In this episode, I address a heartfelt question from a listener, a 62-year-old father who feels disconnected from his teenage daughters. He is eager to understand their changing interests and how to maintain a meaningful relationship despite feeling sidelined. I provide insights into adolescent development, effective communication strategies without emotional pressure, and the importance of evolving from a managerial to a consultant role in parenting.Themes:Adolescent Development: Understanding the normal shifts in behaviour and interests as teenagers seek independence and form their own identities.Effective Communication: Strategies for engaging teenagers in a way that fosters connection rather than conflict, including the use of open-ended questions and avoiding criticism.Parental Role Adaptation: Transitioning from manager to consultantKey Takeaways:Understanding Adolescence: It's normal for teenagers to seek more peer interaction and explore personal interests as part of their development.Communication Techniques: Utilising less critical and more curious approaches can help maintain a connection with teenage children.Role Adjustment: Parents can adapt their roles and approaches as their children grow, moving towards a consultative role that respects the child's growing autonomy."As parents, your job shifts from being a manager to a consultant as your child grows." — Marie"Effective communication is about curiosity, not criticism." — MarieSIGN up for Connected Teenshttps://marievakakis.com.au/courses/connected-teens/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6 Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode of "This Complex Life," I speak with Dr Lucy, We delve into the profound relationship between our mindset, eating habits, and overall well-being. Dr. Lucy, a dedicated medical practitioner and co-founder of Real Life Medicine, sheds light on the importance of understanding the psychology behind our eating patterns and moving beyond diet-centric approaches to foster a life filled with joy, energy, and health.Whether you're struggling with diet culture, seeking sustainable health solutions, or curious about the psychological aspects of eating, this conversation might be just what you needThemes:The Psychology of Eating: Exploring the impact of mindset on our eating habits and how societal pressures and diet culture contribute to our food choices.Beyond Dieting: A discussion on why focusing solely on weight loss is not the answer and how Real Life Medicine approaches health and well-being.Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding the role of processed foods, stress, and emotional well-being in our health journey.Key Takeaways:Mindset Matters: Our psychological state plays a significant role in our eating habits, influencing both our food choices and our relationship with food.The Fallacy of Diet Culture: Dr. Lucy highlights the limitations of dieting and the importance of focusing on overall health rather than just weight loss.Navigating Stress and Emotions: The conversation uncovers practical strategies for managing stress and emotional triggers that affect our eating patterns.Featured Quotes:"When you understand why you eat, that's the biggest piece of the puzzle." – Dr. Lucy"Processed food steals the joy of real food." – Dr. Lucy"Eating is not a team sport; it's an individual pursuit." – Dr. LucyAbout your guestDr Lucy is passionate about health. She helps women who have tried every diet under the sun optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss by improving metabolism and managing mindset so they can reduce the effects of chronic disease, have more energy and confidence and stop living life on the sidelines.She was an “expert dieter” and an “expert emotional eater”. She developed obesity, fatty liver and pre-diabetes. As a medical doctor, this was mortifying.  She has completely abandoned traditional dieting and embraces a real food lifestyle.Dr Lucy is a medical doctor, a lifestyle medicine physician, and is trained in many facets of psychological medicine including hypnotherapy.She runs online holistic health and weight programs with her colleague Dr Mary Barson. They have now helped thousands of women reclaim their health. They are both very real and relatable and embody their company name - Real Life MedicineMentioned Links and Resources:Website https://www.rlmedicine.com/ The 12 week Mind Body Rebalancejoin the  wait listhttps://www.rlmedicine.com/12WMBR Free Ebook Weight Loss is all about Hormoneshttps://www.rlmedicine.com/weightloss-ebookFacebook https://www.facebook.com/reallifemedicineInstagram https://www.instagram.com/real_life_medicine/@real_life_medicineThe Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here...

In this episode, I address a listener's question on how to support a daughter through the trauma of sexual assault with sensitivity and without adding to her burden. Themes:Responding to Sexual Assault: Understanding the significance of a supportive response and how it can influence a survivor's recovery journey.Practical Tips for Support: I discuss tangible steps and strategies for supporting survivors, emphasising autonomy, safe spaces, and the importance of consent even in familial interactions.Navigating the Healing Process: Insights into the healing journey, acknowledging the uniqueness of each survivor's experience and the importance of patience and personal care in recovery.Key Takeaways:Believe and Support: The paramount importance of believing the survivor and offering unconditional support, understanding, and empathy.Empowering Autonomy: Strategies to empower survivors by offering choices and respecting their autonomy in the healing process.Self-care for Supporters: The necessity for supporters to seek their own support, recognising the impact of secondary trauma and ensuring they are well-equipped to provide sustained assistance.Featured Quotes:"Your support is crucial, and you can support them by believing them, being a good listener, and never blaming them." – Marie Vakakis"Approach with care and allow as much autonomy and choice as you can." – Marie Vakakis"Listen actively and with empathy, allowing her to express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment." – Marie VakakisMentioned Links and Resources:1-800-RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service for Australians.https://aifs.gov.au/resources/resource-sheets/mandatory-reporting-child-abuse-and-neglecthttps://fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-servicesThe Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In today’s episode, I dive deep into the heart of self-growth and relationships with the return of esteemed guest, Dr. Jenny Brown. Join us as we explore her work on emotional maturity, based on her book, "Growing Yourself Up. How to Bring Your Best to All of Life's Relationships"Together, we uncover the nuanced ways our personal development influences and is influenced by our relationships. Dr. Brown shares enlightening insights into achieving autonomy while fostering meaningful connections, grounding her discussion in both personal experiences and Bowen Family Systems Theory. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of self and relationships with grace and wisdom.Themes:Self-Growth and Relationships: We delve into the symbiotic relationship between individual growth and our interactions with others, shedding light on the crucial role of self-awareness.Bowen Family Systems Theory: Dr. Brown demystifies this theory, making it accessible and highlighting its significance across the various stages of adult life.Navigating Autonomy and Connection: A closer look at finding balance between independence and relational ties, and the continuous journey towards maturity.Key Takeaways:The Journey of Self-Reflection: Understanding our impact within relationships is key to our personal and relational growth.Lifelong Maturity: Dr. Brown reminds us that maturity is not a destination but a journey, offering growth opportunities at every life stage.Strategies for Family Dynamics: Practical advice on maintaining one’s self in the midst of family pressures, particularly during festive seasons.Mentioned Links and Resources:Growing Yourself Up by Dr. Jenny Brown – A key resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships through the lens of family systems theory.Past interview with Dr Jenny Brown - Episode 78 https://marievakakis.com.au/building-stronger-parent-child-relationships-a-conversation-with-jenny-brown/ About your guest Jenny BrownDr Jenny Brown has been working in the field of child and family mental health and family therapy since the 1980’s. She has been a trainer and supervisor in the field in Australia and internationally for over 20 years. Jenny is Emeritus Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney, which she co-founded in 2004. She currently directs the Family Systems Practice and the Parent Hope Project (manualized interventions in child mental health). She is a clinical member and supervisor for the Australian Association of Family Therapy and, in 2018, received the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy award for distinguished contribution to family therapy in Australia. In 2022 she received the annual research award from Bowen Centre for the Study of the Family in Washington DC.Connect with Jennyparenthopeproject.com.au; thefsi.com.auThe Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In today's episode, the tables have turned as Jodi Green interviews me, discussing some of the differences between coaching and therapy.Key Insights:Coaching vs. Therapy: We discuss the distinctions between coaching and therapy in supporting folk with ADHD. We explore the differences and similaritiesImpact on Relationships: Addressing the ripple effects of ADHD on personal connections. From executive functioning challenges to time blindness and rejection sensitivity, we explore how these factors can influence the dynamics of relationships.Trial and Error in Therapy: Embracing the journey of self-discovery and experimentation. Highlighting the importance of building trust, recognising individual needs, and fostering a supportive environment for clients to voice their preferences.About your guestJodi Green''I believe in people with ADHD. I am here to be your coach and cheerleader as you find the sweet spot in your life, with ADHD in the mix. I am a certified ADHD Life Coach, and over the last 6 years I've helped hundreds of people living with ADHD. Personal and professional experience mean I know it's not easy, but I think I've figured out the perfect mix of support and coaching (IMHO!). If you are willing to believe in yourself, and want a partner to walk with you along the weekly ups and downs towards your goals, I'm your girl.''https://www.adhd-id.com.au/adhd-coach-melbourne/Connect with Marie The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode of This Complex Life, I talk with Jodi Green, an ADHD coach about ADHD, the impact it can have on relationships and strategies for managing it.Key Takeaways:Jodi Green emphasises that ADHD coaching is not about forcing someone into doing hard things; it's more about making tasks achievable and finding strategies to make them more interesting or easier.Tipping points in life, such as transitions from high school to university or entering the workforce, can trigger a need for new strategies to cope with changing structures.Many women get diagnosed later in life, often due to shifting structures like motherhood, we discuss the importance of being open to exploring how tasks can be made more manageable.ADHD affects executive functions, such as planning, organising, and time management, which can lead to various challenges in daily life. These challenges are unique to each individual with ADHD.The impact of undiagnosed ADHD can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and internalised negative beliefs. Diagnosis can provide clarity and understanding, allowing individuals to reframe their experiences.Rejection sensitivity is common in people with ADHD, and it can affect relationships. Understanding that emotional reactions are often related to ADHD symptoms can help partners provide support and empathy.Effective communication in relationships involves recognising the root causes of behaviours related to ADHD. It's important to avoid the parent-child dynamic and instead focus on collaborative problem-solving.ADHD can lead to hyperfixation on certain tasks or interests. While some tasks may be less enjoyable, Jodi suggests finding ways to make them more engaging or outsourcing them.Jodi recommends that adults who suspect they have ADHD seek a diagnosis through a psychologist or psychiatrist. Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion.The transition from high school to college or the workforce can be a tipping point for individuals with ADHD, as structures change, and new challenges emerge.Coaching can be a valuable resource for adults with ADHD, helping them identify strategies and solutions tailored to their unique challenges.In seeking a coach, it's essential to look for professionals who have received specific ADHD coaching training and, if possible, are members of the International Coach Federation (ICF) to ensure ethical standards.Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ Connect with Jodihttps://www.adhd-id.com.au/adhd-coach-melbourne/

Join me as we explore this common challenge and discover strategies to build better communication.Key Takeaways:Teens want to feel heard, validated, and empathised with. Avoid offering unsolicited advice, as it can disconnect you from your teen. Instead, acknowledge their struggles, give them space, and ask for permission before sharing your advice.Chores and responsibilities can strain the parent-teen relationship. Balance out your interactions by acknowledging and appreciating their efforts. Show that you notice their good qualities and hard work, not just their shortcomings.Understand that teens' brains process information differently. They prioritise novel and external stimuli, so it's not about ignoring you intentionally. connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Mentioned in this episode:Book your spot nowGrab your ticket to Connected Teens --> https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

 Understanding the Situation:School can be a whirlwind of activity, especially for teenagers. Multiple classes, changing environments, social dynamics—it's a lot to handle.The transition from school to home can be challenging. Teens may need time to decompress and de-stress.When parents bombard them with questions immediately, it can feel overwhelming and irritating.💡 Tips for Better Communication:Give Space: Instead of asking a barrage of questions, greet your teen with a simple "Hey, nice to see you." Let them know it's okay to take time for themselves. Connect later when they're more relaxed.Find Common Ground: If your teen isn't enthusiastic about school, shift the conversation to their interests or hobbies. Ask about friends, sports, or any other topics they're passionate about.Respect Their Routines: Understand that after-school activities, like tutoring or sports, may further drain their energy. Let them decompress on their terms.connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Mentioned in this episode:Book your spot nowGrab your ticket to Connected Teens --> https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/

