National Centre for Family Learning’s Post

Today, I finished creating the program materials for my upcoming program with Praxis CET: 'Building Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance in Autistic Adolescents & Adults: From Chronic Burnout to Living a Valued Life' Every time I create a program I aim to make it better than the last time. Using feedback from my most recent workshops, I create new learning materials and add interesting ways to engage participants in the learning. All my training is experiential, designed with head, heart and hands in mind: 🧠Head: Something you learn, new knowledge 💖Heart: Something you gain personally, can apply to yourself 🫶🏼Hands: Something you can put into practice, new skills Join me for this workshop to: 🧠Head: Learn what it means to be Autistic from the inside, from an Autistic clinical psychologist 💖Heart: Practice self-awareness and self-compassion skills, identifying new ways to care for yourself 🫶🏼Hands: Build practical skills in working with Autistic clients in therapy Four week program commencing 2nd October (US) / 3rd October (ANZ) For further details and to register: https://lnkd.in/g9N6wVYX

I'm thrilled to share my latest AIHW article co-written with Susan Green on a topic of great importance - "Education and the mental health and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people" In this article, we delve into the existing policies and programs relating to First Nations student's mental wellbeing and school attendance. Despite efforts, there has been a concerning decline in attendance and an increase in mental health issues and suicide. Our research not only highlights these challenges but also emphasises the importance of understanding the intricate relationships between structural factors, service design, access to culturally led services and schooling, along with protective factors. Key takeaways include the need for community-controlled institutions to play a pivotal role in influencing the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and practices. By recognising protective and positive factors within First Nations communities, we can resist dominant deficit approaches. These findings are also highly transferable and relevant for Social Work practice. Read the full article here [https://lnkd.in/gRciTBgh].

Sharing an overview of my Ph.D. research here as folks have been inquiring. This presentation was for my mock oral exam https://lnkd.in/gR62Yv3C Overview of study findings: 08 Purpose and guiding questions 1:58 Definition of terms 3:43 Frameworks 6:04 Data collection and analysis 9:05 Findings 9:48 A proposed curriculum on wellbeing and mental health literacy 15:36 Future research and education 18:06

Please celebrate with me: This week, I'm an invited guest speaker for the Yale University New Haven Pediatric Community Education Series, and of course I'm talking about the role of emotional health in pediatric weight management. And then I'm expanding on the conversation (understanding emotional drivers of health, expanding our vocabulary about emotions and what they mean, how to help create new habits without shame and restriction) and hosting a 3-day challenge for parents that starts 10/10, called Emotions Matter. I am over the top right now, excited to share the work that I've been doing for over 4 years now, exploring the emotions that are underlying our current habits (and yes, weight), as well as **helping without harming**. The current body- and weight-focused approach to health is RIPE with creating shame about what exists and the "need to" change. How do you help? Please join me to find out - and SHARE with your friends, family and community. https://lnkd.in/d2D_iYBs Noon EST on 10/15, 10/17 and 10/22. Recordings will be shared with those who register. Its in the spirit of education, real-life tools AND applying in your unique life & home. And of course, fun. 'Cause that's how I roll. I can't wait to see you there. #familyinfocus #emotionsmatter #EmotionalHealth #obesity #eatingdisorder #relationship

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my Substack, where I discuss what clinical life is really like. Through writing, I aim to uncover the processes, the unspoken and unseen aspects of clinical work and what I think about of the array of innovative approaches to therapy, ethical considerations in psychological practice, and empowering strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals. In my inaugural post, I note all of the random thoughts I had before, during and after my brief appearance on 7News Spotlight. It’s not cool to bang on about COVID much anymore, but it is an ever-present entity clinically. I am pleased media outlets are still holding the governments accountable in hopes that when the next pandemic arrives, things can be different, but let’s not forget that people are still feeling the impacts. Feel free to head to Substack to read post #1. The more views, the more likely I’ll continue writing. That’s how it works! #Psychology #Neurodiversity #ClinicalPractice #MentalHealth #TherapyInnovation #SubstackLaunch

Talk 🗣 Play 🤸♀️ Read 📚 Sing 🎶 4 simple words with a powerful message and impact! Rejoining my team after attending the Words Grow Minds campaign preview last week, I was brimming with enthusiasm, eager to share insights and positive messages that resonated throughout the gathering. The discussions illuminated the transformative impact of early experiences on a child's development. It can be tricky to know what growing minds and bodies need or where to begin, but the Words Grow Minds initiative seeks to provide practical, informed and fun education and strategies for parents and caregivers to help babies and young children thrive. As early childhood practitioners, we of course have a key role to play in shaping their futures, to work alongside families and help them to talk, play, read and sing with their little ones every day! Madhavi Nawana Parker's impassioned address underscored how a child's earliest encounters wield a monumental influence on their future outcomes. Research reaffirms that these experiences and interactions during formative years hold unparalleled significance in brain development, surpassing the influence of genetics alone. It was staggering to learn that more than a million neural connections are forged in the brains of young children every second during their first three years, gradually tapering off thereafter. Crucially, these connections are fortified through quality and positive interactions between with parents or caregivers. Whether it's responding to a child's cues with a warm hug, soothing words, or a simple smile, these gestures influence development of brain architecture, building brains by establishing neural connections. These connections formed early, strengthened through use and repetition, provide the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior and health. This message ties strongly with Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) theory which is rooted in similar neuroscience principles. This framework explores contributions of sensory and motor foundations to human behavior, with neuroplasticity driving lasting neural changes from ASI intervention. In addition to the message for parents and caregivers, the event served as a powerful reminder of the role practitioners play in nurturing these critical connections and fostering a supportive environment for every child's growth. Please reach out if you'd like to learn more! Together, we can unlock the boundless potential within each young mind and shape a brighter tomorrow. #WordsGrowMinds #EarlyIntervention Jeff Martin Michelle Mennillo Dino Mennillo Edith King Stacey Hein Sophia Minos

Welcome to Lionheart Storyz, where every child's adventure begins! Our platform is more than just a collection of stories; it's a gateway to growth, understanding, and emotional well-being, accessible to everyone, everywhere online. Lionheart Storyz emerged from the powerful belief that storytelling transcends boundaries and has the unique ability to profoundly influence young minds. Our mission is to harness this potential to benefit children globally. We craft each story not only to captivate but also to guide children through the emotional and psychological challenges they may encounter. By weaving therapeutic insights into engaging narratives, we address essential issues such as fear, anxiety, and self-esteem, helping to build resilience and empathy. Our stories are designed to promote mental well-being, equipping children to face life's ups and downs with courage and insight. Lionheart Storyz is universally accessible, ensuring that children, parents, educators, and health professionals worldwide have the tools they need to support the development of young individuals. We are committed to creating a space where every child can find a story that speaks to them, regardless of their location or background. Join us in our mission at Lionheart Storyz. Explore our online world where each story opens doors to new beginnings and endless possibilities for children around the globe. Together, we can turn storytelling into a powerful tool for growth and healing—one story at a time.

In line with the 2024 theme for World Alzheimer’s Month (September) & World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21) "Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer's” Calling all healthcare professionals and students & members of the general public interested in Care of the Elderly Let’s explore Dementia through the lens of community mental health empowered by the simple and practical 3Rs framework (Recognize, Respond and Reflect) and enriched by engaging online teaching methods! https://lnkd.in/gj5gqQcX

Want to help spread the word! No doubt this will be another practical and informative session by Cheryl Kinney and Brittany Lueken, LMSW. We all can benefit from their expertise.