Dr Heinz Albrecht

Organisation: Gold Coast Hospital SuburbCity: Southport

Biography: Specialist Psychiatrist. Acute Inpatient, and Community Mental Health Service, Mental Health Service MHS, Gold Coast Hospital GCH, Queensland Health, Australia. Visiting Adjunct Professor. Centre of Applied Psychology and Criminology, School of Humanities and Social Science, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. 29 years in acute psychiatry, including 12 years in forensic psychiatry, 4 years in emergency psychiatry, and 5 years in community psychiatry, in Germany, USA, New Zealand and Australia. Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Previous positions include: Senior Lecturer, Psychiatry, University of Queensland Assistant and Acting Deputy to the Director, Forensic Psychiatry Services, Auckland, NZ Clinical Director, Acute Care Treatment Team (Community), MHS, GCH Clinical Director, Emergency Psychiatry, MHS, GCH Associate Memberships include: Californian Association of Hostage Negotiators American Academy of Forensic Psychiatry and the Law American College of Forensic Psychiatry American Academy of Emergency Medicine Australian College of Legal Medicine Alumni status, Law School, Harvard University, Boston, USA Specialising in Threat Management of Predators.

Paper Title: Getting Tasered: Lights out or back to work?

Abstract: The 20 minutes 40 slide PowerPoint multimedia presentation including sound and animation is intended to be presented on 2 screens simultaneously, one screen for text, the other screen for photos, graphics, pathways. the presentation will be in the form of an extended First Announcement format providing and earl introduction to a study in progress. The initial stages of the presentation will move from an introduction regarding the neurophysiological effects of tasers, to the use of, and experience with tasers overseas. The core of the presentation will highlight the first clinical data of currently 5 patients, including 3 patients under my direct care as of the events in the community, at the time leading to police involvement and getting tasered. This was followed by admission to the acute inpatient services of the Mental Health Service MHS, Gold Coast Hospital GCH, Queensland, Australia. The emphasis will be on the initial medical effects of getting tasered, and the subsequent psychiatric risk management of mentally severely disturbed and violent patient in the Intensive Care Area ICA of the MHS, GCH. Hostage and siege situations as well as murder-suicide and suicide by cop scenarios on the Gold Coast will be addressed. Psychiatric co-morbidity especially in relation to non-prescribed and illicit substance and drug abuse including alcohol, benzodiazepines, amphetamines/ICE, and Nitrious Oxide inhalants, will be covered. Holistic multi-faceted rehabilitation efforts will be outlined. This will address amongst others, clinical, medico-legal and forensic issues. Possible longer term medical and psychological as well as psychiatric effects of getting tasered will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be on areas of cardiology, post traumatic stress disorder, and paranoid delusional states relating to stalking and revenge killing after being tasered.

 Mr Ahmad Al-Sagarat

Organisation: University of Wollongong  SuburbCity: LAKEMBA

Biography: Ahmad Al-Sagarat RN (JORDAN), RN (NSW) Position/Appointment: PhD candidate Institution: University of Wollongong Qualifications: Bachelor Degree in Nursing; University of Jordan 1996 High Diploma Degree in General Education Mu'tah University /Jordan 2002 MASTER DEGREE IN CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICE, UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY/ AUSTRALIA 2005 PROFISSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 2002-2004 CLINICAL FACILITATOR FACULTY OF NURSING, MU'TAH UNIVERSITY/ JORDAN 1997-2002 CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR FOR THE NURSING STREAM AT MINISTRY OF EDUCATION /JORDAN 1996-1997 REGISTERED NURSE AT (NICU) JORDAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL /AMMAN /JORDAN JULY 2005- TILL PRESENT PART TIME REGISTERED NURSE AT CANTERBURY HOSPITAL/ CAMPSIE NSW /AUSTRALIA

Paper Title: Patients; Nursing staff and patients relatives perceptions of ward atmosphere in four Jordanian Psychiatric hospitals

Abstract:  Background Treatment for people with mental illness is complex and has many components such as therapeutic interventions, psychosocial education and support. The atmosphere of the ward itself is one crucial dimension in the treatment and process of recovery from mental illness. Ward atmosphere is composed of a unique set of characteristics that give the setting unity and coherence and relates to the internal environment of an organisation as perceived by staff, patients and visitors (Ajdukovic 1990). These properties are assumed to have a major influence on behaviour and therefore on recovery. . By measuring ward atmosphere, changes can be made which will ultimately result in better patient outcomes. Significance Ward atmosphere has been well researched internationally over many years and in a variety of settings. The tools have been tested and have validity and reliability (Moos 1974). However, no studies of ward atmosphere have previously been undertaken in Jordan. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe how staff, patients and their relatives in 4 Jordanian psychiatric hospitals perceive ward atmosphere, and to determine the extent to which the patient and the staff perceptions of the ward atmosphere match or differ from each other. Methods A Ward Atmosphere Scale consisting of two measures, the Real form, which requires participants to rate their ward as they perceive it, and the Ideal form which requires participants to rate their ward on how they would like to see it were distributed to 267 mental health patients, their relatives and nurses in four Jordanian Psychiatric hospitals. Results Participants in all hospitals expressed the opinion that many changes could be implemented to improve the atmosphere of the wards. They recommended higher levels of involvement by patients, including more group activities and skills to assist them to rehabilitate back into the community. The participants also recommended that more support should be given patients by nurses and other patients. Importantly, they felt that anger and aggression could be minimized and that organization and programme clarity should be improved. Conclusion this study demonstrates that ward atmosphere is an important component in the treatment and rehabilitation from mental illness. By listening to patients, their relatives and staff and implementing relatively minor changes to treatment programmes could result in better patient outcomes, may reduce aggression and make the ward more cohesive and productive. Ultimately, by offering better treatment it could result in shorter hospital stays for patients and improve ward atmosphere for both staff and patients

 Ms Raelene Bond

Organisation: BP Australia Pty Ltd  SuburbCity: Melbourne

Biography: Raelene Bond is the Health Programs Manager for BP Australia Pty Ltd. She has worked in the area of Occupational Health for many years and during the past 13 years with BP has developed a strong interest in the area of mental health. Raelene has been the facilitator of the PaceHeart program within BP, contributing to the development of the program and continuing to deliver it to BP employees. Dr Ciaran Pier is a Lecturer in Psychology at Deakin University, an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of General Practice, Monash University, and a Provisional Psychologist. She currently teaches in undergraduate and postgraduate psychology programs at Deakin University and is a practicing clinician. Ciaran has a background of research in the areas of panic disorder, depression associated with cardiovascular disease and internet-based therapy. She is Chief Investigator of a Beyond Blue-funded project to evaluate the effects of a program to improve health and mental health literacy among people with depression and cardiovascular disease. She has acted as Chief Investigator on an NHMRC-funded randomised controlled trial of internet-based therapy for panic disorder, and has been involved in other research involving psychosocial wellbeing within general practice and anxiety and cardiovascular risk. She has published widely in these areas.

Paper Title: Title: Evaluation of PaceHeart Lifeskills: A program for the prevention of psychological ill health in the workplace

Abstract:  Authors: Ms Raelene Bond, Dr Catherine Hamilton, Dr Ciaran Pier and Ben Richardson. Backgound: Mental health disorders are a significant issue in the communities from which BP recruits in Australia, with one in five people in the general community experiencing clinically significant depression. Furthermore, there is convincing evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular illness among people with depression and poor social support. Therefore, there is a need to take action to reduce the risk of mental health problems in the workplace, to identify those at higher risk and ensure that those struggling with mental health problems are effectively supported and managed at work. The PaceHeart Program: PaceHeart, a mental health educative and intervention program, was developed in 1999, and re-developed in 2006. The program involves two 1:1 meetings with the facilitator, a group workshop and a six-week internet-based program. The program teaches employees about the association between psychological and physical health. The internet program also provides strategies for managing psychosocial health, with an emphasis on preventing or improving depressive symptoms and increasing social support. Participants completed a range of validated psychological questionnaires and had their heart rate and blood pressure measured at baseline, three-month and six-month time-points. Through a collaborative relationship with Deakin University these data were analysed to provide confidential individual feedback to participants from their questionnaire responses. Results: Repeated measures MANOVAs on seventy-three participants revealed statistically significant decreases in scores on measures of depression, anxiety and stress and a significant increase in perceived social support. These improvements were sustained at follow-up. Conclusion: These results indicate that a multi-faceted program was effectively implemented to improve psychosocial wellbeing. The improvement in perceived social support is particularly interesting in that this change occurred solely in the individual, without any change within the workplace.

 Mrs Sharon Booth

Organisation: NSCCAHS  SuburbCity: Hamlyn Terrace

Biography: Sharon Booth is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Mental Health for the Emergency department at Wyong hospital on the NSW Central Coast. She is also a Credentailed Mental Health Nurse through the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. Sharon works in private practice as well and is contracted to the Rural Division of General Practice where she takes referrals from G.P.'s to manage patients with psychological injuries in the work place. Sharon also is a Con-Joint lecturer at the University of Newcastle and a guest lecturer at the College of Nursing in Sydney.

Paper Title: Psychological stress in the workplace: Mental Health Nurses in Private Practice making a difference.

Abstract:  Dealing with work related stress and helping clients to manage their mental health problems and return to productive working lives is a challenge faced by GP’s every where. Now Mental Health Nurses working in private practice can provide much needed expert advice to our medical colleagues and give ongoing support to patients allowing them to experience sustained recovery from their illness or work related stress. An over view of how private practice mental health nurses work and case presentations of real situations will depict the value of having mental health nurses and other allied health professionals working together to ease the burden of work stress, compensation and sick leave. Recent recognition through the process of credentialing has raised the profile of Mental Health Nurses. The value of helping clients deal with work related stress and mental illness highlights the expanding contibution that mental health nurses are making in the community. Combating mental illness and stress in the workplace is a challenge faced by employers, insurers, rehabilitation agencies and the medical community. This paper will discuss these issues and how private practice is the new face of mental health nursing. Sharon Booth MHN. MNurs(N.P.) Private Practice Mental Health Nurse. N.S.W.

 Ms Jackie Burke

Organisation: NSW Rape Crisis Centre  SuburbCity: Drummoyne

Biography: With a background in psychology and counselling, Jackie has 7 years experience supervising workers who respond to trauma. She is the clinical coordinator of New South Wales Rape Crisis Centre where she manages a multi-disciplinary team of trauma therapists. Jackie is particularly interested in the impacts of vicarious trauma on frontline workers and how this risk can be effectively managed to avoid psychological injury.

Paper Title: Preventing Psychological Injury From Vicarious Trauma: A Case Study

Abstract: Triggered by analysis of attrition rates in frontline trauma workers, NSW Rape Crisis Centre identified psychological injury resulting from vicarious trauma as the primary OH&S hazard for employees. A package of policies and practices that consistently and comprehensively identifies and manages this risk has been developed. Work has focused on building a culture of vigilance about vicarious trauma within the workforce. These steps have resulted in no psychological injury claims from trauma work in over 5 years and the NSW Rape Crisis Centre being awarded the Work Cover 2007 SafeWork Award for Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue.

 Dr Helen Cameron

Organisation: Hawke Research Institute for Sustainable Societies, University of South Australia SuburbCity:  SA

Biography: Helen is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Work & Social Policy at UniSA and a Key Researcher in Hawke Research Institute for Sustainable Societies (HRISS). She has conducted research as a Chief Investigator on ARC funded research into the experiences of parents from socio-economically disadvantaged circumstances of families and how to maximise Local Government’s role in creating partnership options to facilitate equitable outcomes for disadvantaged communities. Housing and mental health is the topic of research supported through a recent HRISS grant resulting in recent refereed conference publications. She has supported many students in managing mental health along with their study.

