Social Work Spotlight

In this episode I speak with Paul, who has over 45 years experience managing child welfare and protection services in the statutory sector at local, regional and national level in Ireland. He currently operates as an independent consultant, specialising in serious case reviews, expert witness and policy development for state bodies and voluntary organisations.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Paul’s podcast ‘Life After Stalin - A Dubliner’s Diary’ - https://open.spotify.com/show/6kbfVumc19v9FgseoL17oC?si=771ba39bec374a22Abstract for Paul’s article, ‘No Smoke Without Fire: The Presumption of Guilt in Child Abuse Assessments’ - https://www.nagalro.com/_userfiles/pages/files/paul_harrison_no_smoke_without_fire_article_g.pdfDaughters of Charity Child and Family Service - https://www.docchildandfamily.ie/Dublin Simon Community - https://www.dubsimon.ie/Paul’s memoir, ‘Hanged If You Do…: Reflections from a Career in Child Protection’ - https://www.orpenpress.com/books/hanged-if-you-do-reflections-from-a-career-in-child-protection/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12DE2NhpOm7bMi0KS1OJHhABB_cCEuIGWRa4sJbRi4Uw/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Peter, a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University and qualified social worker with particular experience of working with children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour. He has undertaken research and written extensively about abusive sexual behaviour between siblings.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse - https://www.csacentre.org.uk/Sibling sexual behaviour: A guide to responding to inappropriate, problematic and abusive behaviour and Sibling sexual abuse: A knowledge and practice overview (articles written by Peter and Stuart Allardyce) - https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-resources/practice-resources/sibling-sexual-abuse/Sibling sexual abuse: What do we know? What do we need to know? Stage 1 analysis of a 2-stage scoping review (article written by Peter and colleagues) - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107076The Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT): Supporting practitioner confidence, planning and competency when responding to sexual behaviours between siblings (article written by King-Hill and Gilsenan) - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107080Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse (article written by Elly Hanson) - Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse | NSPCC LearningThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ks5u5Jrr7mUelIGA__2FKjHXskJXGcbneh-X6DwihnQ/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dr Jzo, a community practice and youth specialist, teaching and supervising students at the University of Botswana and publishing widely in the area of social work and motivation. Dr Jzo is also active in community work, regularly presenting on national radio and television on issues of social wellbeing, and hosting his own podcast and YouTube channel.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Foretelling the History of Social Work: A Botswana Perspective - https://www.ifsw.org/product/books/foretelling-the-history-of-social-work-a-botswana-perspective/Social Work Professional Organizations: A Comparative International Perspective - https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/downloadpdf/edcollchap/book/9781447373698/front-1.pdfArticle about Dr Jzo’s book “It’s Possible” - https://www.ub.bw/news/it%E2%80%99s-possible-dr-jongman%E2%80%99s-fifth-book-lights-path-belief-and-renewalThe 2026 joint conference on social work, education and social development - https://swsd2026.or.ke/YouTube channel “A Chat with Dr Jzo” - https://www.youtube.com/@AchatwithDrJzoThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14xeBLL7IM2ydSJQztgjZ66hB1EdQcMWyVJ5-C5ljkrc/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Kgomotso, a social worker from Botswana currently residing in Germany, with qualifications in both Social Work and African Studies. She has experience working as a project support officer focused on orphans and vulnerable children-related policies and programmes, working to strengthen social protection systems and improve service provision by social workers in Botswana, and has interests in social policy reforms, informal social protection and inclusive development.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Thandika Mkandawire’s Google Scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ecPI09EAAAAJ&hl=enJimi Adesina’s Google Scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZJPKVjYAAAAJ&hl=enDolly Ntseane’s Research Gate page - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dolly-NtseaneSabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni’s Google Scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=K_TTLasAAAAJ&hl=enFrantz Fanon’s Brittanica biography - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frantz-FanonThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D5IvZqszYZcdo2CJmfbmPRRsOwgxwuav4HV4pthDUoI/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Donald in Wales, a researcher interested in the relationship between good child and family social work practice and outcomes, and in understanding the features of organisations that produce good practice. Donald has been instrumental in setting up the Tilda Goldberg Centre, academic lead for the Frontline social work programme, founding the What Works Centre for Children's Social Care, helping to found the Better Childhoods Centre in University College Copenhagen and the SCALE Centre for Social Care and AI research, as well as leading CASCADE Centre for Children's Social Care Research and Development.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Donald’s faculty profile - https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/forresterdGreenham Common peace camps - https://phm.org.uk/blogposts/greenham-common-peace-camp/Cascade Centre Wales - https://cascadewales.org/Article on the set-up of the Best Childhoods Centre in Wales - https://cascadewales.org/cardiff-university-to-help-set-up-major-new-research-centre-to-ensure-children-in-denmark-have-the-best-start-in-life/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUp0vSpayHCnS-5KtI2kuxi4MvN2wUjxb_exfl_J9bI/edit?usp=drivesdkThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Lamiya, a social work practitioner, researcher, and social entrepreneur from Azerbaijan with over a decade of experience in migration, social inclusion, child welfare, and gender-based violence, having worked with international organisations including the UN system, UNHCR, ICMPD, and the Council of Europe, and actively advocates for evidence-based, community-centred social services.