Therapy, supervision & professional learning for healthcare workers, counsellors, allied health and service providers

The rich array of autumnal colours remind us of the cycles of life, the delight of colour, and the shift from the expansiveness of summer, to our inner world as we head closer into winter. With so much of our focus caught up in busy-ness and the 'doing' of life, this post invites reflection on presence, connection and transformation through creating the safety and space for our inner worlds, through music, art, embodiment and relaxed states.

Creating playlists for fun, to exercise and support us through hard times has always been a great thing to do. You might not think about it much, but your music playlist impacts your mood, your thoughts and your body. And if you're having a hard time, it's worth noticing if the music you listen to is helping.... or not.

It’s a big claim, but think about all the times of need you have turned to music ... in times of heartbreak, teenage angst, weddings, funerals, setting the scene for a party (at the beginning and at the end of the night), for graduations, for religious services, and on and on.

There are many approaches, processes and theories in relation to clinical supervision. This blog invited reflections and input from experienced clinical supervisors in Australia to share their favourite supervision resources. Please see below to consider the diversity of inspiration, reflection and resources from Aussie supervisors, offering multidimensional approaches in the books, articles and cards below. Many thanks to the registered psychotherapists, counsellors, art therapists and music therapists who contributed!

Healthcare workers are navigating immense challenges, from workforce shortages to moral distress and exhaustion, leaving many feeling stuck, demoralised, and hopeless. While despair can feel overwhelming, there is a way forward. Taking inspiration from 'The Princess Bride', this blog explores how action-based hope, rooted in values, creativity, and collective care, can empower health professionals to move beyond frustration, rediscover purpose, and create meaningful change in their personal and professional lives.

More than blind optimism, embracing an attitude of hope is a way of taking action; offering orientation for fatigue, despondence and systemic strain in healthcare. In these quotes below you will find reflections on hope from thought leaders in politics, healthcare, the arts, religion and philosophy; inviting a movement beyond toxic positivity, to truly inspire, to guide, and help to create pathways of positive change for health professionals, the teams and systems in which they work, and importantly, for the people they serve in healthcare.