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#195 – Robert Whitaker on Rethinking the Scientific Basis of the Disease Model
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Robert Whitaker about how the disease model of mental illness emerged, what evidence it was built on, and why it may not be as scientifically grounded as many believe. Robert Whitaker is an American journalist and author who has won numerous awards as a journalist
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#194 – Professor Dianna Kenny on Understanding Gender Dysphoria
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Dianna Kenny about understanding gender dysphoria in young people and the complexities surrounding their care and wellbeing. Dr Dianna T. Kenny is an experienced psychologist in Sydney who offers a range of services including individual adult psychotherapy, child, adolescent, couple, and family therapy, mediation
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Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment (TIST)
Trauma-Informed Stabilisation Treatment (TIST), developed by Dr. Janina Fisher, is a therapy for complex trauma and chronic self-destructive behaviours. TIST reframes overwhelming symptoms as adaptive survival strategies of ‘trauma-related parts’, reducing shame. The core goal is stabilisation before trauma processing. Treatment utilises somatic regulation and mindfulness skills to manage dysregulation and fosters internal cooperation between
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#193 – Arthur Thomas Ware on Building Fulfillment and Purpose in Retirement
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Arthur Thomas Ware about fostering long, happy, and purposeful years in retirement, and how psychology can help us create meaning beyond work. Arthur Thomas Ware (He prefers to be called, Tom) will be turning ninety in April next year. He was born in the U.K.
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#192 – Professor Paul Rhodes on Psychology Beyond The Individual
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Paul Rhodes about moving beyond individual psychology to explore systemic thinking, family therapy, eco-psychology, and affect theory. Professor Paul Rhodes is a clinical psychology academic and at The University of Sydney where he teaches family therapy, community-based approaches to mental health and a new lived
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#191 – Professor Zoltán Sarnyai on Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Zoltán Sarnyai about his recent randomized controlled trial on ketogenic metabolic therapy for serious mental illness and the broader implications of this emerging field for the future of psychiatric treatment.Professor Zoltán Sarnyai, Director of the Margaret Roderick Centre for Mental health Research at James
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Strengths-based approaches
A strengths-based approach emphasises clients’ existing capacities, resilience and goals, rather than focusing on deficits. Psychologists partner with clients to co-design interventions, acting as facilitators who amplify resources, foster hope, and support sustainable self-determined change.
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#190 – Dr Lucy Johnstone on The Power Threat Meaning Framework
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lucy Johnstone about the Power Threat Meaning Framework and how it offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric diagnoses by focusing on power, threat, and meaning in people’s lives. Dr Lucy Johnstone is a consultant clinical psychologist, author of ‘Users and abusers of psychiatry’ (3rd edition
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#189 – Professor Gordon Parker on How the Gut Shapes Mood and Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Gordon Parker AO about the gut–brain connection and how it could transform our understanding and treatment of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Professor Gordon Parker AO is Scientia Professor of Psychiatry, UNSW, was Founder of the Black Dog Institute, Head of
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#188 – Dr Matt Bernstein on The Relationship Between Metabolism and Mental Illness
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Matt Bernstein about the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry and how metabolism, nutrition, and lifestyle factors influence mental health. Dr. Matt Bernstein is a respected clinical psychiatrist for more than 20 years. He is also Accord’s chief executive officer and one of the leading
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#187 – Dr Joanna Moncrieff on her Latest Book: A Straight Talking Introduction to Psychiatric Drugs
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Joanna Moncrieff about her latest book: A Straight Talking Introduction to Psychiatric Drugs: The Truth About How They Work and How to Come Off Them. Dr Joanna Moncrieff is a practising psychiatrist, part-time academic, and author with a deep interest in the history, philosophy,
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#186 – Jacqueline Anderson on Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Associate Professor Jacqueline Anderson about the long-term impact of traumatic brain injuries and how they affect cognition, identity, and daily life. Jacqueline Anderson, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Clinical Neuropsychology in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. She is also the Convenor of the
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#185 – Dr David Healy on How Antidepressants Shape Mental Health and Impact Society
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. David Healy about how psychotropic drugs and clinical trials have influenced the way we understand mental health and the broader impact these developments have had on society. David Healy, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine in McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, is a
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PTSD and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection
PTSD and anxiety are closely linked because both conditions often develop after trauma and share overlapping symptoms such as hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and avoidance behaviours. While they are clinically distinct, some people experience them together—making it important to understand how they interact and what evidence-based treatments are available. According to the Australian Institute of Health
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Health Anxiety: When Worry About Illness Becomes a Disorder
Health anxiety is a psychological condition characterised by excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness, despite medical reassurance. Health is a common focus of concern for many Australians. Checking symptoms online, seeking reassurance from a GP, or monitoring bodily sensations can all be normal behaviours. However, for some individuals, these thoughts and behaviours
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#184 – Professor Jae Jung on Understanding and Supporting High-Ability Students
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jae Jung about how to better understand and support gifted students, the importance of differentiated education, and the future of high-ability learning. Jae Yup Jung, PhD is a Professor in the School of Education and the Director of the Gifted Education Research, Resource and
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#183 – Lisa Anne Williams on How Emotions Are Shaped by Our Social World
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lisa Anne Williams about how our emotions are shaped by social experiences and the powerful, adaptive functions of positive social emotions like pride and gratitude. Dr. Lisa A. Williams is a social psychologist whose research examines the dynamics between emotional experience and social interaction. Much
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#182 – Nik Steffens on Social Identity and the Psychology of Teamwork in Organizations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Nik Steffens about how identity, connection, and purpose shape not only individual outcomes but also drive collective success within organizations. Niklas Steffens is Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Business and Organisational Psychology (CBOP) in UQ’s School of Psychology. He lived, worked, and
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Facing Specific Phobias: Types, Effects, and Recovery Pathways
Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of particular objects or situations that go beyond typical caution and can significantly impact an individual’s day-to-day functioning. They are more than simple fears. In Australia, specific phobias are a common type of anxiety disorder, affecting individuals across various ages and backgrounds. Understanding the different types of phobias,
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Separation Anxiety in Children and Adults: A Developmental Perspective
Separation anxiety is the experience of excessive fear or distress about being apart from attachment figures such as parents, partners, or close caregivers. While it is commonly associated with early childhood, separation anxiety can also affect adolescents and adults. Understanding how this condition manifests across different life stages supports early intervention and tailored psychological care.
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Selective Mutism: Understanding the Silent Struggle
Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder marked by a persistent inability to speak in certain social environments where verbal communication is expected, such as classrooms or community settings. This occurs despite the child being able to speak comfortably in other settings, like at home with close family members. The difficulty significantly interferes with
