Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson

Did you grow up with a Narcissistic parent? Are you trying to breaking free of them - or another? Did you feel like you were growing up in their shadow – or now living in another's shadow?Listen in to this power ep to learn - - What is a co-narcissist- How to recognise an expected or current connection that clouds your view- How to shift out of a co-narcissistic mindset and relationshipLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Clinical Psychologist, Bart Traynor, who has a particular passion for men's mental health and helping athletes and people become the very best version of themselves. He also consults with and provides training and support to organisations struggling with mental health issues in the workplace.Bart is Head of Operations at Atlantis Recovery Centre in QLD, Australia – which specialises in veteran and NDIS health care, combining clinical treatment with technology to provide a layered approach to care. Listen in to our inspiring chat on: - the benefits of combing physical movement with psychological treatments for mental health- how paths choose you- the importance of taking action to move forward - why ships are safe in harbours but it's not what they're built forIf you would like to connect with Bart, you can via the below:Atlantis Recovery Centre https://atlantisrc.com.au/Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is admired and imitated by others, particularly by younger people. They serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, influencing values, attitudes, and behaviors. As we grow and develop through life – having good role models can really make us – and not having them may break us! In this ep you'll learn the importance of role models for children, adolescents and adults and how to build more of these for your child and yourself. I draw on the recent Netflix series, Adolescence as an example.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Sarah Martin, author of Dear Psychosis, her first award-winning book describing not only the dramatic rescue of her unwell daughter from Turkey, but the ongoing impact of helping a loved one deal with mental illness. Despite being an experienced theatre nurse and part of an extended family of medical professionals, nothing could have prepared Sarah for navigating the health system after her daughter Alice began experiencing psychosis and later, bipolar disorder.Listen in to our chat on:Sarah's journey with her 21yo daughter Alice's drug induced psychosisWhat she learnt as a parent that she wants other parents/families to knowThe impacts on families navigating mental health challengesIf you would like to purchase Sarah's book or connect with her, see the links below:Dear Psychosis has received 1st place in the Goody Business Book Awards and 1st place in the Journey Book Awards. Sarah is currently working on her first fiction book.Website https://sarahmartinauthor.com/Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher,  James Kirby, Ph.D.,  an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. James examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding, and the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically how they help with self-criticism and shame that underpin many depression and anxiety disorders. James is also an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and is an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK. In 2022 he authored Choose Compassion, and in 2020 he co-edited Making an Impact on Mental Health. His new book just published by Routledge is called, The Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians.Listen in to our discussion on - - Why compassion is not just a feeling and more a motivational force shaping our behaviour and relationships- The challenges in becoming a more compassionate person and developing a more compassionate society. - How self-compassion is part of self-regulation and linked to our health, functioning and performance.And so much more!You can connect with James via - https://jameskirby.com.au/  for books, speaking engagements etc.Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).IIf you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm talking with Mark Morris about all things transitioning to being a father. Mark is a passionate advocate for positive masculinity and gender equality, an active dad of 2 and volunteers at his children's school and local football club. With more than 20 years of leadership experience and a degree in Psychology, he specialises in People, is an accredited executive leadership coach, a Board Director, an Adjunct Professor in Leadership and Gender Equality, and is currently leading a number of research initiatives. He encourages a greater focus on equity in schools & early childhood to set children on a better path early on, contributing to reducing the gender pay gap and gender-based violence downstream.Listen in to our chat covering - - Why the transition to being a father has been Mark's most important role- The difficulties in becoming a parent in today's world-  Where men most need support with parenting- The importance of good role models and consideration of gender roles for boys- Why we should be cancelling the boys will be boys attitudeAnd so much more!If you would like to connect with Mark, you can do via the links below - https://www.mark-morris.meMark Morris - LinkedInLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).IIf you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Life brings crossroads every so often. When our work conflicts with our mental health – this is a major crossroad – and one that comes to many of us sooner or later in our careers. Most of us are lucky enough to be able to direct the quality of our lives, and these crossroads are opportunities to take stock, take charge and work out what the next best steps are. In this episode You'll take a moment to:- understand what a healthy and unhealthy work-life balance looks like - identify whether your work is costing too much of your mental health- consider your options for a change of direction and how to make the transition successfully for a healthier lifeAnd much more!  Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).IIf you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In my first new episode for 2025, I welcomed Dr Emmanuella Noble, a Clinical Psychologist and Sailor who recently completed the classic Sydney to Hobart oceanic yacht race. Emmanuella is deeply passionate about reducing the stigma of Mental Health in the community and she often talks about health and wellbeing issues. Listen in to our conversation on -- the realities of racing the Sydney to Hobart- the importance of facing challenges head on, despite difficulty or risk of failure- how to build resilience to face adversity- achieving goals and finding the right ones for youPlus so much more!You can connect with Dr Emmanuella Noble via - www.dremmanuellanoble.com.auPrivate practice in Macquarie Street, Sydney and Crows Nest (face to face/telehealth)Dr Emmanuella also offers Lunchtime chats on different topics to workplaces, to assist mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

