Science of the Soul

In this compelling episode of Science of the Soul, I sit down with Dan Davis—counsellor, private practice owner of MetaMinds Therapy, group facilitator, podcaster, and Australia’s #1 drone YouTuber—to explore how creativity, emotional intelligence, and ethical alignment shape powerful therapeutic work. Dan shares how his clinical journey evolved from traditional counselling roles into a thriving p...

In this episode of Science of the Soul, I sit down with fellow counsellor and podcast host Brodie Read from The Best Approach Podcast for a deep, reflective conversation on transcultural therapy, trauma, and the therapeutic journey. With his thoughtful and curious lens as a mental health professional, Brodie invites me to unpack how culture, identity, and meaning-making influence the way we unders...

In this episode of Science of the Soul, I engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Daryl Sparks, a seasoned lecturer at an Australian university with a diverse background in film, anthropology, journalism, and more. Dr. Sparks shares insights into his idyllic and trauma-free upbringing, contrasting it with the experiences of many who face significant challenges in life. Together, we explore t...

Welcome to Science of the Soul, where Dr. Guillermo Aranda-Mena and I traverse through his journey from architecture to art. Dr. Aranda-Mena, a university professor and artist, shares his experiences teaching architecture in Italy, the creative process of his art exhibitions, and how his artwork has reconnected him with communities. Dive into the discussion about the impact of art on mental health...

In this episode of "Science of the Soul," join host myself and my podcast editor Will as we delve into the creation and impact of my latest publication, "The Culturally Informed Trauma Workbook." This digital resource is designed to support individuals in therapy by providing a culturally relevant lens to understanding and healing from trauma. We explain the significance of integrating cultural co...

Join me as I delve into the intricacies of mental health, therapy, and the human psyche. In this episode, I welcome Jim Schirmer, a therapist, lecturer, and writer with a unique blended background in psychology, counselling, philosophy, ethics, and theology.  Together, we explore the intersection of these fields with psychotherapy and discuss the importance of virtues in therapeutic practice. He h...

Join me with Stacey Morris, a seasoned marriage and funeral celebrant, as she shares her inspiring 16-year journey into celebrancy, sparked by her own wedding experience. Stacey tells us about her unique profession as we dive deep into the art of personalizing ceremonies, building connections, and compares her approaches between weddings and funerals. She reflects on the sanctity of marriage, the...

In this episode, I’m excited to introduce Richmond, a pioneering physiotherapist and founder of TRE Australia. Richmond is at the forefront of neurogenic or spontaneous movement, boasting a background in mental health, youth suicide prevention, and an Advanced Diploma in Aboriginal Studies. He's also the creator of the world's first online TRE course.  In this insightful conversation, we delve int...

In this podcast I talk to Tom Schmidt, a university Chaplain Coordinator. Tom studied theology, and sheds light on how spirituality influences one’s mental health. We discuss a contemplative meditation practice, Lectio Divina and the role of spirituality in mental wellbeing.  Tom takes us through a perspective shift, highlighting the function of faith in one’s sense of self, and purposefulness in...

Lisa Hoy-Chiang is a university counsellor and project manager, in charge of embedding mental wellness and wellbeing in university curriculum across various courses. She supervises research students, and authored a book for young people titled "Restful Adventures: A Guide to Deliberate Rest for Children." Lisa is a Certified Nutritionist and also holds Board Certification and Fellowship for Lifest...

Dr Karenne Hills was once a registered nurse before switching over to a career in counselling. She has been a counsellor for 25 years, a lecturer of counselling for 11 years, and her areas of expertise and interest are in children and adults with disabilities.    In this podcast, Dr Karenne Hills provided a deeply empathetic and educated exploration two major issues: Making meaning with people wit...

Roisin Taylor is a personal violence counsellor who supports university students facing family violence, domestic violence and sexual abuse. Roisin is also engaged in a lot of prevention work in order to help students mitigate the risks involved when working in the sex industry as well as in domestic violence.  In this podcast, Roisin drew attention to the importance of understanding and learning...

