What does it really mean to be someone good to talk to?

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Helen Mentha—clinical psychologist, specialist trainer, and author of Someone Good to Talk To. With decades of experience across mental health, addiction, healthcare, and corporate leadership, Helen shares her wisdom on what makes conversations truly healing and transformational.

We explore her journey into Motivational Interviewing, the power of fostering hope, and the subtle art of managing ambivalence. Helen opens up about the importance of deep listening, holding space, and navigating uncertainty—not just as professionals, but in everyday life.

Filled with warmth, humour, and practical takeaways, this conversation is a reminder that the way we show up can make all the difference.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Helen Mentha

01:45 First Encounter and Early Impressions

02:24 Discovering Motivational Interviewing

04:07 Training and Self-Teaching

05:49 The Depth of Motivational Interviewing

11:17 The Art of Being Someone Good to Talk To

20:37 Fostering Hope and Managing Change

36:34 Understanding Ambivalence in Therapy

37:17 Exposure Therapy and Ambivalence

39:00 The Role of Clinicians in Managing Ambivalence

43:23 The Importance of Autonomy in Therapy

50:55 Navigating Uncertainty in Therapeutic Conversations

54:08 The Power of Apology and Repair in Therapy

57:37 The Human Element in Therapeutic Relationships

01:01:16 Friendly and Pragmatic Approaches in Therapy

01:08:39 Conclusion and Future Works

01:11:08 Humour and Hope in Therapy

LINKS:

Helen Mentha's website:

https://menthaconsulting.com.au/

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here:

https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/

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#CompassionInATShirt #HelenMentha #MotivationalInterviewing #TherapeuticRelationship #HumanConnection #ListeningWithHeart #ClinicalPsychology #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCare #SomeoneGoodToTalkTo