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:International Centre for Migration Policy Development - https://www.icmpd.org/SiM (Sosial İş Məktəbi (Lamiya’s training college) - https://sosialishmektebi.com/Social Dialogue Magazine - https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2024/12/25/social-dialogue-magazine/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yem1BndD9X44w97e8BK8WEOQIAQbK148-fLVT1s8ypk/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Nayanathara, a social worker from Sri Lanka and the founder of The Island of Stories, a volunteer organisation that supports children and women in education, while also working as a lecturer in Youth Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Nayanathara’s NGO Island of Stories Instagram account - @islandstorieslkNayanathara’s Research Gate page - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/K-N-N-JayathilakaSocial Work Diaries on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@socialworkdiariesAssociation of Sri Lankan Social Workers - https://slapsw.lk/Community Solutions USA - https://community.solutions/United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) - https://www.unfpa.org/IREX - https://www.irex.org/Asia Safe Abortion Partnership - https://asap-asia.org/Asia-Pacfic Forum on Sustainable Development - https://www.unescap.org/events/apfsd13This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LIjIeKdjUpzfeNB-2O_vT4O6_TAtGvrhJLM7Si0QaIs/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I speak with Marta, who beyond being someone who is deeply passionate about people, considers herself a nonconformist; someone who strives every day to make a difference. Marta holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work, with a focus on Chronic Kidney Disease and its impact on patients and their families. Marta is also a couple and family therapist and the mother of four daughters.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Marta’s Diaverum profile - https://www.diaverum.pt/en/diaverum-portugal/diaverum-in-portugal/management-team/marta-olim/Marta’s publications - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marta-OlimMarta’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-freitas-olim-52521ab6/Testimonials from Diaverum’s project for caregivers (‘We, Families’) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wv1_B7AKp1EHcpt7vIwVh90BEi9IbebH/view?usp=sharingThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18lxc6Tt-UX1MpEcWZBM4QSMxVTWhAixvEmck1BCI2dg/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Jelena, a Social Welfare and Criminalistics Expert from Bosnia and Herzegovina with over 13 years of experience in the public sector, international organisations, and civil society. Her work focuses on research, advancing social policy, protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, evaluating programs, and supporting the European integration process. Jelena has collaborated with UNICEF, the EU, and various government institutions and is the author and co-author of more than 39 scientific and professional publications in social work, criminalistics, and human rights. Currently, she works as an independent freelance consultant dedicated to leading transformative social change by connecting diverse sectors and driving innovative, evidence-based solutions for a fairer and more equitable society.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Jelena’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelena-kupresanin/Jelena’s scientific contributions on Research Gate - https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Jelena-Kupresanin-2089961619Jelena’s article titled “Social Work in Educational System of the Balkans - Is Social Worker Needed in Schools?“ - https://econpapers.repec.org/article/apaijhass/2018_3ap_3a245-252.htmUNICEF’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina - https://www.unicef.org/bih/enThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17tBnGNmgsGqWq8Szjfm3A3ETk9XkUUzrWCDFBU4aXhg/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I speak with Sam, a forensic mental health social worker based in a specialist community mental health team in South London, tailored to work with forensic mental health patients, who have additional needs in the context of intellectual disability and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. Prior to this, he was based with an outreach focused mental health team working with people rough sleeping.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:News article about the Homeless Outreach Team, featuring Fran Busby - https://lhf.org.uk/press-release-south-london-and-maudsley-homeless-outreach-team-a-winner-in-london-homelessness-awards-2023/Forensic Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (FIND) community team - https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory/f/find-community-teamWitches film by Elizabeth Sankey (trailer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qwx5350Bj8Notes on the Mind podcast episode with Rai Waddingham - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/notesonthemind/episodes/Episode-Two---Rai-e13is75/a-a60ohohThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12GeL7BX6Bx9QH3j90QEdRXDr_c3j6fLa3MMByhmhWdA/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Nur, currently serving at a Government Hospital in Malaysia, working closely with patients and families, especially in cases involving child protection, sexual health awareness, emotional trauma, and family dynamics. Her practice centers on compassionate support, building safe spaces, and empowering individuals to navigate challenging life experiences with dignity.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Malaysian Association of Social Workers - https://www.masw.org.my/Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development - https://www.kpwkm.gov.my/Amanah Raya financial trustee and legal support service - https://www.amanahraya.my/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16r_q9kULoZMk7flfU0dXUSjFNyptP-zMB2r9WKTEVeE/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Francine and Nadrah in Singapore. Francine worked as a PE teacher in Singapore before moving to Australia to study social work at age 40. She worked in many major Australian cities and particularly loved Darwin where she predominantly supported Aboriginal communities in the renal sector, before returning to Singapore to support her elderly parents in 2021. After 8 years of sirens and split-second saves as a paramedic, Nadrah recently swapped her stethoscope for a listening ear. Nadrah has made a mid-career switch into social work to guide others with the right support and services, with no flashing lights required, just a steady supply of coffee.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Mental Health Academy - https://www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au/ComCare support scheme - https://supportgowhere.life.gov.sg/schemes/COMCARE-SMTA/comcare-short-to-medium-term-assistance-smtaThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14MbqVmLglx_rw65L2HFVS7VkBbEsedHEedc7bpNuATg/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dickens, originally from Hong Kong, having worked in social work and counselling in Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne, and Thailand. Drawing on his international experience, he currently serves as an international school counsellor in Phuket, Thailand. He is registered with Social Work England and the Hong Kong Social Worker Registration Board. He is also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:PESI online professional development - https://www.pesi.com/International Social Service Hong Kong branch - https://www.isshk.org/en/PsychWire online training - https://psychwire.com/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wN8QG7rYzE2kmoxSKaugZCs_iKRiBSdjfjnWeJRruDs/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Harleen, a social worker from India, awarded the Master’s of Social Work university Gold Medal, with more than five years of experience in the community development sector. Harleen is passionate about societal change. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:UNICEF article on India’s support for newborn and child health - https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/newborn-and-child-healthHarleen’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleen-kaur-92b714154/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10-iQGVFGQ0AIPuPiqYmwWUoZ6P895ki1Pq1lb_o1g2w/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dan, whose more than 30 years of human services experience has seen him serving both children and adults in multiple settings and in various capacities. He has worked at four different child welfare agencies in Ontario, Canada, in frontline, supervisory and managerial roles across different functions. Along with work in the youth and adult mental health and addictions sector, Dan developed and facilitates the HEERO Model, focusing on moving this forward in Canada, the USA and further internationally.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:HEERO Canada - https://heero.ca/Dr Bruce Perry - https://www.bdperry.com/Dr Gabor Maté - https://drgabormate.com/Kevin Campbell and Family Finding - https://www.familyfinding.org/kevin-campbellThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CGCALT7nl11_hnaKyTq32-v2Df-VHXQgnmKvbbgNOEs/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Liz and Courtney from the USA. Liz has worked with immigrant survivors of violence for the past 20 years and currently works as a District Student Support Specialist in the public school system where she also provides clinical supervision coordination and supports a trauma cohort. In addition, she provides clinical supervision for the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice and has her own private practice. Courtney is currently the Training Specialist for the Louisiana Crisis Hub which dispatches mobile crisis and behavioural health resources. With 8 years of experience in criminal justice, she has worked with a Statewide Public Defender’s Office and the Metro Public Defender’s Office in Kentucky. Together, they also host their own podcast, the Social Work Squad Cast.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Vera Foundation - https://www.vera.org/On the Move Art Studio - Our Team – On The Move Art StudioProvide training and resources - Home - ProvideThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KnhX04v3k5mYc6UkYg4Q7I4vJR42OwAI7w24wkzLJ5E/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Estefana, a seasoned trauma therapist and the Director of Clinical Training at ARISE Alliance Institute with a steadfast commitment to compassionate mental health care tailored to communities in need, developing and implementing training curricula in Critical Memory Integration (CMI™) to bolster trauma-informed and PTSD treatment practices. With over two decades in mental health, spanning roles from behavioural health technician to medical and residential social work, she now also practices at Lighthouse Psychiatry and TMS in Gilbert, Arizona, supporting clinical care and psychedelic research. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Arise Alliance - https://arisealliance.org/Shade Tree Academy - https://asashadetreeacademy.org/Lighthouse Psychiatry - https://lighthousepsychiatry.com/Estefana’s book ‘The Secret to Life’ - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43201519-the-secret-to-lifeThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13QccEZm9N677rPEXPRgw5O64f0YR9OAuCrDrZWmVSTk/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Selva, a psychiatric social worker based in Chennai, India. He works as an Employment Coordinator at the Indian Schizophrenia Research Foundation and his focus is on helping individuals with lived experience of mental illness in their recovery, independence, and social inclusion through supported employment.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Schizophrenia Research Foundation India - https://scarfindia.org/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hy3_7eoZZqEQKTdQHjqJoyC55mJns7uuFKNz21VKUCI/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Victory, who has over eleven years of experience in the NGO sector in Nepal and is currently pursuing her PhD. She has worked extensively on issues such as mental health, anti-trafficking, gender equality, community development in slum areas, youth empowerment, and the prevention of commercial sexual exploitation of children and her expertise spans program design, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:New SADLE Fair Trade Group - https://fairtradegroupnepal.org/member/new-sadleThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VlTwm5J1Hxt5tr4YVAE2RMXaKowCDNgMgg7uOxBQ-Wg/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Matt, who in addition to being a registered social worker, is also a certified mental performance consultant, podcast host and co-founder of Southwest Counselling Services in Ontario, Canada. He is passionate about utilising a variety of tools including EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy, Sport Psychology and Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy to help individuals, couples and families lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Southwest Counselling Services - https://swcounselling.ca/Social Work Me podcast - https://www.facebook.com/SocialWorkMe/Wade Wilson’s The Mentor Magazine - https://thementormagazine.substack.com/aboutAlliance of Social Workers in Sports - https://www.aswis.org/Association of Applied Sports Psychology - https://appliedsportpsych.org/Canadian Sports Psych Association - https://www.cspa-acps.com/Mindful Men podcast - https://mindfulmen.com.au/podcast/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YqOatfUpDK8yHda4eXKIGYRty1UaydYnkm5Fg1NQJbs/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Santa, an early career social worker from Laos with paid and volunteer experience for the Red Cross, and the UN, as well as working with migrants to support them to build their skills and experience to gain meaningful employment. Santa has a passion for human rights, humanitarian aid, social protection and research.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:STELLA social enterprise - https://launchthestella.wordpress.com/what-we-do/UNFPA (United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency) - https://lao.unfpa.org/enLao Civil Society Organizations Platform - https://laocso.org/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vyx-g3-Q60mZz0UiL1gf-WpFr9E1pXaCyf02FNFPv04/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