Natajsa Wagner is a trauma psychotherapist and trainer. In this episode, Natajsa talks about the different types of trauma, and shares with us how she works with trauma. Natajsa talks about ensuring that clients have a base in safety and stabilisation, before progressing into processing memories and meaning making. We discuss various trauma-related topics such as: - Posttraumatic growth (PTG) - Th...

Isiah McKimmie is a renowned couple's counsellor and sexologist in Australia. Apart from her work, Isiah also lectures, works with a crisis hotline, and writes for news.com.au's Relationship Rehab column. Isiah has multiple degrees and postgrad qualifications in the field of intimacy, and had shared some profound insights on the various challenges we face, as psychosexual beings.    Our conversati...

Sharon Stern is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma work. Sharon talks to us about multiplicity, i.e. the different parts of ourselves. She explains how we often reduce our different selves to one self. She references literature and figure of speech to explain this idea further.  We talk about how this translates into the therapy space. We touched on: - Philosophically in Greek mytho...

This episode introduces Mary Weru, a senior case manager working in sexual health and blood borne virus in the Northern Territory.  Mary was a colleague from a few years ago, and she has always exuded extreme positivity and competence. She is now in the role of managing vulnerable individuals with sexually transmittable viruses, as well as campaigning for the education of these viruses.  Through h...

In this episode I’d like to share a wonderful experience I had a few weeks ago with the radio show Only human on 4zzz. I was invited and interviewed by Dr Kim Stewart and Belle, and we talked about my PhD research in bereavement, trauma counselling for people with a refugee background, and culturally aware psychotherapy. I talk about the Muslim population in Australia and Southeast Queensland, and...

Officially, Isabel Osuna-Gatty is known a National Disability Coordination Officer in South Australia. In layman's terms, Isabel describes herself as a community educator. She engages with the Spanish speaking community, hosts her own radio show and online chat platform for Spanish speaking women worldwide. Isabel is originally from Venezuela, and her experiences with disability and social exclusi...

Princess R. Lakshman is an inspiring and impressive personality. Princess is a qualified in traditional medicine, remedial masseuse, life coach, clinical nutritionist, and counsellor. She is also a writer, a poet, and is still continuing her post-graduate education in mental health. Her latest book, The Soul Speaks, is available on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris Publishers. However, her exte...

Sidqie is a Professional Life Coach and works with fathers, young adults and leaders. He focuses on building emotionally intelligent families, and is particularly passionate about working with Men & Mental Health.   In this episode, Sidqie very humbly recounts his personal journey, including relationship breakdowns, and the major turning point of him losing a dear friend to suicide.   Sidqie also...

In this episode, Padre Perona beautifully uses metaphors and biblical literature to illustrate the two opposing narratives of God as the Tyrant & God as Freedom.    He talks about how religion seemingly functions as an outwork control, despite its focus on inward transformation through love, interpretation and insight. We discuss the aspects of: How believing in Christ can be used to dodge or esca...

This is an in-depth two-part podcast with Padre Chris Perona, a Biblical Counsellor. Padre Perona has had a colourful journey where his passions have not only led him to ministerial work for 15 years, but also through a career in nursing and advertising somewhere in between.   In this podcast, he shares his holistic approach of counselling from a spiritual framework, namely from a creationist para...

Scott Andrews is a travelling nurse and a practising Buddhist for over a decade. Together, we delve deeply into ways of approaching fear, the nuances of using 'will' and bravado versus love and acceptance. "If you can empower yourself with the ability to feel love... that doesn't consume any energy at all, in fact it generates energy." We go further extrapolating elements of compassion in approach...

Sanja Stojcic is a Holistic Therapist. She runs the College of Conscious Living where she engages with the Creative Arts towards professional AND personal growth. Issues around personal transformation, embodied traumas, parental contamination, building trust within a closed group, authenticity, and altruism were explored during this warm, humorous, yet heartfelt conversation. Tune in to learn more...

Asilah Shah is a consultant at a financial learning company. She shares with us her take on mental health from: An employee's experience AND an organization's perspective, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss factors around retention, retrenchment, coping mechanisms, lifestyle changes, and employee tracking systems. We also discuss the shifts in organizational culture from a dehumanizing stanc...