During Summer, I'll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and relationships more than ever, so I chat with Dr Kristy Goodwin, about what we can do to tame them.Dr Kristy Goodwin studies what it takes to thrive in the digital world. Kristy is the author of Dear Digital, We need to talk where she decodes the neurobiology of peak-performance in a digital age. Described by her clients as a ‘pracademic' Kristy translates cutting-edge research and science into realistic strategies to bolster productivity and enhance wellbeing in the ‘always-on' digital world. Tune in to hear us chat about:- How our digital habits and behaviours are impacting our stress- Top tips to tame our tech habits - Dr Kristy's brain-based hacks for peak performance in a digital ageYou can find Dr Kristy and the resources discussed in this episode via the below links:https://drkristygoodwin.com/https://drkristygoodwin.com/podcastresources_corporate/Book - Dear Digital, We need to talk is available via Booktopia as both a hard copy and ebookIf you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

During Summer, I'll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's one you should probably pay attention to. The cornerstone of Co-dependence is when we care too much what other people think about us. This keeps us limited, stuck and failing to grow and eventually impacts our relationships, keeping us stuck and miserable.Listen in to hear - - Why co-dependence is dysfunctional- How much is too much?- Ways to stop the cycle in yourself and your relationshipsLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

During Summer, I'll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.In this episode, I chat with motivational speaker, author, researcher and podcaster, Craig Harper. We discuss audacious goals, self awareness, motivation and so much more.Listen in to hear -- What big hairy audacious goals (BHAG) are and why we might pursue them- Why we are our own biggest projects and the challenge is not to be right, it's to learn to be the best you can be, learning along the way- How the things we do on the days we really don't want to, can impact us most- Why fear of failure AND fear of success contribute to our self sabotaging behavioursThis power packed episode offers lots of insight into how we can work towards our goals and improve our relationships by increasing our self awareness.Links:https://www.craigharper.netThe You Project PodcastInstagram: @whiteboardlessons

During Summer, I'll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners haveSo many people struggle to switch off at all and find themselves spending breaks (even lunch breaks, let alone holidays) on devices, or madly trying to multi task lots of other seemingly must do items - which defeats the purpose of the break and then they wonder why they don't feel like they had a break at all. Does this sound familiar? Do you struggle to REALLY switch off?In this episode you'll learn why it is so important to fully switch off and you'll gain tips on how to do this, as well as how to deal with anxieties during holidays and other more formal time off.Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available online at my website).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Social anxiety is a chronic mental health condition where everyday social interactions cause irrational worry and anxiety, fear, self consciousness and embarrassment. Debilitating and bad for confidence, particularly at social times of the year such as Christmas, end of year, birthdays and work celebrations.So listen in to this episode of Psych for Life to learn:- what is social anxiety, obsessive thinking and other related disorders- gain tips for dealing with these disorders- And hear about the range of current clinical treatmentsLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.Should you or someone you know be experiencing anxiety issues, we recommend you consult your GP or a psychologist.

