Systems Change Practitioner and Educator) explore the principles of systems theory, and how recognising the connections between people, teams, and services can enhance practice. Focusing on the emotional challenges faced by mental health practitioners, Dana and S...

In this episode, Jessica Birch speaks to clinical social worker Prue Walker and shares her lived experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She reflects on her personal journey, the stigma encountered surrounding FASD, and how an accurate diagnosis can be life-changing, offering hope and access to essential services. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Men...

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a condition that often goes undiagnosed, yet understanding it is vital for providing the right support.   In this episode, Dr Hester Wilson, GP and addiction specialist, speaks to clinical psychologist Dr Vanessa Spiller and parent advocate Angelene Bruce to explore the complexities of identifying and supporting people with FASD. Both Vanessa and Angelene...

In this episode, Dr Radhika Santhanam-Martin speaks with Dr Elly Scrine and Summayyah Olawunmi Sadiq-Ojibara to explore the complex realities practitioners face in delivering multidisciplinary care. They discuss the barriers, professional tensions, and personal responsibilities that can affect the way mental health practitioners work together. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by...

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse which may be distressing for some listeners. Mental and physical health are deeply connected, yet they are often treated separately in healthcare. Join Russell Roberts (Equally Well) as he speaks with Fay Jackson and Paul Klotz about the importance of mental health professionals considering the full picture of a person’s...

Content warning: This episode discusses themes of suicidal ideation. In this episode, former Victoria Police Officer Tim Peck opens up about his personal struggles with mental health and addiction, offering an honest look at the highs and lows of his recovery. In conversation with Clinical Psychologist Mark Creamer, Tim reflects on his journey of overcoming stigma and the difficulties he faced whi...

In this episode, Victoria Erskine (Communication Lead, Equally Well Australia) and Christine Kaine (Operations Manager, Lived Experience Australia) discuss the unique challenges of communicating in large, multidisciplinary teams, where diverse perspectives must be managed effectively; and offer practical insights into building trust, empowering lived experience, and encouraging collaboration. They...

In this episode, Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Kate Roberts joins Neil Cole to discuss the complex relationship between mental health issues and violent behaviour. They explore how individuals with mental illnesses, especially those with schizophrenia, are often overrepresented in situations of violence and incarceration. They discuss the challenges of providing care for this vulnerable group, highligh...

In this episode, Associate Professor Shuichi Suetani is joined by Emeritus Professor and renowned psychiatrist Sidney Bloch to discuss key moments from Sid’s distinguished career and the historical advancements in understanding mental health. They explore how psychiatric treatments have evolved over time, reflecting on the successes achieved, the ongoing challenges, and the potential for future pr...

In this episode, Professor Nicholas Procter (Professor and Chair, Mental Health Nursing) and Dr Conrad Newman (psychiatrist and PhD candidate) discuss the complexities of suicidal related behaviours. They explore the crucial role of deep listening in mental health practice, emphasising the importance of connection and how that can make a significant difference when treating patients in distress. D...

This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation with various GPs about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In the final episode, they chat with GP and addiction medicine specialist, Dr Hester Wilson, about the challenges they face when patients talk or behave in ways that don’t align with their pers...

This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In episode two, they explore the challenges of providing primary health care when treating the rare, the unknown, the complex, the not learned about, and the different. They reflect on the changes to the health...

This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation with various GPs about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care.  In episode one, May and Louise sit down with General Practitioner and researcher Professor Michael Kidd to explore the complexities of providing mental health care in a range of settings, from...

Content warning: This episode discusses suicidality. Join Professor Nicholas Procter (Professor and Chair, Mental Health Nursing) and Dr Conrad Newman (psychiatrist and PhD candidate) for this episode of Book Club, where they discuss the ways in which Konrad Michel’s book ‘The Suicidal Person: A New Look at a Human Phenomenon’ (2023) has influenced their work.  Together they explore how treatment...

We’ve just released the first episode of our new partnership podcast series: Creative Arts Therapies, on Mental Health In Focus. This four-part series is produced in partnership with the Australian New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) and Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN). Hosted by clinical psychologist, Professor Mark Creamer, the series features practis...

In this episode of In The First Person, Trent McWhinney: a creative arts therapist, shares his personal story of anxiety and depression. In conversation with Professor Mark Creamer, Trent talks about the various interventions he’s tried and what impact they’ve had on his symptoms as well as how his art practice has helped him both personally and professionally. Trent takes listeners on his journey...

You’ve likely heard of Creative Arts Therapy, but how much do you really know about it as a mental health profession? Join clinical psychologist, Professor Mark Creamer, as he sits down with Dr Kate Dempsey, CEO of ANZACATA: the peak professional association for creative arts therapists in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Together they explore the practice and breadth of Creative Arts Therapy and...

Tune in as Professor Mark Creamer (clinical psychologist) and Neil Cole (consumer consultant, mental health advocate, writer and playwright) talk about supporting people living with schizophrenia and psychosis. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on diagnosis, symptoms and treatment – both pharmacological and psychosocial, exploring the positive and negative impacts on quality of life. Neil al...

Content warning: This episode discusses both hypothetical and real-life traumatic events, including the NSW Bondi Junction shopping centre attack in April 2024. If your client came to you and said, “I've been asked to tell my story to a journalist,” would you encourage them to do it? Join psychologist, Dr Cait McMahon, and journalist, Ashlynne McGhee, as they discuss the intersection of journ...

Content warning: This episode discusses themes of suicidal ideation and thoughts of harm to others. Many people may have preconceived ideas about the ‘highs and lows’ of bipolar affective disorder, but what is it really like to live with it? In this episode we hear from Neil Cole who has previously been a practicing lawyer, a Melbourne City Councilor, and a Member of the Victorian Parliament. He c...

How can practitioners support individuals to reduce the impact of problematic anger? In the final episode of this three-part series, Clinical Psychologists Mark Creamer and Dr Tony McHugh are joined by Mental Health Social Worker, Michelle Birkic, to discuss current approaches to treatment for clients struggling with anger.  During their conversation they emphasise the importance of practitioners...

Tune in as Clinical Psychologists Mark Creamer and Dr Tony McHugh are joined by Professor of Clinical Psychology, Glen Bates, to investigate the breadth of reasons people experience anger. Drawing on the literature, they explore the factors that contribute to anger and explain why some people are at greater risk of experiencing problematic anger. They touch on gender, socioeconomic status, occupat...

Anger can affect many aspects of life, even as mundane as waiting in line at the grocery store. But what is anger, really? In this episode, Clinical Psychologists Mark Creamer and Dr Tony McHugh are joined by Senior Scientist at the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Dr Amy Adler, as they consider the definition of anger. During t...

Join Lived Experience Practitioners India Guerrieri and Julie Rickard as they share their respective stories of a suicide attempt and suicide bereavement. Throughout their open, honest and candid conversation, India and Julie explore the guilt, shame and stigma surrounding suicide, including how finding the right support and sharing their experiences helped combat their feelings of isolation. List...

“So many people fall into the trap of wanting to ignore that this is happening at all to somebody.” - Jesse Sheers In this episode, lived-experience practitioners Jesse Sheers, India Guerrieri and Julie Rickard speak about the importance of breaking the silence and stigma around suicide. Drawing upon evidence-based theories and their own lived experience they ‘flip the script’ on common myths, off...