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#209 – Dr Ruth Wells on Mental Health Support in Humanitarian Settings
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ruth Wells about mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings: what she learnt working alongside Syrian mental health practitioners, why context, rights and displacement matter as much as what happens inside someone’s head, and what “walking alongside rather than trying to fix” looks…
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Perinatal and early parenting adjustment: GP information sheet
GP information sheet Pregnancy and the early months of parenting can bring joy, change and many new demands. Mothers, fathers, partners and parents of any gender may all find this time brings big feelings. Adjusting takes time, and support is available. About this sheet. We have written this sheet as psychologists, in the hope that…
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Chronic pain and persistent physical concerns: GP information sheet
GP information sheet Living with pain or ongoing physical concerns can touch many parts of life, from sleep and work to mood and relationships. Pain is very real, and the mind and body are closely connected. Support is available. About this sheet. We have written this sheet as psychologists, in the hope that GPs may…
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Sleep difficulties: GP information sheet
GP information sheet Many people go through times when sleep feels harder to come by. Nights might feel long, and days could feel more tiring as a result. Sleep difficulties are common, and support is available. About this sheet. We have written this sheet as psychologists, in the hope that GPs may find some of…
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#208 – Professor Nancy Pachana on Healthy Ageing: Purpose and Well-Being in Later Life
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Nancy Pachana about healthy ageing, finding purpose and well-being in later life, and navigating the transition into retirement.
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#207 – Damien Stewart on How Trauma Can Be Passed Between Generations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Damien Stewart about the impact of intergenerational trauma, how traumatic experiences can influence subsequent generations, and what this means for mental health and wellbeing. As well as an elite level athlete, Damien resigned from a 20-year career as a police Officer in 2012 to pursue…
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#206 – Niklas Törneke on Understanding Human Behaviour Through ACT
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Niklas Törneke about understanding human behaviour through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, and the practical use of language and metaphor in psychological change. Niklas Törneke is a Swedish psychiatrist, psychotherapist and a peer-reviewed ACT trainer. He has written a series of books on…
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#205 – Dr Ella Moeck on How Emotions Shape Memory, Future Thinking, and Uncertainty
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ella Moeck about how emotions shape the way people remember the past, think about the future, and respond to uncertainty. Dr Ella Moeck is a Lecturer in Psychology at Adelaide University who researches the intersection between cognitive and social psychology. Ella completed her PhD…
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#204 – Stacey Parker on Designing Work for Wellbeing, Motivation, and Performance
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Stacey Parker about how jobs and careers can be designed to maximise wellbeing, motivation, and performance, and what psychological principles can help create healthier and more fulfilling working lives. Associate Professor Stacey Parker is an organisational psychologist and academic for the School of Psychology, University…
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#203 – Professor Jen Hudson on Children’s Emotional Health and Anxiety
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jennifer Hudson about the factors that shape children’s emotional health and how we can improve support and services for children experiencing anxiety and other emotional disorders. Professor Jennifer Hudson has made distinguished contributions to the scientific understanding and clinical treatment of anxiety disorders in…
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#202 – Dr Eden Robertson on The Psychosocial Needs of Families Affected by Rare Disease
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Eden Robertson about the psychosocial needs of families affected by rare disease and how lived experience can drive better, more compassionate healthcare. Dr Eden Robertson is a Sydney‑based behavioural scientist specialising in understanding and addressing the psychosocial needs of children and families navigating complex,…
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EMDR as a Mode of Therapy for Children
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Children Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy approach originally developed by American psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987. EMDR was initially studied for its use with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Research has explored its application for other conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.…
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#201 – Professor Simon Rosenbaum on the Intersection of Physical Activity and Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Simon Rosenbaum about the intersection of physical activity and mental health, and how movement can play a powerful role in improving psychological wellbeing. Simon is an academic exercise physiologist with a focus on populations exposed to trauma and social disadvantage. Simon has published over…
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#200 – Dr James Morandini on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr James Morandini about advancing research across gender identity, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, and the mental health challenges connected to these areas. James Morandini is a clinical psychologist and researcher whose clinical and research work focuses on matters of gender dysphoria/identity…
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after events like assault, abuse, accidents, or disasters. It helps by identifying and challenging ‘stuck points’- distorted beliefs about the trauma that sustain symptoms such as self-blame, guilt, shame, or persistent fear. Working with their clinician, clients reframe…
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Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), pioneered by Paul Gilbert, draws on evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural principles to help alleviate deep shame, self-criticism, and emotional suffering. It views mental health challenges as often arising from an overactive threat-protection response and a less accessible soothing system, shaped by past experiences. Remember, therapy is personalised to…
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#199 – Lou Lasprugato on ACT Within The Therapeutic Relationship
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lou Lasprugato about ACT within the therapeutic relationship, including process-based functional assessment and shaping psychological flexibility. Lou Lasprugato is a psychotherapist and internationally recognised trainer in the field of psychology. He is a Peer-Reviewed Trainer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the Association for…
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#198 – Philip Batterham on Preventing and Understanding Drivers of Suicidal Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Philip Batterham about advancing more efficient and precise methods for assessing suicidality and mental disorders. Philip Batterham is a Professor and Co-Head at the Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University in Canberra, Australia. Phil is a research leader in improving access…
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#197 – Dr Donel Martin on Brain Stimulation For Improving Cognition
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Donel Martin about new and innovative approaches to improving cognition, with a focus on brain stimulation technologies. Dr Donel Martin is a clinical academic researcher based at the Black Dog Institute and University of New South Wales and practicing Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist. He has…
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#196 – Dr Jerry Rosenbaum on How Psychedelics Change The Brain
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum anxiety disorders, depression, and how psychedelics change the brain — and what this could mean for the future of psychiatry. Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum is the Stanley Cobb Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and former Chair of the Massachusetts General Hospital…
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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…
