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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…
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#113 – Dr Annabelle Neall on Workplace Bullying and Harassment
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Annabelle Neall about the effects of bullying and harassment in organisational settings. Dr Annabelle Neall is a Lecturer of Organisational Psychology at the University of Queensland. Her research aims to tackle negative workplace behaviour through bystander intervention and psychosocial risk management. Her work has…
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#112 – Jolanda Jetten on The Psychology of Economic Inequality
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jolanda Jetten about the consequences of economic inequality for the social and political vitality of society. Jolanda Jetten (PhD, University of Amsterdam, 1997) is Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Queensland. She has been employed as an ARC Future Fellowship, UQ Development Fellowship…
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#111 – Dr James Kirby on Compassion Focused Therapy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with James Kirby about examining Compassion Focused Therapy and his book entitled ‘Choose Compassion’. James N. Kirby, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer, Clinical Psychologist, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. He has broad research interests in compassion, but…
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#110 – Michael Sugrue on Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Michael Sugrue about his new best selling book entitled RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma. Michael Sugrue is a retired police sergeant with the City of Walnut Creek with over 14 years of service including specialized assignments as a Field Training Officer, SIU…
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#109 – Dr Kristy Goodwin on Digital Wellbeing and Distraction
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kristy Goodwin about practical brain-based hacks to tame tech habits and strategies to decode the neurobiology of peak performance in the technological era. Dr Kristy Goodwin is one of Australia’s leading digital wellbeing and performance experts (and mum who also deals with her kids’ techno-tantrums!)…
