Episodes

  • 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-love


    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 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/free

    Premium Recovery Essentials Program https://www.thetaraclinic.com/essentials

    Instagram - @thetaraclinic

    Linkedin - 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 250 015

    SMART 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.

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  • 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 healingAnd so much more!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 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 moreSo 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 thriveAnd so much more!You can find out more about Georgie and the work of The Parenthood via the links below:Book: Breaking BadlyWebsite: The Parenthood – to join, donate, find out about campaignsThe 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 stylesHow does it impact our relationshipsTips to recognise different attachment stylesWays to navigate relationships when attachment styles differ or are negatively impactingAnd 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/storeFind 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.healthOr 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 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.

  • 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 personalitiesShould 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 expectationsYou can contact Sabina about speaking, media and interview opportunities via her website - https://www.sabinareadpsychology.com.au/The Human Cogs PodcastLearn 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 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 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 promotionsLiked 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/storeFind 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.healthOr purchase her book ‘Heal your anxious attachment” - available at all major bookstoreswww.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 happinessYou can check out Gaj's programs and resources via:The career Kickstarter programhttps://kompass.mykajabi.com/Kompass The Coaching Company – to engage Gaj, his team, buy the book, other resources.– go to http://www.kompassconsultancy.comLiked 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.