The MindChat Podcast by SCHN

Art therapy and emotions: Hiro’s journey

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Hiro, a former patient who found comfort and connection through art therapy during her time in hospital. Hiro shares how creating art gave her a safe space to process some of the big emotions she was dealing with: “What art therapy gave me was a safe place to let out my emotions — the fear I was feeling, the sadness, just being overwhelmed with whatever was happening in my life.” Joining them is Sarah Versitano, Senior Art Therapist at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, who explains how art therapy differs from a regular art class. It’s not about being good at art, it’s about using creativity as a tool to express feelings that can be hard to put into words. Together, they explore how art therapy helps young people cope with illness, anxiety, and trauma in a way that feels safe, personal, and empowering.  Listen now and follow MindChat for more honest conversations about mental health.

Autism, anxiety, and finding your place: Ben’s story

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Ben, 16, about his experiences growing up with autism and the challenges of navigating social anxiety. From overthinking how to ask a girl to go bowling to starting his first job, Ben shares honest reflections on everyday situations that feel much bigger when you’re neurodivergent. As Ben puts it: “You look at me and there’s no disability sign. I wouldn’t know how to speak to someone about it — it’s just overall social anxiety.” Stella Li, Clinical Psychologist at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, joins the conversation to unpack the importance of personalised mental health support for young people with autism, and how recognising and managing social anxiety can make a real difference.  Listen now and follow MindChat for more honest conversations about mental health.

Facing procedure anxiety: Georgia’s story

In this episode, Lauren chats with Georgia, 11, who lives with Crohn’s disease and has spent a lot of time in hospital. Georgia shares the creative techniques she’s developed to manage her anxiety around medical procedures, including giving her worries names and imagining friends that keep her company when things get tough. Joining them is Siobhain Lowthe, Mental Health Social Worker, who’s watched Georgia’s confidence grow over time: “The last few times she waltzed in here with her crown on and she’s been smiling. She’s still nervous, still has a little bit of anxiety, but she uses her strategies herself, she doesn’t need reminding from anyone else. She is a superstar!” Together, they discuss how personalised coping tools can help kids feel more in control and why it’s so important to support the emotional side of medical care.  Listen now and follow MindChat for more honest conversations about mental health.

Nick and Paige: From mental health challenges to peer support

In this episode, Lauren speaks with Nick and Paige, Peer Support Workers at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Both Nick and Paige experienced their own mental health struggles as teenagers and now use those lived experiences to support other young patients going through tough times. As Nick explains:  “A big issue in mental health is young people having to repeat their story a lot of times, so if they've just had a review and I'm seeing them soon after, I let them know they don't have to repeat their story if they don't want to.” Together, they talk about the importance of having someone who truly understands what it’s like, and how peer support can help young people feel less alone in hospital and beyond.  Listen now and follow MindChat for more honest conversations about mental health.

Living with OCD: Stephanie and her son’s story

In this episode, we hear from Stephanie, a mum whose teenage son lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She shares how little she knew about the condition at first. Joining the conversation is Dr Iain Perkes, Clinical Director of Mental Health at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and founder of the first dedicated OCD Clinical Service for young people within the SCHN — a research-enabled program of work and the first of its kind in Australia.Together, they explore what OCD really is, how it can affect young people and their families, and where to find the right support.  Listen now and follow MindChat for more honest conversations about mental health.