In this episode of Psych for Life I chat with cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Sarah Tashjian. Sarah is a Lecturer within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences with her research focusing on using brain imaging and computational techniques to understand how humans make optimal decisions. She has a particular interest in the way individuals perceive threat, safety, and reward, and how these processes contribute to risk for mental health problems during adolescence and early adulthood. Listen in to our chat on how to protect ourselves and our goals during times of uncertainty and stress. We cover:- why all humans are motivated to survive, wanting to gain rewards to thrive and avoid threats to stay safe- how this innate drive is being impacted in our current VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambigous) times- The protective power of personal goals- Tips to help us manage threats to our sense of safety and the importance of socialityPlus so much more!To connect with Dr Sarah Tashjian find her website and social media options below:www.sarahmtashjian.comTwitter: @TashjianSMSee Dr Sarah's recent interview on Life Matters for ABC Australia where she talks about healtyh risk taking behaviours in adolescence https://abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/?utm_content=twitter&utm_medium=content_Other references and resources from this episode:Chapter 9 A Mutualism, Affiliation and Status Seeking (MASS) Framework of Fundamental Affective Dynamics and Their Survival Benefits Dean Mobbs , Sarah M. Tashjian , and Brian Silston, in Christian E. WaughPeter Kuppens (Editors) Affect Dynamics, Springer.ISBN 978-3-030-82964-3 ISBN 978-3-030-82965-0 (eBook)https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82965-0Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Most of us suffer cost of living crises personally in our lives, as do our nations and as does the world at times. It impacts how we celebrate special occasions. So with Christmas coming up and as the pressure to spend and socialise increases, this episode explores what you as an individual can do about this, plus tips and optimal strategic mindsets and practices you can use to help navigate these more difficult times.  Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting to Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organizing and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides, promoting the importance of mental health and positive change.Listen in to this episode to learn:- The impact of clutter on our mental wellbeing- The difference between clutter and hoarding as a mental health concern- Why you want to break the pattern of cluttering and being disorganised?- The benefits of "going more lightly" in your homeTo connect with Megan Golightly and learn more about how she can help, see below:Go SimplifiedLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Evil is real and does live amongst us. But who teaches us how to deal with bullies, abuse, cruelty and even criminals in our personal and work life ?Unless you've suffered at the hands of this – it's very hard to believe, understand and accept the extreme level of cruelty and abuse that antisocial people can and do dish out on anyone who gets in their way. For those of us who have been on the receiving end, when others close to us or in position of authority don't believe us and can't help nor empathise – it can be extremely painful and frightening.  In this episode:·      You'll learn that bullying and evil can be hidden or covert as well as visible or overt·      That occurs just as easily in families, friendships, general society, workplace and business ·      You'll gain tips on how to manage bullying and evil when you encounter it. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

I welcome back author, speaker and activator, Michelle Scheibner. With over 30 years experience in coaching, mentoring, advising individuals and groups. Her extensive training includes a post graduate Diploma in Career Development. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion opened the wounds of absent perspectives of herself. In 2022 Michelle became a published TEDx Speaker on the subject of identity. In 2024, she released her memoir HUSH: unravelling the unintended legacy of family secrets.  In this episode of Psych for Life, Michelle generously bares her heart and experience of caring for her terminally ill soul mate and ex-partner. If you or someone you know is a carer, this episode and the lived experience and gems Michelle so willingly shares, will help so many in similar situations.You can find out more, buy her book and connect with Michelle via her website:https://www.Michellescheibner.comLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website. If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what really are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be a little lacking? Listen to this power ep as I discuss all things self esteem and self love. This episode includes:- understanding more about self esteem and self love- why is acceptance so important- you'll learn a process of self acceptance that increases self esteem and you'll gain another process that enhances self-loveLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tara Hurster, Founder and CEO of The TARA Clinic – or Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance – providing Modern Addiction Support For Successful People. She is a Psychologist & Speaker.Join us as we discuss:- how addiction doesn't discriminate- modern solutions to addiction- what are the Stages of Change- the impact of shame and guilt in addiction recovery- the importance of removing stigma and showing compassion You can contact Tara via:Free Resources - https://www.thetaraclinic.com/freePremium Recovery Essentials Program https://www.thetaraclinic.com/essentialsInstagram - @thetaraclinicLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarahurster/Or contact Tara via www.thetaraclinic.com Other resources discussed in the episode:The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015SMART Recovery Australia https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Michelle Scheibner an author, speaker and activator. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion opened the wounds of absent perspectives of herself. In 2022 Michelle became a published TEDx Speaker on the subject of identity and in 2024, she released her memoir HUSH: unravelling the unintended legacy of family secrets. Listen in for our inspiring conversation to learn: -what is intergenerational trauma and how science supports trauma being passed down from generations - what impact do family secrets have - what is an activator - 5 tips to finding out more about your heritage and how family trauma shapes lives - solutions for healing And so much more! You can find out more, buy her book and connect with Michelle via her website: https://www.Michellescheibner.com Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

