The festive season is a time of celebration but it can also be a period of high stress for those of us working in mental health. The festive season can mean preparing for the shutdown of a private clinic whilst ensuring that our clients are well-supported in our absence. It can also mean managing higher rates of grief, trauma, and isolation in our client sessions. This Christmas period may be particularly challenging following a difficult two years of living with the uncertainties of COVID and, the anniversary of the 2019/20 bushfires.

This Expert Insights panel session discusses the challenge this festive season presents us with plus tips, insights and resources to prepare for the holiday period as a mental health practitioner.

Panelists
Melissa Black – Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at the Black Dog Institute
Chris Basten - Principal Clinical Psychologist at Basten Psychology
Cassandra - Lived Experience Representative

Dr Carol Newall - Clinical Psychologist and facilitator
Nathan Bell - Recording and sound production
Cameron Banks - Voiceover