I speak about some of the unique challenges parents often face as their children transition into their teenage years. This phase can be a time of perceived rejection as teens assert their independence, leaving parents feeling less needed.Key takeaways:Understanding the Transition:Adolescence marks a significant shift from childhood to the teenage years, accompanied by changes in friendship groups and the move to high school.Teens naturally seek independence and autonomy as they explore their identities, often making parents feel rejected or unneeded.Shifting Roles:Parents must recognise the change from a "manager" role to a "consultant." Your position description evolves, but you remain a crucial part of your teen's life.Avoid responding as if you've been "fired" from your role. Instead, consider how you can adapt to this new position as a consultant.Managing Your Reactions:Reflect on how you respond to situations that might feel like rejection. Identify the specific triggers and your emotional reactions, such as sadness, loneliness, or frustration.Avoid projecting your hurt onto your teen. Be aware that your emotions are shaped by your interpretation of their actions.Open and Honest Communication:Use clear, non-judgmental language to express your desire for connection. Instead of passive-aggressive comments, be direct about your wishes.Modelling Accountability:Apologise and take responsibility for your reactions when you react poorly to a situation.Encourage your teen to communicate their feelings without feeling responsible for your emotions.Addressing Hurtful Comments:When your teen makes hurtful comments, such as "I hate you," try to identify the underlying emotion, like disappointment or anger.Address the specific emotion rather than justifying your actions. Show understanding and empathy.Setting Boundaries:Establish healthy boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Clearly communicate what you can and can't do to manage your time and commitments.Teach your teen the importance of setting boundaries by respecting their limits as well.Prioritising Self-Care:Self-care is essential to maintaining your well-being and role-modeling emotional resilience.Demonstrating your ability to handle ups and downs calmly and collectedly can positively impact your teen's emotional development.Remember, it takes a calm brain to calm a brain. By focusing on understanding, empathy, and effective communication, you can navigate the challenges of this phase with your teenager while maintaining a strong and supportive relationship. Connected Teens on sale NOWhttps://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/ Get the free ebook https://marievakakis.com.au/my-teen-wont-talk-to-me/connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In today's episode, we delve into a complex and deeply human emotion: rejection. It's a feeling that touches all of us at some point or another, and it's something that we all need to navigate.Key Takeaways:Rejection is a normal feeling. It's often closely associated with sadness Rejection can show up following a range of situations from not getting a job to the end of a relationship, and it can be emotionally crushing.Our core beliefs and self-esteem play a pivotal role in how we process and respond to rejection.Rejection can also impact our self-esteem - the two can be closely linkedOur brains don't like ambiguity, so they create stories to fill in the gaps when we face rejection. These stories can perpetuate negative beliefs about ourselves.How we respond to rejection can have a profound impact on our relationships and mental health.We're hardwired for connection, and our brains interpret rejection as physical pain. This explains why rejection can feel so agonizing.Some individuals have heightened sensitivities to rejection, which can stem from early experiences or conditions like ADHD.Rejection can lead to a sense of learned helplessness, which can further damage our self-esteem In part one of this two-part series, we've explored the nuances of rejection and its profound impact on our lives. We've uncovered how our core beliefs, self-esteem, and responses play a role in how we experience rejection. Stay tuned for part two, where we delve into the complexities of rejection in parenting, particularly during the challenging transition from childhood to adolescence.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenny Brown, who has developed a project aimed at supporting parents in navigating the challenges of parenting adolescents.I first came across Jenny in my family therapy studies, and her work has left a lasting impression on me. Her dedication to understanding and helping parents in their journey of raising kids and teenagers has been influential in my own work as a family therapist.Throughout our discussion, we touched upon various aspects of parenting during the adolescent years. Jenny shares her expertise and offers valuable insights and guidance on improving parent-child relationships.Key takeawaysBackground and Project: Jenny Brown discusses how the Parent Hope Project is rooted in her earlier article, "We Don't Need Your Help But Can You Please Fix Our Children?" She emphasises the importance of involving parents in therapy, as the parent-child relationship is a crucial part of the therapeutic process.Communication and Tone: Jenny and I talk about the importance of effective communication between parents and adolescents. We highlight the significance of shifting from a controlling or passive-aggressive tone to one that encourages open dialogue and collaboration.Empathy and Understanding: The conversation emphasises the importance of empathy for parents and young people. Understanding the challenges and mixed messages that adolescents often convey and how parents can navigate some of these difficult conversationsMaking a Project out of Yourself: Jenny advises parents to shift their focus from trying to change their child to making a project out of themselves. This means being aware of their emotional tone, adjusting their communication, and allowing their child space to grow and develop their own identity.About JennyDr Jenny Brown has been working in the field of child and family mental health and family therapy since the 1980’s. She has been a trainer and supervisor in the field in Australia and internationally for over 20 years. Jenny is Emeritus Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney, which she co-founded in 2004. She currently directs the Family Systems Practice and the Parent Hope Project (manualized interventions in child mental health). She is a clinical member and supervisor for the Australian Association of Family Therapy and, in 2018, received the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy award for distinguished contribution to family therapy in Australia. In 2022 she received the annual research award from Bowen Centre for the Study of the Family in Washington DC.parenthopeproject.com.au; thefsi.com.au; https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-1748-6 25% Discounted Code: PROMO25connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode, I explore the importance of preparing for therapy and what to expect. This podcast episode emphasises the importance of preparing for therapy by clarifying goals and expectations. It debunks common therapy myths, offers strategies to manage pre-session anxiety, and highlights the significance of building trust and effective communication with a therapist for a successful therapeutic journey.Before booking your first session, it's helpful to consider what you want to achieve through therapy. This clarity can help you choose the right therapist and focus your efforts effectively.Questions to Reflect On:Why Are You Seeking Therapy Now? Understanding the trigger for seeking therapy can provide valuable context for your sessions.What Are Your Hopes and Expectations? Define what you want to achieve through therapy and discuss these expectations with your therapist.What Goals Do You Want to Work On? Identify specific behaviours or changes you'd like to see in your life.Managing Pre-Session Anxiety: It's common to feel nervous before your first therapy session. You can prepare by reflecting on your feelings and using resources like workbooks to structure your thoughts.Common Myths About Therapy:Myth 1: Believing that nothing can help your problems is limiting. Therapy can shed light on patterns and beliefs that impact your life.Myth 2: Expecting others to change without considering your role in relationships is unproductive. Therapy often involves self-awareness and personal growthBuilding Trust with Your Therapist: Trust in therapy is a two-way street. Communicate openly with your therapist about your needs, challenges, and preferences. It's essential to feel comfortable and aligned with your therapist's approach.Effective Communication with Your Therapist: Establish a communication style that suits you. Whether it's sharing feedback, asking questions, or requesting specific support, open dialogue can enhance your therapeutic experience.Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist for you is essential. If you ever feel uncomfortable or that your therapist isn't a good fit, it's okay to explore other options. Get in touch with Marie [email protected]://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Get the journal https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/

In this podcast episode, I'm addressing the significance of "R U OK? Day," which falls on September 14th. This day serves as a reminder to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. I talk briefly about the history of R U OK? Day and its transformation into a vital social movement dedicated to preventing suicides.Throughout the episode, I share some statistics related to suicide in Australia and the importance of sensitive language when discussing this topic. I debunk some common myths about suicide, such as the misconception that people who talk about it are merely seeking attention. I also stress that suicides often come with warning signs, and they can affect anyone, not just those with diagnosed mental illnesses.Here are four essential tips for engaging in conversations about suicide:Direct Communication: Approach someone you suspect may be struggling with suicidal thoughts with clear and direct questions. Ask if they're having thoughts of ending their life. Avoid vague or judgmental language.Provide Support: If the person admits to having suicidal thoughts, work together to keep them safe. Connect them with appropriate professional help, such as a GP or a suicide hotline.Follow Up: After initial contact with professional help, check in with the individual. Show that you care and want to support them through their journey.Normalise Conversations: Encourage open discussions about mental health and suicide prevention. Seek out resources and training programs to improve your communication skills in this crucial area.Remember that your support as a compassionate friend can make a significant difference. Suicide knows no boundaries, and the more comfortable we become with these conversations, the better equipped we are to help those in need.For additional resources and training programs, please refer to the links and information provided below.Resourceshttps://www.ruok.org.au/https://www.lifeline.org.au/https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/ https://mhfa.com.au/connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode of "This Complex Life," I interview Patch Callahan, a clinical psychologist, to explore the concept of values and their importance in therapy, specifically in the context of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Patch provides insights into the difference between values and goals, as well as practical tips on defining and living your values.The conversation in this episode delves into the challenges of discovering and living by one's values, including how to handle discomfort, make decisions, and find psychological flexibility. Patch Callahan's insights provide a valuable guide for those looking to explore and learn about themselves. Key Takeaways:Understanding Values vs. Goals: Patch distinguishes between values and goals. Values are the underlying principles that guide our behaviour and choices, while goals are specific achievements or targets. Values provide the "why" behind our actions, giving them deeper meaning. Values are the deeply held principles and beliefs that guide our actions, behaviours, and decisions. They represent what is meaningful and important to us and serve as a compass for living an authentic and fulfilling life.Importance of Values: Identifying and living according to our values can lead to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. It helps us make choices aligned with our true desires, fostering authenticity and satisfaction.Defining Your Values:Start by considering various life domains, such as family, relationships, work, health, and leisure.Reflect on what is genuinely important to you within each domain, drilling down to specific values.Aim to narrow down your values to a manageable handful, around 5 or 6, that resonate deeply with you and activate a sense of purpose.Challenges in Identifying Values: Some people may struggle to discern their values. It's essential to explore, experiment, and learn through trial and error, seeking professional guidance if needed.Three Tips to Define Your Values:Reflect on Life Domains: Consider different aspects of your life, such as family, relationships, work, health, and leisure, and identify what matters most to you within each domain.Drill Down to Specific Values: Delve deeper within each domain to identify specific values that resonate with you. For example, within the family domain, you might value connection, vulnerability, or reliability.Narrow Down to a Handful: Aim to narrow down your values to around 5 or 6 that feel deeply meaningful and guide your actions. These values should be tangible and connect with your desired future.Importance of Defining Your Values: Identifying your values is crucial because they provide a clear sense of purpose and direction in life. Living according to your values fosters authenticity, helps you make choices aligned with your true desires, and leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. It allows you to navigate challenges and make decisions that resonate with your core beliefs and principles.ResourcesBulls eye activity Get in touch with Patch https://actofliving.com.au/our-team/patch-callahan/ Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In today's episode, I talk about complaining and how we address problems.Complaining is not great for our mental health and wellbeing. It can create a habit in our brain to focus on negative things. It can also impact relationships.Main Talking Points:Complaining vs. Stating Facts: Often, we don't realise we're complaining when we think we're just stating facts or observations. This can lead us to believe our complaints are justified when in reality, they're often just negative thoughts in disguise.Impact on Relationships: Frequent complaining can damage relationships and create a negative atmosphere. Recognising that what we express affects those around us is essential to maintaining healthy interactions.Shifting Focus to Positives: Our brains are wired to seek out danger and negatives as a survival mechanism. However, constantly focusing on the negative can lead to finding more things that go wrong and that are negative. It's like we’re looking out for them Embracing the analogy of "having a pony and needing to shovel shit" can help us reframe problems. Just as having a pony brings responsibilities, many good things come with challenges that need to be addressed.Circle of Control or circle of influence: Understanding the concept of the "Circle of Control" can guide us in distinguishing what we can control, influence, or have no control over. This perspective helps us allocate our energy wisely and respond more thoughtfully to situations.Remember, we all have the choice to decide what we focus on and how we respond. By becoming more mindful of our thoughts and expressions, we can reshape our mindset and approach to problems, ultimately improving our wellbeing and relationships. connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Why do some people avoid couples therapy?In this episode, Belinda and I talk about fears and hesitation surrounding couples therapy. We discuss stigmas and misconceptions that prevent people from seeking the help they need to nurture and grow their relationships.In this episode Belinda and I discuss the value of couples therapy We talk about how to find the right therapist who can work with the specific challenges faced within your relationship.We discussed ways of navigating challenging conversations. We talk about the importance of being curious rather than critical during difficult discussions.The role of individual therapy and how it can complement couples therapy Couples therapy can be a transformative experience for relationships, providing tools and insights to improve communication, connection, and conflict resolution. By being curious and seeking the right therapist, individuals can foster a deeper understanding of their relationship dynamics. About Belinda GibsonBelinda is a registered Psychologist and Gestalt Psychotherapist, and is the founder and director of Footscray Counselling Centre, where she provides individual, couples and groups with relationally orientated psychotherapy supervision and therapy.Belinda also works as a consultant to various academic and medical organisations, facilitating reflective group practice, training workshops and supervision.https://footscraycounsellingcentre.com.au/ Connect with Mariehttps://thetherapyhub.com.au/https://marievakakis.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

What is EMDR TherapyIn this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Therapy Trainer Caroline Burrows.Caroline and I discuss the use of EMDR therapy and how we use it to support folks with traumatic experiences and difficult memories Understanding EMDR  Therapy?EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a type of psychological therapy that activates the brain's natural healing capacity to overcome painful life experiences that keep impacting us.The EMDR Process.EMDR therapy can be broken down into eight phases, starting from building a strong therapeutic relationship to preparing the person for the processing of traumatic or negative memories and experiences. EMDR Therapy aims to help individuals gain control over distressing experiences, making them less vivid, reducing attached emotions, and changing the way they think about the events.EMDR therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The number of sessions and techniques used varies from person to person based on their needs and the complexity of their experiences. It's about finding the best fit for each individual.Resource BuildingCaroline highlights the importance of resource building. This phase involves equipping the person with coping skills and confidence both during and outside of EMDR sessions. These resources help them manage any emotional processing that continues after therapy.Key Takeaways:EMDR therapy activates the brain's natural healing to overcome painful experiences.The therapy is personalised, with no fixed number of sessions.Don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself during therapy sessions.Resource building is essential to support clients in their healing journey.EMDR Therapy can benefit individuals dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and more.Further reading or resourcesEMDRAA website: www.emdraa.orgMindful Living website: www.mindfulliving.com.auFree resources for the public: www.mindfulliving.com.au/resources/The book discussed: www.everymemorydeservesrespect.com/Connect with Caroline Caroline Burrows is an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant with a background in Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy. She has over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and university settings.She is the Owner and Director of Mindful Living, a group private practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. As the EMDR Coordinator at The Melbourne Clinic, Caroline developed the first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria. She has an infectious enthusiasm for EMDR Therapy and provides innovative EMDR training and consultation and clinical supervision to mental health professionals across Australia and abroad. Caroline loves encouraging, motivating and mentoring therapists as they embrace the opportunities that EMDR Therapy brings.For more details, visit www.carolineburrows.com.auConnect with Mariehttps://thetherapyhub.com.au/https://marievakakis.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode I’ll be talking about Bids for Connection, those small gestures that can make or break a relationship. From couples to parents and teenagers, we'll explore the importance of responding positively to these bids with kindness and love to create stronger connections and build trust.Research has shown that a healthy relationship can have significant positive effects on our mental and physical health, while unhealthy relationships can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health.One to build strong connections in intimate relationships is by using bids for connection.Bids for Connection are little actions or communications used by someone to establish or maintain a connection with another person. They can be obvious or subtle, spoken or unspoken.I share the three common ways people respond to bids Turning Towards, Turning Away, and Turning Towards Unkindly  and why it's essential to be mindful of our reactions.Key Takeaways:Recognising bids for connection fosters emotional intimacy and trust.Responding positively to bids creates a nurturing and supportive relationship environment.Missed bids can lead to emotional distance, conflict, and feelings of loneliness.Repairing missed bids involves acknowledging the oversight and making an effort to reconnect.Building strong relationships with teenagers involves turning towards their bids, even when they seem negative or hostile.Remember, the quality of our relationships greatly influences our overall wellbeing. So let's start paying attentionConnect with Mariehttps://thetherapyhub.com.au/https://marievakakis.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode of This Complex Life, I sit down with psychologist Belinda Gibson for a candid conversation about the pressures of perfectionism and the pervasive feeling of not being good enough. We share insights from our client work and personal experiences, discussing how this belief can impact relationships and self-esteem without us even realising it. Join us as we explore ways to recognise and address these feelings, and learn how to engage in meaningful conversations with friends and family. Where do our feelings of "Not Feeling Good Enough" come from? We discuss how this belief is learned over time and becomes a strong, almost inherent feeling.Unpacking Shoulds: We talk about how the use of "shoulds" in language can indicate feelings of failure and not being good enough. We delve into how these internal judgments manifest in day-to-day life.The Pressure to Be Perfect: We discuss the societal expectation that we must excel in something to enjoy it fully, and how this belief stifles exploration and playfulness.Shame and Growth: We explore how shame can hinder our growth mindset, making it difficult to embrace vulnerability and learn new skills.Seeking Support: We talk about the importance of self-compassion and finding safe spaces and people to share our vulnerabilities and growth journeys.Key Takeaways:The "not good enough" feeling can appear in various aspects of life, affecting our choices and behaviours.Societal expectations of perfectionism can hinder our enjoyment of activities we might otherwise find pleasurable.Shame linked to inadequacy can impede personal growth and learning new skills.Fear of rejection may lead to avoiding tough conversations, affecting genuine connections.Seeking support and finding safe spaces for self-exploration can be instrumental in untangling the "not good enough" feeling. Belinda is a registered Psychologist and Gestalt Psychotherapist, and is the founder and director of Footscray Counselling Centre, where she provides individual, couples and groups with relationally orientated psychotherapy supervision and therapy.Belinda also works as a consultant to various academic and medical organisations, facilitating reflective group practice, training workshops and supervision. https://footscraycounsellingcentre.com.au/Further reading or resourcesThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: A book on embracing vulnerability and self-compassion.Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion Resources: Guided meditations and self-compassion checklist to foster self-compassion https://self-compassion.org/Inside Out (Movie): Check out this animated film that offers a creative depiction of emotions and inner struggles.Full show notes linkhttps://marievakakis.com.au/episode70/connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

