Holding space

Talking through trauma: Finding the right balance with kids

In this episode, we talk to Professor Vanessa Cobham, who shares practical insights for parents on navigating conversations with their children about traumatic experiences. Vanessa explores how to strike the right balance between over-discussing and under-discussing difficult topics, and explains why staying silent, or “letting sleeping dogs lie” can often be more harmful for a child in the long run.  Professor Vanessa Cobham is a Clinical Psychologist holding research and clinical appointments respectively within the School of Psychology, University of Queensland; and within Children’s Health Queensland’s Child and Youth Mental Health Service.

Supporting rangatahi through addiction and recovery

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Thorburn, Director at Meth Education and Solution Services (MESS). He reflects on his journey through addiction, time in prison, and eventual recovery, and shares insights into how to better support rangatahi facing mental health and addiction challenges. Peter also examines gaps in the current system, highlighting the importance of building whānau capacity, and how connection, belonging, and hope can foster change across generations. Peter Thorburn overcame a 23-year struggle with addiction, including eight years of methamphetamine dependence. Since his release from prison in 2005, he has worked as an AOD clinician, clinical supervisor, consumer advisor, and facilitator. In 2017, he established Meth Education and Solution Services (MESS), which delivers workforce development and clinical training across the mental health and addictions sector.

The value of lived experience

In this episode, we talk to Jessica Apanui about the vital importance of lived experience roles in the mental health and addiction workforce. Jess shares insights from her work on the Mana Over Meth Kura Kaupapa programme and offers guidance for practitioners and whānau on how best to support young people navigating addiction. She also shares personal reflections and advice – grounded in her own lived experience with meth addiction. Jessica Apanui is Principal Advisor – Lived experience addictions at Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand. She is a passionate advocate for transforming the approach to addiction in Aotearoa. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in areas such as methamphetamine education, gambling harm prevention, research and evaluation, governance, and culturally grounded approaches that prioritise the wellbeing of Māori whānau. You can also watch a short documentary about Jess’s story here: A Methamphetamine Recovery Story – Mana Over Meth [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsoNyeQrckw] Warning: This film contains reenactments of drug abuse and addiction that some viewers may find disturbing and/or triggering.

Recognising and responding to sexual trauma in children and young people

*Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. If it brings up some difficult feelings, consider reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional for support. In this episode, we speak with clinical psychologist, Catherine Gallagher about sexual trauma – its impact on children and young people, and the different ways in which people respond to experiencing sexual harm. She shares practical advice on supporting someone who discloses harm and highlights the different services and support available, emphasising that with the right support, healing is possible. Catherine has more than 20 years’ experience across public, private, and education settings and is currently the Clinical Practice Manager at START [https://starthealing.org/], where she supports staff and delivers community education on sexual harm. Resources: START | Website [https://starthealing.org/] Safe to talk | Sexual Harm Helpline [https://www.safetotalk.nz/]

Understanding trauma in our kids

*Content warning: This episode includes discussion of trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners. If it brings up some difficult feelings, consider reaching out to someone you trust or a mental health professional for support. In this episode, we speak with clinical psychologist, Catherine Gallagher about trauma: what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can show up in children and adults. She shares practical guidance for parents on how to respond if their child is experiencing trauma, and outlines where to seek further advice and support. Catherine has more than 20 years’ experience across public, private, and education settings and is currently the Clinical Practice Manager at START [https://starthealing.org/], where she supports staff and delivers community education on sexual harm.