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Job crafting is how we shape our jobs to align with our strengths, values, and interests. Scrutiny of job crafting began before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but since then, it is now considered an essential workplace skill for those who want to stay engaged in their work, secure in employment and successful in their careers. But what is it exactly and why should you be onboard? Whether you're an employee or an employer, this episode will speak to you. It delves into the details of job crafting and why it's essential for workers to increase their sense of agency, adaptability, and engagement. Thriving organisations have job crafting and shaping built into their processes and their increased productivity and results speak for themselves. They foster learning and psychologically safe cultures, where workers feel safe and are encouraged to adapt and grow. So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve and set yourself up for career or organisational success, pop this episode on your playlist.

What impacts women's ability to do better with money? How do past traumas affect our future financial decisions? On this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Jane Monica Jones, a Financial Therapist, to dive deeper into how women move from disempowerment to empowerment and agency when it comes to their finances.

Snowflake or no flake? Are our youth actually strong in declaring their sensitivity? And are we being too harsh in our judgement of them? Is it really a case of these young people lacking resilience, as they have been hastily accused? Or are there more meaningful benefits for us all from this apparent sensitivity? This episode is an anthem to the younger generations! I discuss the impacts of the label Snowflake, the importance of soft skills to help people perform and why these skills are those that will be most needed into the future. Learn why the sensitivity these youth are being derided for is a major soft skill set we most need to protect and nurture, to enable a stronger world for us all.

In today's episode I speak with Evelyn M. Field, OAM a psychologist and international authority on treating school and workplace bullying. With over forty years experience, we discuss what bullying is, contributing factors, short and long term impacts and how to help students and adults develop social survival skills to manage school bullying. Discover how bullying can damage, not only the victim, but also the bully and onlookers. Fascinatingly, find out why knowing about bears teaches us about bullies!

In this episode of Psych for Life, Dr Amanda covers the essentials you need to know about gaslighting and how it can impact relationships. Gaslighting is a term many are familiar with, but often struggle to understand what it actually is and how to protect yourself from Gaslighters.

In this episode Dr. Amanda Ferguson and neuroscientist Professor Mark Williams discuss the health, developmental and social problems children are facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This fallout comes at a time in history when young people with the most well-developed social skills will be the successful adults of the future. Problems in social development, resilience, mental health, and increased suicide risk may be long lasting with the potential to set generations back. The ability for these unfortunate consequences of pandemic life to cause far reaching and long-term harm can be minimised if we take proactive steps with our children now - without delay.

Dr. Amanda explains what narcissism and other personality disorders are and why they can be very destructive to these people and others. Personality disorders are more than your average bad moods or habits and they are quite common. They are in our families, workplaces, and communities. Even though the difficult person you are dealing with may not be a murderer – or psychopath – disordered personalities can cause tremendous harm in all areas of our lives. They can disrupt our mental and financial health, our relationships, families, and careers. Because the risks they pose are real – like any risk in life, it's smarter to be aware and able to protect ourselves than not.

Dr. Amanda is joined by Financial Therapist, Jane Monica-Jones to discuss people's mindset and behaviours with money. From financial sabotage to economic empowerment, Jane shares what our spending habits mean psychologically and how we can have a better relationship with money. Together, Dr. Amanda and Jane discuss just how important it is for our mental health to have an understanding of our finances and Jane offers her advice on what tools and resources are available when our financial position suddenly changes. You can find Jane's book and money mindset cards on her website, www.janemonicajones.com. To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn

Dr. Amanda has helped countless patients overcome their sleep problems and get a better night's rest. In this episode, Dr. Amanda looks at the science behind sleep, what can lead to sleep deprivation disorders and the recent development of 'covid-somnia', a term describing sleep issues relating to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Research shows our sleep is imperative to our physical and mental health and that a lack of sleep can cause serious and ongoing health issues. As our lives become more complicated, we need to be even more conscious in managing our mental health and our sleep. Dr. Amanda helps us to understand what we can do to calm and focus our minds, what to do if we find this particularly difficult or face other sleep challenges and how we can direct our minds to find our pathway to sleep. To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram

As a chairman of LifeLine Australia and president of Lifeline International, John Brogden shares his insight and own personal experiences with mental health and losing the will to live. Following a very public resignation from his high profile political career as the leader of the opposition in NSW, Australia, John experienced first hand the crippling despair of depression and attempted to take his own life. Now a voice for suicide prevention and men's mental health, John and Dr. Amanda discuss the rise in suicides in Australia, what signs to look for and how people, particularly older men, can fulfill their lives after their career years. To find a psychologist in your area visit www.psychology.org.au If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Mens Line on 1300 789 978 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram

In this episode, Dr. Amanda is joined on the mic with old friend and casting director for the Ensemble Theatre, Merran Regan, as they discuss the link between performing arts and psychology. As the daughter of an artistic theatre director, Merran shares the history of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, Australia as well as life as a casting director and how Covid-19 has affected the performing arts industry. Together, Dr. Amanda and Merran look into the affinity between the worlds of psychology and theatre and their symbiotic relationship. Exploring how each borrow from one another and the power of roles both on and off the stage. Merran explains how actors draw on psychological elements for their performances and we in turn are affected by their performance, sometimes for a lifetime. The Ensemble Theatre has withstood the challenges of the coronavirus with the wonderful support of their patrons. With the highest standards of hygiene and safety in place, you can book tickets to their upcoming shows: AND ANOTHER THING… John Bell 15 Aug 2021 - 22 Aug 2021 ART Andrew Hansen + Craig Reucassel 17 Sep 2021 - 30 Oct 2021 THE CASTING COUCH Todd McKenny + Nancye Hayes 17 Oct 2021 - 25 Oct 2021 NEARER THE GODS David Williamson 05 Nov 2021 - 24 Dec 2021 Book tickets online now: www.ensemble.com.au Listen to Merran's 'In the Spotlight' radio Sunday afternoons between 4 - 6pm on FM 99.3 (Sydney only) or online at www.northsideradio.com.au To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

Since the pandemic of 2020, work burnout has become an increasingly prevalent issue, affecting employees and organisations across the globe. Our every day and work life are more intermingled than ever before and the effects on our mental health can be devastating. As a global expert in work engagement and having investigated the related construct of burnout, I share how to recognise the signs of burnout and what you can do to replenish your resources before it is too late. I also discuss the relationship and responsibilities between employers and employees in managing and preventing burnout. With so many people now working remotely or under increased pressure, it is more important now more than ever that we understand, face and tame the burnout beast. To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

In this episode, Dr. Amanda Ferguson takes a deep dive into understanding addiction and its connection to trauma with practicing psychiatrist of over 20 years, Dr. Bruce Lachter. Dr. Bruce explores this correlation and the similarities between the two as he explains that addiction is often the 'echo' of trauma and discusses the complicated issues surrounding addiction and its effects. Dr. Bruce shares his psychodynamic view of addiction as well as many resources to further our understanding including his recommended readings of: - V. S. Ramachandran: The Tell-Tale Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Quest for What Makes Us Human - Iain Mcgilchrist: The Master and His Emissary - Edward J. Khantzian: Understanding Addiction as Self Medication - Matthew Walker: Why We Sleep - Mark Lewis: The Biology of Desire - Why Addiction Is Not a Disease - Gabor Mate: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts To get in touch with Dr. Bruce Lachter you can contact him at his private practice on +61 2 8065 8377 And you can find his novel 'A Break in the Wall' on Amazon To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

The year 2020 not only brought us the start of a new decade but also began the era of uncertainty. We faced many challenges and changes over the year including natural disasters, race riots, political unrest, economic downturns and the worldwide spread of Covid-19. As we enter 2021, many of these crises follow us into the new year and with them the unknown of what is to come. However, history and our own evolution shows us that as human beings, adaptability and resilience are in our nature and by restoring the balance in our lives and further developing these skills we can manage and even turn adversity into opportunity. In this episode, I discuss what is intolerance of uncertainty and provide some guidance on what we can do to manage the internal elements of our lives and protect our mental health as we navigate these uncertain times. To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

