Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an ideal framework and set of tools to enhance mental health support provided to clients and patients in a range of settings. It is evidence-based, easy to learn, clearly structured, time-limited, and it is respectful and consultative.

Health professionals working across all fields are reporting mental health aspects to their work with clients. Indeed, all health professionals can benefit from core CBT strategies to help support their clients and patients.

On the panel we will have Melissa Black, Ph.D., a researcher from The Black Dog Institute; Dr Kristine Kafer, Clinical Psychologist and Andrew Atkinson, a Lived Experience representative who has experienced success with CBT strategies.

Join us for this episode, where we will explore the role of the potential benefits of introductory-level, practical core CBT for use with clients and patients and delve into the broad applicability of introductory CBT skills for health professionals who have limited CBT training. This episode will give health professionals skills to use with clients who may benefit from addressing unhelpful thinking patterns which may be interfering with their health management.

Facilitator:

• Dr Sarah Barker – Clinical Psychologist

Panelists:

• Clinical Research Lead & Clinical Psychologist: Melissa Black,
• Ph.D.Clinical Psychologist: Dr Kris Kafer
• Lived Experience Representative: Andrew Atkinson

For more information on our courses: https://black-dog-institute.my.salesforce-sites.com/forms/bdi_EducationCourseLanding

To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025 and its theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, this Expert Insights episode brings together an all First Nations panel to explore how the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Framework can be used to support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Our panellists will discuss how the SEWB wheel can be a powerful tool in strengthening identity, connection, and resilience in young clients, as well as the role of protective factors in preventing suicide and fostering strong futures. Through a strengths-based lens, this conversation will highlight how the SEWB Framework is applicable across contexts and communities beyond First Nations communities, making it a valuable resource for all practitioners in both clinical and community settings.

Join us for this important discussion on how we can provide better wellbeing support and services to empower the next generation, ensuring they are supported to thrive, lead, and carry forward the strength and wisdom of their ancestors.

Panellists:

Dr Clinton Schultz – Director of First Nations Strategy and Partnerships and Head of First Nations Research at Black Dog Institute.

Eliza Kitchener – National Network Specialist, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre.

Aunty Karyn – Lived Experience Representative.

This important webinar is designed to equip health professionals and leaders with the tools, insights, and strategies to foster mental wellbeing in their teams during crises and beyond.

This session will:

* Present key research findings on healthcare workers' mental health needs during crises like COVID-19.

* Introduce an insightful report and checklist as actionable resources for enhancing mental health support in healthcare settings.

* Demonstrate how addressing mental health can strengthen teams and improve organisational outcomes.

* Use compelling data to outline what needs to change and the steps leaders can take to drive improvement.

* Empower healthcare leaders with clear, implementable recommendations for creating mentally healthy workplaces.

Facilitator: Dr Peter Baldwin – Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute | Co- Investigator, Future-Proofing the Frontline guide

Panellists: Prof Natasha Smallwood – Respiratory Physician, Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at The Alfred Hospital; Head Chronic Respiratory Disease Group and Respiratory Research Training Lead Respiratory Research @ The Alfred School of Translational Medicine, Monash University; and Chief Investigator, Future-Proofing the Frontline report

Dr Bethan Richards – Chief Medical Wellness Officer / Director SLHD MDOK Centre | Rheumatologist, Co- Director Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, PhD Health Professional

Jess Maher- Lived Experience Representative, endorsed enrolled nurse

Future-Proofing the Frontline: Organisational strategies to support frontline healthcare workers and leaders during times of crisis, is a guide that brings together insights from diverse perspectives and multiple sources of data to understand the best organisational strategies for supporting the mental health of healthcare workers.

The guide and Organisational Checklist are available here: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/future-proofing-the-frontline/