Emerging Minds Podcast
The Emerging Minds Podcast features conversations with experts on a range of topics related to children's mental health. Episodes share practice wisdom from professionals in the field and offer insight into the work and values of the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health. New episodes are released every fortnight.
Episodes
Listening to children, culture and Community
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, Commissioner for Children and Young People in Western Australia, for a yarn about listening to children, cultural safety, community connection and creating systems that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to thrive.
Understanding the complexity of attachment and child development
Dr Tommie Forslund is a Swedish developmental psychologist and researcher with an interest in infant and child mental health and parenting. In this episode, he explores our current understandings of attachment and child development and how supporting a child’s network of relationships can improve their lifelong wellbeing outcomes.
Child-focused practice with parents who use substances
In this episode, host Nicole Rollbusch is joined by Alicia Phillips, a family therapist in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, to talk about child-focused conversations with parents who use substances. Alicia shares how practitioners can build trust, avoid shame and keep children’s wellbeing in mind.
The power of child-led play
In this episode, we speak with occupational therapist Sarah Seekamp about the importance of play for children’s mental health and their social, emotional and physical development. Sarah shares practice insights into how to partner with children and parents to support play.
Practitioner narratives about supporting social and emotional wellbeing for children and families
This podcast is a little bit different. In this episode, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and practitioners share their reflections on what supports strong social and emotional wellbeing for children and families. Through stories, insights and practice wisdom, they explore the healing and protective factors that strengthen connection, resil
Incorporating children’s voices into practice and processes
In this episode, we’re joined by Becca Allchin, an occupational therapist and clinical researcher. Becca shares her experience in engaging with children and families to gather their perspectives on programs. She outlines the important role of relationships and creating safety when incorporating children’s voices into processes and practice.
Supporting the communication needs of children with complex trauma
How can practitioners support the communication needs of children who have experienced complex trauma? In this episode, speech pathologist Kate Headley shares a range of neurodivergent-affirming strategies and examples from her work supporting children in out-of-home care.
Championing infant mental health capability in paediatric care
Paediatricians are trusted entry points for families seeking mental health support – but they require the right skills, structures and supports to do this work. In this episode, Dr Victoria Carter and Dr Anagha Jayakar explore how to champion infant mental health through targeted workforce development for junior paediatricians.
Holding infants in mind: Building workforce capacity through a champions approach
Early relationships underpin infant mental health and lifelong wellbeing – but not all practitioners in the Australian mental health workforce feel confident in supporting infant mental health. In this episode, we’re joined by Vicky Gilroy, Director of Innovation and Research at the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV). She speaks about how iHV’s Perinata
Ways to support young people experiencing loneliness and bullying
In this episode, we’re joined by Amber Brock-Fabel and Dr Ben Lohmeyer, the authors of a recent study about young people’s experiences of loneliness and its connection to bullying. They discuss the implications of the study’s results for young people’s wellbeing, the importance of creating safe spaces for young people and what practitioners and families
How is loneliness impacting young people in Australia?
This two-part series focuses on a recent Australian study about loneliness and its relationship with young people’s experiences of bullying and undesirable social connections. In the first episode, we’re joined by youth advocate Amber Brock-Fabel and academic Dr Ben Lohmeyer, who co-designed the study with young people. They share findings from the stud
Supporting infants with developmental differences
When adults are supported to pause, tune in and respond to an infant’s cues, they can build the strong relationships that underpin lifelong mental health and wellbeing. In this episode, Professor Andrew Whitehouse explores ways to foster connection and understanding between infants with developmental differences and their caregivers.
Looking beyond behaviour – part one
In this episode from the Emerging Minds Families podcast, Dr Billy Garvey (author, podcaster and developmental paediatrician) explores emotion regulation, how children build resilience and the role parents play in creating safe and supportive environments for children.
From rhetoric to reality: Celebrating 30 years of advancing children’s mental health
In this episode, Emerging Minds’ Phil Robinson (Founder and Chair) and Brad Morgan (Director) reflect on how our understanding of and approach to children’s mental health has changed over the past 30 years. They explore how these insights can guide us towards even greater outcomes in the years to come.
Organisational allyship: A non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander view
In the second episode of this two-part series, Lisa Hillan, a non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social worker, talks about her experience in working with and alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Perfectly imperfect: Navigating new parenthood and perinatal mental health
In recognition of Perinatal Mental Health Week, Amy Mathews joins us to share wisdom gained from her lived experience of perinatal mental health struggles and her subsequent work as a peer support worker. Amy discusses how social pressure and expectations impact the transition to parenting. She also talks about what practitioners can do to support paren
Organisational allyship: An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander view
In the first episode of this two-part series, Grant Sarra, a Goreng Goreng man from Queensland, joins us to share an Aboriginal perspective on what organisational allyship looks like for individuals, teams and broader organisations.
How can we do better? Supporting children’s mental health in Australia
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 aw
What does the future hold for children's mental health in Australia?
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 b
Talking to children and young people about consent
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 consen
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study: What do the findings tell us?
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 s
Child-centred practice in child protection - part two
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.
Child-centred practice in child protection - part one
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.
Creative healing practices to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
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 li
Supporting children who have experienced sexual abuse
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 workin
Building parent-child relationships from behind bars
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.
The lived experience of infants in neonatal intensive care - part two
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 nu
The lived experience of infants in neonatal intensive care - part one
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.
Documenting and sharing children's knowledge to support their mental health
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.
When I got the news: Research to support Aboriginal fathers through inclusion
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 ne
Supporting children and young people through gender-affirming care
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 c
How supportive networks enhance the mental health of gender diverse children
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 practiti
Understanding and supporting children who self-harm: Giving them a voice
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.