International composer Ken Davis has performed at the Sydney Opera House and is known as the first and most successful new age music composer, a major pioneer in ambient music and now creates music for relaxation and healing. In this episode we discuss how music and the mind body connection can help to heal us from trauma, anxiety and stress. As a world famous artist, Ken has collaborated with medical facilities and contributed to the design and ambience of the Healing Rooms at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia. We discuss how music can be used as an effective therapy and outlet for emotions as well as having many physiological benefits. Ken demonstrates with one of his beautiful crystal bowls the power of this ancient vibrational music and its cognitive stimulus. To find out more about Ken Davis and his music, you can visit his website www.kendavismusic.com To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

In this episode, Dr. Amanda Ferguson is joined by the Honourable Dr. Fiona Martin, an Australian Federal Member of Parliament and psychologist who specialised in helping children with learning, developmental and behavioural difficulties. As the first female Liberal member elected for Reid, a vibrant example of harmonious multiculturalism located in the inner Western suburbs of Sydney, Dr. Fiona Martin directly contributes to this cohabitation and diversity within her community. With coronavirus and its resulting effect on the local economy effecting one-and-all in the electorate of Reid, Dr. Martin shares with us how she has used her experience and knowledge as a psychologist, small business owner and grand-daughter of migrants to help bring her community together in these challenging times. To contact Dr. Fiona Martin you can call her office on 02 9715 7444, or email fiona.martin.mp@aph.gov.au To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.au Or connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

Jacki Barker is a Sydney based midwife turned doula with a background in psychology. She shares her experiences and insight into the world of birthing and how women can become empowered through this experience with the right supports in place. As a birth activist, Jacki is passionate about giving mums-to-be as much choice as possible and has helped countless women in her experience as both a midwife and a doula. As we delve in to the secret world of birthing it is fascinating to discover how the mind reacts to such a physical and transformative experience and how no two births are ever quite the same.To contact Jacki Barker please visit www.lovecherub.com or you can follow her on instagram at @lovecherubdoula.To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.auOr connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

In this episode Dr. Amanda Ferguson and Sydney-based psychologist and published author Lorraine Corne discuss anxiety, other mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and complex post traumatic stress disorder. Being able to break down the scientific nature of the above helps us better understand and comprehend these common, and unfortunately, escalating mood disorders. Two very experienced psychologists share how they best support clients through these and other difficulties, reminding us that, with the right tools and support in place, there is always hope.You can find Lorraine's books in any good pharmacy and on her website.To find a psychologist in your area visit www.psychology.org.auLifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.auOr connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn

Dr. Amanda Ferguson discusses the fascinating world of inner child work and how working with our inner child can help us to heal parts that carry trauma from childhood - trauma caused by abuse, neglect, abandonment and rejection. Dr. Amanda explains how through inner child work we can build neural pathways within ourselves, creating a stronger sense of authentic self and how relating to and working with these younger parts makes us happier and healthier. She shares how through this happy inner child we are more likely to connect better, find the right kind of work and partner, make better life decisions, have fun, function better, and be better partners, workers, friends and parents. Dr Amanda says: "It's never too late to have a happy childhood - but we must have this in order to heal and be happy". To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.auOr connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn   

Psychologist Eric Lyleson has been a relationship counsellor and teacher to relationship therapists for over 30 years. He explains why, contrary to what we may usually think, being in a state of love in ourselves is actually more important and beneficial to our romantic relationship than anything we may work on with our partners. Eric shows us how to be there for both ourselves and our partners and how to deal with 'disturbances' to the state of love we share. He takes us through why touch is so important, how having successful relationships requires us to be ‘awake’ and how younger generations are now focusing on having deeper, more conscious relationships.To find out more about Dr. Amanda Ferguson, you can visit her website at www.dramandaferguson.com.auOr connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn