Emerging Minds Podcast

In this episode, practitioners, researchers, parents and young people explore strategies and shifts to better support infant, child and adolescent mental health in Australia. They discuss the need for better collaboration between professionals and more integrated services; for improving mental health literacy among community members; and for shifting away from using diagnostic thresholds to determine who can access mental health support.

To mark the 200th episode of the Emerging Minds podcast, we wanted to look to the future of infant and child mental health in Australia. Practitioners, researchers, parents and young people discuss the key concerns and priorities for supporting infants’ and children’s mental health, common misconceptions about mental health and wellbeing, and systemic barriers to improving outcomes for children and families.

In this episode from our Emerging Minds Families podcast, Kirsty (Schools Coordinator, Shine SA) discusses ways to equip children with the knowledge and skills to make informed and empowered decisions about their bodies and relationships. Kirsty shares how parents can start these conversations with their children, how adults can effectively model consent, and how these conversations support children’s wellbeing.

In this podcast episode, Professor Daryl Higgins shares his research insights on child-safe organisational strategies and public health approaches to protecting children. Daryl was involved in the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), which showed how disturbingly common it is for children in Australia to experience abuse and neglect. Daryl shares the findings from this study and its implications for prevention and early intervention policies and practices with children and young people.

In the second episode of this two-part series, Dr Carmela Bastian talks with child protection specialists Dr Amy Bromley, Arabella Stravolemos and Chloe Henderson about their approaches to child-centred practice. The conversation explores descriptions of practice that genuinely prioritise children’s safety, emotional needs, wellbeing, voice and rights.

In the first episode of this two-part series, Dr Carmela Bastian talks with child protection specialists Dr Amy Bromley, Arabella Stravolemos and Chloe Henderson about their approaches to child-centred practice. The conversation explores descriptions of practice that genuinely prioritise children’s safety, emotional needs, wellbeing, voice and rights.

In this episode, Dana Shen speaks with Jem Stone, a practitioner with Wayapa Wuurrk, the first internationally accredited Indigenous wellness program. Wayapa Wuurrk combines earth mindfulness, narrative meditation, physical movement storytelling and earth reciprocity to create a holistic wellbeing program for children in education settings. Jem takes listeners on a unique journey of collective wellbeing, encouraging practitioners to connect themselves to nature.

In this episode, therapist Sophie McEvoy discusses her work with children who have experienced sexual abuse. Sophie describes her practice in helping children to use their own words, communication preferences and meaning-making to describe the trauma events in their lives in ways that are supportive and hopeful. She also shares her experiences in working with non-offending parents to support their children’s recovery.

Parental incarceration can have a significant impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing. In this episode, senior mental health counsellor Linh Nguyen shares how she supports incarcerated fathers to overcome barriers and build strong, lasting relationships with their children.

In the second episode of this two-part series, neonatologist Dr Natalie Duffy explores the key themes expressed by infants and parents with lived experience of being hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This episode considers how this window into the infants’ world can guide practitioners to engage in ways that are lifesaving and nurturing of both physical and mental health development.

In the first episode of this two-part podcast, neonatologist Dr Natalie Duffy provides insight into the impacts of hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on infants and parents. Natalie shares how she observed, listened to and was guided by the voices of infants in her research into the lived experience of those in NICU.

In this episode, we speak with family counsellor Carolyn Markey about her work gathering and documenting children’s knowledge, and how this knowledge can then be shared with others, particularly fathers.

In this episode, we are joined by Zaccariah Cox, the Manager for Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health at Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), and Erica Spry, Senior Aboriginal Research Officer at KAMS and a research fellow at the University of Western Australia. Erica and Zac share what they heard when speaking with expecting and new fathers in rural and remote Western Australia, who often feel overlooked in their journey of fatherhood.

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Damien Riggs, a professor in psychology at Flinders University and a psychotherapist who specialises in working with transgender young people. In this conversation, Damien talks about gender-affirming practice. He shares how practitioners in general health and social services can use their skills to work with children and young people in gender-affirming ways that support their mental health and wellbeing. He also explores how practitioners can seek learning opportunities to increase their knowledge and confidence in working with gender diverse children and young people.

In this episode, we’re joined by Arianne, a parent of six children between the ages of 8 and 22. Arianne is a strong advocate for her transgender child and the wider transgender community. In this conversation, Arianne shares her family’s experience of supporting their daughter through coming out and transitioning, navigating services, and what practitioners can do to provide gender-affirming support in their practice.

In this podcast episode, we hear from Dr Lyn O’Grady, a community psychologist, and David Newman, a narrative therapist and social worker, as they share their insights on recognising and responding to self-harming behaviour with children.

In this episode, narrative therapist and social worker David Newman shares his approach to working with children and young people who are experiencing suicidal ideation. Through the lens of narrative therapy, David discusses how he negotiates conversations about distress, despair and suicide.