Paper Title: Students’ Work & Mental Health – Pains & Gains in University Study

Abstract: University students face more stress and pressure than in previous decades, primarily due to combining paid work and study. Many also strive to manage the demanding work related to their study whilst also struggling with the impact of their mental illness. A variety of papers address the range of support services for university students with mental health issues and this paper also addresses some key themes from this literature. This paper has as its centre however, a discussion of some results from a survey about the special challenges faced by students with mental health concerns who take on university study. It reviews students’ other life commitments and how these impact on their management of their mental health condition and their study success. The paper takes a final position of strong support for those with mental health problems also taking on university study in terms of their general mental health and related self esteem.  

 Mrs Ying-Tzu Chang

Organisation: The Buddist Tzu-chi College of Technology  SuburbCity:  Hualien

Biography: Ying-Tzu Chang is a lecturer of psychiatric nursing and stress management at the Buddhist Tzu-chi College of Technology, Taiwan. She had a number of poster and oral presentation in the field of cognitive therapy and drug compliance at both national and international conference. Ying-Tzu graduated from Sydney University in 2000 with a Master of Nursing degree. Her research interests are in drug compliance and cognitive-behavior therapy.

Paper Title: Changes in Beliefs towards Medication-taking: Examples from The Compliance Therapy Group of Schizophrenic people in Eastern Taiwan

Abstract: Compliance therapy has been shown to improve compliance in medication-taking. The relevant literature has mainly addressed the efficacy of compliance therapy regarding relapse prevention and cost-saving by quantitative research. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how schizophrenic peoples’ beliefs towards medication have been changed by compliance therapy. The purpose of this study was to understand the nature of these changes in beliefs towards medication-taking in the therapy. In this qualitative study, eight Taiwanese participants from psychiatric ward of the Armed Forces General Hospital were recruited to form a compliance therapy group. All participants were initially assessed on their beliefs towards medication-taking using a 14－item scale designed by the researchers. The group had eight sessions. Each session ran for 60 minutes for eight weeks and was recorded by audio tape. The data was analyzed by the content analysis method. The Four themes which emerged from the data were (1) Seeing no reason to attend and then expecting something different from the group than what it was; (2) Repressing and then arousing the expressions of experience of medication-taking which involves physical, mental and social consequences; (3) Raising doubts and then shifting attention to the reasons why there is a need to take medication and be admitted, and (4) Making a breakthrough and then redefining the relationship between the meaning of medication-taking and self. This information could offer health workers a deeper understanding of the nature of changes in beliefs towards medication when they employ compliance therapy.

 Mr John Cheetham & Mr Chris Pearson

Organisation: Cheetham Consulting Group  SuburbCity: Moorabbin

Biography: John Cheetham is a consulting psychologist and Director of the Cheetham Consulting Group in Melbourne. John has a keen interest in the area of psychological health and well-being and occupational health and safety. John's clinical work includes a client base of worker who have experienced psychological trauma in the workplace. Chris Pearson is the senior psychologist at the Cheetham Consulting Group in Melbourne. Chris sees workers who have experienced trauma in the workplace resulting from poor management practices or critical incidents such as armed hold-ups, enexpected deaths and motor vehicle accidents. Both Chris and John are accredited trauma debriefers and sucide negotiators. Much of their worklife is spent in emergency critical incident training and introducing the concept of "psychological health and wellbeing" into organisations.

Paper Title: Preventing Psychological Injuries in the Workplace

Abstract: An integral part of Occupational Health and Safety is to educate management and workers to the importance of creating a psychologically safe and healthy environment. Key components of psychological health and wellbeing include: freedom from duress, freedom from micro-management, appropriate time and support in order to implement change, recognition of the dignity of each individual and an interpersonal communication style that is respectful. Long established habits of older management can be a barrier to the implementation of more positive policies. Consultation and shared responsibility by management and workers is criticial to effective strategies being adopted. This workshop will examine techniques for reshaping the culture of organisations in order to encourage good practices that will enhance the wellbeing of all workers.

 Dr John Clarkson

Organisation: Neurodiagnostic Centre  SuburbCity: Cottesloe

Biography: Dr John Clarkson (M.B.,Ch.B.Dip.Obst. FRACGP, ADPsychT. FACPsychMED) is a general practitioner residing in Perth, Western Australia, where he practices exclusively in the field of Psychiatry and Analytical Psychotherapy His special interests extend into the areas of neuroscience, functional brain imaging (SPECT) and the use of the Global Mind Screen (a unique computerised Psychiatric Screening tool), all of which he integrates into his medical practice in an attempt to add a greater scientific method to the evaluation and management of his patient's. John continues to lecture to the profession and the public and is the author of the recently released book “The Dream Not Yet” (a demystification of Psychotherapy). www.johnclarkson.com

Paper Title: Addictions in the Modern World – Understanding Lifestyle and Drug Addictions

Abstract:  Today's world, with its advancing technologies, has changed how we communicate, study, work and indeed, behave. The workplace is now being faced with an ever-increasing band of new addictions, the effects of which impinge on the individual's performance at work or continue to be ‘played out’ during working hours. This new breed of addictions, I have chosen to call - “lifestyle” addictions. "Lifestyle” addictions are many and varied, but include computer addictions, mobile phone addictions and Gym addiction -- to name, but a few. Throw into this mix -- illicit drugs [the stockbroker, who 'snorts' cocaine in the weekends or the IT analyst, who smokes a minimum of five “joints’ a day], tranquilisers and alcohol and the true impact of addictions, particularly the workplace, can only ‘begin to be comprehended’. Statistics reveal staggering figures in relation to “lifestyle” addictions, such as the 1.5 million “Net” addicts currently undergoing treatment in China or the 10% of mobile phone users, who have a full-blown addictive disorder. Inevitably, these addictions will affect, not only people’s personal lives, but also their ability to perform, at an appropriate and sustained level, within the workplace. Addictions in the Workplace is a practical and interactive workshop  which will allow attendees to acquire a basic understanding of neuroscience and functional brain imaging (SPECT and fMRI) and how the changes within the brain affects those with addictions. In addition, other psychiatric disorders will be touched on, as psychologically, addictions rarely exist within the individual alone.  Finally, attendees will be better equipped to deal with the multifactorial issues involved in addressing addictive behaviours in their day-to-day practice.

 Ms Rachel Clements

Organisation: Centre for Corporate Health  SuburbCity: Sydney

Biography: Rachel has over ten years of clinical and organisational psychological experience. Rachel is employed as Director of Psychological Services at the Centre for Corporate Health. Rachel has successfully managed and expanded the Centre for Corporate Health team and has had many years experience in the following clinical and organisational consulting areas: * Providing specialised assessments for Pre-Liability purposes for over ten years. * Providing specialised assessments for selection, vocational and management development purposes for over ten years. * Providing specialised advice and coaching to executives, staff and human resource professionals on the area of occupational stress prevention, assessment and intervention. Prior to this time Rachel provided assessment and counselling for adults with general psychopathology, conducted psychometric testing and psychological assessments, for the Royal Australian Navy and the WA Police where a thorough grounding in occupational stress was attained.

Paper Title: Occupational stress in Australian organisations: Who is at risk and individual interventions

Abstract: WorkCover claims citing stress and psychological injury remain at a consistently high rate in NSW, with associated large claim costs and time off work. Such high rates of psychological injury highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the specific individual or personal causes of psychological injury, so that highly tailored interventions for individual employees can be implemented in order to reduce future claims. Through the conduct of Pre-Liability Stress Assessments, the Centre for Corporate Health assists workers' compensation insurance companies to evaluate individual vulnerability factors that contribute to psychological injury. Our research highlights that mere exposure to an occupational stressor is not predictive in determining a claim for psychological injury, rather there are a number of psychological variables that seem to be more indicative of claim submission. Based on data gathered in the course of undertaking Pre-Liability Stress Assessments over a seven year period, this presentation explores characteristics of those who experience occupational stress and lodge claims, addressing issues such as; * The proportion of stress claims that are deemed to be related to factors other than work. * The impact of personality style and psychological variables, such as vocational discontent. * The role of demographic variables, such as age. * The personal factors impacting on individuals, such as life stressors. * The role of perceived constructive and supportive leadership as a protective factor in psychological injury claims. * Recommended preventative action for employers aimed at the individual level to minimise the risk of psychological injury in the workplace.

 Ms Lauren Coates

Organisation: Crisis Support Services.  Suburb/City: Footscray

Biography: Lauren Coates is currently working as a Trainer for Crisis Support Services in Melbourne. She has been developing and delivering successful training on the topic of “Engaging and Working with Men” with counsellors, social workers, youth workers and other health professionals in metropolitan and rural areas of Victoria for the past year. She has 7 years experience as a clinician and as an educator/trainer in the mental health sector and other occupational settings across a range of topics including Suicide & Risk Assessment, Family Violence, Culturally Appropriate Care, Self Care & Counsellor Well Being, Mental Health & Healthy Relationships. Lauren’s area of specific interest is in Understanding Family Violence – how the cycle of violence works, the impact on men who use violence and experience its effects.

Paper Title: Engaging and Working With Men

Abstract: Engaging & Working with Men.

Masculinity…. Is traditionally associated with certain values in Western Culture. According to these traditional values, men must appear to be highly independent, super competent, experienced, rational, invulnerable, unemotional, in-authority, tough…. (Alan Jenkins – An owners guide to Male Sexuality) Consequently, when difficulties arise either in the workplace or at home, men are less likely to disclose their distress and access help. This puts them at higher risk of both physical and psychological distress including stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

Professionals and those responsible for work place well being should be aware of the barriers that men face in terms of help seeking due to learned gender roles, and have practical strategies using non-deficit approaches to engage men in order to assist them when they are faced with difficulties in their lives. Using a “gendered approach” this workshop explores male socialisation & gender roles, the consequences of this in relation to male well being and how practitioners can actively engage men to address the challenges & stresses in their lives.

In an interactive and practical format, participants will have the opportunity to identify and explore their own attitudes and perceptions that may impact on how they engage with men, identify gender appropriate strategies for engaging and working with men and recognise how individual experiences may facilitate or impede effective care.

Prof Diego De Leo

Organisation: Griffith University & The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention SuburbCity: Mt Gravatt

Biography Professor Diego De Leo is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention at Griffith University, Brisbane and the of WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention. He holds a Doctor of Science title for his research activities on suicidology and psychogeriatrics. Prof. De Leo is Past President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Past President of the International Academy for Suicide Research. He has served as a board member of the National Advisory Council for Suicide Prevention and is Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Queensland Government Suicide Prevention Strategy. Prof. De Leo’s research expertise includes definitional issues in suicidology, culture and suicide, international trends and national suicide prevention programs. He is a member of the Editorial boards of several internationally renowned journals and has published extensively with 190 refereed journal articles, 120 book chapters, and 25 books published in the past 25 years. Prof. De Leo has won numerous national and international awards. Prof. De Leo has successfully established and managed many high-level international collaborations. His long association with the WHO has led to the creation of 7 collaborative studies including the WHO/SUPRE-MISS (SUicide PREvention – Multisite Intervention Study on Suicide) and the WHO/START Study Project (Suicide Trends in At-Risk Territories). He is the ideator and main promoter of organizing the World Day for Suicide Prevention, taking place every September 10th since its establishment in 2003.