In this episode, we dive into the topic of worry with Dr. Lillian Nejad, a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in helping people manage anxiety and stress. We explore the definition of worry, its relationship with anxiety, and common misconceptions about it. Lillian sheds light on the purpose and function of worry, highlighting situations where it can be helpful and when it becomes unproductive. Join us as we discuss the impact of excessive worry on daily life and relationships, and explore strategies for managing worry effectively. Key Talking Points:·     Worry is the cognitive expression of anxiety, characterised by thoughts that often start with "what if" and focus on anticipating negative outcomes·     Worry can also be centred around past behaviour and regrets, known as rumination, where individuals constantly replay events they wish had gone differently·     While anxiety is a feeling, worry is a thought process triggered by anxiety·     Worry serves a purpose by alerting us to potential problems, allowing us to take preventive measures, solve issues, or be better prepared·     Dysfunctional worry occurs when it fails to lead to problem-solving or resolution, becomes uncontrollable, and significantly impacts daily functioning.·     Excessive worry can affect concentration, sleep patterns, productivity, and overall wellbeing·     Worry can also impact relationships, as anxious energy can be sensed by others, even if not explicitly expressed  Key Takeaways:·    Worry is the cognitive aspect of anxiety, involving thoughts focused on potential negative outcomes.·    Understanding the purpose of worry helps differentiate between productive and unproductive worry.·    Dysfunctional worry hinders problem-solving and resolution, and can have a significant impact on daily functioning.·    Excessive worry affects concentration, sleep, productivity, and relationships.·    Recognising what can and can't be controlled helps shift focus to actionable steps and reduces worry.·    Developing strategies to manage and regulate worry is essential for overall wellbeing.  Resources:•  Skills for Life: Dr. Lillian Nejad's online portal for mental health resources and programs - website•  Contain Your Brain: An app designed by Dr. Lillian Nejad to help reduce worry and improve worry management.Books by Dr. Lillian Nejad can be found here https://www.drlilliannejad.com/books Life blockersTreating stress and anxiety Relaxation techniques Life Skills for Leaders: Dr. Lillian Nejad's podcast discussing mental health in the workplace  About Lillian Dr. Lillian Nejad is a clinical psychologist with 25 years experience helping people with anxiety and stress. In addition to her private practice, she has founded ‘Skills for Life’, an online portal for mental health resources and programs that helps people build skills to manage anxiety, stress less and get some rest. Lillian has recently launched the app, Contain Your Brain, to help people worry less and worry better! She is also the author of two books about stress & anxiety and insomnia, she has recorded three collections of mindfulness and relaxation exercises and...

Introducing This Complex Life

Workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress are significant issues that can have detrimental effects on individuals in various professions. It's essential to recognise the signs of workplace bullying, take action early, and prioritise self-care to prevent long-term negative effects on mental and physical health. In this episode, our guest, Frances Caile shares her experiences and insights on workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress. She explains how she was drawn to social work and her transition to private practice to have more time to do good work without the politics of organisations and paperwork. She discusses her motivation for setting up her private practice and her specialisations in workplace bullying, burnout, and workplace stress. Key Takeaways: Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety Examples of workplace bullying include spreading rumours, excluding or isolating someone socially, intimidation, threatening a person's role or performance, undermining or impeding a person's work, and withholding necessary information Workplace bullying can have serious consequences on the mental and physical health of the victims, and it's important to seek assistance and support early to prevent long-term negative effects Work-related stress and burnout are common in high-stress roles such as social work, teaching, and healthcare, as well as in resource-constrained environments with high turnover and competition for promotion It's crucial to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and seek support when experiencing work-related stress and burnout to prevent long-term physical and mental health issues. Contact details for Frances https://www.stresssupport.com.au/ Promo code for working ISW2023 for 20% off https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/  

    Helping women recover from interpersonal trauma and violence   Liz is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who runs her own private practice called Breathe therapy. She's a mindful trauma therapist and is really passionate about supporting women to heal from childhood and adult experiences of interpersonal violence and abuse.   Liz has done some really incredible work and we talk about some of her social work journey, and how she incorporates various techniques such as act DBT, and mindfulness into working with women to recover from some of those experiences and diagnosis such as PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and other sorts of things that can really stem from those early experiences that women face. I hope you enjoy this episode with Liz.   Contact Liz BreatheTherapy.com.au

  Ashton talks us through some steps you can take to work towards your accreditation.  She shares some of the resources that she's developed, including her accredited Mental Health Social Worker roadmap, which is part of an ebook series, private Facebook group that she has, as well as her consultation and training   We talk about supervision and what we wish we knew when we were first starting out and the importance of that.  Guest bio Ashton is a an accredited mental health social worker with a background of working in human services and mental health settings.  She has over a decade of experience in child protection, housing, forensic and mental health settings.  She currently provides supervision to human services and mental health professionals across Australia.  She is also the owner and director of Willowtree Wellbeing, a counselling clinic in Western Sydney, NSW.  Ashton is passionate about providing a safe and collaborative environment for supervision for social workers, caseworkers, team leaders and anyone who works in human services.   Contact guest https://ashtonhayesconsulting.com.au/ Previous episode with Ashton   Episode 26 : From Paralegal to Social Worker. Working with children and trauma all while staying passionate about the work you do with Ashton Hayes    Supervision series  Part 1 Supervision Part 2 - The benefits of Group Supervision Part 3 Supervision - Understanding learning preferences Inside Social Work Podcast Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

This is the second episode of a multi-part series examining gender and sexuality. In this episode we look at implicit bias.   About your guest Lachlan Slade Lachlan, (he/they) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. He has worked in the space for about 12 years now in various spaces with LGBTIQA+ and trauma work. Lachlan Slade grew up in Shepparton studying in Albury Wodonga, and Bendigo to complete their Social Work degree. Lachlan cofounded the Out in the Open Festival, Shepparton's first LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics.   Work with Lachlan   Upcoming events Neutralising Queerphobia workshop, in Kannygoopna (Shepparton) as part of Out in the Open Festival, tix at outintheopen.org.au. The workshop explores implicit bias, ambient trauma and Allyship. Lachlan's LGBTIQA+ focused Group Supervision sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/group-supe#organiserInfoBox   https://sladeconsulting.services Email: [email protected] Instagram: @lachlan_listens   Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

  This is the first episode of a multi-part series examining gender and sexuality. How we as social workers can be more inclusive in our language and how we can work more emphatically with individuals and families.    About your guest Lachlan Slade Lachlan, (he/they) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. He has worked in the space for about 12 years now in various spaces with LGBTIQA+ and trauma work. Lachlan Slade grew up in Shepparton studying in Albury Wodonga, and Bendigo to complete their Social Work degree. Lachlan cofounded the Out in the Open Festival, Shepparton's first LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics.   Work with Lachlan   Upcoming events Neutralising Queerphobia workshop, in Kannygoopna (Shepparton) as part of Out in the Open Festival, tix at outintheopen.org.au. The workshop explores implicit bias, ambient trauma and Allyship. Lachlan's LGBTIQA+ focused Group Supervision sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/group-supe#organiserInfoBox   https://sladeconsulting.services Email: [email protected] Instagram: @lachlan_listens   Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

I hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-Wright Yasmine McKee- Wright is a social worker and podcaster. She has learned a lot from some of the guests on her podcast, Social Work Spotlight. We talk about her journey, having students on placement and a bit of time on self-care. Jasmine shares some of the things that she does for self-care and some of the things that sustain social workers in their careers. Connect with Yasmine swspotlightpodcast@gmail https://anchor.fm/socialworkspotlight https://www.facebook.com/socialworkspotlight https://twitter.com/SWSpotlightPod https://www.instagram.com/socialworkspotlight_podcast/  

Dr Yvette Vardy is a clinical psychologist with twenty years of experience in the treatment of people with borderline personality disorder and those with complex issues and traumatic histories. Dr Yvette Vardy uses evidence-based practices and is passionate about providing treatments that lead to recovery or clinically significant improvements, ensuring clients are left with very tangible and concrete ways to manage themselves and their symptoms differently. She has a private practice in North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia.    Dr Yvette Vardy has established several Dialectical Behaviour Therapy programs in Australia and been employed as a senior clinical psychologist, supervisor and team leader at a number of hospitals. Previously, as Spectrum Personality Disorders Service of Victoria’s senior education officer, Dr Vardy visited numerous services and organisations across Australia, to help clinicians learn practical skills and helpful theoretical concepts in working effectively with BPD and individuals with personality disorders.  Dr Vardy has completed her Comprehensive and Intensive DBT and DBT-PE training and enjoys sharing her passion for DBT by providing DBT-specific lectures and workshops, as well as individual and group supervision to clinicians seeking DBT training and support. https://www.yvettevardy.com/ Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Dr Jodie Richardson is one of Australia's leading lights in managing anxiety. An educational leader, Dr Jodi Richardson supports parents and teachers to change their relationship with anxiety, dial it right down and light the way for their children and students to do the same. Jodi is a professional speaker supporting whole school communities around Australia, the best-selling author of the books 'Anxious Kids' and 'Anxious Mums', hosts the popular podcast 'Well, hello anxiety' and is a mum of two. Where to find Jodie   Website https://drjodirichardson.com/ Books https://drjodirichardson.com/shop/ Podcast https://podfollow.com/1585382774 Enquiries [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrJodiRichardson/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jodi-richardson-15589240/ Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/  Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/ Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/    Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Things to ask your therapist during your first therapy session Doing some research and planning before your session can help give you a sense of calm and help you work out if the therapist is going to be a good fit for you and your goals/ needs for therapy.  Finding the right professional or professionals and finding the right kind of treatment and support is a fine balance. What are your fees and cancellation policy? What training did you do? What Kind Of Therapy Do You Offer? How Will I Know We’re A Good Fit?”  Do you have experience working with others who are in similar circumstances? What will Therapy look like moving forward? Can You Help Me Create Some Goals? Can I reach you in between sessions?  What can I do in between sessions? How do you think I’m doing? How will we measure progress? What if after all this it still doesn’t feel right? Check out our blog post I saw a professional for help for my mental health but it didn’t work – what do I do next?   Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/    Episode 7 Youth Mental Health First Aid - interview with Dr Claire Kelly Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/ Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/  Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

We all have different ways that we like to learn and engage with content. In this episode, I talk through some of the learning preferences that adult learners may have and how to tailor supervision to meet different needs. If you are a supervisor it's really handy to know what works for your supervisee and if you're a supervisee it’s really helpful to know how you like to learn and what you can do and supervision to get the most out of supervision. Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/  Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/ Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/  Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Caroline is an accredited EMDR, trainer and consultant with a background in clinical social work and psychotherapy. She has over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and tertiary settings. She is the owner and director of Mindful Living, a group private practice in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She had worked in The Melbourne Clinic so as an EMDR, coordinator where she developed the first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria. She has an infectious enthusiasm for EMDR therapy and EMDR training, which will be obvious when you listen to her talk about it. She loves encouraging and motivating mentoring therapists as they embrace the opportunities that EMDR therapy brings. So for a bit more information about Caroline, you can head over to her website, https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/ Recommended resources   What happened to you -  Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey THe body Keeps Score - Bessel van der Kolk Podcast recommended   Notice That https://emdr-podcast.com/ https://blueknot.org.au/ Episode 29 - EMDR explained https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000482673871 Training    Carolines on demand training https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/on-demand-training-main Upcoming EMDR part 1 training www.carolineburrows.com.au/basic-emdr-training  Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors   https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/  Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Benefits of group supervision Group supervision can provide unique opportunities to grow your skills, feel connected and normalise difficult situations or experiences. Some of the benefits include Peer Feedback Social Networking Hive mind -Having Multiple Listeners, ideas and frames of reference for the Same Event. Developing Empathy, compassion and self-compassion Practice Public Speaking and Presenting.   Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/    Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Adam works in tertiary mental health services. He's an accredited mental health social worker. Currently he works as a social Work Discipline lead in a hospital, and part of his role now is as allied health educator,  supporting graduate social workers, and other allied health professionals as well as students on placement. ‘’I always knew that I wanted to work with people in like a helping profession.’’ Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

We chatted about diversity, sexuality, being authentic in therapy, critical reflection, building trust, and sharing parts of your lived experience. About Coby   Coby is an experienced mental health practitioner with a passion for life, health, and healing. As an advocate for good mental health, he regularly presents at conferences and workshops across different states in Australia and internationally. In addition, he has extensive experience working creatively with children (as young as 6 years old), adolescents, and adults from various backgrounds and cultures, assisting them in identifying and maximising their inner strengths and resilience.   Connect with Coby   https://liveyourstory.com.au/   Find out More about Youth Mental Health First Aid and Tuning into teens   https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Boundaries are the limits we set with other people, which indicate what we find acceptable and unacceptable in their behavior towards us. Elements of trust - from the work of Brene Brown.  Using the acronym BRAVING   Boundaries Reliability Accountability Vault Intergtriy Non-judgement Generosity    Healthy boundaries are cruicial components for self-care.   Some of the advantages of healthy boundaries include having good mental health, good emotional health, avoiding burnout and being a positive influence on others behaviour.   Consequences include stress, wasted time, financial burdens and relationship issues. Whether it's in work or in our personal relationships, poor boundaries may lead to resentment, hurt, anger, and burnout. A lack of healthy boundaries can negatively impact all areas of someone's life. Boundaries help us take care of ourselves by giving us permission to say NO to things, to not take everything on. Knowing our boundaries and setting them are two very different hurdles to overcom   Know what they are   Start by working out your limits.   Remind yourself of the benefit of sticking to them  Be assertive and Communicate them   Communicate them often, frequently and clearly. This is your responsibility  People can’t read your mind. This make take practice to implement.  Try the following or other similar situartions to practice setting boundaries and being assertive. Did the barrister get your coffee order wrong? Ask them for what you actually ordered. Is a family member intruding on your dating life? Say that you'd rather talk about something else. Is a work colleague pushing his or her work onto you? Remind them that it isn't within your scope, you are busy with your own work, and direct them to someone who will be of better service. Did a friend do something to hurt you? Ask them to meet you for lunch and explain why their words or actions hurt you. Someone inviting you to an event and you’re too busy to attend? Let them know ‘’Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm going to say no this time.” Start with small adjustments  Practice self compassion Be confident Keep it simple No need to explain why  No need to apologise  You may be able to offer an alternative  Be clear about what “Yes” means How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.     Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

