Podcast · Health

Mental Health in Practice

Practical conversations about mental health care across Australia’s health system. Mental Health in Practice is a podcast for health professionals working across the mental health system, featuring conversations grounded in real-world experience. Each episode brings together perspectives

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 36 minNew

Does mental health care discriminate on the basis of alcohol and drug use?

With mental health care and drug and alcohol support closely related areas of practice, we might expect professionals in these spaces to be well acquainted with one another’s work. But like all of us, health practitioners are susceptible to bias or misconception – about alcohol and drug use, and about mental ill-health. In this episode, guests Lisa Fyfield and Lee Ann Jemson explore how a practitioner’s own views can create barriers between mental health and alcohol and other drug servi...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E113 · 29 Sep 2026 · 36 min
How can trauma-informed principles shape the way we work together?
This episode looks at mental health practice from a different angle, and explores how stronger, more supportive workplaces can result in better outcomes for clients. In this episode, Carla Jones and Den Abreu share how trauma-informed principles such as safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, choice, and an understanding of cultural and historical impacts can shape workplaces. Drawing on their experiences as both employer and employee, they explore how these principles can be applied...
E112 · 15 Sep 2026 · 31 min
How to challenge bias in mental health practice
Bias and assumptions shape the quality and safety of health care, sometimes without practitioners realising it. Drawing on extensive experience working alongside LGBTQ+ communities, Georgina Bell and Glenn Noble explore how to notice, name and reflect on our assumptions in a way that helps to build genuine trust with clients, particularly those who have experienced stigma or marginalisation elsewhere. Explore resources on bias and cultural safety on the MHPN website. Featur...
E111 · 1 Sep 2026 · 23 min
New ways of thinking about children and trauma
What distinguishes trauma-responsive care from trauma-informed care, and how can it be applied in practice to support children and families affected by disaster? In this episode, Michelle Roberts (Psychologist) and Sarah Eagland (Social Worker) explore what it looks like to account for and effectively respond to trauma in the context of disaster. Highlighting the important role of trauma-responsive care in translating knowledge and awareness into action and adaptation, they discuss how practi...
E110 · 18 Aug 2026 · 31 min
What children need during disaster recovery
How can practitioners work safely and collaboratively to support children and families impacted by disaster? Michelle Roberts (Psychologist) and Sarah Eagland (Social Worker) unpack the role of trauma-informed care in addressing the diverse and often-overlooked needs of children in the context of disaster. Focusing on strengths-based approaches, they explore opportunities to build skills that promote feelings of safety, calm, control and agency for children and families. The episode encourage...
E109 · 4 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Managing Boundaries, Bias and Emotional Reactions in Clinical Practice
This episode was originally released in 2024 as part of MHPN's three-part series, Health in all its Complexity. This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation with various GPs about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In the final episode, they chat with GP and addiction medicine specialist, Dr Hester Wilson, about the challenges they face when patients talk or behave in ways that don’t align ...
E108 · 21 Jul 2026 · 41 min
Clinical Uncertainty: Why the Answers Aren't Always Clear
This episode was originally released in 2024 as part of MHPN's three-part series, Health in all its Complexity. This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In episode two, they explore the challenges of providing primary health care when treating the rare, the unknown, the complex, the not learned about, and the different. They reflect on the change...
E107 · 7 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Why Mental Health Care Is More Than Diagnosis and Treatment
This episode was originally released in 2024 as part of MHPN's three-part series, Health in all its Complexity. This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation with various GPs about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In episode one, May and Louise sit down with General Practitioner and researcher Professor Michael Kidd to explore the complexities of providing mental health care in a ran...
E1000 · 30 Jun 2026 · 1 min
Three Episodes Worth Revisiting
Unsure what to listen to next? We've got you covered. Over the next six weeks, we'll be re-releasing three episodes from our archive and invite you to revisit them with us. Whether you're new to Mental Health in Practice or have been listening for a while, these episodes provide an opportunity to reflect on some of the realities of practice: from recognising when care requires more than diagnosis and treatment, to why uncertainty exists in practice, and how we continue providing compassionate...
E106 · 23 Jun 2026 · 31 min
Strengthening your Practice through Humility and Curiosity
How can mental health practitioners build trust and create meaningful connections when people's experiences, expectations and understanding of care differ from their own? Drawing on extensive experience working alongside migrant communities, people seeking asylum and refugee communities, this episode explores practical ways to build meaningful therapeutic relationships and creating a space that is flexible and curious. The insights shared are relevant across a wide range of communities,...
E105 · 9 Jun 2026 · 30 min
AI in Mental Health Practice: Opportunities, Risks and Responsible Use
How is AI already being used in mental health practice, and what does it mean for you as a practitioner? In this episode, our presenters discuss the growing role of AI across healthcare and mental health settings, including where it is already being used in clinical and service settings. They discuss the practical opportunities AI may offer for communication, accessibility and support while also examining the challenges it raises around privacy, consent, professional judgement and trust...
E104 · 26 May 2026 · 32 min
Therapeutic Relationships: What To Do When Things Go Wrong
How can reflective practice repair therapeutic relationships? Lenice Murray (Mental Health Social Worker) and Lee Crothers (Mental Health Occupational Therapist) explore how ruptures to relationships are common with a focus on how these can show up when working with consumers, carers and teams. They explore why avoiding communication breakdowns can damage trust and care, and how honest conversations, shared responsibility, and strong supervision can help repair relationships and support safer...
E103 · 12 May 2026 · 33 min
Peer-led Digital Spaces for LGBTIQA+ Young People
How can peer-led digital spaces support LGBTIQA+ young people? Hamish Czygan (Online Peer Work Team Lead at headspace National) is joined by Kevin Tran (Peer Worker) and Jack Ebacioni (Senior Mental Health Clinician). Together, they highlight the increasingly valuable role that peer-led digital spaces play in strengthening engagement and connection for young people in the LGBTIQA+ community. The episode explores how spaces led by peer-workers create opportunities for connection and self-expre...
E102 · 28 Apr 2026 · 34 min
School Can’t: Attendance Challenges and Re-engagement
What does engagement-focused care for young people with school attendance challenges look like in multidisciplinary practice? Join Paige Davey (School Re-engagement Specialist and Trainer) and Richard Crawshaw (Founder of Can’t Face School) as they explore the increasing complexities of school attendance challenges. Together, they unpack the practical barriers and enablers to system-wide collaboration, underscoring the value of curiosity, building trust and person-centredness in support...
E101 · 14 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Complexity and Youth Mental Health: Leading Effective Teams
What does effective conflict management in multidisciplinary teams look like? Host Radhika Santhanam-Martin (Clinical Psychologist) is joined by guests Aly Butchers (Manager of Legal Practice for the Family Violence Program at Youthlaw), Kate Raseta (National Manager, Strategic Initiatives at headspace) and Dr Kirsten Meyer (Dramatherapist). Together, they explore how relational repairs within multidisciplinary teams impact client and family outcomes. Equally committed to supporting mul...
E100 · 31 Mar 2026 · 35 min
Young People and Trauma: Applications of Systems Theory
How can a systems approach improve care for young people with complex trauma? Join host Dana Shen (Consultant), and guests Seanna Davidson (Systems Change Practitioner and Education) and Tim Crowley (Nurse Practitioner in Child and Adolescence Mental Health) as they explore how family, community and services connect around a young person and shape trauma-informed care. Equally focused on the efficacy of these broader services, Dana, Seanna and Tim discuss the role that systems thinking ...
E99 · 17 Mar 2026 · 30 min
Barriers to Care: Designing a men’s mental health service
Content advice: This episode discusses the topic of suicide, listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (call or chat online), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800 – for those aged 25 and under). If it is an emergency, call 000. How can practitioners overcome barriers to effectively engaging men in care? Join Co-Directors of the Ballarat Men's Mental Health Service, Maxine ...