Paper Title: “Type of occupation and suicide: data from the Queensland Suicide Register”

Abstract: 

 Dr Keryl Egan

Organisation: Stormont Consulting SuburbCity: 

Biography:  Keryl Egan, Director of Stormont Consulting, is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, executive coach and presenter who is well known for her strong and positive approach to job stresses, bullying and political challenges which interfere with collaboration and productivity in the workplace. She works with leaders who are often very talented and technically capable but their undeveloped people skills prevent them from reaching full potential and giving maximum value to the organisation. She provides assessment of behavioural risk and of the potential for individual derailment which could impact upon teams and the organisation as a whole.

Paper Title:  The Psychopath at Work

Abstract:  “This paper describes how psychopathic activity in organisations or covert, serial bullying not only undermines and annihilates individuals but also creates a toxic corporate environment which diminishes team effectiveness and impacts upon productivity.  A risk management approach to conquering workplace psychopathy is briefly outlined.”

 Ms Chai Yan Lin Elaine

Organisation: Nanyang Polytechnic  SuburbCity: Singapore

Biography: Ms Chai YanLin Elaine Elaine is a graduate of Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore in 2008. She is currently pursuing her degree conversion at the University of Sydney. She has received a scholarship for her undergraduate studies. Her special interests lie in the area of mental health, which include psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, groupwork processes and dynamics, and art therapy. She co-authored a study on the value of Day Centres in the rehabilitation of psychiatric patients in Singapore, which was presented at the 2007 World Mental Health Congress. Ms Suhaila Mohamed Usuludin Suhaila Mohamed Usuludin graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore with a Diploma in Occupational Therapy. Her areas of interest lie in geriatrics, neurorehabilitation, driving and work rehabilitation. She believes in life-long learning and will be pursuing the degree conversion programme in La Trobe University, Australia, in July 2008. She co-authored a study on the value of Day Centres in the rehabilitation of psychiatric patients in Singapore, which was presented at the 2007 World Mental Health Congress.

Paper Title: Effects of Attendance Pattern on Vocational Status at the 3 Day Centres of the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore: A Comparative Study. Chai YanLin Elaine, Suhaila Mohamed Usuludin, Heng Shih Hui, Lye Yuli and Jo Hobman, Nanyang Polytechnic; Liu Bonnie WT, Institute of Mental Health

Abstract: Mental health services in Singapore are moving towards community-based treatment. In addition, the Supported Employment model is adopted in vocational rehabilitation. These changes have resulted in a need to review psychiatric Day Centres, with the aim of identifying strategies to maximize their effectiveness and complement current vocational rehabilitation programmes. Singapore’s 3 Day Centres run on a hybrid model comprising of sheltered employment, cottage industry and day care centre services. Important objectives of the centres include optimizing the current functional level of patients and facilitating their eventual return to work. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of attendance pattern at the Day Centres on vocational status. 368 patients attending the Day Centres from January 2004 to March 2005 were categorized into 3 groups, namely regular, non-regular and under attendees. Their hospital admissions and length of stay 2 years before and after attending Day Centres were compared. Results show that non-regular attendance is the best predictor of obtaining competitive employment. Findings also suggest that the first year of Day Centre treatment yields the most improvement and Day Centres have a value in facilitating Supported Employment. Keywords: attendance pattern, employment, hospital admissions, mental health, psychiatric day centres, vocational rehabilitation.

Therese Fitzpatrick

Organisation: Beyond Blue - The National Depression Initiative  SuburbCity: Victoria

Biography: Therese Fitzpatrick is the Program Manager for beyondblue’s National Workplace Program.  Therese is an Occupational Therapist, with extensive experience working with people with mental health issues, particularly within workplace settings. In her current role, Therese works with organisations to implement beyondblue’s National Workplace Program, which aims to increase awareness and reduce the stigma associated with, depression and related disorders within workplace settings, and look at strategies to manage depression in the workplace.

Paper Title: Managing Depression in the workplace

Abstract: More than one million people in Australia experience depression, anxiety or related substance use disorder each year. With depression affecting one in five people at some point in their adult lifetime, these figures also impact on the workplace. Depression is second only to heart-related illness in terms of disability in Australia – resulting in a profound impact on all aspects of life, including work. Half a million full working days are lost every month and workers cut down their activity on another one million days in one month due to depression.  Depression will touch everyone – including employers – either directly or indirectly in today’s world. Depression currently represents a major social and economic challenge, particularly in today’s workplace.  Many employers realise the importance of staff retention and motivation in creating a harmonious work environment, but in today’s climate it is also important to monitor the well being of staff.   Lack of awareness and understanding in the workplace leads to difficult situations which may arise from prolonged absence or excessive sick-leave. In response to this important issue, beyondblue has developed training resources for the delivery of a brief workplace-based depression awareness program. This session will provide:

·          information on the signs and symptoms of depression, particularly focused on how they may be seen in a workplace context

·          information on managing depression at work

·          an overview of the key features of the beyondblue National Workplace Program

 Mr Andrew Gardner

Organisation: University of South Australia  SuburbCity: Adelaide

Biography: Andrew Gardner is a lecturer in mental health nursing at the University of South Australia where he is also currently completing a PhD. He teaches mental health nursing in the undergraduate program and at post graduate level teaches psychotherapy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Andrew has previously worked in a variety of senior clinical and nursing management positions in metropolitan hospitals, and as a CEO in rural and remote health services in South Australia. His qualifications include Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Mental Health Nursing and Master of Business, he also holds a Diploma of Medical Hypnosis. Andrew’s research is focused on how experienced mental health clinicians negotiate and maintain the professional boundary with their clients. Today he will present some of the emerging themes from the research with community mental health workers in rehabilitation settings.

Paper Title: Superficial supervision – Are we placing mental health professionals and clients at risk?

Abstract: Mental health practitioners are exposed to intense levels of emotions in the work place. In addition Simon (1999) suggests that problems involving therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries are an occupational hazard for mental health clinicians. There are many examples of clinicians who have breached the professional boundary in their clinical practice, resulting in a vulnerable client and a compromised worker who may require ongoing counselling and supervision. Contemporary interdisciplinary research in the area of therapeutic relationships and professional boundaries is discovering new themes that have not previously been well described. Therapeutic friendliness – how clinicians engage clients, therapeutic leverage – the way mental health practitioners work with clients during medium to long term rehabilitation, and, superficial supervision – although most clinicians espouse the value of clinical supervision it is apparent that there are some areas that are not discussed during supervision. Through the interview process clinicians have reflected on how they maintain the professional boundary and have discovered that they had not previously thought of some issues and had not discussed them during supervision. Whilst these concepts and their associated problems are being recognized by mental heath professionals it is evident that some of the more subtle issues are not being discussed in clinical supervision. Despite most Mental Health professionals identifying that clinical supervision is an important part of their professional development. This presentation will outline some emerging concepts from recent interdisciplinary research and will pose the question are we practicing superficial supervision which may place mental health workers and clients at risk?

 Mr Jonathan Gaston

Organisation: Centre for Emotional Health Department of Psychology, Macquarie University SuburbCity: NSW

Biography:  Jonathan Gaston is a clinical psychologist who has previously worked in both public health and University settings. He is currently the Clinic Director at the Macquarie University Centre for Emotional Health, as well as being in private practice. His interest in burnout began in the mid-90's in response to trying to understand and deal with his own work stressors. This interest lead to the development of outreach seminars to other health professionals regarding both the nature of burnout and how to deal with it. Jonathan has subsequently conducted these seminars for a wide range of public and private health professionals across NSW. He has recently completed a major study of burnout in NSW allied health professionals. His other research areas include the assessment and treatment of adult social phobia and the nature and treatment of academic procrastination and perfectionism.

Paper Title:  Burnout in a sample of Australian allied health professionals

Abstract: Burnout is a psychological syndrome that develops after prolonged exposure to chronic stressors in the workplace. The prevalence of burnout across various helping professions averages between 6 & 11%, with rates over 20% reported in some contexts. The costs of burnout can be high both for the individual and the workplace. For the individual there can be longer term emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression, increased physical illness, increased drug and/or alcohol use, work avoidance and overall questioning of career suitability. For the organisation, workplace burnout can result in increased staff dissatisfaction, unexpected leave, absenteeism, high staff turnover rates and ultimately higher training and employment costs. In this paper we will present the results of a recent survey of over 400 Australian allied health professionals looking at both their levels of burnout and depression, anxiety and stress. Data will also be presented regarding potential risk factors for this burnout development. The implications of these results in terms of how we can better care for, and retain, allied health professionals in the workplace will be discussed.

Mr Christopher Harrison

Organisation: University of Sydney  SuburbCity: Wentworthville

Biography: Christopher is a registered psychologist. He first started working with the Family Medicine Research Centre on the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health project or “BEACH” in 2002. The BEACH project is a continuous national cross-sectional survey of general practice activity in Australia and has been running for ten years now. Christopher is a senior analyst for the program and his research interests include the management of psychological problems in Australian general practice.

Paper Title: The management of work-related psychological problems in Australian general practice

Abstract: Aims: To examine the proportion of work related problems managed by Australian general practitioners in 2004–07 that were psychological; the proportion covered by workers’ compensation; the nature of these problems and their management. Content: BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health) is a continuous national cross-sectional survey of general practice activity in Australia. Problems regarded as work related by GPs accounted for 2.1% of all problems in 2000¬–02 and decreased to 1.35% in 2004–07. A higher proportion of work-related problems were psychological compared to non-work-related problems (10.1% cf. 7.8%). Work-related psychological problems were managed about 200,000 times per year by Australian GPs. The proportion of work-related psychological problems managed by GPs claimed through workers’ compensation increased from 40.4% in 2000–02 to 57.9% in 2004–07. The most common management for work-related psychological problems was clinical treatment (mostly counselling) (61.6%) followed by medication management (46.7%). In 2004-07, 27.3% of new work-related psychological problems were referred, mostly to psychologists and psychiatrists. The most frequently managed work-related psychological problems were depression (37.1%); acute stress (29.5%); anxiety (15.7%) and PTSD (11.5%). In comparison, acute stress and PTSD accounted for only 5.0% and 0.9% of non-work-related psychological problems respectively. The proportion of depression problems where a medication was prescribed decreased between 2000–02 and 2004–07. Conclusion: GPs play a vital role in the management of psychological work related problems, managing high rates of complex problems (PTSD), using counselling more often than medication and are gatekeepers to other health professionals.

 Prof Richard Hicks

Organisation: Bond University  SuburbCity: Robina

Biography: Dr Hicks has an extensive background in health, clinical, educational and organisational psychology. His interests are wide and varied and cover areas such as: psychological testing and test development, assessment, counselling, and health and well-being. His empasis in research and research supervision over the ten years has ranged from personality questionnaire development including two online questionnaires, mostly for organisational and career planning to specific attention to stress and stress reactions. His current emphasis is on perfectionism as a characteristic that has both positive and negative aspects. He reports today on research conducted under his supervision- on 'maladaptive perfectionism, depression and 'occupational stress' in university students".