It's a never ending quest to work out how to find balance in our lives. One that most of us struggle with endlessly. I first discussed this in my book Life Works – because many of us identify with ourselves as humans doing early in our lives – until we might hit a wall… when suddenly this no longer works for us any more So in this episode, I dive into: · How to learn the right relationship between our being and doing selves · I discuss my dramatic journey in discovering balance between being and doing self · You'll gain direction on how to implement useful strategies in your own life to find better balance. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Georgie Dent, former lawyer and CEO of The Parenthood, a NFP advocacy organisation that represents over 80,000 parents, carers and allies around Australia. Georgie is a passionate and prominent advocate for children, parents, families and women. She is a regular media commentator and the author of Breaking Badly, her best-selling memoir recounting the nervous breakdown she suffered at age 25. She is also busy being a mother! Listen in to our chat on: - the challenges of parenthood and why many are invisible - what is The Parenthood and how is it advocating for all Australian parents - the difficulties combining parenting and work - ways to find solutions so all parents can thrive And so much more! You can find out more about Georgie and the work of The Parenthood via the links below: Book: Breaking Badly Website: The Parenthood – to join, donate, find out about campaigns The Parenthood is an inclusive movement of parents and carers, launched in 2013 with the ambition of creating a movement of Australian parents working together to create a better world for our children. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Are you – or someone you know - constantly late ? Always arriving at work, meetings, family and social occasions late? Always rushing? Sick of feeling guilty and embarrassed for making people wait? Spending money unnecessarily, tired of feeling stressed out? Ashamed of frustrating people and being judged? If any of those feelings resonate with you, then this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn: - why constant lateness occurs - the reasons it is important to correct being routinely late - simple strategies to overcome being late Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Like it or not, we all have attachment styles! You have probably even heard the term before - but what are they and why should you be familiar with yours? In this episode I welcome back Jennifer Nurick to dive deep into all things attachment and how it impacts our relationships. Jennifer Nurick (Jen) specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma. She is a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central. She has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychotherapy. She offers transformational courses to help individuals and couples heal trauma and build secure long-term relationships. Listen in to this episode to learn: What is attachment and what are the different attachment styles How does it impact our relationships Tips to recognise different attachment styles Ways to navigate relationships when attachment styles differ or are negatively impacting And so much more! Have you ever wondered why a work colleague or boss has you feeling like you're dealing with a family member? It's not as crazy as it sounds. In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome Jennifer Nurick a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central and has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychotherapy. She specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma. Listen to hear our discussion on: - Why childhood patterns do roll into business - How current triggers may be indicators of unresolved past conflicts - The impact of attachment patterns in behaviour in the workplace - Solutions for dealing with your boss feeling like a parent ...and much more! Browse Jen's suite of online courses: https://www.psychotherapycentral.health/store Find Jen on: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychotherapy.central/ • Facebook: https://facebook.com/psychotherapy.central/ • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@psychotherapycentral • Visit her website: www.psychotherapycentral.health Or purchase her book ‘Heal your anxious attachment' - available at all major bookstores

Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's one you should probably pay attention to.The cornerstone of Co-dependence is when we care too much what other people think about us. This keeps us limited, stuck and failing to grow and eventually impacts our relationships, keeping us stuck and miserable. Listen in to hear - - Why co-dependence is dysfunctional - How much is too much? - Ways to stop the cycle in yourself and your relationships Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Ella Zhang on alignment and congruence in great leadership. Ella is a passionate, strategic change maker, Organisational Development Consultant and executive coach with decades of experience in Fortune100 companies and start-ups. Her expertise includes leadership development, cultural transformation and talent development and last year she published her first book, Upgrade: How to outperform your default self to gain your superpowers. Listen to hear our discussion on -  - Why congruent and aligned leaders are great leaders - How awareness is the Cornerstone for congruent and aligned leadership? - Why one size fits all solutions don't work for businesses - The importance of taking control of your impact  And so much more! See the extended podcast episode page for information on Ella's book and courses and how to contact her for more information.