E98 · 3 Mar 2026 · 29 min
Anxiety in the Perinatal Period: A Peer Work Perspective
Anxiety can often be difficult to recognise during the perinatal period, with many people hesitating to seek support. Robyn Stanislavski and Katie Rogerson from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) discuss their roles as peer worker and clinical practitioner, and how the intentional and safe sharing of lived experience can reduce shame and complement clinical care during this stage of life. Drawing on both lived experience and professional practice, Robyn and Katie discuss...
E97 · 24 Feb 2026 · 29 min
What Makes ADHD Burnout So Different?
Mental Health Occupational Therapist Emma Ketley and ADHD and autism advocate Amy Green explore neurodivergent burnout and why it is so often misunderstood in clinical settings. Amy candidly shares her lived experience, highlighting how burnout differs from depression and occupational burnout, and the impact it can cause to sensory tolerance and executive functioning. Emma and Amy unpack what accessible, neurodiversity-affirming care looks like in practice. From working with individual ...
E96 · 17 Feb 2026 · 26 min
ADHD: Support Beyond Medication
How can people with ADHD be supported beyond medication? Occupational Therapist and ADHD Coach Emma Ketley and ADHD and autism advocate Amy Green bring their professional insight and lived experience, for an honest conversation about supporting people with ADHD beyond medication. They explore sensory load, masking, ADHD burnout, and nervous system regulation, and discuss practical, non-pharmacological strategies that can make a meaningful difference for neurodivergent adults. This...
E95 · 25 Nov 2025 · 36 min
Social Work in Legal Practice: Improving Client Wellbeing
What happens when social workers work inside a law firm? Clients get more support than you might expect. This episode features Olga Gountras and Alexis Stonebridge from Slater and Gordon. They speak about supporting clients’ mental health, managing risk, and keeping people linked to care during stressful legal processes. Hear how this model improves collaboration across legal and health services and helps clients feel safer, clearer and more confident as they navigate complex clai...
E94 · 11 Nov 2025 · 47 min
Anger: Practical Skills to Support Client Goals
When people learn to understand their anger, it can become a tool for insight, stronger relationships and positive change. In this episode, Dr Tony McHugh and Prof Glen Bates explore how mental health professionals can support individuals to respond to anger constructively. They discuss practical strategies to build insight, helping people turn moments of anger into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by ...
E93 · 28 Oct 2025 · 28 min
Anger: Building Literacy for Both Practitioners and Clients
Anger can be a helpful and productive emotion, but for some people it can impact what matters most to them. Join Tony McHugh and Glen Bates as they explore effective ways for mental health professionals to better support individuals experiencing challenges with regulating or responding to anger. In this episode, Tony and Glen discuss practical strategies for responding to anger constructively, with a focus on developing strong social connections and relationships. Liked this episode? St...
E92 · 14 Oct 2025 · 39 min
A Conversation About… Connecting Through Music and Art Therapy
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. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future e...
E91 · 30 Sep 2025 · 37 min
A Conversation About… Supporting Families and Patients in Palliative Care
In this episode, Senior Mental Health Nurse and Family Therapist, Kate Cogan, joins Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, 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 import...
E90 · 16 Sep 2025 · 38 min
Book Club: Reflecting on Life and Death with Leo Tolstoy’s ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’
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 o...
E89 · 2 Sep 2025 · 30 min
A Conversation About… Why Interpreters Matter in Mental Health Care
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. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHP...
E88 · 19 Aug 2025 · 31 min
A Conversation About… Culture, Connection and Indigenous Flourishing – Part 2
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 essen...
E87 · 5 Aug 2025 · 38 min
A Conversation About… Culture, Connection and Indigenous Flourishing – Part 1
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 ...
E86 · 24 Jun 2025 · 42 min
A Conversation About… Multidisciplinary Mental Health Care in Remote Settings
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, cultural...

About Mental Health in Practice

Mental Health in Practice is a English health podcast from MHPN. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: MHPN
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1528128718

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