Wilfred Lax

Don’t miss out - Only 1 week to go! World-first, so what’s next? How you can join the revolution for Change! Join this FREE WEBINAR presented by Dr Eli Kotler, Dr Michael Winlo, Tania de Jong AM, Peter Hunt AM and Scott Edwards and more speakers to be announced. Topic: Psychedelic Therapies in Australia: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities Join us for a live webinar on Psychedelic Therapies in Australia: Achievements, Challenges, and Opportunities. Explore the current legal landscape and hear from leading psychiatrists pioneering treatments. You'll also learn about Mind Medicine Australia's current focus including our Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (CPAT) and Patient Support Fund. * What’s legal right now? How is it progressing? * Hear from psychiatrists who are treating patients with these therapies * What is MMA’s current focus? * Learn more about our world-leading Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (CPAT), our Patient Support Fund and health insurance options * Hear from some CPAT Graduates who are already practising about what they have learnt * What are some of the opportunities, challenges and wishes for the future * How you can be part of the change now DATE: 13th May 2024 TIME: 7:00pm - 8:15pm Book your ticket now, don’t miss out! #MentalHealthAwareness #trauma #ptsd #MDMA #addiction #depression #psilocybin #psychiatry #psychology #psychedelictherapy #psychedelics #medicine #innovation #neuroscience #webinar #event #Australia

3

New Letter to the Editor from me in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. It responds to the article ‘Do compulsory mental health patients have a right to receive a second psychiatric opinion on their treatment under Australian mental health legislation?’ by Dr Samuel Boyle & Co. I argue the following: 🧠 The article provides an important overview of the state of law on second psychiatric opinions across Australia. I agree with their calls for more research into this area. I then make the following three observations/recommendations. 🔍 Human rights should guide how we approach second opinions. The CRPD and legislation like Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 (Vic) have various stated aims, including eliminating restrictive practices and reducing (or eliminating) compulsory treatment... but are second opinions truly aligning with these goals? We must evaluate their cultural safety and supported decision-making. 📊 I query whether the Victorian Second Psychiatric Opinion Service (SPOS) achieves its safeguarding purpose. To me, there's confusion over its role—should it "educate" people with lived experience on their "mental illness", or, fulfil its safeguarding function as prescribed under law. I think the publicly available evidence highlights some confusion here and that they may not have that purpose clearly defined. We should evaluate or review whether this is the case. 🤔 I query whether psychiatrists should be the only ones delivering this service. 2nd Psychiatric Opinions in Victoria have two functions - reviewing whether someone should be subject to compulsory mental health treatment and whether the treatment is appropriate. I argue that other disciplines, including senior peer support workers and social and emotional wellbeing workers, should be able to do the latter (review treatment & recommend changes), but not the former (assess whether someone should be subject to the Act). I avoid the latter because it risks co-opting these disciplines, but argue for the former because these disciplines have enormous expertise, can arguably meet people's needs better in many circumstances, can drive culture-change in services and as a bonus are significantly less costly meaning more ability to review. Here's the letter: https://lnkd.in/g2phTDbu DM me if you can't access. What do you think about these recommendations?

27

9 Comments

Struggling with irregular sleep patterns? Our latest blog by Dr Evan Chachos dives into the world of sleep-wake disorders. https://lnkd.in/g-X-9w54 If you would like to receive support for sleep difficulties or insomnia, Dr Evan Chachos is also available to see new clients. Contact our admin team at (03) 9077 0122 or fill out our new client booking form (https://lnkd.in/gSfVzJ-r) to book an appointment today. #mentalhealth #psychology #therapy #sleep #sleepdisorders #insomnia #centreforclinicalpsychology

9

1 Comment

So you might be wondering what RI-EMDR is? Relational-Integrative EMDR put simply is a relational way of working. Our metaphor of our inner world being a house might offer some explanation as to what RI-EMDR entails… 💻www.sevatraining.com.au

