In this episode I speak with Peta, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has had extensive training and experience working in the areas of sexual assault, family violence, mental health and trauma.  Peta currently runs a private practice providing evidence-based trauma therapy as well as delivering training on managing sexual disclosures and regulating the nervous system.   Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:  Child FIRST Victoria -...

In this episode I speak with Stephanie, who has worked in Canada supporting people with addiction and comorbidities, and now works on accreditation, social impact and organisational transformation. Stephanie is the quality and compliance manager at The Burdekin Association, where she manages a team of six specialists who work to amplify best practice for children and young people with trauma.  Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:  The Burdekin Association -...

In this episode I speak with Patty who began her social work career as a domestic violence counsellor before moving into child protection for children in foster care and out of home care. Patty is an external supervisor for social work students at the Australian Catholic University and has had her private counselling practice for 15 years. Patty is also a wedding celebrant, retreat host, workshop facilitator, coach, counsellor, reiki master, energy healer and senior yoga teacher. More...

In this episode I speak with Alex, the owner of Mindful Recovery Services, a private practice providing psychological treatment and support for adolescents and adults. Alex is passionate about dispelling myths about mental illness and is highly skilled in dialectical behavioural therapy. She is an experienced public speaker and provides consultation to other professionals on managing difficult behaviours in teens. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Alex’s business...

In this episode I speak with Erin, a senior social worker with over 20 years of experience working in mental health and rehabilitation services in Sydney, Brisbane and London. After spending the first 15 years of her career working in the field of child and adolescent mental health and paediatric rehab, Erin began working in adult neurological rehabilitation. She has recently commenced an exciting new role at Care Rehab, a service which provides specialist social work and psychosexual therapy...

In this episode I speak with Michelle, whose interest and practice focus on attachment, groupwork, narrative therapy, Response Based Practice, systems, and intergenerational trauma. Her areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+, CALD, trauma and relationship counselling. She currently works in both private practice and in NGOs to provide therapy, consultations and training, and clinical supervision for social work/counselling students. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: ...

In this episode I speak with Jacob and Aaron. Aaron is a social worker and therapist currently working with children in Out of Home Care across NSW to build the relational networks around children and facilitate their healing from developmental trauma through somatic and play-based therapies. Jacob is a child and adolescent social worker with experience providing trauma-informed therapeutic support to children and young people across the out of home care, refugee resettlement and residential...

In this episode I speak with Claire, a community based social worker with experience initially in mental health before moving into the field of criminal justice. She has predominantly provided long term case management and support for women as they transition from prison back into the community. Claire is a strong advocate for assisting people to develop pathways and identities outside of the criminal justice system to reduce the numbers of people, particularly First Nations peoples cycling...

In this episode I speak with Cherie, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has over 15 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults primarily working in the field of trauma, focusing on sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition to her counselling role Cherie provides clinical supervision as well as mentoring, training and resources for social workers wanting to develop their own private practice. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: ...

In this episode I speak with Peggy, who completed her social work degree at the University of South Australia in 1994.  She worked in NSW Health for over 27 years in a variety of social work and health manager roles.  She is currently working for Queensland Health as a social worker in the Queensland Pelvic Mesh Service.  She is passionate about supporting and developing social workers and encouraging them to look outside traditional social work roles for job opportunities. Links to...

In this episode I speak with Cathy who in over 25yrs as a social worker has worked in the community sector and multicultural aged care, in an acute teaching hospital in rehab and aged care, and has developed training tools and social work group supervision. Cathy has now returned to community social work in Northern Sydney for the Community Nursing program, visiting patients with chronic and complex issues. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Severe Domestic Squalor by...

In this episode I speak with Rebecca, who has 25 years of social work experience in child protection, legal aid and more recently in private practice. Rebecca has extensive skills in risk assessments and complex case management for young people, and has worked also for the physical abuse and neglect of children counselling service. The majority of her career has been as a criminal consultant for legal aid, and supporting high risk young offenders. More recently Rebecca has moved into...

In this episode I speak with Lucinda, a Clinical Social Worker, Supervisor and Manager with 15+ years of varied experiences in the child, youth, family, community development and mental health sectors. She has a passion for early intervention and prevention, young people, leadership and wellbeing for practitioners. She has a vast array of experience in working with individuals and groups in community and clinical mental health settings. She is motivated to lead teams of allied health...

