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#153 – Dr Genevieve Rayner on Psychosocial Influences on Mood and Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Genevieve Rayner about the intricate interplay of neurobiology and psychosocial factors contributing to mood and cognitive disorders in epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Dr Genevieve Rayner is a practicing clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer in clinical neuropsychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. As…
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#152 – Dr James Daniel Dunn on Exploring Super-Recognisers
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr James Dunn about strategies that support superior face identification accuracy and contextual influences on face identification as well as his most interesting research on Super-recognisers which he has been studying using the UNSW Face Test. James Dunn is a Lecturer in the School of…
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#151 – Kelly Clemens on Epigenetic Consequences of Drug Addiction
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kelly Clemens about the intricate realms of addiction neuroscience, including behavioural neuroscience of nicotine dependence as well as the epigenetic consequences of drug addiction. Kelly Clemens is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, and Associate Dean of Impact Partnerships for the Faculty of…
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#150 – Dr Mark Horowitz on Tapering off SSRI to Mitigate Withdrawal Symptoms
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Mark Horowitz about exploring expert strategies for tapering off SSRIs and managing withdrawal symptoms. Dr Mark Horowitz, BA, BSc(Med), MBBS(Hons), MSc, GDipPsych, is a trainee psychiatrist and Clinical Research Fellow at North East London NHS Trust, where he runs a psychiatric drug deprescribing clinic.…
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Mental and Emotional Wellbeing in Childhood & Adolescence
Mental and emotional wellbeing of children is vital for their overall development and happiness. As children progress through different stages of childhood, their emotional needs and challenges evolve. It is crucial to implement strategies that promote mental and emotional wellbeing at each stage. This article explores practical approaches to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing among…
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#149 – Dr. Suzy Green on Promoting Mental Wellness to Reduce Mental Illness Impact
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Suzy Green enhancing mental health outcomes in organizations and schools through positive psychology, emphasizing the promotion of mental wellbeing over solely addressing mental illness. Dr Suzy Green is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the treatment of mental illness, Dr Green is on…
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#148 – Jayashri Kulkarni on Premenstrual Syndrome
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jayashri Kulkarni about her research on the connections between mental health, such as depression, with premenstrual cycles most notably premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual exacerbation (PME). Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM graduated in Medicine from Monash University in 1981 and became a Fellow of the…
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#147 – Lucette Cysique on Understanding Post-viral Syndromes
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lucette Cysique about the importance of understanding post-viral syndromes and how it can pave the way for enhanced long-term outcomes, benefiting both individuals and the wider community. Associate Professor Lucette Cysique, a neuropsychologist researcher whos intrests lie in Modelling neurocognitive and brain changes based on…
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#146 – Dr Anna Kiaos on Understanding Mental Health in Organisations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Anna Kiaos about qualitative research methods and practices, offering valuable insights into understanding mental health within organisations. Dr Anna Kiaos is a critical ethnographer with a passion for psychiatry, psychology and mental health. Her research explores the boundary between the psychological and societal focused…
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Unified Protocol
What is Unified Protocol? Unified Protocol is a type of therapy used in psychology to treat various mental health conditions. It is designed to help individuals who struggle with emotions, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. This therapeutic approach combines different techniques from existing therapies to provide a comprehensive and effective treatment. When is Unified…
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#145 – Dr Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel on Understanding Punishment Learning
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel about his research on neural circuitry using animal models to explore reward and punishment paradigms, discussing its implications for decision-making and insights on gamified research protocols influencing human studies. Dr Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel is a behavioural neuroscientist at UNSW…
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#144 – Michael Kasumovic on The Influence of Perceived and Actual Status on Human Behavior
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Michael Kasumovic about how humans respond to status both percieved and actual and how this can moderate specific behaviour. Michael Matthew Kasumovic is an Associate Professor at University of New South Wales and Teacher & Director of Arludo. His research explores how the social environment…
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#143 – Dr Tayla Degan on The Importance of Health Literacy for Clinicians and Consumers
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Tayla Degan about health literacy and how important it is to consider both as a clinican and as a consumer of health services. Dr Tayla Degan is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South…
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#142 – Natalie Taylor on The Importance of Implementation Science
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Natalie Taylor about the complexity and importance of implementation scientists and the factors that go into behaviour change within systems. Natalie Taylor is an implementation scientist. She works both in a research and consulting capacity to help develop and apply optimal ways for organisations to…
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Reality Therapy
What is Reality therapy? Reality therapy operates on the fundamental idea that our meaningful conscious actions are deliberate choices made to fulfill our internal needs at any given moment. These needs include survival, love and belonging, power and self-worth, as well as fun and freedom. When these needs are satisfied, an individual is considered to…
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)? EMDR is a therapeutic approach used to treat trauma and related mental health conditions. It involves a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while focusing on distressing memories or thoughts. This process helps individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact…
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#141 – Dr Conal Monaghan on Dimensional Models of Personality Disorder
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Conal Monaghan about dimensional models of personality disorder as well as the limitations and merits in the current diagnostic method. Dr Conal Monaghan was conferred his PhD (Clinical Psychology) from the ANU in 2019. He also graduated with a degree in marketing with a…
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#140 – Professor Nick Haslam on ‘Concept Creep’
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Nick Haslam about “concept creep” in the field of psychology and how it has reshaped many aspects of modern society. Nick Haslam is Professor of Psychology at the University of Melbourne. He received his BA(Hons) from the University of Melbourne, his MA and PhD from…
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#139 – Dr Janet Hall on Practical Solutions to Sexual and Relationship Issues
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Janet Hall about user-friendly strategies offering practical solutions to sexual and relationship issues. Dr. Janet Hall is a retired psychologist of 40 years and still working as a, hypnotherapist, sex therapist, author, professional speaker, trainer, and media consultant. Dr Jan consults regularly with print…
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Trauma Informed Practice/Therapy
What is Trauma Informed Practice/Therapy? Trauma informed practice/therapy encompasses various psychological interventions that can target trauma, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapeutic approaches aim to provide education about trauma, equip individuals with stress management techniques, and assist them with facing distressing memories and challenging situations…
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Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. It involves being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. By cultivating mindfulness, you can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, enhance your ability to manage stress, and improve overall well-being. When…