3

The Federal Government’s commitment to earlier intervention in the 2024/25 Budget is a significant step towards vital structural reform.   While there is, of course, much more to do to build a mental health system that matches all Australians' needs, new investment in a free, national digital mental health service will give more Australians access to mental health support while relieving pressure on the system.   Right now, many people are feeling pressure in their daily lives, whether from high costs of living, loneliness, relationship issues or workplace stress. The evidence is clear that if we can address these issues as soon as they emerge, we can prevent them from snowballing. That’s why earlier intervention matters.   There is no part of Australia’s mental health system that doesn’t need fixing and while the funds committed by this government fall far short of what’s needed, this Budget does signal a move towards structural reforms centred on stepped models of care.   This shift is important because by matching the intensity of supports to individual levels of need, more Australians will have access support and the system will function better on the whole.   You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/eJWUH7a5

191

13 Comments

Creative and Experiential Therapies are Essential, Not Optional The shock decision to remove these services from the NDIS is deeply disturbing for the vulnerable individuals and families who rely on these evidence-based supports to thrive. Creative and Experiential Therapies—including art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, and play therapy—are not "art classes" or recreational activities, thank you, Bill Shorten. These therapies are evidence-based Allied Health services, delivered by tertiary-qualified professionals, that improve quality of life and help people live independently. These therapies are distinct from support work and remain under capacity-building supports. The removal of these supports is not just an oversight; it’s a dangerous decision that risks leaving some of the most vulnerable people without access to critical tools for their wellbeing. Participants who cannot engage effectively in traditional therapies are losing a crucial lifeline. This decision diminishes the NDIS’s mission to provide choice and control to participants. It undermines the value of diverse therapeutic options and risks widening gaps in access to essential care. 💬 I urge the NDIS and policymakers to reconsider this harmful decision and listen to the voices of participants, families, and therapists. Removing these supports puts vulnerable people at risk of further isolation, reduced quality of life, and diminished mental health. 📣 Creative and Experiential Therapies belong in the NDIS. Let’s fight to keep them there. 🙏 Please sign and share the petition to show your support. https://lnkd.in/g67d3qgg #NDIS #CreativeTherapies #creativeartstherapies #ArtTherapy #MusicTherapy #PlayTherapy #InclusionMatters #Advocacy #DisabilitySupport #EvidenceBasedCare

31

4 Comments

Art Therapy is evidence-based and essential. Art Therapy has nothing to do with Art Class.

13

1 Comment

Art Therapy Workshop Series with Sandra Buchanan at Honeycomb Health General Practice and Lifestyle Medicine Centre This workshop series is an introduction to art therapy. Art therapy might be something you would like to try or a field you are interested in studying. Each workshop offers grounding and holistic strategies which support curiosity, creativity and wellbeing. Exploring and expressing through embodying and making representations are safe ways to look at life events even experiences that we can’t find words for. Techniques used in each workshop can make room for new perspectives and greater creative problem solving, improved self-awareness and self-acceptance; dramatically influencing the way we live. Your host Sandra Buchanan, an Art Therapist and Counsellor supports participants in a fun, safe and relaxed way. Workshop 1 Saturday, August 24th, 1pm to 3pm Bring along your favourite drinking cup or mug to reveal your preferred way of being Workshop 2 Saturday, August 31st, 1pm to 3pm Upcycling object Transformative practice of repurposing Workshop 3 Saturday, September 3rd,1 to 3pm Growth and exploration through creative expression Workshop 4 Saturday, September 28th, 1 to 3pm ‘Crossing the River’ Frequently asked questions • Is this group therapy? While these workshops are deeply personal and therapeutic, they are not therapy. • Do I need to be good at making art? No previous art making skills are necessary. The creative processes offered are accessible to anyone. You will be guided step by step through the whole workshop. • What materials do I need to bring? All materials and equipment are supplied, and you will be able to keep your artwork and notes. • Where is the Art Therapy Workshop Series being held? Honeycomb Health General Practice and Lifestyle Medicine 44 Highbury Rd Burwood VIC 3125 • What is the cost of the workshops? An introductory price is $240 for the 4-workshop series or $70 for each workshop • How do I inquire or enrol? contact Sandra at www.sandrabuchanan.com.au or call 0416 267 068 Self/Plan managed NDIS clients are welcome.

