Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together.

Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services.

Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health.

Recommendations – Mel recommends revisiting an old hobby that brought joy (in her case, tap dancing!). Sarah recommends a cozy game for relaxation.

Bonus Book Recommendations: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, and The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris.

In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss what vicarious trauma is, and how we can be particularly vulnerable to it early career. They open up about their experiences with vicarious trauma and share their tips on how to overcome it.

Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019.

This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000.

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