Expert Insights – Black Dog Institute Podcasts Black Dog Institute

To celebrate the 2024 NAIDOC week (7 - 14 July) theme, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud (www.naidoc.org.au), this Expert Insights session focuses on the enduring wisdom, vitality, and strength in First Nations communities, passed down through generations. We explore the power of cultural healing approaches within suicide prevention, with a particular focus on what works, achievements, and excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention. 
 
Listen and learn from the rich contributions and wisdom of First Nations cultural healing approaches, which can be leveraged to promote positive wellbeing for Indigenous communities and beyond.
 
Panel Members
· Maddison O'Grady-Lee, Clinical Psychology PhD candidate (UNSW/Black Dog Institute), Dalai Lama Peace Fellow, and winner of The Diana Award
· Shannon McNeair, a proud Malgana woman and a Psychologist from McNeair Aboriginal Psychological Services
· Uncle Monwell Levi - First Nations Lived Experience Representative
 
Facilitator
· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

Research evidence clearly supports exposure as a key ingredient in first line treatment for anxiety, yet practitioners can be reluctant to use it with children and young people.
In this episode, Professor Jennie Hudson from Black Dog Institute will share her research findings on exposure therapy for anxious children and adolescents as part of an app and programs she has developed for them and their caregivers. We will be joined by clinical psychologist, Anna McKinnon, who will share her clinical insights from extensive exposure therapy with children and families over the years about how we can use it effectively and by a lived experience panelist who will share their experience as a caregiver of an anxious young person.
Listen to the conversation about the benefits of exposure therapy for anxious children, young people, and their caregivers and about approaches that practitioners can take to successfully introduce and effectively use exposure in order to have the best chance of children and their families achieving lasting, positive outcomes in anxiety management.
Panel Members
Jennie Hudson – Professor and Director of Research at Black Dog InstituteAnna McKinnon – Clinical PsychologistEmma – Lived Experience RepresentativeFacilitator
Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

With the plethora of digital CBT apps and programs available, how do you select one that's effective, safe, and engaging for teens?
 
In this episode, Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler, Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute, delves into her research on digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and its impact on teen mental health. Aliza shares the latest research findings and insights on navigating interventions to ensure they're evidence-based and prioritise the safety of teens' data and privacy, among other considerations.
 
Joining her on the panel is Hazel McKenzie, a psychologist specialising in teen mental health, who discuss how clinicians currently integrate digital CBT into practice. Additionally, Ruby, a teenager serving as a lived experience representative, will offer invaluable perspectives on her firsthand experiences with digital CBT, shedding light on its impact and usability.
 
Panel Members
· Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler - Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute
· Hazel McKenzie - Psychologist in private practice
· Ruby - Lived Experience Representative
 
Facilitator
· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

How do lengthy mental health service wait times affect service delivery to young people in Australia? In this episode, Bridianne O'Dea, Associate Professor and NHMRC MRFF Investigator at Black Dog Institute, will share her research on wait times for mental health treatment for young people in Australia. Bridi will discuss her research on the impact of long wait times on service provision to young people and upon their coping capacity while they wait. Also on the panel is Anna Ricciardello, psychologist, who will speak to how clinicians are managing lengthy wait times and by Emily, a lived/living experience representative who will share their experience of lengthy wait times while waiting for much needed mental health services. This discussion will focus on the impact of wait times as well as strategies and ideas for how both clinicians and services consumers can respond to this important complex issue.
 
Panel Members
· Bridianne O'Dea - Associate Professor and NHMRC MRFF Investigator at Black Dog Institute
· Anna Ricciardello - Psychologist in private practice
· Emily - Lived Experience Representative
Facilitator
· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

The effect of loneliness on mental health: How can we strengthen meaningful connections?
Loneliness is a growing community health concern which has been associated with social anxiety and mood concerns as well as physical health complaints and disturbed sleep. End of year rituals and celebrations can serve to exacerbate a sense of loneliness, particularly in socially vulnerable and isolated people who can be more prone to its effects. In this episode, Dr Alexis Whitton (Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) will share her research findings on loneliness and mental health. Dr Diana Chan (Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) and a lived experience panellist will discuss the varied experiences and effects of loneliness, reflecting with Alexis on helpful, practical approaches to strengthen opportunities for meaningful connections and activities.
 
Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist
Researcher – Dr Alexis Whitton, Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute
Clinician – Dr Diana Chan, Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute
Lived experience representative - Stephanie

Join us for the conversation! Screens tend to be a regular part of many young people's lives - to connect, play, learn, and to get news and information. To what extent does screen time affect young people's mental health? Dr Sophie Li, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist at the Black Dog Institute will share her research on this topic to help us understand the various nuances of the effect of screen time on young people's wellbeing as well as helpful considerations, and practical approaches we can take to this issue. Dr Li will be joined by a clinician who works with young people and also by a lived experience panellist. This session will be moderated by Dr Sarah Barker.