We can all relate to working with someone who seems just that little bit more difficult to manage. One minute everything may feel fine and the next, we wonder what we did wrong or how we misinterpreted instructions. The feeling you have to walk on eggshells or maybe just find yourself wanting to limit contact with this manager, co-worker or business colleague. So if this sounds familiar and you're tired of feeling uncertain how best to navigate these personalities listen in to learn -  - the warning signs you may be dealing with a difficulty personality in your workplace- what is a personality disorder- tips to manage difficult personalities Should this episode have resonated with an experience you're having in business or your workplace, feel free to contact me to discuss the option of a more comprehensive workshop, seminar or keynote for your organisation.

Now more than ever, supporting our youth to thrive is essential. So in the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with "human behaviour expert" , Sabina Read on how best to support this. Sabina is a psychologist, speaker, media commentator, and life sherpa who works to help people become the architects of their own growth and freedom so they can ultimately "human better." Sabina is the Resident Psychologist on Melbourne's top-rating Radio 3AW in the Afternoons, co-host of the Human Cogs podcast, and Brand Ambassador with SEEK and Board Member of The Reach Foundation. Tune in to hear our discussion on - - Why supporting our youth now is so needed? - The importance of connecting young people to overcome loneliness and social disconnection - How focusing on our sameness, enables us to engage and thrive, as well as build meaningful connections and find purpose - Identifying what's holding you back and how to live for yourself, not by others expectations You can contact Sabina about speaking, media and interview opportunities via her website - https://www.sabinareadpsychology.com.au/ The Human Cogs Podcast Learn more about Reach , book a workshop for your school or community , become a supporter, or donate - https://www.reach.org.au/ Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

As explored in my previous episode on Loneliness and Solitude, loneliness is something we all experience at times in our lives. With our need to connect being innate, it's important to understand how connection impacts our wellbeing and happiness. So in this episode I discuss: what loneliness is, why connecting to the right people is critical and how to help yourself to connect when connecting feels difficult. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and relationships more than ever, so I chat with Dr Kristy Goodwin, about what we can do to tame them. Dr Kristy Goodwin studies what it takes to thrive in the digital world. Kristy is the author of Dear Digital, We need to talk where she decodes the neurobiology of peak-performance in a digital age. Described by her clients as a ‘pracademic' Kristy translates cutting-edge research and science into realistic strategies to bolster productivity and enhance wellbeing in the ‘always-on' digital world. Tune in to hear us chat about: - How our digital habits and behaviours are impacting our stress - Top tips to tame our tech habits - Dr Kristy's brain-based hacks for peak performance in a digital age You can find Dr Kristy and the resources discussed in this episode via the below links: https://drkristygoodwin.com/ https://drkristygoodwin.com/podcastresources_corporate/ Book - Dear Digital, We need to talk is available via Booktopia as both a hard copy and ebook

Burnout and unpaid overtime are a common problem, often leading to unhealthy work relationships and unhappy working environments. Often though, it's a tricky path to navigate if we find ourselves experiencing this. Do we want to ruffle feathers? What impact will it have on our job security? What are the long term impacts? These delicate issues are ones we all need to be able to manage, not just tolerate. So in this episode you'll learn: - How to manage the problems of Burnout and overtime - How to protect your job security - Ways to approach those difficult, yet necessary convos about time off, payrises and promotions Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia and online at my website). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting with Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Counsellor, Rosemary Gattuso who specialises in trauma informed Family Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice. Rosemary's career began as a lawyer and then progressed away from the courts and towards mediation rooms. She became curious about how people manage personal crisis, adversity and self-reflection. After completing postgraduate studies in dispute resolution and then mediation at Harvard University, Rosemary became a mediator for the family court of Australia. This placed her in a unique position to observe and learn. She became a Couples and Family Therapist, with further self-study of childhood trauma, emerging discoveries about the brain and the mind. Tune in to hear our discussion on alternate dispute resolution - what it is, warning signs you might need it and the benefits of understanding child development, trauma and neuroscience in navigating disputes. You can connect with Rosemary via her website - rosemarygattuso.com (her books are currently closed for mediation 3/2024) Plus pick up a copy of her just released book -  It's not you – it's me

