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#122 – Dr Frankie Fong on Social Learning and Overimitation
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Frankie Fong about overimitation and the role of social learning in the development of scientific and religious beliefs and behaviours. Dr Frankie Fong is a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Psychology at UQ. His research interests lie broadly in social learning and overimitation,…
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#121 – Renee Adair on End of Life Doula Services
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Renee Adair about End of Life Doulas and how their services provide support, options, and education assisting the needs of those who are facing death. Renee Adair is the founder and director of the Australian Doula College, the Groundwork Program and the ADC’s charity-arm Doula…
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#120 – Michael Duhig on Medicinal Cannabis for Children
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Michael Duhig about medicinal cannabis trials and research for treating various symptoms in children. Michael Duhig is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who has completed post-graduate training in Psychology and Health Management. While completing his studies, Michael developed his clinical skills in government and non-government…
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#119 – Alex Haslam on The Psychology of Leadership
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Alex Haslam about identity leadership and its implications in social and organisational settings. Alex Haslam is Professor of Social and Organizational Psychology and Australian Laureate Fellow at the University of Queensland. His research focuses on the study of group and identity processes in organizational,…
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#118 – Dr Gwen Adshead on The Psychology of Violence and Life Threatening Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Gwen Adshead about the psychological mechanisms that give rise to violence and life threatening behaviour toward others. Dr. Gwen Adshead is one of the UK’s leading forensic psychiatrists and psychotherapists. She has spent thirty years working in Broadmoor, England’s largest secure psychiatric hospital, with…
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#117 – Dr Alice Shires on Mindfulness Training on Anger, Grief, and Chronic Pain
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Alice Shires about the possible effects of mindfulness training on anger, grief, and chronic pain. Dr Alice Shires is a Clinical and Research Psychologist, Director of the UTS Psychology Clinic. She was Chair of the Australasian Psychology Clinic Directors association (AAPTC) for over a…
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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
What is Interpersonal Therapy? Interpersonal therapy (IPT) or Interpersonal psychotherapy is a type of therapy that focuses on improving relationships and interpersonal skills. It recognises that emotional well-being is greatly influenced by the quality of interactions with others. According to Stuart and Roberston (2012), interpersonal therapy is built upon two fundamental theoretical principles. The initial…
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Narrative Therapy
What is Narrative Therapy Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognises the power of personal narratives in shaping our lives. It views individuals as storytellers, actively constructing meaning and identity through the stories they tell themselves and others. This therapy aims to help individuals understand how their narratives influence their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.…
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Structural Family Therapy
What is Structural Family Therapy? Structural Family therapy is a type of therapy used in psychology to help families improve their communication, interactions, and relationships. It focuses on understanding and addressing the patterns and dynamics within a family system to bring about positive change. Structural Family therapy views the family as a system with interconnected…
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
What is Dialectical behaviour therapy Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a contemporary form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioural therapy with mindfulness practices. It is used in psychology to help individuals with intense emotions, impulsive behaviours, and relationship difficulties. According to the Australian Psychological Society (APS 2018), the overall goal is the reduction of ‘ineffective action…
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Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
What is Emotionally focused therapy? Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a type of therapy that helps improve relationships and emotional connections. It focuses on understanding emotions, attachment styles, and finding better ways to communicate and connect with others. EFT can be helpful for couples, families, or individuals who are having difficulties in their relationships and…
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Schema Therapy
What is Schema therapy? Schema therapy is a type of therapy used in psychology to help people understand and change deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behaviour that cause emotional and relationship difficulties. These patterns are called “schemas,” and they are often developed during childhood and continue to affect us in adulthood. When is Schema…
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Somatic Psychotherapy
What is Somatic psychotherapy? Somatic psychotherapy is a type of therapy that recognises the connection between the mind and body. It focuses on the physical sensations, movements, and experiences that are related to our emotions and psychological well-being. This therapy approach acknowledges that our bodies hold valuable information and can be used as a resource…
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Psychodynamic Therapy
What is Psychodynamic therapy? Psychodynamic therapy centres around the idea that our past experiences, especially those from childhood, have a significant influence on our thoughts, emotions, and actions in the present. It recognises that unresolved conflicts and unconscious thoughts can affect our overall well-being. When is Psychodynamic therapy used in psychology? Psychodynamic therapy is used…
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
What is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy? Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on finding solutions instead of focusing on problems. It is a goal-oriented approach that helps clients identify their strengths and resources to create practical solutions and improve their current situation. When is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy used in psychology? SFBT…
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Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing Motivational interviewing is a directive, client-centered counselling style for eliciting behaviour change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. It is most centrally defined not by technique but by its spirit as a facilitative style for interpersonal relationship Rollnick, S., & Miller, W. R. (1995). What is motivational interviewing? Behavioural and Cognitive…
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Positive Psychology
What is positive psychology? Positive psychology is a ‘strength-based’ branch of psychology that focuses on promoting well-being and happiness by emphasising positive emotions, strengths, and virtues. It aims to help individuals flourish and lead fulfilling lives by focusing on their positive qualities and experiences. When is positive psychology used in therapy? Positive psychology is used…
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
What is Cognitive behaviour therapy? Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) explores the links between thoughts, emotions and behaviour. It is a directive, time-limited, structured approach used to treat a variety of mental health disorders. It is the most widely researched and empirically supported psychotherapeutic method. This strong evidence base is reflected in clinical guidelines, which recommend…
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#116 – Tanya Cole-Lesnick on The Power and Intimidation of a Group Setting
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Tanya Cole-Lesnick about why a group is powerful for the same reason that it’s intimidating to join. Tanya Cole-Lesnick has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1995, after receiving her master’s degree in social work from New York University. She has extensive experience in…
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#115 – Dr Cassandra Chapman on The Psychology of Charitable Giving
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Cassandra Chapman about the psychology of charitable giving, trust in nonprofits, and public responses to charity scandals. Dr Cassandra Chapman holds a PhD in the psychology of charitable giving (University of Queensland) and is now an Associate Professor of Marketing and ARC DECRA Fellow, specialised…
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#114 – Dr Michael Noetel on Effective Altruism and Decision-Making
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Michael Noetel about effective altruism, existential risk, and decision-making Michael Noetel is a psychologist and an academic trying to find the best way of helping others, and to then put them into practice. He’s an awarded educator, including awards from the Australian Awards for…