Paper Title: Maladaptive perfectionism, depression and 'occupational stress' in university students

Abstract: Stress within universities is a common occurrence (Kinman, 1998) and student stress and depression levels have been cited as high (e.g., Farrelly, Ffrench, Ogeil & Phillips, 2007; Tully, 2004) despite the common 'myth' that students 'have it easy' compared to those in the work-world. Some studies have identified perfectionism as an element contributing to stress and depression. Thus, students who were maladaptive perfectionists were found to be more susceptible to distress compared to students who were adaptive perfectionists , according to Rice, et al. (2006). Cotton, Dollard, and Jonge (2002) suggested that university students should be seen in the same way as paid workers are seen; thus one should perceive student study within a university to be similar to work within an occupation. However, no studies have been identified which have examined student 'study and work' roles in this way, combining studies of perfectionism, depression and 'occupational' stress. The current paper reports several student projects supervised by the author, which have examined these relationships. In particular the relationships between scales on several instruments are reported- these instruments included the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Frost et al., 1992), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) and the Occupational Stress Inventory- Revised: (Osipow, 1998). Confirmation occurred of the maladaptive perfectionism links to depression and also to occupational roles as stressors. In addition use of inadequate coping mechanisms was identified. Conclusions for counselling and clinical practice are drawn.

 Mrs Deborah Hogg

Organisation: Uniting Care Community Options  SuburbCity: Surrey Hills

Biography: Deborah Hogg has worked in the community sector since 1989 when she commenced work as an artist in an institutional setting within the Occupational Therapy Department. Predominantly working with people who have a disability as well as the frail aged, Deborah has worked in various recreational, vocational, respite and residential services. Currently a Team Leader in a Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre, Deborah is responsible for services to carers of people with a mental illness or psychiatric disability. In 2000, whilst working as a senior manager in a Disability organisation, Deborah suffered a major psychological injury that was related to her employment. What followed was five traumatic years of extremely ill health, various treatments and a devastating effect on Deborah's family and her future.

Paper Title: Don't cry mummy, I love you!

Abstract: In February 2000, I was looking forward to a new year that had survived the Y2K threat that had taken up so much work time during 1999 and saw me spend New Years Eve sitting in an office monitoring disability residentail facilities. A dedicated worker, I thrived on challenge, creativity and innovation and thoroughly enjoyed the team that I worked with. I was enjoying a senior role that I had worked hard for and had a very bright and promising future. Working in the not-for-profit sector brought many challenges on a daily basis, as did working with people who had high, and often, complex support needs. It is a sector with a high turnover and burn out rate, but I didn't see myself as at risk as I had a healthy sense of work/life balance and made sure that my staff adopted the same work ethic. Unfortunately, one night driving home from work, I suddenly began to shake and cry uncontrollably. Unable to drive, I pulled off the side of the road and called my husband. That moment was the beginning of a long and terrifying journey through severe mental illness, trauma, treatment, the workers compensation system, the legal system, stigma and recovery. My story, offers a unique view of someone who has been on both sides of the system and has survived, despite the ongoing psychological scarring and treatment.

 Ms Libby Holden

Organisation: Griffith University  SuburbCity: Meadowbrook

Biography: Libby Holden is a doctoral scholar with Griffith University doing her PhD in health economics under the supervision of Health Economist Professor Paul Scuffham of Griffith University and Professor Harvey Whiteford from the Centre for Mental Health Research. Libby has an Master of Public Health and a background in health services research, primary health care research and health promotion research.

Paper Title: The impacts of anxiety on the productivity of Australian workers.

Abstract: Aim: Describe the impacts of anxiety on the productivity of Australian workers after adjusting for co-morbidity, demographic characteristics, a range of working conditions and treatment seeking behaviour. Contents: Methods: This study used data collected during the screening phase of the Australian based Work Outcomes Research Cost-benefits (WORC) project. During this phase (2003-04), approximately 300,000 working Australians were surveyed (90,000 responses received) to identify a group of cases with depression and a group of matched controls, to conduct a trial into the cost-effectiveness of a treatment for depression. This study used data obtained from the screening survey for approximately 80,000 survey respondents to explore associations between self-reported anxiety and self-reported productivity measures. Findings: Workers self-identifying with anxiety had an unadjusted relative risk of 2.63 (CIs 2.41-2.86) of low productivity compared to workers who identify as not having anxiety. This risk reduced to 1.67 (CIs1.50-1.85) after adjusting for co-morbidity, known demographic characteristics and working conditions; and further reduced to 1.56 (CIs1.40-1.74) when treatment seeking behaviour is also adjusted for. Similarly workers self-identifying with anxiety compared to those without anxiety had an unadjusted relative risk of 1.43 (CIs1.41-1.45) of absenteeism. The adjusted relative risk was 1.11 (CIs1.09-1.13) and 1.04 (CIs1.02-1.06) when treatment seeking was included. Conclusions: Anxiety has a greater impact on productivity (presenteeism) than absenteeism. Its impacts on both presenteeism and absenteeism are reduced when other factors are considered; and considerably diminished with treatment seeking.

 Ms Nicole Hughes & Kasrynne Huolohan

Organisation: Dept of Communities/DSQ and the Arts & Strive Occupational Rehabilitation SuburbCity: Brisbane

Biography:  Nicole Hughes Nicole Hughes trained as an occupational therapist and gained clinical experience in the area of adult mental health. She then moved into the area of organisation development firstly at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and then with what was the Department of Employment and Training (DET). Nicole Hughes currently works in the Dept of Communities/DSQ. The focus of this work is the prevention and early intervention of psychological injury. She is also a “beyondblue Depression in the Workplace” trainer and delivers the “Mental Health First Aid” program within DETA.

Following graduating with a psychology degree from the University of Queensland, Kasrynne was a director of an NLP training organization for 10 years. She specialised as an NLP Trainer and also became experienced as a Mediator and Counsellor. Kasrynne then went on to form her own company and worked across a range of areas including occupational rehabilitation, counselling, workplace mediation and training programs. She has also worked with sex offenders and domestic violence offenders, broadening her wealth of experience. Over the past decade, Kasrynne specialised as an Occupational Psychologist and developed a reputation for working with complex cases across Commonwealth and Military agencies, early intervention programs for State Government and return to work outcomes for national companies and insurers. Kasrynne is highly experienced in all aspects of Occupational Rehabilitation including mediation, team intervention, counselling, vocational assessment and management coaching. Kasrynne is a Director of Strive Occupational Rehabilitation, a Queensland based company.

Paper Title: The application of a multi-faceted approach to early intervention to prevent psychological injury/illness within a State Government Agency - outcomes and experiences

Abstract: Over the past four years a range of strategies focussing on early intervention to prevent psychological injury/illness have been developed and implemented within the Training Portfolio of DETA (Department of Education Training and the Arts - Qld State Government). The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview and outcomes of these strategies from the perspectives of the organisational health unit and of an external provider of early intervention. The success of the overall approach to early intervention can be attributed to the variety of specific activities utilised across the agency e.g. Beyond blue Depression in the workplace program Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Implementation of a 15hr early intervention model (to assist individuals/teams) Training for managers and supervisors in early detection of workplace distress Training for rehab coordinators in assisting the rehab of employees following psychological injury/illness. Mental Health Promotion targeting specific age groups: Men's program, Wise Women. Annual Mental Health Week activities All programs are evaluated with respect to return to work/maintain at work outcomes or in the case of training programs post-program feedback. Recent evaluation processes have focused specifically on consumer feedback from employees who have been involved in the 15hr intensive case management program and employees who have completed MHFA training.

 Dr Tracey Hunter

Organisation: PsyCare  SuburbCity: Southport

Biography: Tracey is a clinical psychologist and partner with PsyCare. Tracey completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in 2005. Tracey joined PsyCare 4 years ago, and now works with both individuals and organisations by providing psychological treatment programs for a range of common psychological issues and work-related stress. Tracey also provides comprehensive psychological assessments for organisations, vocational assessments and rehabilitation programs for injured workers, and organisational consulting services including mediation and facilitation for workplace conflict, and Organisational Health Reviews. Tracey has an interest in emotional health and well-being in the workplace, promoting supportive leadership and cohesive teams. Tracey has also conducted a number of pre-injury liability assessments for workers’ compensation claims across regional and metropolitan Queensland for state, local government and self-insurers. Tracey has presented at a number of national conferences in the areas of workplace stress, personality disorders and rehabilitation, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Paper Title: Key Challenges for Professionals and Stakeholders in Managing Psychological Injuries Caused by Workplace Conflict

Abstract: Historically, workers’ compensation was considered in the realm of physical injuries only, and workplace health and safety initiatives focused on minimising sources of physical hazards in the workplace. Now, “stress claims” have become more commonplace, and are reported to cost Australian insurance bodies up to $200 million per year, four times the cost of managing physical injuries (National Occupational Health & Safety Commission, 2003; Office of Public Service Merit & Equity, 2006; Stebbins, 2003). The complexity of interpersonal factors such as workplace conflict and disputes, performance management and counselling, have resulted in new challenges for the prevention and management of psychological injury. A significant proportion of claims submitted for psychological injury cite “stress, depression and anxiety” caused by “conflict, workplace harassment and bullying”, introducing two key challenges for the determination of liability. The first is the presence of an actual diagnosis that satisfies the requirement for an “injury” to be present. The second is the question of reasonableness in terms of whether the action taken with the worker was justifiable, and also how the event was managed by other parties. Collateral information provided by witnesses within the workplace at times reveal conflicting evidence that highlight different perceptions of reality that also need to be considered in the overall determination of the claim. By understanding certain key questions that must be answered at each stage of the claims process, from initial lodgment, to assessment, determination, and then beyond to rehabilitation and treatment, professionals and stakeholders can contribute to a more successful outcome in assisting the worker return to optimal occupational functioning.

 Ms Fay Jackson

Organisation: Vision in Mind SuburbCity: Kiama, NSW

Biography: Fay Jackson is the CEO of Vision In Mind which delivers consultancy, training, education and motivation across Australia and internationally to multi-national companies, workplaces, educational institutions, services, state and federal governments and communities. Some of her clients include Shell, TNT, Australian Broad Casting Commission, RailCorp, the Family Law Courts of Australia, NSW Health, the Attorney General Department, FACSIA, Diversity Council of Australia, small remote, rural, and Aboriginal communities, etc. Fay has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Australian Society for Psychiatric Research Consumer Research Award 2006, Australian Rotary Health Research Fund Meritorious Service to Community Medal 2005, Consumer Advocate of the Year 2004, nominated for NSW Woman of the Year 2007, etc. Previous to starting Vision In Mind Fay Jackson was a director of the South East Sydney Illawarra Area Mental Health Service. While in this position she designed and implemented a multi award winning communications strategy.

Paper Title: Tips and Tools: The practical way of managing health as a HR, OHS and performance issue in the workplace

Abstract: 60-80% of workplace accidents and 40% of staff turnover have stress and mental illness as the root cause.

This paper aims to teach delegates the tools and methods designed and used by Vision In Mind to promote mental health in the workplace and to individuals. The tools and methods are practical, user friendly, sustainable, inexpensive and greatly decrease the costs of HR, OHS, leave, staff turnover, poor performance and litigation. People who have mental health issues and their managers experience a metamorphosis from fear, guilt, and lack of control to a feeling of assuredness and knowledge. They learn how to create and maintain a good working environment for all staff. Directors, managers and staff utilizing these tools, knowledge and attitudes ensure that they are meeting their duty of care and performance outcomes. According to studies both in Australia and internationally mental illness and stress are the root cause of 60-80% of all workplace accidents. These tools decrease accidents, costly time off work, litigation and performance management issues. They increase work output, physical and mental health, retention of quality staff and create a culture of acceptance and support for people with mental health issues.