In the second part of this two-episode series, we continue our conversation with Lyndsay Healy, Dr Rickie Elliot and Dr Louise Wightman about collaboration with families and clear communication between professions to promote children’s mental health in the early years.

In the first part of this two-episode series, Lyndsay Healy, Dr Rickie Elliot and Dr Louise Wightman join us to explore how collaboration with families and clear communication between professions promotes children’s mental health in the early years.

In this episode, practitioners and parents of autistic and ADHDer children explore ways to build children’s self-regulation and advocacy skills, foster acceptance of their neurodivergent identity, and uncover the ‘why’ behind their behaviour.

In this episode, practitioners and parents of autistic and ADHDer children explore the concept of ‘neurodivergent-affirming practice’: what it means to them, how it shows up in their work, and how it supports both children’s and parents’ mental health and wellbeing.

All children deserve to have safe environments where they can thrive. But when a child’s trust is broken and their environment no longer feels safe, this it can have significant ramifications for the child’s life and development. In this podcast episode we talk with Dan Moss, who has a long history of working in support services with children who have experienced trauma. Dan helps us understand what relational trauma is and how it can affect the mental health and wellbeing of the children in our lives.

In this episode, Miranda Bain describes her involvement in developing the Victorian Charter of Rights for parents with intellectual disability. Miranda is a special advisor to the Office of the CEO for Courts Victoria and the Chair of the Disability Advisory Committee. She discusses her journey in working with child protection, non-government organisations and parents with intellectual disability to develop the charter of rights, which is now implemented within courts in Victoria.

In this episode, Alisa Hall describes her work as Director, Practice Development and Engagement at the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse. The National Centre was established in recognition of data showing that one in three girls and one in five boys experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Alisa’s work focuses on prevention and education campaigns to protect Australia’s children while helping children, young people and adults to recover from the effects of sexual abuse.

In this episode, we’re joined by Melanie Renwick. As a child, Melanie lived in several residential and foster care placements. She shares her experience of living in care and discusses some of the things that practitioners can do to support the mental health of children in out-of-home care.

In the second part of this two episode-episode series, we speak with Ben Shannahan about working therapeutically with children, young people and families impacted by the suicide of a loved one.

In the first part of this two-episode series, we speak with Ben Shannahan about working therapeutically with children, young people and families impacted by the suicide of a loved one.

In this second of two episodes, we continue our conversation with Joanne Donne, a practice manager with Relationships Australia South Australia, about the single session consultation service they offer to children and their families.

In this first of two episodes, we speak with Joanne Donne, a practice manager with Relationships Australia South Australia, about the single session consultation service they offer to children and their families.

In this episode, Global majority and language empowerment, our host, Rosie, engages in a deep conversation with guest speakers Julie and Nancy about the power of language in shaping identity and empowerment, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The discussion explores the complexities of terminology, with a focus on the term "global majority" and its potential to empower individuals by shifting power dynamics. Through personal anecdotes and insights, the speakers explore the nuances of cultural identity, the impact of assumptions and biases, and the importance of courageous conversations in creating inclusive spaces.

In this episode, host of the Emerging Minds Families podcast Alicia Ranford talks with Dr Zali Yager, an internationally recognised expert on body image, with a background in health and physical education. Dr Yager co-founded the Embrace Collective with 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Bromfield. Dr Yager shares how families, educators and practitioners can help create safer body image environments for children and young people.

In this episode, psychologist and author Alan Jenkins describes his practice theory for working with fathers who use violence, coercion or threats towards partners and children. Alan’s two books, Invitations to responsibility (1990) and Becoming ethical: Parallel political journeys with men who have abused (2009) are seminal texts for practitioners in behaviour change programs. Alan has been influential in advocating for fair and ethical practice when working with men and fathers who have acted in unfair or unsafe ways.

In this episode, psychologist and author Alan Jenkins describes his practice theory for working with fathers who use violence, coercion or threats towards partners and children. Alan’s two books, Invitations to responsibility (1990) and Becoming ethical: Parallel political journeys with men who have abused (2009) are seminal texts for practitioners in behaviour change programs. Alan has been influential in advocating for fair and ethical practice when working with men and fathers who have acted in unfair or unsafe ways.

This episode is the second in a two-part series discussing culturally responsive practice and key considerations for working with culturally diverse families. In this episode, parents and practitioners discuss considerations and responses when navigating family tensions that arise from differing ideas about priorities.

This episode is part one of a two-part series discussing culturally responsive practice and key considerations for working with culturally diverse (or CALD) families. We hear from parents and practitioners about responding to experiences of racism and navigating practitioners’ cultural mistakes. Keep an eye out for part two which focuses on navigating intergenerational cultural tensions.