So many people struggle to switch off at all and find themselves spending breaks (even lunch breaks, let alone holidays) on devices or madly trying to multi task lots of other seemingly must do tasks - which defeats the purpose of the break and then they wonder why they don't feel like they had a break at all. Does this sound familiar? Do you struggle to REALLY switch off? In this episode you'll learn why it is so important to fully switch off and you'll gain tips on how to do this, as well as how to deal with anxieties during holidays and other more formal time off. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia and online at my website). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode, I welcome back Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives. Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents. Daniel partners with schools and communities, to encourage young people to aspire to healthy relationships built on mutual respect and empathy. Listen in to hear our discussion on: - all things boys and emotional intelligence - how the 'crisis of masculinity is impacting boys and how we can help - the impact of tech dependency and addiction on boys emotional development and wellbeing - the solutions to overcoming these challenges experienced by young boys. Find out how to best help!

It's hard to believe this is my 100th Psych for Life podcast episode. I hope you're enjoying listening to these eps as much as I am in making them! In honour of 100 eps, in this one I offer my top tips for thriving in our ever-changing world. These days – we are warned of more pandemics, economic and supply pressures and climate disasters. We live in what is known as VUCA times – volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous times. When I think about my top tips – I looked at my other eps for ideas and curated the most pertinent and practical tips you can take on board as we navigate fast changing and often difficult times in the world as it is today. Tune in now and feel free to share your fave Psych for Life episode in the comments! Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Have you ever wondered why a work colleague or boss has you feeling like you're dealing with a family member? It's not as crazy as it sounds. In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome Jennifer Nurick a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central and  has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychotherapy. She specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma. Listen to hear our discussion on: - Why childhood patterns do roll into business- How current triggers may be indicators of unresolved past conflicts- The impact of attachment patterns in behaviour in the workplace- Solutions for dealing with your boss feeling like a parent ...and much more! Browse Jen's suite of online courses: https://www.psychotherapycentral.health/store Find Jen on:             •          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychotherapy.central/             •          Facebook: https://facebook.com/psychotherapy.central/             •          Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@psychotherapycentral             •          Visit her website: www.psychotherapycentral.health Or purchase her book ‘Heal your anxious attachment” - available at all major bookstores www.psychotherapycentral.health

In this episode, I welcome Gaj Ravichandra, a Peak Performance Coach, Registered Psychologist and the co-founder of Kompass Consultancy, a global Talent Management Consultancy that enables Performance Excellence. Gaj provides individual coaching on developing mental toughness, career pivots, finding purpose, opportunity and increasing mental resilience. Gaj helps people every day to map out their careers and take tangible steps to achieve their goals. Listen for our discussion on peak performance, including: - how to define your own version of ‘success' - Is a dream job less realistic or even attainable these days? - How achieving greatness or peak performance – is about mindset and is it the same mindset for everyone? - Why a growth mindset is more important than happiness You can check out Gaj's programs and resources via: The career Kickstarter program https://kompass.mykajabi.com/ Kompass The Coaching Company – to engage Gaj, his team, buy the book, other resources. – go to http://www.kompassconsultancy.com Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Loneliness....it is something we all can experience at various times in our lives. As humans our need to connect is innate, so when there is a gap between the connection desired and the actual lived experience, one can feel lonely. So in this episode I'll discuss all things loneliness, what it is, how it potentially impacts our health and wellbeing, and solutions for dealing with it when it's negatively impacting your life. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Today I'm sharing the final episode in my 2024 Summer Series - some of my most popular Psych for Life episodes. I hope you enjoy it as much as my other listeners have. There is a lot of focus on the joy and gains of motherhood – however, with all the focus on what a woman gains when baby arrives, it's easy to forget what they may lose – in particular the loss of a sense of self. The focus often stays on the baby rather than the woman and how to care for her after baby and her developmental issues. So in this episode you'll learn about: · Matrescence - what it is and how this transition and journey impacts mothers · How women can lose their sense of self in the process of becoming a mother · Ways to reclaim your sense of self and manage the transition If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