This education and tools have been delivered to companies and services with outstanding success, including:

·          The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

·          Shell Logistics

·          RailCorp

·          Family Law Courts of Australia nationally

·          NSW Police etc

The simplicity of these tools and the positive change to workplace cultures lead to successful outcomes for workplaces and individuals.

Dr Simon Kennedy

Organisation: Behaviour Work Group  SuburbCity: Melbourne

Biography:  Dr. Simon Kennedy is a Clinical & Forensic Psychologist, Director of Behaviour Work Group, with a specialty in psycho-legal assessment, and work-stress prevention and intervention. He holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Master of Psychology (Clinical), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) (University of Melbourne), and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Work Stress at UMIST. A Member of the Clinical, Forensic and Educational/Developmental Colleges of the Australian Psychological Society, he has held senior Psychology and University positions since 1991, published over 20 papers in Australian and international journals, is a visiting senior lecturer at RMIT, Deakin, & Australian Catholic University , an examiner for Victorian Workcover Authority since 1995, and was previously on the Transport Accident Commission In-House Medical Panel and Department of Human Services Child Protection Panel of Experts. Dr. Kennedy is an experienced examiner having written several thousand psychological reports in criminal, family, children’s, civil and compensation matters.

Paper Title: Evaluation of work-stress responses and treatment in the compensation domain: Assessing the validity of psychological presentations. Dr Simon Kennedy

Abstract: The assessment of individuals with work- stress psychological responses requires the clinician to assess factors beyond the immediate symptoms and history of psychological distress. The clinician must also address: “Fake bad” responses, where there is exaggeration of psychological distress “Fake good” presentations, or minimisation of psychological symptoms Primary gain presentations, where the individual gains specifically from their psychological distress Secondary gain presentations, where the individual may attains attention, the involvement of their family, or other factors that reinforce their presentation Systemic factors, where the presentation may relate directly to involvement in the compensation system Chronicity factors, where secondary psychological and contextual issues complicate the clinical picture. The efficacy of treatment, particularly approaches that reinforce the individual's symptoms. A series of guidelines for the evaluation of individuals with work stress responses in the compensation domain proposed. The following are discussed in relation to practice. Objective psychological instruments with and without validity measures to identify "faking bad". Specific psychological assessment techniques to address issues of exaggeration and minimisation of symptoms. The clinical process of information gathering that clarifies the validity the individual's presentation. Methods to address the efficacy and relevance of psychological treatment. Methods for retaining neutrality in psycho-legal evaluations of compensation issues. Clinical examples and case studies illustrate the approaches to evaluation within this domain. The dilemmas of evaluation of this type are highlighted, and the systemic complexities addressed.

A/ Prof Les Koopowitz

Organisation: University of Adelaide  SuburbCity: Adelaide

Biography: Associate Professor in Psychiatry, University of Adelaide; Visiting Neuropsychiatrist, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Paper Title: “Neurocognitive” Therapy for Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract: Drawing on the basic principles of developmental and evolutionary neuroscience it is possible, at a clinical level, to provide patients with an explanatory model as to why they often find it difficult to process information following an acquired brain injury (ABI) and how this impacts on their day-to-day functioning. Clinical experience has taught that most “brain-injured” patients (and their families) are not only able to understand a neurobiologically-based explanation, but to use it therapeutically in their struggle to recover from their ABI. An explanation of the role of “connecting” circuitry and the dynamic interchange between “feeling” and “thinking” and “doing” neural networks; and how these may become disrupted not only by the brain injury itself, but also by the brain’s attempts to repair itself, are usually readily understood and come as a relief to many patients and their families. As the patients and their families come to understand the psychophysiological basis of the difficulties facing them, they are often able to take “ownership” of their recovery process (the major interfering variable seeming to be pre-injury personality factors). The greater challenge appears to lie in educating disputing parties with financial interests in ABI to accept the pathophysiological basis of the neurobehavioural sequelae of the ABI.

 Ms Etty Matalon

Organisation: National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre  SuburbCity: Randwick

Biography: Bio: Presenter, Trainer and Workshop facilitator: Etty Matalon Etty Matalon is a Clinical Psychologist and the National Clinical Training Manager for the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC). Etty is also a Consultant who runs her own private practice that provides relevant workplace training and seminars and the past State President of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy for five years. She has 20 years clinical experience in the Alcohol and Other Drug Field having worked at two major teaching hospitals in Sydney; as the Clinical Co-ordinator for a women’s detoxification and rehabilitation service where she introduced a Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Program and as the Program Manager at a Private Psychiatric Hospital. Throughout her career she has worked closely with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre and has provided her clinical services in relation to several trials and clinical expertise with respect to several publications. She taught Drug and Alcohol studies at the Institute of TAFE and has facilitated over 200 workshops and training seminars within Education, Health Services and the Defence Forces relating to Brief Intervention for Cannabis Use Disorders, Alcohol Treatment Guidelines and run Relapse Prevention groups for inmates within Corrective Services.

Paper Title: A brief intervention for cannabis related problems within the workplace

Abstract: The ever increasing pressures of modern working life leave many workers physically and emotionally drained and vulnerable. One coping strategy is to rely on the use of alcohol and other drugs, and in particular cannabis. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in developed countries and in Australia around 200,000 Australians meet the diagnostic criteria for cannabis dependence. There is a serious gap in the provision of effective evidence-based interventions, and in the public’s awareness of how to access those that do exist. The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) is a Federally-funded initiative in response to community concerns about cannabis use. One of its aims is to provide the Australian community with evidence-based information and resources about cannabis-related harms, hence this workshop aims to provide: (1) up to date information and resources, and (2) a brief cognitive behavioural intervention for cannabis use disorder that will assist them in acquiring skills which promote cannabis cessation and maintenance of abstinence. This workshop will provide primary health care practitioners with an introduction to a brief intervention suitable for individuals presenting with cannabis use disorder or misuse. This intervention is based on the findings of an Australian randomised-controlled trial conducted by NCPIC staff. This study found that, even among a severely dependent sample of cannabis users seeking treatment, one session of assessment and cognitive-behavioural therapy led to a significant reduction in the amount and frequency of cannabis use with associated reduction in the levels of dependence and associated problems. The intervention consists of strategies such as behavioural self-monitoring, withdrawal symptom management, mastery of urges and cravings, lifestyle modification and relapse prevention. The intervention is supported by brief guideline for the clinician and a booklet for the client. These materials will be demonstrated in the workshop and circulated to participants.

Mr Tony McHugh

Organisation: Austin Health - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program & Victorian Psychological Trauma Treatment Service  SuburbCity: VIC

Biography: Tony McHugh has been the Manager, and principal psychologist, of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program at Austin Health since 1995 and the Victorian Psychological Trauma Treatment Service (VPTTS) since its inception in 2003. In these roles, Tony has been responsible for the set up and development of a program of comprehensive treatment for severely traumatised combat veterans and members of the public with compensable status (e.g. under Workcover, TAC or private health insurance. He has also acted as a psychological advisor to the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and to the Transport Accident Commission of Victoria. Following on from these appointments, Tony has provided workshops across Australia on the psychological treatment of post-traumatic reactions, including PTSD and other anxiety disorders, depression and, most often, problematic anger. Prior to his time at Austin Health, Tony held various appointments, such as Senior Project Officer in Mental Health Planning (the then) Office of Psychiatric Services of DHS, Clinical Psychologist in the Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team of the Northern Area Mental Health Service and the Assistant Director for the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC). Tony also has a small part-time psychology private practice. Through these various experiences, Tony has attained considerable experience in the treatment of a range of posttraumatic conditions, including severe anxiety and mood disorders. A special focus within this work has been in the treatment of problematic anger. 

Paper Title: Psychologically treating the injured worker – the VPTTS and Police

Abstract: 

Dr Wendy McIntosh

Organisation: Davaar Consultancy  SuburbCity: Wellers Hill

Biography: Dr McIntosh has a 28 year history in nursing, 25 of those years in mental health. Wendys main areas of clinical interest include, managing aggressive behaviour, the link between mental illness and trauma and childhood trauma. Her areas of professional development interest include workplace bullying and professional boundaries. Wendy has been conducting training in a broad range of topics relevant to mental illness for over 18 years. She has a background in psychodrama training and enjoys the experiential consolidation of learning that happens through action methods. Wendy’s PhD examined the experience of shame in nursing.

Paper Title: Shame, workplace bullying, professional boundary crossings and the importance of the breath

Abstract: This workshop will exmaine the links between the experience of shame, workplace bullying and individuals (and groups) crossing or violating professional boundaries. Research demonstrates that the relationship between workplace bullying and psychological distress. Potential outcomes of such psychological distress may be post traumatic stress disorder and in extreme circumstances may result in suicide. The importance of the limic system and flight, fight, freeze response to being under threat will be explored using a number of interactive techniques. Stories from the presenters PhD which exmained the experience of shame in a nursing culture will be shared to show how individuals enact workplace bullying as a solution to managing thier experience of shame. Further the presenter will demonstrate how recipients and perpetrators of workplace bullying act out thier distress by crossing or violating boundaries. A number of strategies to manage the psychological distress of workplace bullying and shame will be demonstrated, starting with the importance of breathing. Role training will be used to enable participants to see the "roles being enacted" in the workplace and to identfiy a range of possible solutions for the individuals involved. The aim of the workhsop is to assist participants recognise the "body messages" of psychological and physiological distress in the experience of shame to avoid acting out roles that may affect their ability to maintain safe professional boundaries. The presenter has been running workshops on managing workplace bullying for over 5 years and consistently receives feedback about the longer term benefits of the workshops.

 Mr Michael Mitchell

Organisation: Queensland Police Service  SuburbCity: Brisbane

Biography: Senior Sergeant Mitchell and Ms Helen Turner are the state coordinators for the QPS and QAS in this Mental Health Intervention Project. Both persons have been involved in this project for a number of years and have seen the implementation of the project to its present stage. Ms Tuner has a background in clinical mental health and Senior Sergeant Mitchell has been a serving police officer for over 25 years.

Paper Title: “Preventing and resolving mental health crisis situations by working collaboratively” Mental Health Intervention Project

Abstract: Police, ambulance and mental health services often provide services to the same people with a mental illness. The Mental Health Intervention Project (MHIP) is a tri-agency partnership between the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Health (QH) aimed at the prevention and safe resolution of mental health crisis situations. The MHIP is a state-wide program with an implementation schedule which is staged over three years from 2006-2009 and will roll out across 17 Queensland Health Service Districts. The project relies heavily on the three services committing to work together to build upon existing relationships and collaborative protocols, with particular emphasis on agency specific training, information sharing and improved pathways of referral for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The MHIP provides Mental Health Intervention Coordinators within each agency to enable police, ambulance and health staff to work together at district level, to seek local solutions to local mental health issues. To date, each service has developed and delivered training programs that provide staff with enhanced knowledge and skills to de-escalate situations involving people with a mental illness. These programs include opportunities for cross agency and joint agency training involving all three services. In addition to training, more appropriate responses to people in crisis are being supported through more timely and meaningful information sharing. As part of this project, the three services, and the consumer where possible, are collaborating to formulate agreed responses to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Specifically, the development of Crisis Intervention Plans (CIP) are aimed at supporting all parties in the early identification of issues and assisting service providers to manage situations which may otherwise result in crisis. The project is also seeking to increase community support networks and develop localised processes for accessing alternative referral pathways for people who do not meet criteria for mental health admission to ensure that consumers receive the most appropriate services for their needs. An intervention response will comprise trained first response police officers, ambulance officers and mental health staff providing a more timely and coordinated response to mental health crisis situations. The MHIP is an Australian first and reflects a collaborative endeavour in service coordination, promoting both an adequate standard of care to the mentally ill person in crisis as well as ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

Dr Philip Morris

Organisation: Psychiatrist.  Executive Director, Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health  SuburbCity: Gold Coast

Biography:   Dr Morris has medical qualifications MBBS (Hons), BSc(med) (Hons), and PhD.  He is qualified in psychiatry and addiction medicine in Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and a Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (FAChAM) of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.  He is qualified in general adult psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry in the USA and is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).  He is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME) with the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME).  Dr Morris is a Distinguished Fellow and Board Member of the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatry. Dr Morris is Executive Director of the Gold Coast Institute of Mental Health.  He is Medical Director of Mirikai, a young adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation program on the Gold Coast, and is Medical Director of the Gold Coast – Tweed Memory Disorders Clinic.  He has a private psychiatric and medico-legal practice on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.  He is a member of the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Reference Committee. 

