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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!)…
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#108 – Kirrilie Smout on Mental Health Treatment For Children
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kirrilie Smout about the common elements of mental health treatment planning for children and adults. Kirrilie Smout is a qualified clinical psychologist specialising in working children and teenagers about finding a life vision, creating community among each other, persistence, self-belief, study skills and overcoming obstacles.…
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#107 – Piers Steel on The Science of Motivation and Procrastination
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Piers Steel about how procrastination shows up in one’s life and the related forces that make it irresistible. Piers Steel likes to think he is among the world’s foremost researchers and speakers on the science of motivation and procrastination. Well, he is a Distinguished Research…
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#106 – Alan Pegna on Cognitive Neuroscience
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Associate Professor Alan Pegna about cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. Alan Pegna is a neuropsychologist whose interests lie in the field of cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. After receiving a Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Geneva (Switzerland) and a second Masters degree…
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#105 – Dr Steven Hayes on Process Based Therapy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Steven Hayes about Process Based Therapy, psychiatric medications, and other global issues relating to mental health. Dr Steven C. Hayes is Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books…
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#104 – Debbie Anderson on The Practice of Neuropsychology
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Debbie Anderson about her experience practicing as a neuropsychologist. Debbie Anderson works exclusively as a clinical neuropsychologist. She trained at the University of Melbourne and has practised in Queensland since completing her course in 1989. She initially worked in public hospital settings before moving into…
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#103 – Maggie Dent on Common Sense Parenting
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Maggie Dent about the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. Maggie Dent is an author, educator, and parenting and resilience specialist with a particular interest in the early years and adolescence. Commonly known as the “queen of common sense”…
