On Thursday 16th May, I presented to a group of peer-workers and other clinicians at The Alfred, Melbourne. The conversation and subsequent discussion was focused on what it means to have authenticity and what implications that has for our work in mental health services. The talk focused on an idea from Charles Guignon that in … Continue reading Authenticity in mental health services
Tag: Psychology
Café Psych: Death – what does it mean to you?
The meaning of life has been debated throughout history from different philosophical and religious perspectives but what about the meaning of death? The topic is somewhat taboo in modern western societies and talking about death can be met with resistance and fear. However, we fundamentally cannot separate life from death as they (along with taxes) … Continue reading Café Psych: Death – what does it mean to you?
No more ideas, thank you
A friend recently told me that she stopped listening to podcasts from a number of self-help gurus because she was fed up of 'being told what I should do'. As someone who reads, listens to podcasts and consumes information from a range of people, I can appreciate the value of a good idea. However, perhaps like my friend, I’m often overwhelmed by … Continue reading No more ideas, thank you
Systemic Practice in Inpatient Psychiatry
Working with ideas from systemic psychotherapy can be challenging in medicalised contexts where the emphasis is on 'illnesses' which are said to exist within an individual. Such systems can often obscure the power dynamics which impact on an individuals experience of distress. During my work in an inpatient psychiatry service I was able to consider … Continue reading Systemic Practice in Inpatient Psychiatry
Café Psych: Monogamy – essential or outdated?
Last night the first Café Psychologique Sydney of 2019 saw the largest turn-out yet with a number first-timers. As always, it was incredible to hear people's perspective and experiences on Monogamy and the associated topics. I'm looking forward to the next two café's which will focus on appearance, in February, and Toxic Femininity, in March. … Continue reading Café Psych: Monogamy – essential or outdated?
Café Psych: Free speech – who has the right?
On Wednesday 28th November the final Café Psychologique of 2018 focused on free speech. It was a valuable discussion with a number of thought-provoking ideas and exchanges. This was our thirteenth café and we have some exciting topics planed for 2019, beginning with Monogamy on Wednesday 30th January. Please keep updated with these events through … Continue reading Café Psych: Free speech – who has the right?
Cut the crap: working towards authenticity in mental health services
Yesterday I was due to present at The Alfred in Melbourne about how we can work authentically in mental health services. Storms and strong winds meant that my flight was cancelled so the talk is postponed until 2019. Preparing for this talk I considerd the work of Charles Guignon whose thesis is that we can … Continue reading Cut the crap: working towards authenticity in mental health services