In this episode, host of the Emerging Minds Families podcast Alicia Ranford talks with Emerging Minds Director, Brad Morgan, and Emerging Minds Manager, Digital Health, Ben Rogers. They take an in-depth look at children’s mental health, including a new suite of resources aimed at supporting parents’ understanding of this important topic.

In this episode, we’re joined by three guests: Margaret Dempsey (registered nurse), Dr Shereena Sinnayah (general practitioner) and Jacinta Goldenberg (practice nurse). They share their experience of responding to child mental health concerns with families in the primary health care sector and the considerations for practitioners, from systems level to daily practice.

In this episode, Miranda Bain describes her involvement in developing the Victorian Charter of Rights for parents with intellectual disability. Miranda is a special advisor to the Office of the CEO for Courts Victoria and the Chair of the Disability Advisory Committee. She discusses her journey in working with child protection, non-government organisations and parents with intellectual disability to develop the charter of rights, which is now implemented within courts in Victoria.

In this compelling podcast episode, join us as we explore the vital importance of including Aboriginal youth voices in mental health discussions. Through the heartfelt narratives of Kahli Regan and Tannielle McHugh, two inspiring young Aboriginal voices, you’ll gain profound insights into the challenges faced by Aboriginal communities and the transformative power of cultural connection. Discover the significance of fostering genuine relationships, acknowledging intergenerational trauma, and amplifying the resilience, creativity and self-determination inherent in Aboriginal youth. Journey with us towards a future where practitioners, communities and individuals all actively contribute to the holistic wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

In the second episode of this two-part series, Mark Hoppe and Roger Currie from Family Support Newcastle continue to share their practice wisdom of working with dads in the early years of parenting.

In this episode, Professor Helen Milroy guides us through the transformative power of Indigenous storytelling and the profound impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on her extensive experience and rich cultural background, Prof. Milroy discusses the ancient knowledge system of Aboriginal culture, emphasising the importance of intertwining it with modern science for the benefit of all. Her wisdom echoes throughout the episode, inviting us to embrace the strengths-based approach, cultural understanding, and a united journey towards the wellbeing of all children in Australia, intertwining Indigenous and Western knowledge for a brighter future.

In this two-part series, Mark Hoppe and Roger Currie from Family Support Newcastle share their practice wisdom of working with dads in the early years of parenting.

This episode is the second in our two-part series on supporting the mental health of children who stutter. We are again joined by Rich Stephens, President of the Stuttering Association for the Young Australia (SAY:Australia), and Mitchell, who has been involved with SAY:Australia for the past four years, first as a participant and now as a mentor to other children and young people who stutter. In this episode, Rich and Mitchell talk about some of the unhelpful things that people can say or do around those with a stutter and how these things can impact their mental health and wellbeing. They discuss what the current therapy options are and their experiences with them, what advice they would give to practitioners, and what support SAY:Australia provides to children, particularly in terms of their mental health and wellbeing.

In the second episode of this series, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Belle Selkirk and Dr Joanna Alexi delve into the essence of decolonising psychology. The conversation explores hopes for a robust Indigenous psychology workforce and culturally safe mental health spaces; a future where diverse programs cater to universal wellbeing, fostering deep respect. Gain insights into the inspiring efforts reshaping psychology with Indigenous knowledge.

In part one of this series, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Belle Selkirk and Dr Joanna Alexi, key figures from the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research program, share their journey in decolonising psychology. With a focus on the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP), they discuss the historical challenges faced by Indigenous people and their persistent efforts to integrate Indigenous world knowledge into the curriculum. Through personal experiences and project milestones, this episode explores the transformative impact of AIPEP: how it’s shaping the future of psychology education in Australia and beyond.

This episode is part one of our two-part series on supporting the mental health of children who stutter. We are joined by Rich Stephens, President of the Stuttering Association for the Young Australia (SAY:Australia), and Mitchell, who has been involved with SAY:Australia for the past four years, first as a participant and now as a mentor to other children and young people who stutter. In this episode, Rich and Mitchell talk about the activities of SAY:Australia, how common stuttering is and what it can look like, along with the impacts that having a stutter can have on children’s mental health and wellbeing.

In this episode, practitioners and parents share ideas and practices for supporting parents to understand and respond to their child’s experience of separation.

This episode explores what is meant by collaboration and a team-based approach to the management of children’s mental health in general practice.

In this episode, Nancy Jeffrey reflects on her own lived experience and wisdom, gained through many years working in and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and children in metro, rural and remote communities throughout Australia.

This episode comes from the Emerging Minds Families podcast. Host Alicia Ranford talks with Dan Moss, who has a long history of working in support services with children who have experienced trauma. Dan helps us understand what relational trauma is and how it can affect the mental health and wellbeing of the children in our lives.