In this episode I speak with Cathy, who has worked with a wide variety of populations in Sydney and in Cairns, through hospital, legal, youth, mental health and drug and alcohol services, as well as spending time volunteering overseas. She has recently moved into private practice, specialising in providing therapy in outdoor settings, with a range of mental health, family dynamics and practical needs. She has also completed research into the role of the priest’s wife within the Greek Orthodox...

In this episode I speak with Gabbie, a final year Masters of Social Work student at Western Sydney University and works part time in community engagement with the peak body for mental health carers in NSW. Gabbie has recently returned from the United States after being selected as one of two Australian representatives to attend the International Summer of Social Work Conference hosted by the University of California, Los Angeles. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Tuck...

In this episode I speak with Zen, a qualified Counsellor and Mental Health Social Worker with a strong passion for providing high-quality counselling and support,, experienced working with adults, adolescents, and couples, in tertiary education, non-government and community health settings. Zen’s areas of interest include supporting Individuals with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, substance abuse, grief and loss, and workplace conflict. Links to resources...

In this episode I speak with Emma, a social worker and youth worker who achieved accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker while working at Headspace. Emma has expertise in a range of trauma informed therapeutic interventions including work with disordered eating associated with ADHD, the impact of CPTSD in ADHD, and the comorbidities of anxiety, depression and burnout. She has a passion for work in reframing and healing from shame associated with ADHD. Links to resources mentioned in...

In this episode I speak with Jazmin, who came to social work after completing diplomas in community service and community development and is passionate about working with children and adolescents with co-occurring disability and mental health issues. She has worked for a public housing agency managing intake and existing tenancies as well as an intake role in Child Protection, supporting some of the unborn notifications outreach visits. Jazmin currently works in primary and secondary schools...

In this episode I speak with Claire, who in addition to completing her social work studies also has a degree in Indigenous Studies. Claire started her work in child protection with Indigenous families and then progressed to community and inpatient mental health. Claire has had personal and professional experiences working closely with mental health and now works with people experiencing acute illness. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Link2home (homelessness...

In this episode I speak with Nicoletta, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Studies, a Certificate IV in Mental Health, and a Masters Degree in Social Work. Nicoletta currently works as a Recovery Case Worker at Mission Australia, in the area of adult mental health recovery. She is also an Academic tutor at Western Sydney University, teaching the Masters of Social Work and other related social work courses. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: A21...

In this episode I speak with Cassandra, a community palliative care social worker and private practice therapist. Cassandra has worked in the UK and across a range of roles in Australia and is passionate about the growth of the social work profession and identity within Australia. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: ACT Made Simple by Russ Harris - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7219947-act-made-simple When Life Hits Hard by Russ Harris -...

In this episode I speak with Emily, an early career social worker who after getting a job at The Fact Tree Youth Service following her first social work placement, completing her second placement at a private hospital in Lismore, and a stint as a MERIT Clinician, Emily is currently working as a caseworker at Phoenix House Youth Services in Crows Nest. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Phoenix House Sydney - https://www.phoenixhouse.org.au/ Dovetail, clinical advice...

In this episode I speak with Marie, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Family Therapist, presenter, podcaster, and trainer. Her focus is on supporting adults to have better relationships with the teens and young adults in their lives. She is committed to improving mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting prevention and early intervention in the field of mental health. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Wintringham housing organisation -...

In this episode I speak with Jerome, who has worked in Sydney’s mental health inpatient units and in community mental health. Jerome is currently Senior Social Worker at the Forensic Hospital, a high secure mental health facility on the Long Bay Correctional Centre campus. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: The Forensic Hospital - https://www.justicehealth.nsw.gov.au/about-us/health-care-locations/the-forensic-hospital Forensic Mental Health Social Work: Capabilities...

In this episode I speak with Mitchell, a social worker passionate about child protection and helping to ensure vulnerable young people in the community have improved life experiences. Mitch has worked in various roles, ranging from disability, residential care and child protection. Mitchell currently works at the Child Protection Helpline taking information from various members of the professional community, to ensure we are keeping the children of NSW as safe as possible. Links to...