Dr Morris has held professor positions in psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland, and at the School of Health Sciences at Bond University.  At the University of Melbourne he was chairman of the Department of Psychiatry Research Committee.  He has been Medical Superintendent of Macquarie Psychiatric Hospital, North Ryde NSW, and Director of Mental Health for the Gold Coast District Health Service.  He was the Foundation Professor/Director of the Australian Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health in Melbourne.  He has been a member of the Queensland Compensation Commission (Q-Comp) Medical Assessment Tribunal – Psychiatric, and was chairman of the RANZCP Continuing Professional Development Subcommittee. His clinical and research interests include the psychiatric care of adult patients, medical and surgical patients (consultation–liaison psychiatry), neuropsychiatry/psycho geriatrics, post-trauma syndromes, clinical drug trials, and co morbid drug and alcohol and psychiatric conditions.  Dr Morris undertook post-graduate research and clinical training in the USA.  He has published many scientific articles and reports and has won a number of competitive government research grants as well as pharmaceutical industry support for drug trials.  He is an external assessor for the Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

Dr Morris has extensive experience in medico-legal assessment for a range of legal jurisdictions.  Dr Morris is trained in the application of the American Medical Association Guides for the Assessment of Permanent Impairment, the Psychiatric Impairment Rating Scale (PIRS), the Comcare Permanent Impairment Guides, and the Guide to the Assessment of Rates of Veteran Pensions (GARP).  Contact Dr Morris personally on mobile 0422545753 or at pmorris@iprimus.com.au. 

Paper Title: Getting psychologically injured workers back to work - the role of supported employment

Abstract:  Rehabilitation is the process of helping people with disability to make the best use of their abilities to function at an optimal level in as normal a context as possible.  The goal of vocational psychiatric rehabilitation is to assure that the person with psychiatric disability can perform those physical, emotional, social and intellectual skills needed to live, learn and work in the community with the least amount of support necessary from helping professionals and carers.  The model of supported employment has been used successfully to rehabilitate individuals suffering chronic mental illness into vocationally productive lives.  Are these principles of vocational psychiatric rehabilitation in chronically ill populations transferable to psychologically injured workers?  Can supported employment (individual placement and support [IPS]) be used to revolutionise the management of injured workers?  Can we reconcile the attitude that a worker must be psychologically fit to resume work against the idea that work plays an important role in the path to fitness?  A new discipline of mental health workers will be required for supported employment – the job coach.  Returning psychologically injured workers to some form of work early has the potential to massively increase labour productivity, assist mental health recovery and save billions of dollars in rehabilitation expenses, health costs and lost work.  But it requires a new attitude from workers, unions, advocates, health professionals and employers to be successful.  Trials of supported employment models for vocational rehabilitation of injured workers should be a priority.

Mr Kevin O'Sullivan

Organisation: Recovre  SuburbCity: Sydney

Biography:  Clinical Psychologist Kevin is Manager of the Sydney Psychology Team and has worked as a psychologist since 1988 in mental health, general practice and correctional settings. As well as individual, couple and group consultations, Kevin also has extensive experience in medico-legal reporting and in the training and the clinical supervision of psychologists. In addition to therapeutic work, Kevin has contributed as a guest lecturer in Psychological Assessment and Therapeutic Group Work at the University of Western Sydney to the Master’s programmes in forensic and clinical psychology. Kevin has published on a number of topics and has particular expertise in the design and implementation of group programs. Marko Turner Clinical Psychologist Marko has worked as psychologist since 1994 and brings extensive experience in adult, child and family mental health, as well as working in specialist interdisciplinary services such as cardiac rehabilitation, audiological science and pain management. Marko joined Recovre in 2007 providing psychological assessment and treatment as well as specialist clinical supervision and training.

Paper Title: Leadership and communication in the workplace: how they improve wellness

Abstract: Theme alignment: Preventing psychological injuries in the workplace: Proactive interventions and mental health worker self-care. The paper describes an innovative proactive approach to preventing psychological injuries in the workplace by enhancing communication and functioning in workplace teams. Through a series of eight small group sessions, participants explore their abilities and their styles of communication with particular attention to leadership. The sessions are highly physical and interactive, based on an experiential, adult learning model. The paper further describes the outcomes of the program as implemented with employees of Recovre. It documents the changes pre and post the training using self-, peer- and facilitator ratings. The paper concludes by discussing the applicability of the program to workplace teams and corporations and exploring what value such an intervention is likely to add. The issues of self-care are addressed, both in terms of mental health workers and staff in general.

 Ms Debra Pamula

Organisation: Centre For Corporate Health  SuburbCity: Sydney

Biography: Debra has ten years of psychological consulting experience and is employed as the Manager of Psychological Assessments at the Centre for Corporate Health. Debra has a strong assessment background with specific focus on medico legal, vocational, and selection assesments. Debra is also involved in the recruitment, coaching and mentoring of staff within the Centre for Corporate Health. Prior to commencing with the Centre for Corporate Health, Debra worked as the National Human Resources Manager for a large multi-disciplined recruitment consulting firm. In this role, her skills centred around: * The prevention and intervention of occupational stress from an organisational perspective. * Providing ongoing support and training to line managers in the use of human resource functions, such as performance management, recruitment and selection, training , employee well-being and management development in order to minimise the impact of occupational stress. * Developing and implementing leadership development programs from supervisor to CEO level to reduce occupational stress and improve employee well-being.

Paper Title: Occupational stress in Australian organisations: Organisations at risk and workplace interventions

Abstract: WorkCover claims citing stress and psychological injury remain at a consistently high rate in NSW, with associated large claim costs and time off work. Such high rates of psychological injury highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the specific workplace causes of psychological injury so that highly tailored workplace interventions can be implemented in order to reduce future claims for psychological injury. Through conducting Pre-Liability Stress Assessments, The Centre for Corporate Health specialises in assisting workers' compensation insurance companies to analyse the cause of psychological injury and to assess the relative impact of the perceived stressor on the individual concerned. From data gathered in the course of undertaking Pre-Liability Stress Assessments over a seven year period, this presentation explores issues such as; * The proportion of claims deemed as being work-related. * The work place factors that are adversely impacting on individuals in Australian organisations. * The prevalence of clinical diagnoses in the workplace associated with workplace stress. * The recommended preventative action for employers from an occupational perspective to minimise the risk of psychological injury in the workplace. In addition to this, The Centre for Corporate Health also assists employers to implement effective risk management strategies from an organisational perspective to reduce the risk of occupational stress. As such, case study data is also presented to show the effectiveness of such a targeted organisational intervention in enhancing occupational well-being.

 Mr Owen Pershouse

Organisation: Pacific Behaviour Interventions  SuburbCity: Kedron

Biography: Owen Pershouse is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist in private practice and member of the College of Forensic Psychologists of the APS. As a Regulation 8 Officer under the Family Law Act, he is used as an expert witness in difficult/ contested Family Law matters; particularly those involving allegations of, or actual abuse of children. His practice encompasses consultancy arrangements with various government and Criminal Justice jurisdictions around Australia, including private providers of custodial services. He works mainly in the areas of specialised reports for Courts, program design, delivery and evaluation. Owen combines expertise in program development for suicidal and violent men, substance abusers, sexual offenders as well as assessments and treatment for a variety of psychological presentations. Owen is the principal architect of the MENDS program for separated men, which targets men in relationship crisis and offers practical, pro-social transitions He is an executive member of the national organizing body for that program.

Paper Title: MENDS and Relationship Crisis: The Silent Sickie

Abstract: This paper reports on outcomes of 10 years of operation of a group program (MENDS – Men Exploring New Directional Strategies) to assist men (over 1100 to date) in significant relationship crisis; and which shows real promise as a credible EAP initiative. The program arose in response to a significant gap existing in the spectrum of government and community services exclusively for males who were experiencing difficulty in coping with various emotional, financial, health, social and legal challenges in the midst of relationship crises. The program was designed and continues to provide a pro social, supportive, psycho-educational, and practical intervention format in order to contain such difficulties and to enable pro-social outcomes for participants. The program was trialed and validated as a pilot initiative in 1996 and has continued to included psychometric and other outcome measures to evaluate participant progress, engagement, and post program functioning which are reported upon. The 12 x 2 hours/ week program delivery also includes professional pre-and post assessment and a significant focus on enabling self-auditing. The purpose designed format addresses physical and emotional health risks, personal and social skills, legal issues, as well as parenting and relationship training. Assessment has consistently confirmed the value of the program for up-skilling in critical areas of emotional processing; including self-management of anger and risks of acting out. Most recent research has demonstrated positive treatment effects for graduates in high risk areas such as depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-medicating with alcohol/drugs and general stress levels. Such results (together with participant disclosures regarding work performance) are maintained to have direct implications for personnel management. While some success reportedly exists with those clients who choose to disclose to superiors and management regarding their current challenges, such remain in the minority; with traditional concerns regarding appearing “weak“ or perceived “threats” to employment being most commonly offered reason for the Silent Sickie. Research informs the value of proactive management of staff during such times; not only as the response of a good corporate citizen, but to positively impact on staff tenure, loyalty, and bottom-line productivity levels. Evaluation of post-program survey data informed a strong positive consensus regarding the experience and value of program; particularly in terms of graduate productivity and sense of well-being. Extensive restructuring (both content and process) has occurred to the MENDS program in order to improve the program’s capacity to engage a broader range of client presentations; and critically, at earlier stages of relationship crisis. Suicide research confirms the need for a service such as MENDS as a pro-social initiative to assist men in Australia. Further, however, issues of equity and access as well as the program’s capacity to successfully engage the range of key Government and non Government Agencies as well as corporate referral sources appears critical to the commercial viability of the organisation under current (user totally pays) mode of operation. The use of selective Government and/or non-Government funding or course fee subsidy to further assist is apparent. Balancing commercial imperatives and yet retaining the values and operational philosophy of the MENDS program is really the key imperative at the time of writing. Groups continue to operate in southeast Queensland (74 to date) and in Cairns (16 groups to date) since the pilot phase. Groups have recently commenced in northern NSW (Armidale) and soon in Byron Bay.