We can learn so much from people's experiences of therapy. When someone shares their story of what they have found helpful and harmful, we need to reflect on what we are doing in our practices.  I have learned so much from the storied Ben and Carrie share on their podcast, Very Bad Therapy, and it was an absolute pleasure speaking to them for this episode on the Inside Social Work Podcast.      About this weeks guests    Ben Fineman is the cohost of the Very Bad Therapy podcast. He works as the Clinic Director of Sentio Counseling Center and the Chief Operating Officer of Sentio University, two new nonprofit organizations which use the emerging science of Deliberate Practice to improve the quality of therapist training and education. Ben is also an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.     Carrie Wiita is the other host of the Very Bad Therapy podcast. She runs MFT California, a free resource for those who want to become marriage and family therapists in California, and she coaches early-career clinicians from the grad school application process through their professional development as service providers.   MFT California - https://www.mftcalifornia.com/     Very Bad Therapy - https://www.verybadtherapy.com/ Sentio Counseling Center - https://www.sentiocc.org/ Sentio University - https://sentio.org/ Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Impostor syndrome   What is imposter syndrome? It’s not the same as having self-doubt. Sometimes when we learn a new skill or we’re trying something new for the first time we might not be confident and feel that we do it well.    Impostor syndrome is different it’s more about feeling like you’re going to get found out. It can impact your ability to perform and impact your career So what can we do? A good place to start is to try and recognise it. Therapy and supervision can be helpful  Talking to friends and trusted peers  Look at the system, what is happening in the work environment? Some things that have been recommended include keeping a diary and writing down positive feedback - cultivating a practice of - listening, to take in the positive responses.   The article mentioned in today's episode https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

The importance of investing in ourselves with Helen Gray     Website - https://helengray.com.au/ Reset Your Mindset - Free webinar on the 4 steps to change your thoughts and change your future - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/x/reset-your-mindset-4-steps-to-change-your-thoughts-change-your-future-tickets-290056696387 REIGNITE - the professional wellbeing coaching program for health and social welfare practitioners - https://members.helengray.com.au/reignite/ Thriving Leadership Through Change workshops - YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL0G1xhJnRE&t=1s   To chat to Helen about her work or learn more please email on [email protected] or book in for a chat at https://helengray.youcanbook.me/ Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Anxiety in Teens    What is anxiety How to identify anxiety in teens Tips on how to initiate a conversation with your teen about their anxiety Self-help strategies How to know when your child may need professional help and what options are available Piera unpacks some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety in teens.   She shares ways to start conversations with teens using the 5 steps of emotion coaching.    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Blog posts      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/how-can-i-approach-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety/  https://thetherapyhub.com.au/difficultconversationsteens/     Youth Mental Health First Aid Training  https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/   MHFA australia mhfa.com.au/     Here are the details to the free webinar series I am running, feel free to share it around. https://mailchi.mp/1233dcd926c2/untitled-page

EMDR explained, with Caroline Burrows. Caroline is an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant with a background in Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy. Through the delivery of innovative EMDR training and consultation services, she encourages, inspires and motivates EMDR therapists in their clinical work. She is also an experienced clinical supervisor. Caroline has 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and university settings. She is the Owner and Director of Mindful Living, a successful group private practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. As the EMDR Coordinator at The Melbourne Clinic, Caroline developed the first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria, Australia. Outside of work Caroline is an animal lover and enjoys walking her dogs, laughing and sharing meals with friends and family.   Carolines private practice Mindful Living in Croydon, where people can access EMDR therapy (either in-person or online): www.mindfulliving.com.au   Carolines website where people can find out more about her EMDR training, consultation and clinical supervision services: www.carolineburrows.com.au Upcoming MHPN meeting, Footscray Youth Network 

What is mental health? It’s like health it’s on a continuum You can  have good health or poor health You can have an illness and it can be managed and have good health     What are some of the barriers to help-seeking? Help-seeking is low across all ages,  Young people are less likely to seek help Low levels of stigma towards others but higher self-stigma, feelings of I can deal with it myself.    It’s hard to know what are normal changes, this can be tricky for people to recognise. Changes during adolescence Changes in  focus and mood Physical changes over time Body Behaviour   Like any other sickness, mental health problems result in missed days, work left undone and wasted opportunities.    What are some of the additional impacts of not getting treatment early? Educational outcomes getting the grades they want at school that they are capable of Impacts the study they may like to do later on Impacts on physical development  Social development  Making friends  Relationships  Withdrawn    Loneliness can be a factor, as you withdraw due to work mental health, you may feel more and more lonely and find it more difficult to reach out.  The MHFA course discusses some of the potential red flags/ things to look out for when someone may be struggling with their mental health, strategies for managing the initial support of friends, family and colleagues safely, and information on obtaining immediate assistance if necessary. Can you talk a little bit about what somebody walking out of the standard and youth 14 hour class is really trained or educated to do specifically? What’s it not Doesn’t teach counselling skills Doesn’t teach you to diagnose    It gives you some education around the clusters of symptoms you may notice and helps you potentially identify if someone is in crisis.    ‘’If you’ve seen major changes (negative changes) in someone’s feelings, thinking and behaviour.If it appears to be having an impact on their ability to function, enjoy relationships study etc and it’s lasted more than a couple of weeks they need help. ‘’    Often people are scared they’ll make things worse or being nosey.It’s ok to have these conversations, Mental Health First Aid, helps you have a plan in place and connect with someone. It’s different to being a professional on the treatment side of things     Tips for doing the course   Everyone should attend a mental health first aid course Just like everyone should attend a physical first aid course.  It’s a different set of skills than what’s delivered in the curriculum, so consider doing a course. If you have an interest in mental health, then consider becoming an instructor.  https://insidesocialwork.com/episode7/   To find out more about mental health first aid check out the MHFA website https://mhfa.com.au Resources: https://www.samhsa.gov/programs   https://mhfa.com.au/courses https://mhfa.com.au/mental-health-first-aid-guidelines     Join Marie and become a Youth Mental Health First Aider EALRY BIRD—— before the 31st October promo code PinkFlamenco2021  https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes

Lauchlan has a special interest counselling teens and adults who are experiencing trauma or anxiety, and with people from LGBTIQA+ communities. Lauchlan runs LGBTIQA+ small group supervision for practitioners and other professionals.  If you would like to hear more about Lauchlan’s social work journey check out our earlier interview on episode 20.  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000472746380    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

In this episode, Allison and I discuss the importance of gender-inclusive health care. We discuss ways individual practitioners can show support, be a safe person to talk to and other ways to be a more inclusive practitioner.    Allison shares with listeners how she recognised a need for inclusive health care and applied for an innovation challenge , to create a gender clinic in Melbourne's West, and won!    About our guest   Allison Parker  has a wide range of experience in health care, as a nurse and paramedic. Currently Allison is Innovation Lead of the Transgender, Gender Diverse & non binary innovation challenge at IPC Health.    Some resources Allisons shared   Wyndham City council run Q group, a group for ages 12-25 years of the LGBTIQA+ community- a youth led space to provide support and recreational activities.   [email protected]   For parents to seek support and information about their child’s gender identity Parents of Gender diverse children: www.pgdc.org.au   Drummond Street Services has Queerspace for folks who identify as LGBTIQA+ they provide counselling, case management, advocacy and also training and professional development www.queerspace.org.au   Transgender Victoria TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diveradvocacy. TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy. www.tgv.org.au For resources and support   Minus 18- a youth organisation , amazing service to support the young people who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community  www.minus18.org.au     NWPHN- for resources and training for professionals www.nwmphn.org.au         Thorne harbour Health ( formally the Victorian AIDS council): for resources and support for the LGBTIQA+ community and professionals for PD and resources www.thorneharbour.org     https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/ https://nwmphn.org.au/for-primary-care/trans-gp-module/    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Managing Burnout in Private Practice.   Karen shares with listeners her Social Work journey. We talk about working with women and children, managing burnout and the importance of supervision. Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!     Contact Karen   http://karenbarrett.com.au/ https://www.facebook.com/karenbarrettclincalsocialworker/

In this episode, Jack shares his passion for policy. He highlights some of the roles social workers can play that are not in direct practice, and how valuable and important those roles are

Katilin is a recent graduate currently working in Katherine NT in an aboriginal controlled health service as a dual diagnosis worker.    The work she does is complex for so many reasons , and she was considering working up to the Northern Territory; she struggled to find any information about what social work would look like in that area. Kaitlin shares with listeners how she has made a network and formed a community, managing boundaries in a small town and being a graduate social worker working away from home.  Resources mentioned by Kaitlin https://ntgpe.org/workingwell/pdf/kartiya_are_like%20_toyotas.pdf 

How are you showing up in the job hunting space? With Kate Taylor Founder and managing director of TaylorCare group Kate Taylor,  runs a recruitment agency in community services for 8 years and is a RUOK Ambassador and entrepreneur.  In this episode Kate Taylor shares some of her tips to improve your resume and cover letter. She talks about how all communication you have is part of the first impression. Listen to the episode to find some ways to improve your resume ,cover letter and some tips to make you more employable and a more successful candidate in the jobhunting space In todays interview she answers the following questions   How can we make sure our application stands out when applying for jobs?  Why now is ideal time to move jobs post pandemic and restrictions lifting  What are recruiters & employers looking for when shortlisting people’s applications  What support is available with cover letters & cvs  What’s your secret top tip for interviews in community services.   Check out our previous interview → Episode 24 you don't get a second chance to make a first impression  attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid training https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/ Future proof your career https://www.taylorcare.com.au/future-proof-your-career

Supporting father with Don Alford This episode's guest is Dom. Dom Alford works as A Project Coordinator - Support for Fathers at Relationships Australia Victoria.  Resources from todays episode   https://www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au/ https://supportforfathers.com.au/   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

  Amberly shares her experience working in disability services as a support worker. She has worked through recent bushfires the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown and currently dealing with flooding.   We talk about self-care ,advocacy, intersectionality and working with high support needs . Amberly shares her ideas on how to get through so many difficult environmental and community based crises and stresses.  Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Exploring mindfulness with Associate Professor Craig Hassed.   Associate Professor Craig Hassed, shares with listeners some of basics of mindfulness, what it is, how we can do it and what the benefits are. He also shares how we can use it to reduce our own mental clutter while also sharing tips on how to  introduce it in our work. About Associate Professor Craig Hassed.   Associate Professor Craig Hassed OAM has been working within the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University since 1989. He now also teaches into a number of other faculties and is coordinator of mindfulness programs across Monash. His teaching, research and clinical interests include mindfulness, mind-body medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine and medical ethics. Craig developed and integrated into the Monash medical curriculum the world-first mindfulness-based healthy lifestyle course called the Health Enhancement Program. He has authored over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is regularly invited to speak and run courses in Australia and overseas in health, educational, government and corporate contexts. Craig has collaborated with a number of Australian and international universities helping them to integrate similar content. Craig was the founding president of Meditation Australia, is a regular media commentator, and has published 13 books and 14 book chapters. Craig featured in the documentaries, The Connection, and My Year of Living Mindfully. He co-authored with Richard Chambers the two free online Mindfulness courses in collaboration with Monash University and FutureLearn, both of which are rated by Class Central among the leading online courses in the world. In 2019 Craig was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Medicine.   Links to resources mentioned     Mindfulness based cognitive therapy course  https://www.monash.edu/medicine/scs/southern-synergy/mindfulness/mbct-prof-training  Future learn, mindfulness for peak performance    https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/mindfulness-wellbeing-performance  Craigs book - new edition coming out June 2021   Mindfulness for Life By: Dr. Craig Hassad, Dr. Stephen McKenzie Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

 Working with young people in forensic services   In this episode, Susan Hancox shares her experience working in forensics services. She shares with the listeners her journey into social work and further studies in psychology. We discuss the raise the age campaign and some of the reasons that social workers, other allied health, and medical professionals were advocating to increase the age of criminal responsibility.   Some resources and readings recommended by Sussie   http://www.worthasecondchance.com.au/take-action/raise-the-age/   https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/media-releases/doctors-lawyers-experts-unite-in-call-to-raise-age-of-criminal-responsibility age of criminal responsibility - RACP Following Universal Children’s Day, doctors, lawyers, health and human rights experts from across Australia are calling for the age when children can be held criminally liable to be raised to at least 14 years so that primary school-aged children are not entangled in the criminal justice system. www.racp.edu.au   https://jss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Raising-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-There-is-a-better-way.pdf   Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility Internationally, strong systems support children in trouble in meaningful and holistic ways. These examples show us that raising the age of criminal responsibility is possible. jss.org.au https://www.raisetheage.org.au/   Raise The Age Our petition. To my State Premier or Chief Minister and State/Territory Attorney-General, right now in our state children between 10 and 13 years olds are locked up in prison. Medical experts say that children’s brains are still developing, especially the parts that regulate judgment, decision-making and impulse control. www.raisetheage.org.au https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-27/raise-the-age-of-child-criminal-responsibility-in-australia/12483178   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Jude is an accredited mental health social worker, counsellor and therapist. In this week's episode, she shares with listeners her journey leading to working in perinatal and infant mental health. She talks about some of the challenges working in that space and what it can bring up for you about your own childhood and relationships within your family. Jude discusses some of the main theoretical frameworks that she uses in her work and talks about how she integrates them when working with parents and babies. Jude has a passion for learning and is a lifelong learner , she encourages listeners to read as many resources as they can attend professional development opportunities and find a really good supervisor and peer group to support you in your journey in your selected field.     Resources Jude Mentions  https://marcesociety.com/  https://www.aaimh.org.au/ https://waimh.org/ https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/ Books  Becoming Attached by Robert Karen The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert Attachment in Psychotherapy by David Wallin Another Chance to be Real by  Donald and Deandra Roberts Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