Social Work Spotlight is going international! I'm taking you all with me on my long service leave. Join me on a journey around the world as I speak exclusively with social workers from outside Australia on my travels for the next 12 months. My next three episodes will feature social workers based in Laos, Canada and Nepal, and I can’t wait to share these different perspectives with you. Keep a look out for the first of these episodes to drop on August 30.

In this episode I speak with Dylan, who currently supervises a team of Support Coordinators spanning across South East Queensland. With experience in Child Safety, NDIS Social Work and Pastoral Ministry, Dylan takes a holistic approach to working with people, incorporating feminist theory and humanistic theory in his work.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Choosing Change - https://www.choosingchange.com.au/Circle of Security parenting program - http://www.circleofsecurityparentingprogram.com.au/Summary of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed - https://bookbrief.io/books/pedagogy-of-the-oppressed-paulo-freire/summaryJan Fook’s ‘Social Work: A Critical Approach to Practice’ - https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/social-work/book260992Janet Hagberg and ‘The Critical Journey’ - http://www.janethagberg.com/critical-journey-book.htmlMoral Injury and the Humanities: Interdisciplinary Perspectives - https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003281122/moral-injury-humanities-andrew-cohen-kathryn-mcclymondThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qFcXba9ZZJPYcdCI0CFEAWQxkGx8m8vBW9ws4ADl3fE/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Carol, a dedicated and trauma-informed therapeutic social worker with a degree also in Criminal & Community Justice. As the child of immigrant parents, Carol's upbringing instilled a deep understanding of the systemic barriers many individuals face, as well as the importance of empathy, empowerment, community care and social justice. Carol is highly experienced in Domestic and Family Violence, Out of Home Care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and in upskilling and empowering social workers and other helping professionals through clinical supervision and training, and is also a trained facilitator in Circle of Security, Tuning into Kids, Westmead Feelings Program and Black Box parenting program. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Got It program- https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/resources/Pages/got-it-guidelines.aspxAustralian Parenting website - https://raisingchildren.net.au/Emerging Minds resource for social workers - https://emergingminds.com.au/Gabor Maté; Hungarian-Canadian physician - books, podcast, interviews - https://drgabormate.com/WDVCAS-  https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/womens-domestic-violence-court-advocacy-programTuning in to Kids program - https://tuningintokids.org.au/Parenting Stress Index - https://www.parinc.com/products/PSI-4Circle of Security parenting program - http://www.circleofsecurityparentingprogram.com.au/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g_hpCeXKkOCq0chzlT9NXiHkGRJuFVOtHjWxxyJiTdM/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Celesty, a registered social worker and music educator committed to intersectional practice. With experience across domestic violence, refugee support, and community development, she centres healing, autonomy, and relational care. As a queer, neurodivergent professional with South Indian heritage, Celesty draws from ancestral resilience, person-centred frameworks, and creative pedagogy to walk alongside those impacted by systemic violence. Her work is grounded in cultural humility, lived accountability, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity and not discipline.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:It’s Going to be OK podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0pqULMk8JpPYwgNvRdQuQn?si=d17dc110a58845be&nd=1&dlsi=48bda940e1f046f6The Great Indian Kitchen film - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55919305Gaycation TV series - https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/show/gaycationBangalore’s Human Library article - https://lbb.in/bangalore/human-library-bangalore/A Migrant’s Story at Randwick Council - https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/library/creative-hub/library-exhibitions/migrant-story-2014This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oifPuHrd1QANUFS-phmfp88xy5XUgOdmbSUIUxi4S40/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Charlotte, the Program Manager of a youth crisis refuge and outreach program in Sydney. She has been in the housing and homelessness sector for the past five years and has also worked in men’s domestic and family violence and community outreach roles. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Y Foundations - https://www.yfoundations.org.au/Inner Sydney Voice training - https://innersydneyvoice.org.au/news-events/training/See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill - https://www.jesshill.net/home/see-what-you-made-me-do/The Oasis and Life After the Oasis documentary films - https://www.jesshill.net/home/see-what-you-made-me-do/Safe Home TV series - https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/sbs-thriller-safe-home-coming-may-11/kajyykajzApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - https://asisttraining.com.au/Brené Brown - https://brenebrown.com/about/Vikki Reynolds - https://vikkireynolds.ca/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15AteoPDMJGW6IrwXT15GCJ2hS5zkSy54-156bexnrlY/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Nicky, who has worked throughout the UK, Cape & Torres, and Cairns, with over 20 years’ experience in Queensland Health and the mental health system. Nicky makes use of a variety of psychotherapies in her practice including EMDR, having recently finished a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Nicky’s practice Bluewater Therapy FNQ - https://www.bluewatertherapyfnq.com/aboutGordon Young - https://gordonyoung.com.au/Michael Yapko - https://yapko.com/Ericksonian hypnosis - https://ericksonianhypnosis.com/A Guide to the Standard EMDR Therapy Protocols for Clinicians, Supervisors, and Consultants - https://www.springerpub.com/a-guide-to-the-standard-emdr-therapy-protocols-for-clinicians-supervisors-and-consultants-9780826131164.htmlThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tajWVYP75mNiGsCE5Nw0njeoE-8pbDdW17T8njkIEMA/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Rachel, the Principal Accredited Social Worker and Founder of Lighting Your Way Social Wellbeing, a practice she built to be a safe, inclusive, and neuroaffirming service for people who often fall through the gaps. Alongside working directly with clients, she actively advocates for systemic reform by feeding back injustices and gaps in services to policymakers, as a person with lived experience of disability. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Rachel’s business Lighting Your Way Social Wellbeing - https://www.lywsocialwellbeing.com.au/DivergAntz Collective education - https://divergantz.com.au/educationEmily Hammond’s NeuroWild - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/emily-hammond-neurowildOnwards and Upwards Psychology - https://www.onwardsandupwardspsychology.com.au/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B-pVqgwmufLs5BMfHDT83gMkvMIW4yuyCkAIijryw-s/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Aishwarya, a passionate social work graduate from India, currently pursuing her Master’s of Social Work at RMIT University in Melbourne. With hands-on experience across diverse sectors including community development, youth education, aged care, and mental health services, Aishwarya brings both compassion and insight to her work. Deeply committed to advancing mental health and hospital social work, she’s driven by a desire to make meaningful, systemic change. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly - https://brenebrown.com/book/daring-greatly/Lillian Watson’s Light from Many Lamps - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1270698.Light_From_Many_LampsDr Carol Dweck - https://psychology.stanford.edu/people/carol-dweckThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6Fh6hilNny8EHz96IMHVPaDJv0IyK2gfFdFS4KiWLU/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Braden, a social work leader and supervisor from New Zealand. He has worked most of his career in the field of child protection and has recently completed his doctorate which explored how child protection social workers can support children to thrive after they have experienced adversity.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Training through Social Care Solutions with Auntie Tammy Solomon of Mullah Mara - https://www.socialcaresolutions.com.au/our-trainingBraden’s business Relate Services - https://www.relateservices.co.nz/our-storyDr Bruce Perry - https://www.bdperry.com/Signs of Safety approach - https://www.signsofsafety.net/what-is-sofs/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BOthZ_k1N9cI5Ak_CffARgxDBGwZs1Q0jNaYIk8VhT8/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Heath, a recently graduated social worker who has been studying the last six years and is currently working in the child protection space in the NGO sector. He has also completed a five-year internship in counselling whilst studying and now also works in private practice as a social worker. Heath has a strong passion for critical social work practice and strives for innovative change within the human services sector.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Barnardo’s Family Connect and Support program - https://www.barnardos.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FCS_21_89491_FCS-brochure.pdfMacquarie Cottage Counselling Services - https://www.macquariecottagecounsellingservicesinc.net/meet-our-clinical-team/Reimagining Narrative Therapy Through Practice Stories and Autoethnography - https://www.routledge.com/Reimagining-Narrative-Therapy-Through-Practice-Stories-and-Autoethnography/Heath-Carlson-Epston/p/book/9781032128658#:~:text=Reimagining%20Narrative%20Therapy%20Through%20Practice%20Stories%20and%20Autoethnography,contemporary%20narrative%20therapy%2C%20based%20in%20autoethnography%20and%20storytellingDCJ’s TEI program - https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/deliver-services-to-children-and-families/targeted-earlier-intervention-program/tei-program.htmlPESI training - https://www.pesi.com.au/National Hearing Voices Network - https://www.hearing-voices.org/#contentNarrative Means to Therapeutic Ends - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/726292.Narrative_Means_to_Therapeutic_EndsDr Mark Cross - https://www.drmarkx.com/Changing Minds: The Inside Story - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/changing-minds-the-inside-storyPower Threat Meaning Framework - https://www.bps.org.uk/member-networks/division-clinical-psychology/power-threat-meaning-frameworkOpen Dialogue Centre - https://opendialoguecentre.org.au/Gabor Maté - https://drgabormate.com/A Therapeutic Treasure Box for Working with Children and Adolescents with Developmental Trauma - https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-therapeutic-treasure-box-for-working-with-children-and-adolescents-with-developmental-trauma-dr-karen-treisman/book/9781785922633.htmlAping Mankind - https://www.routledge.com/Aping-Mankind/Tallis/p/book/9781138640320Invitations to responsibility: the therapeutic engagement of men who are violent and abusive - https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/1797499This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snKAEum6R64hrjc4ffU0wZKi8trGjq6K2e7HyXbEhis/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Eileen, who has over 30 years of experience in child abuse, family violence, mental health and trauma and is passionate about the safety of children and ensuring the voices of children are heard. In 2022 Eileen launched her own company as a way of promoting primary prevention in the areas of child abuse and family violence.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Eileen’s business ‘Earlvention’ - https://www.earlvention.com.au/Safe and Equal, Melbourne - https://safeandequal.org.au/The National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) - https://napcan.org.au/ANROWS research - https://www.anrows.org.au/Love Bites program - https://www.napcan.org.au/Programs/love-bites/It’s the Little Things Community - https://www.itsthelittlethingscommunity.org/Dr Fiona Buchanan - https://people.unisa.edu.au/fiona.buchananAnother Day in the Colony (Chelsea Watego) - https://www.uqp.com.au/books/another-day-in-the-colonyHow Many More Women? A discussion at UNSW’s Centre for Ideas with Jennifer Robinson and Keina Yoshida - https://www.centreforideas.com/article/how-many-more-womenThe Whole Story (Patrick Todmarsh) - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-whole-story-9781787334625In Control (Jane Monckton Smith) - https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/in-control-9781526613226/Safe Home (SBS short series) - https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/safe-homeVictim/Suspect review in The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/may/20/netflix-documentary-victim-suspect-women-rapeThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S2hKT-uJtuMjzgXZ2UrLU_ui57ruY_OEGhpmph_YEGk/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Kristen, a passionate early career practitioner in the children, young persons and families space who in her spare time is also continuing her professional development by completing a Master’s of Social Work. Kristen uses relationship-based practice to work alongside young parents in supporting them to improve child developmental outcomes, breaking the cycle of generational disadvantage, and to empower them to realise their parental strengths. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Circle of Security International (Early Intervention Program for Parents and Children) - https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/Australian Childhood Foundation - https://www.childhood.org.au/Raising Children Network - https://raisingchildren.net.au/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/118sNDGkeExij9ilP_ewZEMwWop8v_a4X5gyFwoWa474/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Calum, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Psychotherapist, with 10 years of experience across specialist mental health services both in Australia and the UK. Calum also runs a small private practice, Stoa Therapy, and is undertaking further education in Family Therapy.