 Prof  Issy  Pilowsky

Organisation: Department of Pychistry University of Sydney  SuburbCity: lilyfield/leichhardt

Biography: Professor Issy Pilowsky is a graduate of the University of Cape Town medical school. After his internship at groote schuur Hospital he went to Sheffield where he trained in psychiatry under Professor Erwin Stengel. .After holding an appointment as lecturer in Psychiatry in the university of Sheffield medical he took up the position of senior lecturer in psychiatry in 1966 being promoted to associate professor in 1970. he accepted the position of Professor and chairman of psychiatry in the university of Adelaide in 1971which he held for 25 years after which for family reasons he retired and moved to Sydney. he now holds the title of emeritus Professor (U of Adelaide) and Visiting Professor University of Sydney.

Paper Title: "cryptotrauma" revisited.

Abstract:  Cryptotrauma describes the clinical situation where a history of a 'trivial' injury is presented but when the presentation is probed the full nature of the incident reveals a major emotional trauma which helps to account for the symptoms experienced and the degree of disability. it is proposed that unless this trauma is revealed it may go untreated for many years. In this presentation clinical examples are presented and the technique for eliciting the trauma is delineated.

 Ms Cheryl McFaden

Organisation: Capital & Coast District Health Board  SuburbCity: Thorndon

Biography: 

Cheryl was brought up in Otaki, along the Kapiti Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.  She is an Occupational Therapist who completed her Bachelor in Occupational Therapy in 1999 and her Post Graduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy in 2007.   Since 2005 she has been working for Capital & Coast District Health Board's Youth Specialty Service in Wellington delivering Evidenced-Based Supported Employment or Individual Placement and Support (IPS).  Prior to this Cheryl has worked in clinical community mental health teams as well as practising and managing within an NGO Supported Employment Service in Wellington.  Cheryl enjoys the outdoors, sports, art and spending time with her extended family. 

Paper Title: Evidence-Based practices in helping people return to work and retain employment following onset of a serious mental illness.

Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to inform the audience of how our evidence-based supported employment service integrated with secondary community mental health services provides interventions to help people with experience of serious mental illnesses return to work and keep their jobs. WorkFirst is guided by the principles of evidence-based supported employment and the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model where supported employment is integrated with community mental health teams. The employment consultants are members of the clinical multi-disciplinary team. This enables us to be more accessible to the clients requiring our services, and to clinicians for client employment related issues. Our service has developed strategies for work-place re-entry. A return to work plan is developed with the client in collaboration with the clinicians, employer and on occasions care-givers. We find that New Zealand employment law protects the worker as they cannot be dismissed for reasons of illness or disability and are obliged to provide reasonable accommodations. Our experience of supported employment for people with serious mental illness is that it is easier to get a job than keep a job. Ongoing support assists with job retention and disclosure counselling is also provided. Case examples will be provided to demonstrate our practice. A consumer perspective of delivering supported employment and how this enhances our service and engagement with clients will also be presented. In summary we will provide the audience with strategies for return to work and work retention. Also how an integrated service delivery model enhances a collaborative approach with the client, mental health clinicians, employers, carers and employment services.

 Miss Vicki  Rostron

Organisation: West Moreton and South Burnett Mental Health Service  SuburbCity: Ipswich

Biography: Vicki Rostron is a senior community nurse at West Moreton and South Burnett Integrated Mental Health Service. She has been providing mental health services in the West Moreton Area for 33 years in nursing roles across Forensic, Extended Treatment, Acute Inpatient and community facilities. She is a hospital based and trained mental health nurse.

Paper Title: Traveling Strong - Resilience in Evolving and Revolving Care Systems. The Personal Journeys of Nursing Staff in Providing 3 Decades of Mental Health Care

Abstract: What workforce lessons are to be learnt from the mental health nurse of three decades? What questions should be posed to them in relation to workforce development, sustainability and job satisfaction? This often under-utilised organisational resource has unique and invaluable historical and experiential knowledge and skills in mental health. Given the ages of these staff and retirements that are looming, their historical contribution will soon be lost. Recognition of this group and listening to their voice of wisdom are the key principles underpinning this presentation and its contents seek to inform, challenge and inspire the audience. Nursing over 3 decades during this intense period of mental health reform has been challenging but not defeating. There are staff examples of resilience and care strategies for self and the team as staff transitioned across institutions to community care. These staff often faced distressing and harmful behaviours, poor workplace conditions and high workload demands. They felt at times that there were insurmountable barriers in the provision of quality mental health care, however many continued to work, adapt and thrive. Staff retention and recruitment are key factors in Health workforce planning and the presentation will discuss why we, the baby boomers in mental health, have stayed. A discussion of the strategies implemented to overcome workforce distress will be undertaken. Many strengths can be identified and developed as a role model for less experienced staff. The newer generation of mental health staff can hear from this presentation the lessons that were learnt over time and under adversity.

 Mr Shane Stockill

Organisation: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Department of Employment and Industrial Relations  SuburbCity: Brisbane

Biography:  Biography: Shane is a registered psychologist and possesses tertiary qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety, and Organisational Psychology. From his employment in the the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations (QLD), Shane has gained significant experience in the development, implementation and review of State-wide OHS interventions. Shane is currently coordinating the Queensland Psychosocial Initiative 2005 – 2008. Speaking experience: Shane possesses significant speaking experience, including developing and delivering presentations on OHS theory and practice within a range of professional forums including: 1. Australian Institute of Criminology, Melbourne 2001 - Current Issues in Regulation: Enforcement and Compliance Conference 2. Safety Institute of Australia, Visions Conference, Twin Waters 2001 3. RegNet Research Consortium, Canberra 2003 4. RegNet Research Consortium, Canberra 2004 5. Safety Institute of Australia, Yeppoon 2006

Paper Title: The Queensland Psychosocial Initiative: New approaches to old problems

Abstract: There is an increasing acceptance that psychological health falls within the scope and intent of OHS legislation and this presents key challenges for OHS regulators, Industry and Unions. These challenges include the development of appropriate inspector training, support, and guidance for OHS inspectors, and the promulgation of information and tools for duty holders to assist them to manage the risks to worker psychological and physical health resulting from occupational stressors, workplace harassment, fatigue, and risk of occupational violence. As part of the Queensland’s 2003 State-budget, WHSQ developed a state-wide initiative aimed at reducing the risks to worker health as a result of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Now past the half-way point for the initiative, the focus of WHSQ’s PSI moves from an internal focus of building an appropriate and efficient organisational structure, training appropriate inspectors to meet the demands on WHSQ, and formulating supporting policies and procedures, to an external perspective of assisting Qld workplaces to develop and implement appropriate strategies and assessment tools for managing the risks from psychosocial hazards in the work environment, and where necessary undertaking enforcement action to ensure effective management of psychological health risks. The current paper provides a review of the WHSQ Psychosocial initiative successes to date, and discusses the challenges and ways for OHS regulators in integrating the assessment of psychosocial hazards into OHS inspector’s practice, and for Industry to respond appropriately to meet their legislative requirements.

 Dr Helen Street

Organisation: University of Western Australia  SuburbCity: Crawley

Biography: Having completed a PhD on depression at the University of Sheffield in the UK, Dr Helen Street moved to Queensland to take up a position as a lecturer in psychology in 1998. After spending a year in Queensland, Helen settled in Perth where she became first, a lecturer and then a senior lecturer in behavioural science at the University of Western Australia. Her interest in goal setting and mental health has resulted in the publication of many internationally peer reviewed papers, a co-authored book (with a foreword by The Dalai Lama) and most recently a book chapter examining the importance of life goals in psychotherapy. Helen is a registered psychologist, WA Health Department research consultant and cofounder of Wise Solutions, which focuses on the enhancement of mental health in adults and children. She runs seminars on workplace mental health, which incorporates a focus on motivation and healthy goal setting.

Paper Title: Working Well: understanding goal setting and pursuit as a means of reducing stress and increasing professional satisfaction.

Abstract: One of the key reasons for absenteeism and career dissatisfaction stems from chronic stress in the workplace. Current research suggests that excessive environmental demands coupled with unhealthy methods of coping are the most common reasons for the creation of ongoing stress and distress. This paper presents an innovative way of approaching workplace stress that focuses on the individual’s conceptualisation of goals and goal pursuit. This “Working Well” approach focuses on increasing an individual’s understanding of their motivations controlling goal setting and improving their ability to employ processes of goal pursuit that support both mental health and goal achievement. It is argued that a focus on extrinsic motivations coupled with a belief in the need to achieve certain outcomes are major contributing factors to workplace stress irrespective of task complexity and/or task size. Both a group workshop and an individual psychotherapy case study are used to describe the use of this goal setting approach to workplace stress reduction. The approach incorporates activities on goal setting and framing, and outcome expectations. Participants reported an increased awareness of how and why they set and pursue workplace goals. Overall a shift in focus to intrinsic motivations (such as personal development), goal framing in terms of approach (rather than avoidance) and a focus on process rather than outcome have all proved to be successful in helping individuals to reduce stress and improve workplace satisfaction.

Ms Cathy Thornely

Organisation: Melbourne Health  SuburbCity: Parkville

Biography:  Cathy Thornely is a Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Nurse and MOCA trainer  at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and has 17 years experience in mental health nursing. Cathy is completing a Masters of Nursing by Research at the University of Melbourne. Her research aims to identify the use of mechanical restraint in acute health and how to reduce reliance on restraint to manage falls, agitation, and treatment interference. 

Paper Title: What have we learned about an approach to Clinical Aggression within a busy Acute General Hospital?

Abstract: The management of client aggression in acute public health settings requires a frequent and resource intensive clinical response. Despite a plethora of research on the topic, policy makers continue to experience difficulties developing a policy position that reflects the clinical complexities of this phenomenon. Moreover in acute health there is significant clinical aggression with the diverse presentations such as behavioural and psychiatric disturbance often complicated with an acute medical presentation. Further the environmental stress and restricted patients choices places additional demands on patients who may be confused, distressed, or psychotic. The Management of clinical Aggression program has been implemented at the Royal Melbourne Hospital over the past 18 moths and this paper will discuss challenges, barriers, future strategies and policy. In conclusion, it is not just about training. The importance of an aggression policy correlation with emergency procedures, clinical approaches that is supported by evidence and a robust evaluation framework are essential core components of an innovative approach to this complex matter.

 Ms Chelsea Todd

Organisation: Flinders University  SuburbCity: Adelaide

Biography: Chelsea Todd has a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and is completing her PhD at the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University in Adelaide. She combines her PhD research with an active teaching and volunteer counselling career, tutoring School of Medicine and the Student Learning Centre at Flinders University, and as a Lifeline telephone counsellor. Prior to commencing her PhD, she worked for 2 years as a Research Assistant at NCETA. Chelsea has developed practical, workforce development resources for the alcohol and other drug field. She has also published on the topics of clinical supervision and eyewitness identification, and presented at local, interstate and international conferences on the topics of stress and burnout, worker wellbeing interventions, and women’s alcohol consumption. Chelsea is dedicated to creating evidence-based, viable workforce development solutions for sustainable worker wellbeing in the health sector.

Paper Title: An RCT of a preventative intervention for managing psychological distress and burnout

Abstract: The psychological wellbeing of our health workforce is vital for the sustainability of the workforce and the provision of quality care. Burnout, a syndrome of emotional exhaustion and cynicism associated with people work, is well established, yet there is a lack of stress and burnout intervention research. Mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) service providers both experience unique challenges associated with working with an often stigmatised client group, and managing comorbidity, aggression, and relapse. This presentation describes key contributors to stress and burnout, and highlights various stress management options. Findings will be presented from a cross-sectional survey (measuring burnout, psychological distress, turnover intention, absenteeism, job satisfaction) of employees in the South Australian AOD sector (N = 197). A randomised controlled trial (RCT) of an internet-based preventative worker wellbeing intervention will then be described. Based on survey findings around employees’ perceptions of effective practice, safety, and justice, a tailored cognitive behavioural worker wellbeing program was developed to manage unhelpful thoughts and coping styles regarding perceived client challenges and threat, and perceived difficulty managing workload and work-life demands. The program provides instruction and homework exercises on developing realistic expectations around client outcomes and reciprocity, safety and effectiveness. Impacts on outcome measures will be examined post-intervention and at 3-months follow-up. Practical, evidence-based early intervention approaches for stress and burnout management are vital to the sustainability of our mental health/AOD workforce and services. This RCT has implications for the development of policies and programs to support the mental health/AOD workforce.