In this week's episode, I interview Justine Grimmer about her experiences working in ED mental health services. Justine has come into social work after a number of years working in welfare and community development roles and several attempts at trying to work at the teacher. She found her heart was in social work, went back to university in her 30’s to study social work. She has worked in a range of different settings and in a range of services. Justine shares with listeners her journey to social work her experience working in hospital social work and some of the challenges that can come working in multidisciplinary teams within a medical model.   Justine's tips for social work students and new graduates is to get to know yourself, to understand what drives you, what challenges you and what's important to you.   Justine recognises the importance of supervision and connecting with other social workers and recommend a few different options for connecting with other social workers and professional networks.  https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/practice-groups https://www.aasw.asn.au/professional-development/continuing-professional-development-cpd  https://www.mhpod.gov.au/ Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Dr Rosemary Higgins joins me in the podcast to discuss Motivational Interviewing. Rosemary has vast experience in the domains of research and practice. With over 50 publications in peer reviewed journals she is internationally renowned in her field. Rosemary is interested in the areas of lifestyle and behaviour change including smoking cessation and improving health and psychocardiology and adjustment to chronic illness, including neurological disorders, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Working in mental health advocacy and peer work. In this week's episode, Matthew Jackman shares with listeners some of his experiences being a social worker and service user. Matthew has been in the out of home care system and the foster care system as well as having psychiatric mental health services involved in his life.    Matthew encourages us to rethink how we work with clients, to think systemically, and to continue to challenge ourselves as professionals.   What's the most recent book you’ve read?   Feminsit therapy by Bonnie   What's the last tv show you binge watched?   Ozark    What's one dish you cook well?   Lean cuisine ? Uber eats  Pad thai    Favourite things to do on a day off?   Tennis Drive and day trips    Back up career? What did you want to be when you were a kid?   Journalist Paramedic Singer    A quote or mantra that resonates with you? Nothing about us without us  Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Jo and Alice return the podcast to update listeners on their upcoming social work talks quarterly issue. We recap some of the key areas from previous issues, looking at decolonising social work and mental health in social work.    The next issue of Social Work Talk Quarterly is all about social work education. Jo and Alice share their inspiration for this topic and some of the ways they are challenging educators to think about how social workers are created and trained.    https://www.facebook.com/socialworktalkquarterly/ The previous episode with Jo and Alice, episode 13 was in December 2019 https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000459713683 Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast  Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Amanda shares with listeners her social work journey, navigating the disability sector, working in statutory services in the UK, and traveling across the world on the Churchill fellowship. She has carved out a niche for her private practice working in Parkinson's care. Listen to the episode to hear Amanda's story.  Amanda is an accredited mental health social worker, she has a Bachelor of Social Work, a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a Certificate IV in Assessment and Training. She has over 19 years of experience working with individuals and families affected by chronic illness. Amanda offers Parkinson's Specific Counselling for individuals and families. In 2007, she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigated models of care for Young-Onset Parkinsons Disease. Her recommendations were accepted by Parkinsons Australia and led to the inaugural Young Onset Parkinsons Conference. Having previously worked for Parkinsons Victoria, she is passionate about supporting people faced with neurological illness and is experienced supporting people through her past work over the helpline, facilitating support groups, coordinating support forums and conducting family meetings.  What advice do you have for the audience?   ‘’Get educated and learn about the subject matter’’ Take self-care seriously  Committed to your own self-care Exercise  Sport  Hobby   ‘’Our work is unseen, you may never know the impact of your work’’   What's the most recent book you’ve read?  Podcasts - Brene Browns Unlocking us What's the last tv show you binge-watched? Outlander  What's one dish you cook well? Spaghetti bolognese  Favourite things to do on a day off? Bike ride Back up career? What did you want to be when you were a kid? Actor, photography  A quote or mantra that resonates with you? Try to be your best self The best version you can be  Check out Amanda's Churchill fellowship report https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/project/?id=PR0012817 https://www.parkinsonsvic.org.au/images/site/publications/Annual_Reports/Parkinsons_Vic_Annual_Report_2008.pdf Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

  In this week's episode, I talk with Louise Pearson. Louise is an accredited mental health social worker with over twenty years of experience in the disability and community sector. She has completed training as a Gestalt Psychotherapist and is also a grief and bereavement counsellor working in Melbourne’s North-East   We talk about the grief and loss that can accompany chronic illness and disability. We explore some of the needs that people have when they are coming to terms with a recent diagnosis or a change in their health that means they’re not able to do the things that they used to do before.  Louise shares with listeners some of her personal story and journey in social work.    Louise has a lot of experience and has engaged with additional study and professional development in the loss and grief space. Louise remains passionate about continuing education and encourages listeners to explore gaps in knowledge and read books, listen to talks, and find ways to enhance your learning. She has a list of resources she recommends available on her website also in the links below ‘’Its ok to be impacted and affected by clients, their stories touch our hearts’’ Resources Get in touch with Louise  www.louisepearson.com.au   Books and other resources Louise recommends https://www.louisepearson.com.au/resources Join Louise's mailing list https://mailchi.mp/fcda67176cd2/sign-up  Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!    

Listen to Blake share some of his experiences working in a men's behaviour change program.  Blake is an accredited mental health social worker, working across a variety of settings including mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence, sexual offending, child protection, adolescent violence and disabilities. He refined his practice working as Primary Practitioner on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, and has developed an approach he regards as male-positive, pro-feminist, child-centred, intersectional, and trauma-informed.   https://blakejohnscounselling.com/ https://www.anrows.org.au/ Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork   Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

In this week's episode, I talk with Caroline Burrows about EMDR. Caroline talks us through what EMDR is and what it can be used for.  Caroline is an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant with a background in Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy. Through the delivery of innovative EMDR training and consultation services, she encourages, inspires and motivates EMDR therapists in their clinical work. She is also an experienced clinical supervisor. Caroline has 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and university settings. She is the Owner and Director of Mindful Living, a successful group private practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. As the EMDR Coordinator at The Melbourne Clinic, Caroline developed the first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria, Australia. Outside of work Caroline is an animal lover and enjoys walking her dogs, laughing and sharing meals with friends and family.   Carolines private practice Mindful Living in Croydon, where people can access EMDR therapy (either in-person or online): www.mindfulliving.com.au   Carolines website where people can find out more about her EMDR training, consultation and clinical supervision services: www.carolineburrows.com.au   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Liz Andrew- Brake is a qualified Social Worker that is AASW registered. She has been working in the Child Protection field for the past 12+ years. She’s worked in a variety of roles in New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Australia in both government and non-government organisations (Child Protection Social Worker, Case Worker, Team Leader, and Manager) and currently works with an NGO as a Practice Lead for Child Protection and Early Intervention. Liz is passionate about good quality practice in the child protection field and also about the professionalisation of Social Workers and Case Workers in Australia. She sees career development, reflective practice, and good quality support as key things that ensure that there are skilled workers in the child protection field which then leads to the most important thing- that we see positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families. You come with all that history as a child protection worker when you knock on someone's doors   What are some of the misconceptions about child protection? Working with abuse and neglect, some people assume the parents are cruel or bad people People do things because of their own history and background. Trauma, family, people parent how they were parented. What are some of the challenges of working in child protection? Losing social work identity. You can be disconnected from the social worker role. Time-poor & resource-poor. Get into survival mode Get caught up in that    What are some tools or resources you can recommend? Being connected to other social workers can prevent burnout  Make sure that you have a social work supervisor  In supervision tell them what you want to get out of it  CP does raise a lot of things for people, system issues, bureaucracy, trauma, and abuse Self-care  Whatever energy you're putting out, put in  Self-care needs to be long term and at the moment  Exercise and eating well  If there’s one piece of advice you could impart to the audience, what would it be?    Honing in on your why. What made you become a social worker and revisiting that.   Course - The practitioner passion project  For practitioners who have lost their mojo   Starting 6th July, offering Modules and coaching Get in touch with Liz Link to Liz’s website: http://lizandrewbrake.com/ Practitioner Passion Project http://lizandrewbrake.com/the-practitioner-passion-project/ People can follow her on Instagram or facebook  @LizandrewBrake.com Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

 ‘’Thinking big’’ providing counselling in a women's refuge and starting a social enterprise. Jen Wiedman  Jen has had a very diverse and interesting career. In this interview, she shares with listeners some of her journey and what inspired her to become a social worker. We discuss so much in this episode. We explore some of the frameworks Jen draws on when working in her counselling practice, managing self-care and reducing burnout and connecting with others Jen is an accredited mental health social worker, working in public health, private practice and is the founder of a social enterprise, 4th space.  Jen has us thinking about  What's motivating you to be in this space? Why are you in it?  Why are you wanting to do this work?   Things to consider Working to reduce the power imbalance Supervision is important Feeling powerless and hopeless → at the system Holding the space and hope  Trusting your knowledge and instinct    Vicarious trauma → It's going to happen Self-care practices  Knowing yourself, your triggers, supportive network   Find Jen  https://www.jenwiedman.com/  https://www.jenwiedman.com/about-counselling-psychology-services www.4thspace.com.au  Resources recommended by Jen  Ikigai  See what you made me do. By Jess Hill   If you're interested to check out some engagement activities around things like  Your local MHPN Events  National days and events  Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

In my interview with Ashton Hayes, she shares her journey starting off as a paralegal working in family law. Her career took on a new trajectory as she discovered she felt she could do more hands-on work as a social worker.  Ashton Hayes (Bachelor of Social Work (Hons); Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice), is an accredited mental social worker with many years of experience working with children and families. She is passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma and works collaboratively with each client to create a safe and positive therapeutic experience. Ashton utilises a number of different modalities and creative approaches, in consultation with her client, in order to create a supportive environment. Ashton is also a clinical supervisor and leadership coach who uses a trauma-informed approach to support supervisees and leaders in their roles as well as helping them to achieve their career goals. She talks about how she felt children were being left behind in family law and the legal system. So she made the move from family law to social work.  Some key parts of this interview You’re allowed to ask for support Don't engage in comparative suffering  Watch the power, clients are inherently powerless in the system Take time to nurture yourself, you can't pour from an empty cup Supervision is VERY important Watch the golden girls for self-care  Joining groups with other social workers Keep a reflective journal   https://willowtreewellbeing.com/  https://willowtreewellbeing.com/support-for-professionals link to the therapod mentioned  https://therapyblanket.com.au/products/therapy-pod Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Suzanne Doorakkers is an AMHSW and director of a large group practice, Emerald Tree Counselling, in Geelong. Last year Suzanne was elected onto the AASW board and shares some of her experiences being on a board for an organisation she is a member of. Hear about how Suzanne moved from an interest in science and nursing to becoming a social worker.  Suzanne is very passionate about the student experience and feels having a good placement can be a great start to your career.  ‘’Because we do it for someone, we assume someone should do it for us. No one does it for us.’’  Self-care tips from Suzanne: Only take on clients who she’s passionate about/ enjoys Doing the kind of work you enjoy doing Fierce with her family time and protecting it  Ways to get involved (and make lifelong friends) Read the AASW newsletter, there are lots of resources and expressions of interest. Attend a peer supervision group Go to a MHPN network meeting Facebook group the business of social work  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1919283988289631/   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group https://insidesocialwork.com/episode25/ Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts!

This week’s episode takes a look at something a little different, getting a job. Kate Taylor, founder and managing director of Taylor care recruitment, shares with the inside social work listeners a range of tips and advice to land that perfect job. Kates tips for students on placement (what opportunities should they take up to improve their employability for when they graduate ?) Encourage them to be proactive Use opportunities to network Know people and managers and teams Know the organisation Have a good work ethic Take it seriously like its a job,  Offer to do other roles, like support work, volunteer  Show your teachable I know you’re really busy, when is the best time to talk to you Be proactive  Tips for new graduates, how they can enhance their resume and make themselves someone stand out? Kate says it’s very competitive, there are some people with lots of experience. Her tips include  Be proactive and contact people, follow up with the application.  Show you’re eager, enthusiastic, techable  Kates tips for your resume You have about 15 seconds to impress someone so make sure your resume is Clear Formatt it correctly Promote your best self, this is not the time to undersell yourself Make it clear why they should call YOU Before  sending off your resume, Kate recommends you call and ask the employer more details about the job. Do your homework – check the organisation  I asked Kate how do you balance being humble in your resume while also highlighting/ showcasing your skills and achievements. Kate says  Confidence is better then arrogant Confidence is contagious This about what’s the thing  that you bring? Always be teachable   Kates tips for networking / getting yourself out there  Get into lots of groups /social media Ask for feedback and ideas? Have a linkedin profile  Seek profile – optimised  In the interview You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.  Do your homework on the organisation Prepare before the interview – take some deep breaths Kates self care tips Get a Business coach or supervisor  They help keep you accountable and motivated Professional development   Exercise – move my body everyday  Gratitude practice  Meditation  If you don’t get the job you want? Remember  ‘’Every no it’s getting you closer to the yes’’ Resources mentioned in this week’s episode  https://www.taylorcare.com.au/ https://www.taylorcare.com.au/future-proof-your-career https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlklFur8hXsfYyx1Esz2Tw https://www.taylorcare.com.au/tv Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts!

This week's episode explores the world of school social work. I talk with Kylie Lloyd, who shares her experiences transitioning into social work as a mature student, while balancing the requirements of the degree and also being a single mother of 2 children. Kylie shares her experience being a learner as an adult and how she transitioned from HR to volunteering for Lifeline then making the jump into social work. She talks about how hard it can be mentally and financially to study again while also looking at how rewarding it can be. Kylie shares her experiences and the highs and lows that come with working in an environment where you're the minority profession. We talk about the challenges working with families and Kylie sheds some light into working with young people in a school environment and how she navigates the system, advocating for young people while also balancing the often competing needs of different stakeholders.  As a family therapist in training Kylie lets us in on some of the ways her thinking has changed and some of the ways she's incorporating systems work and family work into her work with young people.  Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast    

In this week's episode, Katrina shares her experience working with families in a school setting and in a hospital setting. Katrina has written an article looking at family therapy for child and adolescent school refusal which can be found in the show notes.  Katrina is a clinical family therapist and a full clinical member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).  She is an accredited mental health social worker (AMHSW) with the Australian Association of Social Workers, with more than 13 year's experience in tertiary mental health, in addition to working privately for several years. She has undertaken further training in Gottman Method Marital Therapy, Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (FBT), Narrative Therapy, supervision, and more. Katrina shares some of her tips, tricks and challenges for working with families in what can be a traditionally one-on-one setting. We talk about school refusal and how we work with families and the school system to support a young person to get back into school. You talk about the importance of a good relationship between the school parents and the clinician working with that whole system. We look at the role parents can play in supporting young people through the changes they experience in adolescence. Supporting them in their journey moving from primary school to high school and how the role of parenting can change and adapt to these different stages. Katrina shares with listeners some of her tips for managing her well-being. She talks about the red flags that she's noticed in her own life that indicate maybe she's not doing so well and what she does to keep herself energised, healthy and able to do the work she loves.   https://www.katrinarichardson.com/ Family Therapy for Child and Adolescent School Refusal https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anzf.1188   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast    

This week's episode takes a look at working with diversity, in particular with LGBTQIA+ people. The way we communicate is important, it doesn't just communicate the content of what we're doing, it communicates our beliefs and assumptions about the world.  I hope this episode gives you some ideas and tips on how to be more inclusive in your practice. This is a real area of need and we know the stats are alarming for people especially young people if they don't get the right support when they need it. Stigma, fear, and judgment can prevent someone from getting help.    Josh Muller (they/them) is a registered psychologist passionate about LGBTQIA+ health and well-being. While specialising in gender, sex, and sexuality, they work across the lifespan and a broad range of issues affecting their client’s lives.  Josh is a great resource and shares some of their tips on how you can be more inclusive, things you can do in your practice, and recommends some resources you can look at if you’d like to learn more. Josh shares advice on how to be more comfortable talking about sexuality and diversity.  They encourage you to interrogate your own understanding of things and reflect on your ideas and values of gender and sexuality,  Resources https://www.melbournequeerpsychologist.com/  https://www.queersexed.org/ Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast      

This week's episode takes a look at working with diversity, in particular with LGBTQIA+ people. The way we communicate is important, it doesn't just communicate the content of what we're doing, it communicates our beliefs and assumptions about the world.  I hope this episode gives you some ideas and tips on how to be more inclusive in your practice. This is a real area of need and we know the stats are alarming for people especially young people if they don't get the right support when they need it. Stigma, fear, and judgment can prevent someone from getting help.    Josh Muller (they/them) is a registered psychologist passionate about LGBTQIA+ health and well-being. While specialising in gender, sex, and sexuality, they work across the lifespan and a broad range of issues affecting their client’s lives.  Josh is a great resource and shares some of their tips on how you can be more inclusive, things you can do in your practice, and recommends some resources you can look at if you’d like to learn more. Josh shares advice on how to be more comfortable talking about sexuality and diversity.  They encourage you to interrogate your own understanding of things and reflect on your ideas and values of gender and sexuality,  Resources https://www.melbournequeerpsychologist.com/  https://www.queersexed.org/ Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast      

Episode 20: Working close to home, experiences of a social worker in rural Victoria.  In this episode, Lachlan Slade shares some of his experiences working in rural communities. We talk about some of the challenges of living and working close to your clients and how to have a conversation about appropriate boundaries.  Lachlan shares some of his self-care tips and how he manages to stay energised and enthusiastic about the work he does.  Lachlan Slade grew up in Shepparton studying in Albury Wodonga, and Bendigo to complete their Social Work degree. Lachlan cofounded the Out in the Open Festival, Shepparton's first LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics. They now teach Social Work at La Trobe University, Shepparton, and they are a Counsellor Advocate at GVCASA while also trying to raise a 5 year old. Lauchlan big tip?  ‘’Patting yourself on the back when you have the wins. They can be hard to see.’’ Lachlans tips for getting the most out of supervision Their theoretical background Ask for a one off supervision , to see if it's a good fit See if you click with them Try out different theoretical frameworks Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/  Support the show by making a contribution  https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork  

  In this week's episode, Louise Hayes explains some of the basic principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT.   Louise is a clinical psychologist, peer reviewed ACT trainer, an academic, author, speaker and active philanthropist. Louise uses ACT with young people in schools and clinical settings. She is a world expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) for young people and the co-author of the best selling book, Get Out of Your Mind and Into your Life for Teenagers: A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life, and the newly released book, The Thriving Adolescent: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology to Help Teens Manage Emotions, Achieve Goals, and Build Connection. Resources  Louise’s books The Thriving Adolescent Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens : A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life Website for professional training and more about Louise Hayes - http://www.louisehayes.com.au Website for working with young people: http://thrivingadolescent.com/ https://www.louisehayes.com.au/publications/ https://www.louisehayes.com.au/workshops-for-professionals/ http://anzact.com/about-us/   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide  Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/   Thank you for listening. Support the show by making a contribution. https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify

This week's episode Lillian shares some ways we can manage anxiety during tough times.  We talk about needing alone time, balancing work-life balance and how to support someone when they share with you when they’re in distress. Lillian Nejad, PhD, is a registered and endorsed clinical psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with mild to severe psychological issues and disorders. She currently has a private practice in Brighton, Victoria.   Lillian's mission is to promote accurate and nonjudgmental views on mental health and to provide REAL information and strategies for a variety of psychological problems, issues and disorders based on REAL evidence and REAL experience in an accessible, genuine and engaging manner that fosters positive change for everyone involved.   Links to Lillian's resources Coping with Coronavirus Article (also has other helpful MH  blogs and radio segments)  https://www.lifeblockers.com/post/10-ways-to-cope-with-coronavirus-related-anxiety   Insight Timer: link to three mindfulness/relaxation exercises and two courses https://insighttimer.com/lnejad www.omnipsych.com/about   Coming soon www.skillsforlife.courses    Long version of British Family Les Mis https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/01/825232156/u-k-familys-lockdown-themed-rendition-of-les-mis-is-a-delight    

  In my interview with Cathy we talk about the benefits and challenges in running a private practice.  She shares some insights into the fears allied health professionals have in this area. Cathy Love is an Allied Health Business Coach, Speaker, Author and Occupational Therapist. She is the founding director of Nacre Consulting. She coaches allied health business owners to run powerful businesses that change lives. In this episode we talk about  Marketing yourself and your brand while maintaining boundaries and ethics. Personal brand , business brand and product brand Choosing / finding a niche and giving up the fear of only ever seeing 1 type of client Internal hurdles - feeling guilty for working in private practice Getting paid for what you’re worth The value you bring to the therapeutic relationship and the impact you have in that person's life Things to consider before going into private practice - risk, finances, energy and personality  Start as you mean to proceed  Wearing too many hats as a business owner  The word admin - (goes in the swear jar) Contact details [email protected] www.nacre.com.au https://www.facebook.com/groups/PrivatePracticeMadePerfect Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/private-practice-made-perfect/id1232035434  

Man up, talking men's mental health With Kylie King In this episode I talk with Kylie King about male suicide. We discuss the language to use when talking about suicide , look at the statistics in Australia and in particular men's mental health.  While unpacking ideas of masculinity we talk about some of the barriers men face seeking help around their mental health.  Kylie King is a research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne. She is also a psychologist. Her research focuses on male suicide prevention.  She recently led the randomised controlled trial of the impacts of the Man Up documentary, a novel media-based population level television documentary that explored the interplay between masculinity and suicide.   Resources   http://manup.org.au/tv-series/study-guide/ https://iview.abc.net.au/show/man-up Contact Kylie  [email protected]   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide  Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/  Subscribe to the podcast   Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify

  In this episode we talk about how to make the most of supervision, how to be a supervisor and some of the issues social workers encounter when running a business. Jane shares her experience working in a range of fields locally and internationally, training, educating and supervising. She shares her top tips for making the most of supervision and empathises with supervisors who are working with passive supervisee’s ,sharing her wisdom and ideas for improving the supervisory relationship   Jane Wexler is the Founding Director of Wex Group Pty Ltd, specialising in leadership development, coaching, supervision and training in Australia, China, Singapore and Asia Pacific. Jane is widely sought after for her expertise as consultant, supervisor, coach and educator, having delivered AASW/ACWA endorsed supervision training and other learning programs to thousands of human services professionals in Australia and abroad. Prior to establishing her own company, she was co-owner/co- publisher of a successful Australian entertainment magazine and taught social work students across Australian universities, and business studies students in China.   Jane combines her qualifications and unique blend of skills in human services, business and education with an interest in eastern philosophy and dissolving some of the boundaries between sectors, disciplines and methods. Her professional life is balanced by a long involvement in the arts and entertainment industries in publishing and as an accomplished singer/songwriter. Jane’s approach reflects her commitment to developing self-mastery, authentic relationships and using effective frameworks and tools creatively, with a spirit of adventure.      Challenges working as a social worker and starting a business How to reconcile asking for money for your work Have to understand their relationship with money Systems Marketing Communication   Cross over with social enterprise   You have to like taking risks Jumping in trying something new   How to relinquish control and not take on everything You don’t know what you don’t know   Janes tip? Ask people!   The journey to becoming a supervisor and started a business as a trainer and coach Started in a primary school  Moved into a wide range of sectors Started working with an educational college  Started teaching  Moved to China   ‘’Don’t worry if you make mistakes’’ ‘’Back yourself more’’   Tips for supervisors Be transparent How are we going to build trust  How are we going to manage this How can we work well together Be explicit  Let them know they’re not being judged Back yourself more Follow your intuition Don’t criticise yourself  If you have a gap in knowledge do something about it Reflection  Balance it up with action Think about your personal strengths   If the supervisee is passive  Understand what works best Is there an organisational issues Are they struggling with their work Do they know what supervision is Can be culturally different  Can be intimidating  Ask them directly - if you suspect something don't wonder Ask them   Supervision   Different ideas and experiences of what it is Organisation can have pressure to use it as a management tool  while its an aspect of supervision ,we want supervision to be focused on deep thinking, reflection, professional growth.   Collaborative trusting relationship. There may always be that power difference if your supervisor is your line manager.    Tips for supervisees Prepare for supervision What do i want What am I likely to get What's the best way I can get that Take responsibility for what happens in supervision What outcome do you want? Ask others what works well, what do they do? https://janewexler.com/ Face to face training - open to the public Onsite training Elearning course - online at https://janewexler.com/online-learning AASW interview https://www.aasw.asn.au/events/event/Becoming-a-social-work-supervisor-An-interview-with-Jane-Wexler   Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources. https://insidesocialwork.com/ Listen to the podcast Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify

  Laura Rouhan is the co-founder and general manager of friends for good. She has a background community development which spans over 15 years. Laura also manages a local neighbourhood house in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.   Throughout Laura's work with people she heard a lot of people talking about being lonely Some were well connected and well resourced individuals that they were not getting enough social connection. This sparked an idea. She thought hey ‘’Let’s do something about this! '' Why not us!?” Friends for Good was Established in 2016. Its mission is to  ‘’Free people from loneliness’’   In this episode, we talked about the ... Stigma around loneliness What are the causes of loneliness? Getting a picture of it is difficult Poses a risk to long term health   Immensely detrimental to our health Layers of difficulty Chronic physical health Chronic mental health  Limited finances Speaking to more men than women  How to get involved ‘’Say hello’’ Check out the website Print a flier and put somewhere  Talk to people about loneliness Volunteer Donate   Self-care tips: ‘Saying no’ Communities of practice Photography  

Going from student to professional and starting a social work newsletter with Joanne Young and Alice Cairn Jo is doing her final year of a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying), and is currently supporting caseworkers working with vulnerable families and children. Alice is a social worker in a residential educational setting and recently graduated from a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying). Alice and Jo produce a periodical that centres around social workers, the field and the various challenges that people are addressing in their area of expertise.    It all started with a video essay...  Jo and Alice wanted to showcase the incredible diversity and skills of their peers. There were students in their course who had already accomplished so much in a variety of setting, locally and overseas.  The idea built momentum, Jo and Alice teamed up and Social Work Talk was born. Find them on their Facebook page @Social Work Talk Quarterly   In this episode listen to Jo and Alice share their experiences moving from students to professionals Some of the things we talk about Challenges doing research on placement Having difficult conversations with your onsite supervisor or manager while on placement Being prepared for the expenses of the profession Professional development Supervision Memberships and associations   Find Jo and Alice  https://www.facebook.com/socialworktalkquarterly/   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide  Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/    Subscribe to the podcast  Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes  Spotify

In this episode, Sarah and I talk about the challenges of working with schools and balancing wellbeing and student academic outcomes. Sarah shares some of the various programs, some schools are implementing to support students with their wellbeing and mental health. We discuss the impact of being in a caring role and supporting those around us, Sarah shares her self care tips and how to set boundaries with those around you, so you’re not a ‘social worker’ 24 hours a day.  Sarah completed her Bachelor of SW in 2006, and has worked in the community sector over the last 13 years. Sarah has worked mostly with children and adolescents, starting her career working with youth at risk of homelessness and going on to fulfil a range of different roles at various not-for-profit organisations, community health services and tertiary education providers.   Sarah has experience in case management, counselling, group work, and delivering school-based programs. One of my most rewarding roles was providing counselling to children and adolescents impacted by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. Sarah is currently working in a community health setting where she supports schools to help students remain engaged in their education. She is particularly interested in early intervention approaches to working with children and adolescents. Some of the things we talked about in this episode Some reasons for disengagement  from school Carer responsibilities for students Working with students and anxiety Supporting teachers in professional development - Youth MHFA Animal-assisted therapy Working with key stakeholders challenging to balance the needs of all the individual students, their needs etc   Things Sarah wishes she knew then that she knows now That she sought out  Mentors  Asking yourself can I learn from this person, can they be a positive mentor to me Peers  Good supervisors  Setting boundaries - being a social worker  Don't have to be a social worker 24hrs a day How to upskill when working in schools or with young people Understanding trauma and trauma-informed practice Secondary consultation Mental health service provider Local CASA etc Linking in with external services in your area The importance of self-care - do what you need to look after yourself 

