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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…
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#138 – Rebecca Collie on Fostering Thriving Environments for Teachers and Students
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Rebecca Collie about promoting and understanding educational settings to help both teachers and student thrive. Rebecca Collie is a Scientia Associate Professor of Educational Psychology in the UNSW School of Education. She conducts research in the areas of motivation, wellbeing, and social-emotional development using quantitative…
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#137 – Paul Fitzgerald on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Paul Fitzgerald about the development of novel brain stimulation treatment options including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for patients with depression, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, autism and Alzheimer’s disease. Paul Fitzgerald is the Head of the School of Medicine and Psychology at the Australian…
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#136 – Dr Divna Haslam on The Findings of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Divna Haslam about child maltreatment and the findings of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, which conducted the first prevalence data of child maltreatment in Australia. Dr Divna Haslam is a clinical psychologist and family researcher based in the Faculty of Law at Queensland University of…
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#135 – Helen Joyce on Navigating the Transgender Experience
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Helen Joyce about the transgender experience, exploring the complexities of identity, reality, and ideology. Helen Joyce is an Irish journalist and critic of the transgender rights movement. She studied as a mathematician and worked in academia before becoming a journalist. Joyce began working for The…
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Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT)
What is Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy? Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) is a type of therapy that helps people understand and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It focuses on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs affect how we feel and act. By identifying and challenging irrational beliefs, REBT aims to replace them with…
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Panic Attack Tip Sheet
A panic attack is a feeling of an overwhelming sense of sudden fear and anxiety. Almost all conditions of anxiety can have panic attacks in their presentation. However these attacks most commonly affect those who suffer from panic disorder. A common sign or symptom of Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences repeated panic attacks.…
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Anxiety Disorders Tip Sheet
It is normal to feel anxious or worried at times. However for some people, the feeling of anxiety can be so persistent and overwhelming that people feel controlled by their anxiety, which can be quite debilitating. When someone is feeling persistently anxious in objectively safe situations, it can be described as an anxiety disorder. Such…
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Bipolar Disorder Tip Sheet
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder in which a person experiences episodes of clinical depression and mania. Effects differ from person to person, with some experiencing normal living periods with small periods of episodes, and some experiencing constant cycles of depression and mania. People with Bipolar Disorder may find that it affects their everyday life.…
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#134 – Dr Jodie Fleming on Chronic Illness Management and Psycho-Oncology
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Jodie Fleming about understanding chronic illness management to finding values during difficult times. Jodie Fleming is a Clinical & Health Psychologist with a special interest in chronic illness management and psycho-oncology. Jodie interned in the Psycho-oncology service at The Mater Hospital and worked at…
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#133 – Ilan Dar-Nimrod on The Effects of Perceived Genetic Aetiology
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ilan Dar-Nimrod about the effects of perceived genetic aetiology for various phenomena. Dr. Ilan Dar-Nimrod is an Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University of Sydney. Ilan has completed his BA with a double major at Haifa University and his MA and PhD (social…