 Mrs Rosemary Tristram

Organisation: Lakes District Health Board, Rotorua, New Zealand  SuburbCity: Rotorua

Biography:  Rosemary Tristram; I orginally trained as a Registered General NurseI in Auckland. In 1980 I switched over to train as a Registered Nurse in Psychiartry, where I have been for the past 28 years. I trained in Carrington Hospital in Auckland. during this time, II have worked in various roles; in Psychiatric units, Crisis teams, Child and Adolescence services in both New Zealand and Australia. At present, I am currently working in Adult Community Mental Health at Rotorua Lakes District Health Board.

Paper Title: Job Satisfaction in a Culturally Competent Service

Abstract: Aim: Lakes DHB provide acute and long term service to the highest Maori population in New Zealand. As a result cultural competence and Maori traditions are an essential part of our working environment. We hypothesis that there are elements including interrelatedness, connectiveness, group values and communal dining. This leads to less burnout and improved job satisfaction. To access this, we undertook 10 lengthy interviews with staff of various lengths of employment. This was qualitative and quantitative. Results indicate that such cultural aspects are important to job satisfaction and less burnout. Contents: According to numerous articles identify that Mental Health service delivery is inherently stressful. it has been identified that these are some of the contributing factors as potential sources of stress. Within Te Ngako, ACMH at LDHB in Rotorua.The confidence and connectiveness is what binds us as multi-disciplinary teams of professional colleagues. It is the glue that holds our practice together. What is it that keeps psychiatric staff working together for such along duration of time (up to 10-20 years +) within our teams. Recognising the uniqueness of the strong Maori culture that underlies the fabric of the Rotorua community and that which exists in workplace. What process and structures are in place that work so well for us? Staff survey-recognise burnout stress. The results... Conclusion: There is a clear indication that working in mental health is a stressful environment. However, within our work milieu we have adopted many of the cultural Maori norms in the way we work, conduct ourselves and behave as a team. Whilst these are not explicit, they are inferred methods of reducing stress and burnout as is highlighted in our presentation.

 Mrs Lorette Venables

Organisation: Positive Attitude Mental Health Training and Consultancy  SuburbCity: Moonah

Biography: Lorette has spent the last 18 years dedicated to the prevention of mental health problems in our community and the education and awareness of workplaces and the greater community. She has worked as a mental health nurse in the acute, chronic, forensic and triaging divisions of mental health. During this time has been a published author in the Psychiatry, Psychology and Law Journal in 2003 and a specialist in the Tasmanian Mental Health Legislation. She currently manages her own mental health training and consultancy business. She provides Employee Assistance Programs, Mental Health training programs and provides services under the mental health nurse incentive program run by Medicare and also the mental health care plan scheme.

Paper Title: Better Mental Health in the Workplace

Abstract: Providing a healthy workplace has become a matter of future direction for businesses. For employees working in any organization a healthy mind is as important as a healthy body and a healthy work environment. Considering that we spend approximately 80% of our lives in the workplace it is imperative that we consider the emotional needs of employees. Emotional health and wellbeing can not be as easily measured as the impact of a person’s physical environment, but there are measures that can assist employers to provide education, support and assistance to employees in the workplace. The impact of mental health related problems in the workplace are significant as it is estimated that: 5.8% of employees have depression each year (ABS) 6 million working days lost each year due to absenteeism from depression (ABS) 30 million working days of reduced productivity (ABS) The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2020 Depression will be the most disabling illness in the world. A pro-active approach to the emotional well-being of staff directly impacts on staff satisfaction and business productivity. A win for the pragmatist and humanitarian alike.

 Ms Cindy Wall

Organisation: Wisemind Psychology  SuburbCity: Darwin

Biography:  Cindy Wall is a private practitioner and consultant clinical psychologist in Darwin, NT . She has a special interest in providing structured individual and group therapy interventions for mood, affective, and personality disorders. Cindy has extensive experience in assessing and treating the psychological aspects of occupational injury through her work in the rehabilitation and compensation areas. The psychological consequences of work injury and the influence of personality, compensation, and justice perceptions is the topic of her doctorial research, conducted through Monash University.

Paper Title: Psychological vulnerability for secondary disability in workers returning to, or remaining at work post injury.

Abstract: Increasingly psychological factors are being viewed as important in reducing ongoing work disability for injured workers with compensable injuries; however research into the psychological consequences for injured workers who remain at, or return to work without taking part in formal compensation and/or rehabilitation is limited. This study explores whether injured workers experience increased psychological disturbance following work injury in relation to non-injured workers. We compared a group of injured workers who had returned to, or remained at work, with a group of non-injured workers on measures of personality, trauma, and psychological distress. Data from structured clinical interviews, psychological and self-report questionnaires were gathered from 29 workers, 14 of whom were recovering from an injury at the time of participation. The findings showed that the injured workers personality was charaterised by higher levels of Neuroticism and lower Extraversion, suggesting greater emotional instability and reduced capacity for adaptively coping with stress when compared to non-injured workers. Injured workers' also reported greater levels of mood and affective disturbance, somatic complaints, and demonstrated sub-clinical elevations on scales of trauma symptoms, in comparison with non-injured workers. These results suggest that workers who return to, or remain at work following injury experience elevations in psychological distress and subtle variations in personality, potentially increasing their vulnerability to secondary work disability. These results have practical implications for the need to effectively support injured workers who remain at work, or return to work swiftly post-injury to reduce the development of secondary disability.

 Ms Kirsten Way

Organisation: Department of Industrial Relations  SuburbCity: Brisbane

Biography: Kirsten Way is the Coordinator Psychosocial Research for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. She has been integral in determining and implementing government policy in work-related psychological injury and has had vast experience with investigating work-related injury or illnesses due to occupational stress and workplace harassment/bullying. She has over 10 years experience working in WHS regulation both in Australia and overseas. She is currently conducting research on the role of supervisors in conflict and is also involved in collaborative research to develop a risk assessment tool for occupational stress. Dr Nerina Jimmieson is the Centre and Program Director for Organisational Psychology at The University of Queensland. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in organisational behavior, personnel selection, and organisational change. Collaborating with a range of public- and private-sector organisations, her research program aims to increase the capacity of employers to identify and manage psychosocial risk factors in the workplace, with a view to promoting employee health and organisational effectiveness. Her research has attracted competitive national funding in excess of $1,000,000 and her work has been published in leading international books and journals in the fields of organisational psychology and human resource management.

Paper Title 1: Identifying and managing psychosocial factors in Queensland workplaces: Development of a risk assessment tool 

Paper Title 2: Supervisor Responses to Workgroup Conflict: Predictive effects of response type and justice climate on employee health and organisational effectiveness

Abstract 1: The People at Work Project is a collaborative research initiative between Workplace Health and Safety Queensland in the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations (DEIR) and The University of Queensland (UQ). The project has a number of objectives including the development of a reliable and valid risk assessment tool for injury due to psychosocial risk factors. Drawing on existing models of occupational stress, the project researchers have developed a risk assessment tool which measures a wide range of job demands and job resources that are applicable to a diverse range of working environments. The risk assessment tool has recently been pilot tested in three organisations and risk assessments are about to be conducted in a representative sample of 45 Queensland organisations. Once validated, and the normative database is established, the risk assessment tool will become freely available to all Queensland employers, providing an avenue for industry and occupational-level benchmarking.

Abstract 2: Drawing on the areas of occupational stress, conflict management, and organisational justice, this program of research aims to investigate a proposed typology of supervisor responses to conflict at work. It is suggested that, as a third party, supervisor response types will have differential effects on workers' levels of physiological strain, psychological strain, job dissatisfaction, and subsequent indicators of organisational effectiveness (e.g., absenteeism, turnover, and compensation claims). Specifically, responses are proposed to fall into four categories of behaviours at the supervisory level: (1) identify or fail to identify conflict; (2) accurately or inaccurately assess the severity of conflict; (3) take action to resolve the conflict at the individual and/or organisational levels; and (4) conflict handling style to process the conflict. It is proposed that these supervisor responses will be perceived by employees as more or less "just" than others, and that this perceived justice will buffer the negative effects of conflict on both employee and organisational outcomes. This paper will describe a program of research, comprising three studies that aim to test these relationships through analysis at the individual and group levels.

 Ms Anna Wise

Organisation: Mental Health Council of Australia  SuburbCity: Deakin West

Biography: Anna Wise is a Policy Officer at the Mental Health Council of Australia, the peak national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector. Anna’s work at the Council has focused on the issue of insurance discrimination against people with a mental illness and their carers.

Paper Title: Personal Insurance and Psychological Injury

Abstract: Psychologically injured workers may be eligible to make claims on various forms of personal insurance, including total and permanent disability insurance, income protection insurance, sickness and accident insurance, and other insurance available through superannuation funds. However, accessing benefits may prove difficult. Research undertaken by the Mental Health Council of Australia, with funding from beyondblue: the national depression initiative, has indicated a number of issues faced by mental health consumers in their dealings with insurance. This research has focused on all forms of insurance, but issues have been raised in relation to the management of claims for mental illness and psychological injury. People who hold appropriate insurance cover and attempt to make a claim for a mental illness or psychological injury often face a traumatic and lengthy assessment process before their claim is paid, if it is ever paid. Perhaps more disturbingly, many mental health consumers are unable to obtain these forms of insurance at all, due to their past or current mental illness. This presentation will consider the difficulties faced by people with a mental illness in their attempts to make appropriate insurance claims for psychological injury and in their attempts to obtain appropriate insurance to protect them financially in the event of psychological injury. It will highlight case studies from a recent survey of consumer experiences, as well as examples from insurance industry dispute resolution services.

 Ms Jacqueline Yoxall

Organisation: Bond University   SuburbCity: Bond University

Biography: 

Paper Title: Patterns of non-credible symptoms in Queensland worker's compensation stress claims.

Abstract: The Queensland workers' compensation regulatory authority (Q Comp) annual report of 2006/2007 showed a total expenditure of nearly 35 million dollars on statutory payments for psychological injury claims. As clear and identifiable external incentives are present for workers presenting for psychological claim assessment, the question of exaggeration of symptoms must be raised. There is limited information available regarding rates and patterns of exaggerated symptoms within this context. The current study reviewed 155 worker's compensation assessment claims which involved the administration of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Using several validity indices of the PAI (Negative Impression Management, Roger's Discrimminant Function and the Malingering Index), rates of exaggeration were estimated. Furthermore, clinical scale elevations were investigated to explore potential relationships between personality characteristics, diagnosis and elevation of validity indices. Discrimminant function analysis indicated that elevation of validity indices on the PAI may be able to be predicted by some demographic and clinical variables. Results will be discussed and compared with other research previously conducted overseas. Implications of this study's findings will be discussed in relation to psychological assessment of psychological injury claims for worker's compensation.