Today's show looks at a different way working with survivors of sexual assault. In this episode, you’ll hear how Clare uses trauma-sensitive yoga to support survivors of sexual assault. Clare Pritchard has been practising yoga since 1995.  She is a Certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Facilitator, a Certifed Iyengar Yoga teacher, and has completed a number of certificates in yoga programs for children. In this episode, we talk about hows yoga help survivors of trauma and how it can be integrated with a range of other traditional therapies and medication. We discussed burn out and self-care when working in an industry and with individuals that have experienced trauma. Clare has been involved in working at Centres Against Sexual Assault since 2000. She began this association working as a Counsellor/Advocate at CASA House but her role in the field has now transformed into a role which provides support and healing to victim/survivors of trauma through yoga. Clare has delivered the yoga component of the Body Based Therapy Program at WestCASA (Centre Against Sexual Assault) since 2011, and at CASA House since 2017.  She has also delivered programs in the Northern and SouthEastern CASA’s, and Counterpoint Young Women’s Refuge. In a voluntary capacity, Clare has provided yoga classes within the Maribyrnong Detention Centre, the Asylum Centre Resource Centre and the YWCA Girl Storey program for marginalised young women Clare talks about how trauma-sensitive yoga is different from other styles of yoga. When she started running it she brought into yoga  her knowledge of impacts of trauma to make it safe and appropriate  Some key points of trauma-sensitive yoga It’s invitational All efforts are made to minimise triggers in the session experience of being able to make a choice when we think about trauma is generally an experience where people have had all choice and control taken away.  choice in where you move, how you move and what you do. Guided choice. there’s an intentional language of ownership - eg move your arm if you’d like to It may not be suitable for People who are suicidal Who’ve had recent inpatient admissions As a clinician its good to look at the credentials of the person running the yoga and if they have knowledge and experience in working with trauma.  Listen out for them mentioning  Safety Minimising triggers No-touch in session Some tools and resources recommended by Clare You can find Clare at www.yarrarangesyoga.com.au David Emerson, E-RYT, founder and director of yoga services at the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute in Brooklin, is one of the major contributors to this field.  Body keeps score by Bessel van der Kolk Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. Author Laura van Dernoot Lipsky tps://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2017-03-29/how-yoga-helps-survivors-of-trauma https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/health/article/Trauma-centered-yoga-helps-patients-with-PTSD-6717475.php?t=7f53ff22de&cmpid=email-premium https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/111714p8.shtml https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/uploads/3/1/6/6/31663259/fostermagimg20181005_11042983.pdf http://www.traumacenter.org/products/pdf_files/Peaceful_Embodiment_Through_Yoga_R0002.pdf http://www.traumacenter.org/products/pdf_files/Yoga_Complementary%20Treatment_PTSD_West_W0002.pdf https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/ :  info about TCTSY and the Center for Trauma & Embodiment (formerly Trauma Center) https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/resources.html : link to articles, publications and research (there are TCTSY-specific ones)  https://www.aap.org/en-us/documents/ttb_aces_consequences.pdf : general info about the impact of childhood trauma. might not be relevant!  www.yarrarangesyoga.com.au

Khadine Aharon is an Accredited Social Worker who specialises in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).  She has more than 25 years of combined experience in Community Services and Natural therapies industries.  Khadine has worked with hundreds of people in individual, group and community settings. EFT has become one of her favourite transformational tools and she is passionate about sharing this technique with others. Khadine combines her knowledge and skills to provide an interactive, practical and safe space for students to learn EFT Tapping.  Listeners can receive $50 off Khadines training when mentioning the inside social work podcast. What is EFT Tapping? Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It's also referred to as tapping. It can be a stress-reduction technique and has a wide range of applications. There is a growing research base for this technique.  Can be good for  Memories of events  Traumas  Pain relief PTSD Cravings/ dieting Getting on top of finances Improve health conditions  We talk about the use of set up statements and example might be “even though I’m hurt I am still open to love” Details of Khadines EFT training Can be found here https://embraceempowerment.com/events/eft-tapping-training/   Resources discussed in the show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKDhRohzSdU   Get in contact with Khadine https://embraceempowerment.com/ Sign up to Khadines mailing list to get your free 15 Minute and Under Self-Healing Techniques by Khadine Aharon Phone: 1300 037 778 facebook.com/EmbraceEmpowermentWithKhadine https://au.linkedin.com/in/khadineaharon Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes  https://insidesocialwork.com/

  In this episode, we talk about burn out and why self-care is crucial to prevent burnout. Helen shares her personal journey in the social work profession and how she experienced burnout while managing a team. This led Helen to develop her own burnout course and resources to support social workers.    Originally from the UK Helen studied Social Policy and Politics at The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and has a Masters of Social Work from Queens University Belfast, in Northern Ireland. Helen’s career has mainly been in the Family and childcare arena including Statutory child protection in the heart of Belfast, work with youth at risk of homelessness in Northern Ireland and Sydney and managerial role in an NGO family support and risk prevention program with families that had ROSH reports made.   In 2015 Helen experienced a psychological breakdown as a result of burnout and the impact of vicarious trauma and left her practicing social work career in mid 2016. Helen now has an emerging startup business with a focus on supporting practicing social workers to gain awareness, knowledge and skills to reduce the impact of vicarious trauma and burnout on their health and profession.   Helen has a growing interest in the role of Moral Resiliency, Moral Distress and Moral residue play in a Social Worker’s career and wellbeing.   Helen is launching a pilot of her specialised program, Because You Care - SOS (stands for save our social workers) in August providing online training and support to enable social workers to explore their wellbeing and the impact of their work. Burn out is such a popular phrase at the moment.  Now considered and occupational phenomenon - changing what it means and how it impacts people's working lives  Sometimes we don't understand the signs and symptoms of burn out, often thinking its something wrong with us and some kind of deficits we have. Syndrome from chronic workplace stress that hasn't been successfully managed. Easy to start associating blame, it’s not being managed by the individual, or by the organisation.  We need to neutralise the idea of where the challenges have come, and not assign blame. We need to work together to prevent outcomes of burnout.  Signs and symptoms of burn out Physical signs   Feeling tired, lacking energy, lethargic Changes in sleep - too little or too much Changes in appetite   Emotional signs     Increasing irritability Self doubt Feeling unable to do the things you normally do Sense of failure Feeling helpless and hopeless Feeling detached  Loss of motivation  Being cynical and negative  Decreased satisfaction    Behavioural    Withdrawing from responsibilities Isolating yourself Coping with alcohol or other drugs Being late to work Missing work all together  Worker harder than normal Not taking leave Working additional hours   Vicarious trauma Impact on ourselves from the repeated exposure of the traumatic material shared with us from our clients. Being alongside them as they handle/ go through those traumatic experiences. It starts to have an impact on the internal psyche and the external world view, the cognitive schema of the social worker.  As a professional, your self of self, your identity, worldviews and norms starts to shift. Very subtle, your sense of reality may be vastly different from that of others.  Moral distress We train ourselves to look at situations from different angles and assess what's happening.    Where you know what the right thing is to do, but you’re prevented from taking that action due to constraints - organisation, budget, time etc Then there is a consequence to that. You then have a physical or physiological response to that.  It’s vitally important to take responsibility to do what is needed.  You need to be given the time or you need to take the time.  We need to look at our self-care as a seatbelt, we need to have them there as our daily support.  The Because You Care - SOS (stands for save our social workers) program.  8 week program broken up into 4 Modules to support you through the process of understanding Moral Distress,  Vicarious Trauma and Burnout and strategies to prevent it.   Module 1 - Reset your moral compass Module 2 -mindset and context Module 3 -mind body connection Module 4 -professional sustainability   Interested in the At What Cost? Webinar.. Check it out here.    Tips for a new social worker Put self-care in the same bracket as other principals.  It's not an afterthought. Like a seatbelt, You don't put it on after a car crash Be the caretaker of your own well-being.    Resources https://helengray.com.au/ https://members.helengray.com.au/because-you-care/ https://helengray.com.au/moral-distress https://helengray.com.au/vicarious-trauma  https://helengray.com.au/burnout   https://aifs.gov.au/publications/feeling-heavy/what-vicarious-trauma  

Episode 8 Teen Mental Health First Aid  Dr. Laura Hart is a Senior Research Fellow in the Engaging Minds in Body Image and Eating Disorders (EMBodIED) Research Team at La Trobe University’s School of Psychology and Public Health, and in the Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, at the University of Melbourne.   Dr. Hart has been working in population mental health for over a decade. Her research focuses on developing, evaluating and disseminating training programs for the public to improve prevention, awareness and help-seeking for mental illness. Her research has been recognized with multiple awards, including a 2016 Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science, and a 2017 Australia Endeavour Award to spend 6-months working with Harvard University’s Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders in Boston, USA.  She is currently working on two programs. Confident Body, Confident Child is a parenting program to promote body satisfaction, balanced eating patterns and physical activity in children aged 2-6 years. The teen Mental Health First Aid program is training course for secondary school students to learn how to assist a peer who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.  What is mental health first aid? An organisation started by Betty Kitchener and Prof Tony Jorm in 2000 Started the Youth MHFA program To support young people with their mental health. While this increased teachers knowledge and increased teachers confidence. Just training adults wasn't enough to prompt young people to get help. Research showed teens more likely to seek help for mental health problems from their friends. How to teach young people the tools and skills they need and the appropriate level of responsibility that they can have.  not burden them not have them develop a disorder or problem not to be a counsellor or clinician to a friend.  Just enough to teach them to provide that initial first aid. The emphasis is on getting an appropriate trusted adult involved. When young people are establishing help-seeking behaviour have negative experiences of reaching out to adults, if they feel they are being rejected or stigmatised or well supported, they’re not as likely again in the future to reach out for help.  What do teens learn in teen MHFA? Breaks down concerns about confidentiality. Teaches them at what point the young person can break that confidentiality and go to an adult.    Tips for adults Listen non judgmentally Understand the context that a young person is struggling with Who are the appropriate supports for that person It’s ok to say you’re not the right person Sometimes the best thing you can do is to find the next person who will be the best support.  Encourage other supports  Self help Linking in with friends Telephone help/ online counselling Some symptoms can be misunderstood and seen as ‘moody’ or ‘difficult’ If you're feeling isolated and low, sad, or overwhelmed you my think peoples reactions may be negative.  How to teach the difference between feeling stressed or sad and having a mental illness? Change to a person's feelings, thoughts or behaviours that do go away and impact how they function day to day.  Are mental health problems getting worse or are we talking about it more? The simple answer is we don't know. It’s really hard to say, we are talking about it more,  The way we measure mental health problems has changed over time. Despite us getting more treatment and talking about it more We don’t seem to be getting happier We have a higher quality of life than ever before but not happier. Some psychological distress that's not alleviated by new advances in health, wealth and lifestyles. Laura's tips for her wellbeing. Taking time out Supporting partner Getting out and meeting friends To find out more about mental health first aid check out the MHFA website https://mhfa.com.au    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide  Visit the website for the latest info and show notes  https://insidesocialwork.com/

Dr Claire Kelly is the Manager of Research and Evaluation at MHFA Australia. Claire has been involved with MHFA since 2003, when she first became an instructor while completing her Doctorate at the Centre for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University in Canberra, where the program was first developed. Prior to her current position, Claire worked on the MHFA Guidelines used to inform MHFA courses.   Claire’s PhD thesis was written on the mental health literacy of Australian adolescents. Her main passion is the mental health of young people and minimising the impacts that mental health problems can have on development, educational outcomes and long-term functioning.  Claire has suffered episodes of depression and anxiety since adolescence, which has been a driver for this work. Because there’s a world of difference between mental health and mental illness. Can you talk about that for a moment? What is mental health It’s like health it's on a continuum You can  have good health or poor health You can have an illness and it can be managed and have good health  Some people come out of a mental illness can have high levels of compassion and empathy  Claire talks about the Idea of Japanese pottery art called Kintsugi where cracks are filled with gold.  One in four young people between the ages of 15 and 25 will develop a mental health disorder in a 12 month period What are some of the barriers to help seeking?  Help seeking is low across all ages,  Young people are less likely to seek help Low levels of stigma towards others but higher self-stigma, feelings of I can deal with it myself.  It's hard to know what are normal changes, this can be tricky for people to recognise. Changes during adolescence Changes in  focus and mood Physical changes over time Body Behaviour   Like any other sickness, mental health problems result in missed days, work left undone and wasted opportunities.  What are some of the additional impacts of not getting treatment early? Educational outcomes getting the grades they want at school that they are capable of Impacts the study they may like to do later on Impacts on physical development  Social development  Making friends  Relationships  Withdrawn    Loneliness can be a factor, as you withdraw due to work mental health, you may feel more and more lonely and find it more difficult to reach out.   The MHFA course discusses some of the potential red flags/ things to look out for when someone may be struggling with their mental health, strategies for managing the initial support of friends, family and colleagues safely, and information on obtaining immediate assistance if necessary. Can you talk a little bit about what somebody walking out of the standard and youth 14 hour class is really trained or educated to do specifically? What’s it not Doesn’t teach counselling skills Doesn’t teach you to diagnose  It gives you some education around the clusters of symptoms you may notice and helps you potentially identify if someone is in crisis.  ‘’If you've seen major changes (negative changes) in someone's feelings, thinking and behaviour.If it appears to be having an impact on their ability to function, enjoy relationships study etc and it’s lasted more than a couple of weeks they need help. ‘’  Often people are scared they’ll make things worse or being nosey.It’s ok to have these conversations,   Mental Health First Aid, helps you have a plan in place and connect with someone. It's different to being a professional on the treatment side of things   Tips for doing the course Everyone should attend a mental health first aid course Just like everyone should attend a physical first aid course.  It's a different set of skills than what’s delivered in the curriculum, so consider doing a course. If you have an interest in mental health, then consider becoming an instructor.   The main courses 12-14 hrs Standard mental health first aid Youth mental health first aid Older persons mental health first aid Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders mental health first aid Despite young people being in such need, they are also the group least likely to seek help for mental health concerns. One of the newest courses is the teenMHFA course, unlike the other courses it’s is peer looking out for peers….  could you talk about the research currently underway?     Young people were more likely to go to their peer to seek help and support.  There's lots of research that says lots of young people are providing lots of inappropriate support to each other already. Potentially a risk to their own mental health and can be unhelpful to the person needing the help. The courses cover the minimum amount you’d want young people to know.   Cover suicides and other traditionally difficult topics.  If we can’t talk about suicide then it means they can’t which means if they're having thoughts of suicide they cant talk to anyone.    The course encouraged them to get an adult to help.   Tips for helping someone who doesn’t want help? It may be that you’re not the right person You can encourage them to talk to someone else.  They care too much about you and want to hold /save face Culture and gender differences.    You may have to use language that indicates you may not be a good fit. Using inclusive language Eg you may be asking someone about the support they have and say ‘do you have a boyfriend?’  If she’s same-sex attracted then she may feel like it's not ok to talk to you about it.    Makes it easier to start the conversation if you use inclusive language.  Some young people hold myths about what help may look like.    Feeling like I have to be stronger than other people They may have incorrect ideas of what help looks like. May think it’s acute and you may need to be hospitalised or not part of the community.    May need to do some myth-busting  What treatment looks like may have come from tv and movies   Mental health first aid for tertiary students   Could you tell me more about the creation of Mental health first aid for tertiary students, what sparked this course and how is it different to the standard and youth MHFA.   Tertiary students mhfa course   How to look out for your peers Some of the youth content and peer to peer support.    Do people report learning any tools of techniques that they can apply to themselves to improve their own mental health?   Research has shown improves the mental health of the participants too.   How do you take care of your own mental health? It needs to be something you incorporate it into your life and practice.  Could be nipping a problem in the bud early so it doesn't become a problem Getting exercise Connect and talk with people   Tips for professionals Using supervision and group supervision Helps them remain in their career  Manage burn out Talk to people Take time off when needed   Do you think mental health problems are getting worse?   Claire personally thinks yes. The research is hard to gather around this topic.   Evidence is limited  Anxiety, in particular, is getting more and more common. Family structures changed, social media, bullying on social media. The impact of social media looking at curated lives.    Impact of diet and exercise A sedentary lifestyle can be problematic Poor quality food Good evidence for the   diet    On a more personal note, how have you managed to balance the work you find so valuable the emotional toll of being so immersed in data, statistics and stories of mental distress of others? Does this have an impact on you? How do you take care of yourself?   Claires self-care tips Practice what I preach It’s ok to ask for help. Excersie 45 min a day Read and watch things that I enjoy   To find out more about mental health first aid check out the MHFA website https://mhfa.com.au   Resources: https://www.samhsa.gov/programs https://mhfa.com.au/courses https://mhfa.com.au/mental-health-first-aid-guidelines   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group   Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide   Visit the website for the latest info and show notes  https://insidesocialwork.com/  