During January, I'll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams to chat about his fascinating new book, The Connected Species - How the evolution of the human brain can save the world. This book is a compelling read, with wise and reassuring guidance and an essential guide for all of us in this time – showing how we evolved to our current position and how we can best navigate our way forward to empower and help both ourselves and the world. Professor Williams is an Internationally recognised Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience & conference speaker who has worked at top Universities in Australia and overseas including MIT in the USA. He has been published in top tier international academic journals and widely featured in the media. Mark runs programs for schools and businesses on the neuroscience of learning, and the impact of modern technologies on our brains. Tune in to hear our wide-ranging conversation on why humans' innate ability to connect physically has led to our success, yet also to our current divisiveness and why it's imperative we prioritise physical, social connection for a sustainable future. LINKS: To purchase Mark's book click here: https://rethinkingthebrain.com/books/ To connect with Mark please visit: www.drmarkwilliams.com Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14

During January, I'll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth's growing Alcohol-Free Movement. Listen in to hear - - What is grey area drinking? - Why being surrounded by grey area drinkers may increase risk - How the women "can have and do it all" mentality is impacting drinking - Why people are becoming sober curious - Plus Busting alcohol myths and limiting beliefs related to drinking This must listen episode offers insight and wisdom for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol and to obtain support if needed. Links: You can find Sarah and the resources discussed in this episode - Website: www.sarahrusbatch.com Instagram: @sarahrusbatch

During January, I'll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. You know that negative - often damning - voice inside your head? The one that says...you're not good enough, you don't deserve that, you'll never get there! It's often referred to as our negative ego or inner critic. So where does it come from? What's it all about? Is it ever a good thing? How do we know? What do we do if it's clearly holding us back? In this power ep you'll learn answers to these questions and tips for keeping your inner critic in check. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

As we quickly head towards the turn of the year, it is a natural time to take stock and reassess. Our unconscious mind naturally starts to do this most years, however, this year – more than many others - staying happy and empowered in these times of volatility and disruption – is a big challenge!. So in the last Psych for Life episode for 2023, we look at how to seize more control of our lives, simply by improving our physical and mental health, mindset, expanding our knowledge or belief systems, taking stock of our lives and making a conscious decision to be in charge – where we can be. In this podcast you'll learn: · Expert findings about the new time we live in · Ways to let go of the old things not serving you and how you can focus on and bring in things to improve your new year · The importance of finding a new sense of meaning and focus to get the most out of 2024 Plus watch out for my Psych for Life - Summer Series starting on January 3rd, 2024! And if you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode, I welcome back Australia's leading FInancial and Trauma Informed Financial Wellbeing Specialist, Jane Monica Jones. She is the co-founder of the Financial Wellbeing Company and author of The Billionaire Buddha and the Money Mental Health Card series. Jane has a passion for this sometimes challenging subject and works compassionately with clients and employees of organisations to repair this - often problematic - relationship people have with money. Listen in to hear our discussion on: - When the best time to start teaching children about money is - Important elements to teach children about money: needs vs. wants, budgeting and saving - Why modelling can be more important than teaching - Research shows we all learn better when it's fun – so ways to make this fun You can find Jane and the resources discussed in this episode at: Jane's website - https://www.janemonicajones.com Capabilite - Financial wellbeing courses & tools - https://capabilite.com If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

People often ask me - how can I know whether it is fear or my intuition talking to me? We would all like to be better equipped to tune into our intuition and let it drive our choices without being held back by fear.So tune in to this episode as I discuss all things intuition and fear. In this podcast you'll learn: - What is fear and the difference between irrational and rational fear - How to know what intuition is and recognise it when it is activated - Strategies to weigh up fear and intuition and which to choose and when