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Calum’s private therapy practice, Stoa Therapy - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoa-therapyStoa Therapy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearestoa/Headspace - https://headspace.org.au/NSW Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/Pages/services-camhs.aspxDBT Skills Manual for Adolescents (Rathus & Miller) - https://www.guilford.com/books/DBT-Skills-Manual-for-Adolescents/Rathus-Miller/9781462515356Growing Yourself Up (Jenny Brown) - https://exislepublishing.com/product/growing-2nd-edition/Family Evaluation (Kerr & Bowen) - https://murraybowenarchives.org/books/family-evaluation/The Bowen Center on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBowenCenterThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yNDpZ0bOnHxfv-EeKgASKmJCBz8eB-0DQ-RXgU7m9J8/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Stacey, a social worker and program manager with extensive experience in youth homelessness, leading crisis refuges and transitional accommodation services. Passionate about trauma-informed care, she also leads initiatives supporting male survivors of domestic violence and is pursuing a PhD focused on suicide bereavement in Australian adult males.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Safe Pathway program (NSW Government) - https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/safer-pathway/information-for-victim-survivors/general-information-about-safer-pathway.htmlThe Oasis and Life After the Oasis (documentaries - https://theoasismovie.com.au/Short Term 12 film - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Term_12Social Work Stories podcast - https://socialworkstories.com/Young & Homeless podcast (Y Foundations) - https://www.yfoundations.org.au/young-homeless-podcastPlease Don’t Stab Me! How to Tuck a Gangster Into Bed - https://goodreads.com/book/show/21310569-please-don-t-stab-me-how-to-tuck-a-gangster-into-bedKnightlamp Institute training opportunities - https://knightlamp-institute.teachable.com/p/homeThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tdp46POUmY7_fwZTHDw9xK6Fe8zUxK6l8wzvpJiWEuc/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Mel, the founder and CEO of Social Care Solutions, a leading child safeguarding organisation in child protection assessment, training, support and consultancy across Australia and Aotearoa. With over 20 years of experience, multiple industry awards, and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people, Mel is a recognised thought leader and advocate in the sector.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Child-centred Social Work: Theory and Practice by Barnes, V. (2017). UK: Macmillan EducationEcological Systems Theory - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRdlWPB8xS4With Our Two Hands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation - https://wothatsic.org/Queensland Foster and Kinship Care - https://www.qfkc.com.au/After the Apology documentary - https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-program/after-the-apology/1333274179947Hear Us Roar: Lioness edition - https://www.kmdbooks.com/product-page/hearus-roar-lioness-editionInternational Childhood Trauma Conference 2025 - https://childtraumaconference.org/Queensland Family and Child Commission - https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/Peak Care - https://peakcare.org.au/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/188bF1sxIpSWX0rvyXnZ7wd5HuyWqYb3iSAw92CGCUIY/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Korin, who has been working in the disability space for the last 4 years, currently working in behaviour support and supporting a team of practitioners under NDIS. In this role Korin supports people from various trauma backgrounds and helps to improve their lives and educate support workers, families and other providers to enable them to live out their full potential. Korin has a passion in advocating for human rights and accessibility for all and is about to expand into providing supervision to social work students undergoing their placements.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia - https://bigbrothersbigsisters.org.au/Mindful Recovery DBT Centre - https://www.mindfulrecovery.com.au/Alex Wilson (of Mindful Recovery) featured on Social Work Spotlight - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/fx8u6TaZvRbThe Assertive Social Worker - https://www.instagram.com/theassertivesocialworker/Chantelle Towers (The Assertive Social Worker) featured on Social Work Spotlight - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/NSSLoyaZvRbThe Playful Psychologist - https://www.theplayfulpsychologist.com/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/180e0-3pyDKo_0Pv98td4MVkC3wCwG9VFHpMpSOZJsJI/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Yulia, a social worker and psychosexual therapist specialising in youth mental health and sexual health. She has worked in digital mental health spaces, clinical education, and peer support, bringing a diverse and holistic approach to her practice. Yulia completed her Master of Science in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health), specialising in psychosexual therapy, and also holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Digital mental health services -https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/digital-mental-health-servicesThis Way Up -https://thiswayup.org.au/Mood Gym -https://www.moodgym.com.au/ABC of Sexual Health by Kevan R Wylie -https://www.wiley.com/en-au/ABC+of+Sexual+Health%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9781118665619Sex-Positive Social Work by SJ Dodd -https://cup.columbia.edu/book/sex-positive-social-work/9780231188111This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15CyVrrZpgbSaWPh5qmUCfiidcQz9UQjMUUVj0k4q-cg/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Evanthea, a Social Worker and Counsellor with experience in child protection, out of home care, disability, and therapeutic roles. She currently works as the Director of her business, Budding Resilience Therapies, specialising in supporting individuals with complex psychosocial needs and offering experienced practitioners who have a multifaceted approach to supporting their clients as they navigate multiple systems. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Kids Helpline -https://kidshelpline.com.au/Budding Resilience Therapies -https://www.buddingresilience.com/The Yoga Impact Charity -https://www.yogaimpactcharity.com/Evanthea’s research assessment; How job stress impacts child protection -https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/research-assessment-how-job-stress-impacts-child-magnisallis-jp/Eddie’s practice -https://www.leadwithlove.com.au/Evanthea’s podcast System Error -https://open.spotify.com/show/7e88NbL8jEODaUntOx9i58Evanthea on Ashton’s podcast Becoming an AMHSW -https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-18-evanthea/id1642275191?i=1000651753280Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics -https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org/neurosequential-model-of-therapeutics-nmt/Bessel van der Kolk, how yoga helps heal trauma -https://kripalu.org/resources/how-yoga-helps-heal-trauma-qa-bessel-van-der-kolkThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CUzcOvkRi0V72VZvb49dtDY4thycBl6783r_2NmRsog/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Mish, a plural system that is non-binary, queer, disabled, and neurodivergent, as well as beng awarded the 2024 Australian Social Worker of the Year. As a social worker of colour, their practice is grounded in identity affirming anti-colonial and anti-oppressive practices from which they have built their skillset of supporting people through a range of therapeutic modalities. Mish is the chair of The Iceberg Foundation, a mental health charity for BIPOC, queer and neurodivergent humans and is the principal practitioner at Niram, a BIPOC focussed EMDR practice.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:The Iceberg FOundation - https://www.theicebergfoundation.org/GenWest - https://www.genwest.org.au/Rainbow Giving Australia - https://rainbowgiving.org.au/news/the-aurora-group-and-giveout-announce-merger-as-one-million-dollars-distributed-for-lgbtqia-communitiesLinda Thai - https://www.linda-thai.com/Queering EMDR Therapy - https://www.instituteforcreativemindfulness.com/publishing/queering-emdr-therapy/Zoe Bell Gender Collective - https://zbgc.org.au/In Our Blood TV series - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/in-our-bloodThe Oasis Movie and Life After the Oasis - https://theoasismovie.com.au/Decolonizing Therapy podcast episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decolonizing-therapy-a-movement-an-interview/id1310770477?i=1000633816868My Grandmother’s Hands podcast episode - https://soundcloud.com/librofm/my-grandmothers-handsracialized-trauma-the-pathway-to-mending-by-resmaa-menakemJamie Marich’s Dissociation Made Simple - https://www.penguin.com.au/books/dissociation-made-simple-9781623177218This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VGdbAxpZsnywlOsK3L9Xf19QabZB82SW0UcaA_5TcQU/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Kimberly, who has 25 years of practice experience working alongside individuals, families and communities, responding to interpersonal, institutional, and colonial violence. She teaches in various universities nationally and internationally and provides supervision to social workers and therapists. Kimberly lives and works on Yuin country and identifies as a non-Aboriginal settler migrant with white privileges and indigenous ancestry from Mexico.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:AbSec - https://absec.org.au/Kimberly’s article: Restoring children from out-of-home care: insights from an Aboriginal-led community forum - https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/restoring-children-from-out-of-home-care-insights-from-an-aborigiUNSW’s Bring Them Home, Keep Them Home - https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2022/10/bring-them-home--keep-them-home--reunifying-aboriginal-familiesThe Moogai film - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-30/the-moogai-aboriginal-horror-movie-jon-bell-shari-sebbens/100178202The Last Daughter film - https://thelastdaughter.com.au/After the Apology film - https://aftertheapology.com/Power series on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/title/81416254The upEND podcast - https://upendmovement.org/podcast/Centre for Response-Based Practice - https://www.responsebasedpractice.com/Cathy Richardson’s substack - https://catherinerichardson.substack.com/Vikki Reynolds - https://vikkireynolds.ca/Discourse Analysis and Psychotherapy article - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256437848_Discourse_analysis_and_psychotherapy_A_critical_reviewInsight Exchange - https://www.insightexchange.net/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LHVWdaPKN3I9K0uU25gTJRgW60rCAVUSRd9rUhR7whw/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Loren, who has predominantly worked within the domestic, family and sexual violence sector. Loren discusses how her career has intersected with other disciplines along the way and how these experiences have shaped how she practices as a social worker. Loren currently works as Senior Practitioner supervising an interstate team supporting victim-survivors of financial abuse with coaching.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:UNSW’s Tackling economic and financial abuse linked to domestic and family violence - https://www.unsw.edu.au/news/2023/01/tackling-economic-and-financial-abuse-linked-to-domestic-and-famCentre for Women’s Economic Security - https://cwes.org.au/ and https://www.financialsafety.org.au/Economic Abuse Reference Group - https://earg.org.au/MoneyMinded program - https://www.anz.com.au/about-us/esg/financial-wellbeing/moneyminded/NSW Health sexual assault services - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/parvan/sexualassault/Pages/info-sexual-assault-victims.aspxMarrickville Legal Centre’s Savvy Finance program - https://www.mlc.org.au/savvy-finance/Commonwealth Banks’ financial abuse resource centre - https://www.commbank.com.au/support/financial-abuse.html?ei=resourcesGood Shepherd’s financial independence hub - https://goodshep.org.au/services/fih/Berry Street’s MoneyMinded program - https://www.berrystreet.org.au/learning-and-resources/our-training-and-consultancy-services/moneymindedThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13olBfUXrECy1kLoCGj5lhkC50Tp8gS8tKkF-8O6ck0w/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dr Josie McSkimming, who has practised in a wide range of settings for over 40 years, including hospital social work, inter-country adoption, post-adoption services, drug and alcohol treatment, individual and couples therapy and adult mental health. In addition to her private practice providing therapy and clinical supervision, Josie is an adjunct lecturer at the University of NSW and the author of two books, ‘Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity’ and ‘Gutsy Girls’, a memoir to be released early 2025.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Writings by Michael White, courtesy of the Dulwich Centre - https://dulwichcentre.com.au/writings-by-michael-white/Master of Narrative Therapy and Community Work - https://dulwichcentre.com.au/training-in-narrative-therapy/masters-program-in-narrative-therapy-and-community-work/Josie’s memoir “Gutsy Girls” - https://www.uqp.com.au/books/gutsy-girlsJosie’s book “Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity” - https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315591926/leaving-christian-fundamentalism-reconstruction-identity-josie-mcskimmingMaster of Counselling Social Work at UNSW - https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/postgraduate/master-of-counselling-social-workThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZSihUMKK6udoa8BmmbkkuozNhdjESYkUFxb16tz4xDo/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Jordan, an accredited social worker and clinical supervisor. Jordan has worked in a variety of fields such as service coordination, aged care, mental health, drug and alcohol, and currently works within schools. Jordan is passionate about connecting with others and hearing their stories.