How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.  What are professional boundaries?   While thinking about this topic I went through some of my old textbooks and none of them had anything about boundaries. I found it interesting that something so fundamental to our work it not explicitly taught or often discussed in depth. We talk about needing boundaries but rarely about what they are and how to develop and implement them. “Why did you go into social work?”  The answer usually centers on an interest in wanting to help or improve the lives of others Key things to consider  boundaries are a cornerstone of social work There is often a power differential between client and professional you are in a position of power with respect to your clients thought of  & seen as the ‘expert’ have authority management of transference and countertransference are factors that cannot be ignored in this discussion safe, open and transparent relationship being clear to the client what will happen in a situation or circumstance,  Being good at your job & acting in within the expectations placed on you. It's more than how you work with clients, it’s also how you manage and conduct yourself and your emotions.  As social workers, we are often seen as the ‘expert’ have authority. You have a position and title, an employer and workplace, in many cases, you have the ability to deny or refuse the client access to the service or support. The power imbalance in relation to you and your relationship with them, even if they are not vulnerable in any other setting.   This comes with a number of responsibilities Respect the client Ensure what you do doesn't harm them Actions based on the needs of the clients Trustworthy and responsible Truthful and honest Every situation needs to be taken on its own merits. There's no book, podcast or guide that can cover all possible situations. It’s good to have a supervisor and/ or group supervision that you can discuss specific cases. Boundaries- sharing with clients In practice, boundaries require ongoing reflection, thought and readjustment  Situations that may be blurring boundaries special treatment and urge to provide it  spending more time with one client more than others paying for things out of workers own pocket seeing the client outside work hours  sharing too much information or details about personal life  The kinds of situations you can consider and reflect on. If you bump into a client out in public while out shopping with your partner.  What do you do? What do you say? In a residential setting, a client comes to you after hours when you're off the shift. Clients asking you about your personal life, if you have a partner or children. A client hugs you at the end of a session. How do you explain that it is inappropriate to hug and you need to keep the relationship professional?   Sharing stories Keep the story positive, de-identify details, prepare stories prior about things you’re happy to share and what is the message.   Have a message of hope and recovery.   Boundaries with workload and home   How can you set boundaries around what you can take on.  Reflect on how you’re traveling and what your mood/ frame of mind is. Telling people you can’t take on any more at the moment.  Reducing caseloads, or taking more breaks. A few resources I recommend This is not an exhaustive list and you should familiarise yourself with your registering body’s code of ethics and consult with your team, manager and supervisor to discuss specific cases and situations.    AASW code of ethics   APS code of ethics ACA code of ethics   Professional Boundaries in Social Work and Social Care By Frank Cooper   Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources. https://insidesocialwork.com/ Listen to the podcast Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify

Vittorio and I share stories of why we got into social work, sharing some of our challenges, struggles and memorable moments. Vittorio has been a social worker for over 40 years, with experience in health care, teaching and private practice. He is the host of a podcast called ‘just another do-gooder’. He shares some of the things that drew him to social work as a career and why he got into podcasting. We discuss the importance of supervision to promote professional development and reduce the risk of burnout. We discussed how we got into podcasts and share some of our journey and social work careers. We share some stories that have shaped how we work. Vittorio's tips for social workers when applying for a job   Prepare well for an interview Do your homework, who is the client group, learn about the organisation Call them and ask some questions - get a feel for the place do you want to work there Understand the transferability of other roles and jobs Your skills and knowledge can be transferable Understanding the importance of reflective practice - you’re never able to know everything. Be prepared to answer questions about this.   Books and resources   Vittorio’s website http://vittoriocintio.com/   The New Psychology of Health : Unlocking the Social Cure. By (author)  Catherine Haslam , By (author)  Jolanda Jetten , By (author)  Tegan Cruwys , By (author)  Genevieve Dingle , By (author)  S. Alexander Haslam Being Mortal : Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End By (author)  Atul Gawande Lost Connections : Why You're Depressed and How to Find Hope. By (author)  Johann Hari Who moved my cheese. By (author)  Spencer Johnson The Power of Attachment : How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. By (author)  Diane Poole Heller   Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources. https://insidesocialwork.com/   Listen to the podcast Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify

Interview with Verity Best and Josette Gardiner : Counselling for children affected by family breakdown. Working with families and children in mediation, dispute resolution and family conflict. In this interview with Verity and Josette, co-directors of focus counselling service, we talk about how to work with children who are experiencing family breakdown or conflict. Verity and Josette's share some of their tops for telling children parents are separating and what to look out for in the behaviour, that may indicate the need some additional support. Josette Gardiner BAppSocSci(Couns), Member ACA, ACA-Recognised Supervisor Josette provides counselling to adults, children and adolescents. Josette works with children using a variety of modalities and has a special interest in trauma and its effects on the brain and behaviour. Because of this, she provides effective and nurturing therapy to children where family violence has been part of their story. She has also worked extensively with a range of other issues such as self-harm, grief and loss, parental conflict and trauma recovery. Josette uses a range of tools, games and activities to help children untangle their inner world in a way that helps them make sense of it. She helps them master the skills they need to manage their emotions in an often-complicated world. All this is done with a sense of hope for the future, and a belief that the child is capable of any change they hope to achieve and the ability to heal from past hurts. In all her work, Josette uses a trauma-informed approach. Josette also holds a Certificate in Supervision and is an ACA recognised supervisor. Verity Best BAppSocSci(Couns), Grad Dip Family Dispute Resolution, Member ACA. Verity provides counselling and mediation services to adults. She has had a range of experience in the mental health sector, such as family violence counselling, crisis and trauma counselling, and counselling for addictions, in particular gambling, alcohol and drugs. In addition to this, Verity is accredited by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide mediation services to separated parents in relation to children’s matters. As a mediator, Verity provides a safe platform for separated parents to discuss their children’s needs and develop a mutually agreeable parenting plan. In this service, as in her counselling practice, Verity provides a non-judgemental approach and a belief that her clients have the ability to change their lives in a positive way. In both counselling and mediation, Verity aims above all to empower her clients, and support them to find ways to make meaningful change. Verity also holds a Certificate in Supervision and provides bimonthly group supervision to Applicant Practitioners (IVO’s) in the Victorian Magistrates Court. How do you tell your children that you’re separating? Non-blaming of the other parent Keeping it developmentally focused Don’t need to tell them the reasons why Tell the children it’s not their fault it Things not to say Playing blame mum/dads had an affair When talking to children about family separation or divorce. Advocating for the child and being child focused is a priority for Verity and Josette Children may have different ideas to why parents separated and may blame themselves It’s important to tell the children it's not their fault – even if they haven’t verbalised it. You may need to say this a few times. They may not mention it because it’s a shameful feeling – so they will keep it very well hidden Some may be very well behaved because they don’t want to upset the parents Parents might think they’re doing really well,  They’re trying to protect each parent and internalise the pain Question: So what are some of the tips you have for parents or practitioners on how to guide that conversation , not to blame, and not tell them things they don’t need to know, but to find that balance on how to give them enough information so they don’t fill in the blanks with feeling that it’s their fault? 3 points that are essential for telling children about parents separating Keeping the language unified – mummy and daddy both still love you Telling them that even though mummy and daddy may not love each other any more , we can never stop loving you It's not your fault Say these as often as you need. If they come to you with questions, you can say simple things like ‘ mummy and daddy are working on it’  take the pressure and responsibility off them. If they come to you to say something happened at the other parents house you can empathise with the child without blaming the other parent That sounds like you’re feeling XYZ That sounds very confusing ….. do you want to talk about it Children can find it difficult to name their feelings – so giving them that open-ended question so they are invited to talk about it As parents it’s ok to say we’re finding it very confusing too but we’re working on it Question: What are your tips for working with families who live in a high conflict home. Josette they may be very compliant they could go the other way and be compliant at school and behave differently at school or vice versa depends on the family and the extent of the conflict your first thought doesn't have to be the only one you can have different strategies Watching for when children are acting out, sometimes the children can act out with one parent, it may be the parent / house that they feel safest and most comfortable at ‘’the dysfunction of the home is often played out in the children's behaviour’’ Sometimes a family comes to counselling with the family labelling the problem as being one particular ‘child’. Josette's tips, Do a genogram and look at intergenerational patterns of behaviour, gently pointing out relationships that may be strained or that may be indirectly promoting that strain in their child. Working with a family strengths and promoting what they’re doing well. Parenting a child who may be struggling Referring to other services as a clinician? refer the parent on for some counselling - acknowledge the need for self care the parents are probably scared and anxious in a space they may never have imagined themselves in family violence service if needed family therapy if there's high conflict this may not be appropriate needs a thorough assessments Clinician self-care tips supervision be aware of your own family of origin and any triggers peer supervision debriefing Take-home tips Look after yourself it's hard to look after others if we don't look after ourselves Josette's enjoys reading to escape the clinical work, fantasy books Recommended resources The whole brainchild Dan Siegel Brainstorm Dan Siege Why do I do that? Psychological defense mechanism and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our Lives Joseph Burgo Ph D  Dan Siegal’s flipping your lid. The flipping your lid model is about regulating your emotions and understanding how your brain works when it's triggered by something Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention Kids Helpline Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800 https://mensline.org.au/  Call 1300 78 99 78 MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns. https://www.panda.org.au/  Call 1300 726 306 PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. For referrals, supervision or secondary consulting Contact Focus Counselling Web: Focuscounselling.co Facebook:  Focus counselling service Join the focus counselling mailing list to get your free guide on ‘talking to children about separation.’ Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Works mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources. Listen to the podcast Subscribe on Android Player.fm apple iTunes Spotify  

With Associate Professor Ronnie Egan, we explore the need for quality student placements, what stops people from taking on a student and the unexpected learnings and rewards. We discuss some of the support and training options available to those interested in having a student.  As well as, how to get in touch with the university about offering student placements.   Dr Ronnie Egan is Associate Professor of Field Education in Social Work at RMIT University. She has specialised in research about supervision and practice for social workers and students, published widely in these areas and has extensive and active networks in  the human service sector. Her relationships with the field span her career as a practitioner and academic and this has enabled the development of innovative ways of understanding and facilitating the nexus between universities and the community. She chairs the National Field Education Network.   Ronnies tips   As a student when you go for an interview be sure to ask about the supervision options and policies that organisation has in place. WHile it can be tough she talks about the importance of being assertive enough in a job interview to ask about the organisation's policies and offerings for supervision. Making sure you are setting up the expectations from the start when it comes to supervision.   What is the purpose of supervision within this organisation and what will you discuss? When & How often Work plan - Does supervision help you develop new skills and look at career progression? Job specifications - What’s needed for specific roles and industries and how can you use supervision to transfer skills       If you’re not getting what you need , time to think about how am I going to get it , you may need to think about getting external supervision.   Hiring an external supervisor Work out why you want external supervisions and what your workplace offers. DO you need someone to help you transition into a new role? Is it for case discussion? Is it to meet a professional development goal or learn a new technique?   If you’re paying for the service of supervision be very clear about what you want. Do your research when hiring an external supervisors and see that they can meet your needs.   Taking a student on placement Taking a student on placement can be very rewarding RMIT students placement have a model that involved a lot of professional development opportunities for not only the students but the supervisors too,. Some of the reasons people take on students include   Requirement of promotion in some industries Can be a first step in a leadership position Give back to the profession, sharing a good experience or making up for a bad one they had. Having a student can keep you updated on current industry standards and research.   Articles Supporting quality supervision: Insights for organizational practice Who Is Watching Whom? Surveillance in Australian Social Work Supervision Australian Social Work Supervision Practice in 2007 There are some resources below for those wanting to learn more about supervision. Don’t forget to sign up to the mailing list to get your free social work career guide https://insidesocialwork.com/     Recommended resources from todays episode Best Practice in Professional Supervision A Guide for the Helping Professions https://www.jkp.com/uk/best-practice-in-professional-supervision-2.html AASW supervision standards https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/supervision-standards A guide to supervision in social work field education http://socialworksupervision.csu.edu.au/resources/docs/CSU-guide-social-work-field-education.pdf Online supervision course for supervisors https://www.aasw.asn.au/events/event/online-field-education-supervision-training  

In this interview with CEO Grant Holland, we discuss his journey from working with cars to becoming a Social Worker and Family Therapist. We take a look at some of the various roles he’s had and how his career lead him to establishing the creative and innovative employment training program at the Holland Foundation,  that has helped 506 people get jobs in the last 6 years.   Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  

Hear about how Slater and Gordon’s free Social Work service exists to support their clients Australia-wide who are facing a wide range of emotional and practical concerns as they move through the process of claiming compensation. We discuss a range of issues relating to social workers and their understanding of the law and the ongoing training and workshops the social work service runs to educate social workers on a range of topics. Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/ Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!