Expert Insights – Black Dog Institute Podcasts

To celebrate the 2024 NAIDOC week (7 - 14 July) theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud (www.naidoc.org.au), this Expert Insights session focuses on the enduring wisdom, vitality, and strength in First Nations communities, passed down through generations. We explore the power of cultural healing approaches within suicide prevention, with a particular focus on what works, achievements, and excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention. Listen and learn from the rich contributions and wisdom of First Nations cultural healing approaches, which can be leveraged to promote positive wellbeing for Indigenous communities and beyond. Panel Members· Maddison O'Grady-Lee, Clinical Psychology PhD candidate (UNSW/Black Dog Institute), Dalai Lama Peace Fellow, and winner of The Diana Award· Shannon McNeair, a proud Malgana woman and a Psychologist from McNeair Aboriginal Psychological Services· Uncle Monwell Levi - First Nations Lived Experience Representative Facilitator· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

With the plethora of digital CBT apps and programs available, how do you select one that's effective, safe, and engaging for teens? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler, Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute, delves into her research on digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and its impact on teen mental health. Aliza shares the latest research findings and insights on navigating interventions to ensure they're evidence-based and prioritise the safety of teens' data and privacy, among other considerations. Joining her on the panel is Hazel McKenzie, a psychologist specialising in teen mental health, who discuss how clinicians currently integrate digital CBT into practice. Additionally, Ruby, a teenager serving as a lived experience representative, will offer invaluable perspectives on her firsthand experiences with digital CBT, shedding light on its impact and usability. Panel Members· Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler - Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute· Hazel McKenzie - Psychologist in private practice· Ruby - Lived Experience Representative Facilitator· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

The effect of loneliness on mental health: How can we strengthen meaningful connections?Loneliness is a growing community health concern which has been associated with social anxiety and mood concerns as well as physical health complaints and disturbed sleep. End of year rituals and celebrations can serve to exacerbate a sense of loneliness, particularly in socially vulnerable and isolated people who can be more prone to its effects. In this episode, Dr Alexis Whitton (Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) will share her research findings on loneliness and mental health. Dr Diana Chan (Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) and a lived experience panellist will discuss the varied experiences and effects of loneliness, reflecting with Alexis on helpful, practical approaches to strengthen opportunities for meaningful connections and activities. Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical PsychologistResearcher – Dr Alexis Whitton, Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteClinician – Dr Diana Chan, Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog InstituteLived experience representative - Stephanie

Mental Health Treatment Adherence: What can clinicians do to support clients and patients to stick to treatment for mental health concerns? Listen to our discussion with Dr Matthew Coleshill (Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog Institute) where we will delve into his recent research findings on treatment adherence, particularly regarding how to increase adherence to medication. Professor Sam Harvey (Psychiatrist and Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog Institute) will also share his experiences of what is helpful from a clinical perspective, and we will also be joined on the panel by the powerful voice of lived experience as to what helps and hinders adherence to treatment. Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical PsychologistResearcher - Dr Matthew Coleshill, Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog InstituteClinician - Professor Sam Harvey, Psychiatrist and Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog InstituteLived experience representative – Cass.

To celebrate the 2023 NAIDOC Week theme, ‘For Our Elders’, this Expert Insights episode will look at the vital role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders play, and have played for generations, in guiding communities and families through everyday life right through to broader national advocacy and activism across a plethora of sectors. It will explore the role Elders have in sharing culture and cultural knowledge and the positive influence of this on community, family and individual social and emotional wellbeing. Join our panel discussion to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history, cultures, strengths, and accomplishments in the lead up to the NAIDOC Week celebrations. Panel:Researcher – Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate (Black Dog Institute & UNSW) and Dalai Lama Peace Fellow, Maddison O’Gradey-LeeClinician - Peer Support Worker for Cape and Torres Hospital and Health Service, Anthony GeaGeaElder and Lived Experience Representative – Uncle Joe MillerModerator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

This Expert Insights session will focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Peoples as a result of discussions surrounding The Voice to Parliament. Discussions and media about The Voice to Parliament are a regular phenomenon in the lead-up to the referendum later this year. What is the effect of these conversations and reports on the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? This Expert Insights panel considers this question, exploring what practitioners can do to increase their awareness of issues and distress that dialogue, discourse, and debate about The Voice to Parliament may give rise to in Indigenous peoples as well as to ways to tune into the various ways that these responses may present. Join us to hear about some of the considerations we can open our minds and hearts to in conversations about The Voice to Parliament with First Nations peoples.Panelist:Dr Clinton Schultz: Gamilaroi man and Director of First Nations Strategy and Partnerships at Black Dog InstituteDr Shannon Springer: Associate Professor, First Peoples Health Stream, School of Medicine, Griffith University), our clinician.Michelle: Lived experience representative.Moderator:Dr Sarah Barker: Clinical Psychologist and facilitator with the Black Dog Institute

This Expert Insights podcast explores how health professionals can prevent burnout as well as useful tips for coping with ever-increasing workplace demands. The podcast also discusses practical interventions for managing burnout amongst health professionals.

This Expert Insights explores the therapeutic effect art can have on mental health and wellbeing.