Music therapist, Jason Kenner, and art therapist, Pam Hellema, explore how their disciplines overlap, influence and amplify each other. Drawing on their collaboration in acute mental health at The Alfred, they describe what happens when art and music therapy are practised side by side and how creativity can spark connection and confidence. They also share a spontaneous demonstration of music therapy, showing how sessions can work in practice.  

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In this episode, Senior Mental Health Nurse and Family Therapist, Kate Cogan, joins Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Dr Sidney Bloch, and Palliative Medicine Consultant, Dr Adrian Dabscheck, to explore providing support and care for people receiving palliative care.

They discuss the challenges of supporting families through dying, grief and bereavement, along with the importance of empathy. They also unpack the significant emotional impact on practitioners in this field and highlight the importance of teamwork and ongoing training.

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In this episode of Book Club, Sidney Bloch and Jeremy Holmes unpack The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Leo Tolstoy’s exploration of mortality, self-deception, and the search for meaning. They reflect on Ivan’s experiences with illness, the reactions of those around him, and his final insights into love, humility, and human connection. 

The conversation explores the relevance of literature in mental health practice, how it can offer insights into human behaviour, and the ways it can help reflect on life, death, and relationships. 

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 Interpreters do so much more than translate words. In mental health, they offer support to help clients feel understood, and practitioners to deliver care across cultures and languages. Dr Radhika Santhanam-Martin speaks with Nellie Bi, Blossom Ah Ket and Susan Esmaili about the emotional aspects of their work, the challenges they face, and why more recognition and support is needed. 

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Culture and connection are at the heart of Indigenous wellbeing. 

Professor Pat Dudgeon, Dr Abi Bray and Professor Alan Rosen return for the second episode in this two-part series on Indigenous flourishing. Building on their earlier discussion of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), this episode focuses on practical ways to support SEWB in both community and clinical settings. They explore how strengths-based approaches, cultural identity, truth-telling and collective healing are essential to improving mental health care and discuss the role of digital tools in preserving culture and promoting resilience.

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Culture and connection are at the heart of Indigenous wellbeing.

Professor Pat Dudgeon, Dr Abi Bray and Professor Alan Rosen explore Indigenous flourishing in this first episode of a two-part series. During their discussion, they explore the concept of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), how SEWB is based in culture, country and connection, and how much it differs against colonial and individualistic models of care. They also focus on the importance of truth-telling, Indigenous leadership and blending different knowledge systems to improve on the current state of mental health care.

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Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form.

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Supporting mental health in remote communities requires strong relationships, clear communication and a shared understanding. 

In this episode, Timothy Corcoran (Social Worker), Wendy Hall (Mental Health Nurse), and Josephine Tan (Mental Health Nurse); all based in Alice Springs; reflect on the importance of collaborative care across a wide landscape of professionals and services. They share real-world experiences highlighting the challenges and rewards of providing coordinated, culturally aware care in remote settings. 

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What does meaningful support look like for someone living with an eating disorder? 

In this episode, Peta Marks (National Programs Manager – InsideOut Institute) and Stephanie Boulet (Provisional Psychologist) share insights for mental health practitioners working with individuals living with eating disorders. They discuss early warning signs, the cognitive effects of malnutrition, and the role families and carers play. Stephanie openly shares her personal journey of illness and recovery, highlighting the integral role of multidisciplinary teams in delivering compassionate, coordinated care. 

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In a convergence of medical practice and governance, this episode’s guests are both practicing medical professionals and representatives at their respective boards: Ava Carter (Psychiatrist, RANZCP) joins Rebecca Loveridge (GP, RACGP) and Chris Dickie (GP Registrar, GPRA). 

In this episode, Ava, Rebecca and Chris reflect and discuss the importance of trainee and registrar voices in board roles, and how these perspectives help shape the future of mental health care. They talk honestly about the surprises, opportunities and challenges that come with becoming a GP or psychiatry registrar, including technological advances and keeping patient outcomes at the forefront of their practice. 

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How can systems theory help navigate the complexity of mental health work? 

In this episode, Dana Shen (Consultant) and Seanna Davidson (Systems Change Practitioner and Educator) explore the principles of systems theory, and how recognising the connections between people, teams, and services can enhance practice. Focusing on the emotional challenges faced by mental health practitioners, Dana and Seanna share insights on sustaining wellbeing and providing support within complex systems. 

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Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. 

Share your comments, questions and feedback about A Conversation About… or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/