4

Found this article I contributed to explaining EMDR - do please share if you like it: https://lnkd.in/gRbEeRq #emdr

5

‼️ I M P O R T A N T N E W S ‼️ This week, Bill Shorten announced the plan to remove Art and Music Therapy from the NDIS from Feb 1st, 2025 using the false claim these mental health therapies do not have sufficient evidence. This is categorically untrue with decades of substantial and robust scientific and qualitative research to show how creative therapies are efficacious for children and adults, and for a range of issues and disabilities. For example, individuals who do not communicate verbally and utilise the arts to express their rich inner worlds and lived experiencing. Case-in-point: Art and Music Therapy have been recognised by NDIS since its inception, 10 years ago! The research has only got stronger. Additionally, all Art and Music therapists have a specialist mental health Masters degree or above, meeting strict training standards and are recognised as Allied Health Professionals in Australia alongside our peers, OT's, Psychologists, and Speech Therapists. Talk therapies are not suitable for everyone and to remove choice from children and participants is a breach of human rights and the UN Convention's Rights of the child. It is also reinforcing ableist expectations which deny PWD the right for choice and control which is meant to be a core pillar of the NDIS. Secondary to this, for many of my friends, colleagues, and peers, they have built thriving and established businesses as REGISTERED NDIS providers meaning they have followed all government rules, completed expensive audits, and proudly represented the NDIS. Their livelihood is in jeopardy, jobs will be lost, and small businesses will go under. Their mental health and well-being is at stake. We cannot under estimate the ripple effect of this. We ask for the support of colleagues, families, parents, and the broader community for their support to help overturn this decision. If you can sign the petitions, please share it in your networks. Arts Therapy: https://lnkd.in/gV-gAK7v Music Therapy: https://chng.it/Ljd9S5nzrm With thanks and gratitude. 🙏

4

1 Comment

Are you hot or cold? Where are your emotions trying to guide you? Arts counselling can help with finding your way. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/gfFUveUG #1on1Care #arttherapy #emotionalintelligence

4

A great new body of research shows significant promise in the use of IFS and PTSD/Trauma. Those of us practising this model see this every day, but it's always great to see studies completed validating the efficacy in such a way. https://lnkd.in/g_daBvEu #internalfamilysystems #research #study #trauma #ptsd #therapy

4

The concept of safety techniques and relational safety is always an interesting one in trauma therapy. Where do we draw the line in increasing regulation, versus going with the dysregulation that is presented? How much regulation can we/the client sit with, whilst embracing some form of dysregulation or discomfort? I think it is a never-ending journey, possibly for every therapist-client relationship. Every client is different, has experienced their own unique traumas, and has their own autonomic nervous system to 'manage'. When a bit more regulation is needed or helpful, I tend to work with anchors, grounding, somatic resourcing, unblending from parts, or using helpful figures in their lives (e.g. a 'protector') (though the actual list is quite a bit longer!). What techniques do you utilise? If you would like to learn more about regulation and safety in therapy and support for traumatised clients, join our Foundation Diploma - Therapeutic Safety in Trauma (NCPS Quality Checked). We currently only have 3 spaces left on our Online Foundation Diploma per Sunday 26th Jan 2025, and we are also running this in London per Monday 14th April 2025. Have a look on https://lnkd.in/gacDFMX2 for more information.

5

2 Comments

Being mindful helps to improve assertiveness. It enables us to recognise what we need and want from others, and speak up when our needs aren’t met. Come be a mindful man. Details ⬇️

6

🧐 Are you a therapist working with Autistic and ADHDer adults? Join me for: ✨Delivering Effective & Affirming Therapy with Autistic and ADHDer Adults✨ Saturday 26 October, in Ringwood, Melbourne. This full day (6.5 hour) workshop is presented on behalf of Outer Eastern Branch of the APS. Non-members are welcome. Using a blend of didactic, experiential and skills-focused learning, you'll learn: 🌟 The fundamentals of neurodiversity-affirming practice, including the use of affirming language. 🌟 How Autism and ADHD present beyond the DSM criteria, including differences in information processing, executive functioning, and self-regulation. 🌟 How to identify previously unidentified neurodivergence in your clients, including the use of best-practice screening tools. 🌟 How to work therapeutically with neurodivergent clients experiencing Autistic/ADHD burnout, masking, meltdowns, shutdowns, people-pleasing, poor boundaries, emotional dysregulation, and body-focused repetitive behaviours. 🌟 How to distinguish between behaviours labelled as “disordered” from valid neurodivergent needs and adapt your approach accordingly. 🌟 How to support clients build self-advocacy skills, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gzurFSd3

33

3 Comments