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:NAPCAN’s Love Bites program - https://www.napcan.org.au/Programs/love-bites/Lifeline’s DV Alert workshops - https://dvalert.org.au/Emerging Minds mental health and wellbeing training - https://emergingminds.com.au/Orygen youth mental health training - https://orygen.org.au/trainingPrecious movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0929632/The Edge of Seventeen movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1878870/?lang=enDetention Exit Community Outreach (DECO) program - https://www.wellways.org/our-services/detention-exit-community-outreach/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jPkeM-lMn08IsU3xHhybIt3HfbMibF4506iaC8LL8_o/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Amanda, a Social Worker who has spent most of her career working with older people. Recently, her passion for research and search for clarity in her career lead her to enrol in her PhD, researching Access for People with Dementia to Voluntary Assisted Dying. She balances part time work, part time studying and full-time parenting to two young boys. Amanda gains value out of supporting people to maintain their empowerment and self-determination, against what society tells them should happen.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Social Work Stories podcast episode ‘Social Work and Voluntary Assisted Dying’ - https://socialworkstories.com/episodes/ep-85-social-work-and-voluntary-assisted-dying-we-have-all-the-tools-we-needThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wlzLg4LM2xtdGrvVJrbk6kFEDuCmTR7bhr3gR0GC5Pg/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Lisa, an accredited mental health social worker, psychotherapist, and author of Finding My Invisible Sun: Overcoming Trauma. Lisa has lived experience of trauma, mental illness and institutionalised discrimination and has practised therapy for a combined 15 years within a domestic and family violence prevention service and then as an accredited mental health social worker.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Lisa’s Points of Resistance Theory webinar on eiseEducation - https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1209211Janina Fisher (and her book The Fragmented Self) - https://janinafisher.com/Pat Ogden - https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/therapist-directory/pat-ogden-phd/Learning Emotion-Focused Therapy - https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4317035Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps The Score - https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-scoreEMDR Association of Australia - https://emdraa.org/Lisa’s book Finding My Invisible Sun - https://australianselfpublishinggroup.com/finding-my-invisible-sun/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tDX4X9nDpOkKhOf8gVPdcU5rPElTM1p36wnp7IR3iDk/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Rey, an emerging social worker from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, dedicated to supporting families, children, and young people. She currently specialises in assisting families impacted by the criminal justice system and also serves as a casual university social work supervisor. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Their Futures Matter (NSW Audit Office) - https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/their-futures-matterTransforming Justice Australia - https://www.transformingjustice.org.au/GambleAware - https://www.gambleaware.org/This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RTEirXjQIgNYsZLNSJS7nvp9XOzgGacbwJk0GaFGNx0/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dr Jean Carruthers, a lecturer at the University of Newcastle who received her PhD in 2020 for her work on performance as a critical social work pedagogy. She has built on this to explore a range of creative methods in social work education and practice, with her current work focused on mental health and whether transformative wellbeing practices can be used to address gaps in the sector. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Critical Conversations for Social Work Podcast - https://linktr.ee/criticalconversations4swJean’s PhD (Critical Performance Pedagogy: An approach for developing critical praxis in social work education) - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02615479.2023.2285848NNN training (NNN Name, Narrate, Navigate) - https://www.namenarratenavigate.com/Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_the_OppressedStephen Brookfield - https://www.stephenbrookfield.com/Henry Giroux’s ‘On Critical Pedagogy’ - https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/on-critical-pedagogy-9781350144989/Patricia Hill Collins ‘Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory’ - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/hypatia/article/intersectionality-as-critical-social-theory-patricia-hill-collins-durham-nc-duke-university-press-2019-isbn-9781478005421/132219F147E569254907767E780ED974Bell Hooks - https://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooksThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y-Y11XPu3pf4IFrDzhwcPwfvqrQoZF_mKaZkAyTRPVI/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Harveen, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has worked as a mental health clinician in both public and private hospital settings with a passion for supporting individuals and groups across a range of mental health journeys and trajectories.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:NEAMI National - https://www.neaminational.org.au/St John of God Health Care - https://www.sjog.org.au/about-usThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zh0ug2rkebscBOWPMt5iAuhWp_mqWQQPX0ZSdeQ1-gw/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Yaleela, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and private practice owner in Queensland. She is deeply passionate about Social Work practice because she understands the significant impact of social, economic, and political factors on the health and well-being of our children, families, and communities. Yaleela is dedicated to the profession and actively participates in the Australian Association of Social Workers and the Play Therapy Practitioners Association, as well as building capacity for other First Nations allied health practitioners.Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:Yaleela’s business - http://yaleelatorrenssocialwork.com.au/Bindi Bennett’s publications - https://www.bindibennett.com/copy-of-resourcesDr Bruce Perry - https://www.bdperry.com/Dr Dan Siegel - https://drdansiegel.com/Mental Health Academy - https://www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au/Mindsight Institute - https://mindsightinstitute.com/Lisa Sion - https://lisa-dion.com/Stan Grant’s IQ2 Debate speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEOssW1rw0I&ab_channel=TheEthicsCentreThis episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pRIC3EYIRcMq5TBhPjhAsLwXnqPTWmZmqMCUeriboGE/edit?usp=sharingThanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.