Exploring Power Imbalance, Systemic Racism, and Dialogue in Mental Health. A conversation with Maxine Dennis for the 2025 BIGSPD conference.

Join André from The Mental Elf for episode three of the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast in conversation with Maxine Dennis, a consultant clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst. They discuss power imbalance, systemic racism in mental health services, and the role of genuine dialogue and self-reflection. Maxine shares her clinical experiences and discusses the complexity of supervisory relationships in mental health. Don't miss her keynote 'Containing the Containers' at the 2025 BIGSPD Conference in Liverpool. Tune in for an insightful discussion on fostering resilience and real change.

00:00 Introduction to the BIGSPD Podcast

00:26 Meet Maxine Dennis: Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst

01:04 Exploring Clinical Work and Racialization

02:30 A Memorable Case Study

06:20 Building Trust and Addressing Power Imbalance

07:54 Upcoming Keynote: Containing the Containers

10:17 Impact of Black Lives Matter on Mental Health Services

12:15 Challenges in Achieving Systemic Change

14:05 Suggestions for Real Change

16:56 Reflections on Anti-Racism and Whiteness

20:54 Personality Disorders and Racial Disparities

24:13 Conclusion and Conference Details

Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/

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Relational Practice: making hope possible rather than despair convincing.

Join André from The Mental Elf for episode two of the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast as he discusses relational practice and democratic mental health with Professor Mick McKeown. Mick is a mental health nurse academic who shares his insights on the intersection of sociology, philosophy, and politics in mental health. In this episode, you'll learn about the key themes of his upcoming keynote talk at the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder Conference, the importance of relational practice, and the role of democracy in combating authoritarianism. Mick also touches on the impact of hierarchical and undemocratic practices on both patients and staff, and the potential of cooperative, democratic approaches to improve mental health care.

00:00 Introduction to the BIGSPD 2025 Podcast

01:08 Meet Professor Mick McKeown

01:49 Exploring Relational Practice

02:50 Democracy and Mental Health

05:10 Challenges in Mental Health Services

08:18 The Importance of Cooperation

11:25 Relational Practice in Action

14:27 Defining Relational Practice

Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring DBT: Techniques, Efficacy, and Lived Experience #BIGSPD25

Welcome to episode 1 of the BIGSPD 2025 podcast, hosted by André from the Mental Elf. This episode dives deep into Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with guest experts Professor Michaela Swales, Programme Director at the North Wales Clinical Psychology Programme, and Jenifer Dylan, an Advanced Lived Experience Practitioner and DBT Therapist.

Together, they explore the success, challenges, and future of DBT, discussing various psychotherapies for personality disorders, evidence for DBT's effectiveness, and the roles of therapists with lived experience. Tune in to learn how DBT works, real-life applications, and the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches. Join us for an insightful conversation and stay updated on the latest research and practices in mental health.

00:00 Welcome to the BIGSPD25 Podcast

00:27 Meet the Experts: Michaela Swales and Jenifer Dylan

01:09 Understanding DBT and Other Psychotherapies

05:23 The Efficacy and Safety of DBT

08:01 Introduction to DBT: Basics and Skills

12:26 DBT in Practice: Real-Life Applications

18:22 Adapting DBT for Diverse Needs

24:32 The Role of Lived Experience in Therapy

31:59 Improving Clinical Care in DBT

35:08 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Find out more about the 2025 conference of the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders on their website: https://bigspd.org.uk/bigspd-conference-2025/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.