In this episode I welcome psychologist, Carl Nelms. Carl is the founder of Blokes Psychology and has a passion for assisting men to overcome the stigma of reaching out for support. His vision is that by creating a service targeted towards males, more men can improve their psychological health and well-being, stop suffering in silence, and receive the support they desperately need, so they and their families can start living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Listen in to hear our discussion on - - What the barriers are for men seeking support and why men often don't reach out - Why there is a crisis of masculinity, both in identity and role of men, and what can be done about it - Breaking down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and providing accessible support and resources Links: You can find Carl at: Blokes Psychology Practice https://blokespsychology.com.au/ Carl's practice provides face to face psychological support & counselling to boys & men, specifically tailored for males and also offer services via telehealth (phone & video sessions) to males all around the country and the world. They currently have clinicians in the Bayside and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne (Cheltenham & Hawthorn, Scoresby & Telehealth Australia wide). Carl also hosts The Blokes Psychology Podcast. For speaking, events and media interviews contact Carl via https://blokespsychology.com.au/

In this time of increasing challenges and uncertainty, we are all needing to do more to look after our feelings, mental health and wellbeing. Self regulation – or self management - is a critical part of this. 'Glimmers' is a term coined by social worker Deb Dana, whose work centres around polyvagal theory – or how our daily feelings result from the state of our nervous system. This new concept helps us to regulate our minds and feelings, to feel calm, reassured and safe. So tune in this episode as I discuss all things Glimmers - what they are and why it's important to recognise these positive triggers more than ever before, plus ways to notice and gain these positive experiences in your own life.

In this episode, I chat with Daniel Principe a youth advocate and educator with Collective Shout, a movement against the objectification of women and sexualisation of girls in the media, partnering with schools and communities to challenge the porn culture and the sexualisation of women and girls.Daniel has presented in hundreds of schools to students to assist parents and communities to raise healthy, resilient and empathetic young people. Listen in to hear our discussion on: - How to equip young people to recognise the impacts of harmful messaging from social media, advertising, pop culture and the global porn industry. - All about Daniel's work - Reimagine Masculinity - Ways to deal with the resistance young men feel - How parents and society can better support young boys in these areas Links: Daniel can be contacted via his website below and hosts podcast ‘Reimagining Masculinity' https://www.lastoftheromans.org

We are all familiar with the many difficulties and disasters that can happen when dating...from picking the wrong type, rushing intimacy, feeling unlovable or wondering if Mr or Ms Right will ever appear. For many – it just happens – for others … they may need to make it happen So in this power ep of Psych for Life you'll learn: - the timeless things about dating – that actually work - why separating sex from dating should be seriously considered - the approach that leads to finding a lasting love relationship So if you're ready to hop off the dating rollercoaster and swap it for a happy relationship, pop this episode on for insight and tips that may be just what you need to consider.

In this episode, I'm joined by Janice Newnham. Janice is a veterinarian by profession but a farmer, wife, and mother by passion. She and her husband, Robert, operate an Angus cattle farm in a picturesque valley in Walwa, in the Upper Murray of Victoria, Australia. The Newnhams are also community advocates and volunteers. The Australian 2019/20 Black Summer Fires devastated the Upper Murray and the Newnham property. The turmoil triggered Janice to commit to writing, as a form of therapy, and she has since self-published two books: one on these fires, and another set in the aftermath of the 1939 Black Friday fires, that she has an eerie connection with, and where the facts are stranger than fiction.  Listen in to hear – - Janice calmly, yet vividly, describe the horrific and terrifying details of the fires from the beginning to end - How Janice and the other volunteers, then ordinary people, became extraordinary, performing incredibly courageous, life-threatening feats. - The ongoing fallout for Janice, her family, and the community - The innate difficulty of providing men in rural areas much-needed mental health support and guidance - Just how Janice hangs out in nature to heal – much to the curiosity of her cows. "From The Inside" is a raw and confronting reflection of the Newnham family's experience of the Black Summer Bush fires and "White Lies – Where There Is Smoke" is a novel based on a true story; a murder mystery set in 1939 in the aftermath of the Black Friday fires.