Listen "The Art of Human Connection | Helen Mentha"
Episode Synopsis
What does it really mean to be someone good to talk to?In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Helen Mentha—clinical psychologist, specialist trainer, and author of Someone Good to Talk To. With decades of experience across mental health, addiction, healthcare, and corporate leadership, Helen shares her wisdom on what makes conversations truly healing and transformational.We explore her journey into Motivational Interviewing, the power of fostering hope, and the subtle art of managing ambivalence. Helen opens up about the importance of deep listening, holding space, and navigating uncertainty—not just as professionals, but in everyday life.Filled with warmth, humour, and practical takeaways, this conversation is a reminder that the way we show up can make all the difference.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction to Helen Mentha01:45 First Encounter and Early Impressions02:24 Discovering Motivational Interviewing04:07 Training and Self-Teaching05:49 The Depth of Motivational Interviewing11:17 The Art of Being Someone Good to Talk To20:37 Fostering Hope and Managing Change36:34 Understanding Ambivalence in Therapy37:17 Exposure Therapy and Ambivalence39:00 The Role of Clinicians in Managing Ambivalence43:23 The Importance of Autonomy in Therapy50:55 Navigating Uncertainty in Therapeutic Conversations54:08 The Power of Apology and Repair in Therapy57:37 The Human Element in Therapeutic Relationships01:01:16 Friendly and Pragmatic Approaches in Therapy01:08:39 Conclusion and Future Works01:11:08 Humour and Hope in TherapyLINKS:Helen Mentha's website:https://menthaconsulting.com.au/If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstansteindl Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StanSteindl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_stan_steindl/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-steindl-150a5264/ Website: https://www.stansteindl.com/ YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/fJi4ZIQQ1Qw*Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support! Video hashtags:#CompassionInATShirt #HelenMentha #MotivationalInterviewing #TherapeuticRelationship #HumanConnection #ListeningWithHeart #ClinicalPsychology #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCare #SomeoneGoodToTalkTo