Childhood suicidal ideation through a narrative therapy lens
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.
Collaborating to meet infant mental health needs - part two
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.
Collaborating to meet infant mental health needs - part one
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.
Working with families in neuro-affirming ways
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.
A neurodivergent-affirming approach to children's mental health
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.
Re-release: Supporting children who have experienced trauma
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 e
Re-release: Improving the rights of parents with intellectual disability
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 organisati
Working towards a future without childhood sexual abuse
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 prevent
Prioritising the wellbeing of children in care: A lived experience perspective
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.
Working with children affected by suicide - part two
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.
Working with children affected by suicide - part 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.
Single session family consultations - part two
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.
Single session family consultations - part one
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.
Global majority and language empowerment
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
Creating safe body image environments for children
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 practitio
Invitational and ethical practice with fathers who use violence (part two)
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 b
Invitational and ethical practice with fathers who use violence (part one)
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 b
Navigating family cultural tensions
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.
Responding to racism and correcting cultural mistakes
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 i
Families: Understanding and supporting children's mental health
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.
Promoting child mental health in primary health care
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
Improving the rights of parents with intellectual disability
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 organisati
Nurturing the wellbeing of Aboriginal youth
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 transforma
Skills for working with dads in the early years of parenting - part two
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.
Weaving Indigenous wisdom into wellbeing
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 intert
Skills for working with dads in the early years of parenting - part one
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.
Supporting the mental health of children who stutter - part two
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 oth
Decolonising psychology - part two
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. G
Decolonising psychology - part one
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
Supporting the mental health of children who stutter - part one
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 child
Supporting children when working with separating parents - part three
In this episode, practitioners and parents share ideas and practices for supporting parents to understand and respond to their child’s experience of separation.
Re-release: Taking a team approach to managing children's mental health in general practice
This episode explores what is meant by collaboration and a team-based approach to the management of children’s mental health in general practice.
Re-release: A story of two-way learning and healing
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.
Families: Supporting children who have experienced trauma
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.
Positive partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
This episode is part one of a four-part series developed in partnership with and led by the University of Western Australia’s Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing research program and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention. In this conversation, Zaccariah Cox and Emma Carlin from Kimberley
Understanding brain development
In this episode, our guests Michael Hogan (ARACY – Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth), Sally Staton (Queensland Brain Institute) and Vanya (lived experience advisor) describe the contributions that neuroscience can make to practice with children and families. They discuss how common understandings about children’s brain development can
Supporting children when working with separating parents - part two
In this episode, we explore ideas and practices for supporting parents to be child-focused in their approach to post-separation parenting.
A storybook approach to supporting children in care
In this episode, we’re joined by Natalie Papps, Alice Morgan and Sally Groom, creators of ‘One of a Kind’: a storybook for children who are in foster or kinship care due to their parent (or parents) experiencing mental illness. Natalie, Alice and Sally discuss the process of collaborating on the book with services as well as parents and young people wit
Supporting children when working with separating parents - part one
One of the most effective ways to support children’s wellbeing during parental separation is to support their parents. In this episode, we talk with practitioners and parents about the importance of supporting parents’ wellbeing during relationship separation, and some ways to do this.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants during the first 2,000 days
In this episode, cultural consultants Dana Shen and Shirley Young explore practices that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and families’ wellbeing during the first 2,000 days.
Dismantling interpersonal racism to support culturally diverse families
In this episode, practitioners from various backgrounds discuss the impact of racism on culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children's mental health. They explore concepts such as white privilege, white fragility and decolonising practice, emphasising the need for cultural awareness, humility and active steps to address racism. The practitioner
Using parallel parent-child narratives to support relationships
In this episode, we’re joined by Jackie Amos, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with Centacare Catholic Family Services. Jackie shares her wealth of experience in using parallel parent child narrative (PPCN) with children and parents. PPCN is an approach that can be used by practitioners in many different settings to support the parent-child relationshi
Supervision for children's wellbeing - part two
In this second episode of our two-part series, our guests from The Bouverie Centre – Hanna Jewell, Banu Maloney, Julia Oxley, Nicholas Barrington and Angie Nyland – share supervision strategies that focus on the wellbeing of children. They discuss how supervision can help practitioners to find motivation, avoid judgement, and improve their contextual un
Supervision for children's wellbeing - part one
In this episode, our guests from The Bouverie Centre – Hanna Jewell, Banu Maloney, Julia Oxley, Nicholas Barrington and Angie Nyland – share supervision strategies that focus on the wellbeing of children. They describe their reflective practice with practitioners and how supervision can improve practitioners’ skill and confidence in supporting children.
Families: Learning how to parent when you weren't parented well yourself
This episode comes from the Emerging Minds Families podcast. Host Alicia Ranford talks with Flick, a mother of four about how she learnt to parent when she wasn’t parented well herself.
A national workforce survey of children's mental health
In this episode, Dr Melinda Goodyear and Claire Marsh discuss the results of the Emerging Minds National Workforce Survey of Parent, Family and Child Mental Health 2020–21. They discuss the growing commitment among professionals to support child and family mental health, and the themes and challenges that stood out to them among survey responses. In par
Using cue-based infant massage to support infant mental health
In this episode, we’re joined by Kerryn Roberts, coordinator of infant massage at Relationships Australia South Australia (RASA). Kerryn shares her knowledge and experience in delivering cue-based infant massage to families in various settings. She explains the value of cue-based infant massage for infant mental health and the emphasis this program plac
