Professional Development

Foundations of mental health in palliative care

This full day professional development workshop is designed for clinical and allied health professionals working in palliative care. It explores the psychological dimensions of end-of-life care, equipping participants with the skills to identify, assess and respond to the emotional and complex mental health needs of patients and their carers.

Recognizing the emotional demands of working in palliative care, the workshop will also address clinician wellbeing, offering strategies for self-care and sustainable professional practice.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and assess the common psychological presentations and mental health needs of people living with a life limiting illness and their carers.
• Utilize evidence-based frameworks and interventions to support clients and carers experiencing grief, anxiety and existential distress.
• Assess and manage suicidal ideation in context of life limiting illness, including formulation and appropriate escalation pathways.
• Demonstrate effective and compassionate communication skills when navigating emotionally complex conversations with clients and their families.
• Integrate psychologically informed approaches into multidisciplinary practice to enhance holistic person centered care.
• Apply reflective practice and self-care strategies to maintain clinician wellbeing and support sustainable engagement in palliative care work.

Banksia Speakers

Stephen Haley (He/Him)

BSW

Stephen Haley is a social worker with 18 years of social work experience. He has predominantly worked in a clinical community mental health setting and has a strong interest in working more broadly with families and carers. More recently, his passion has taken him into the palliative care space, supporting individuals and their loved ones through life-limiting illness and assisting in navigating the complexities of end-of-life care. Stephen has a particular interest in supporting people through the existential nature of life-limiting illness

Matina Sinodinos (She/Her)

BHealthSc, GdipPsych, MclinPsych, MAPS

Matina Sinodinos is a clinical psychologist who has experience working in community and public oncology, palliative care and subacute settings.  Matina is a Bereavement Service Coordinator and the Supervision and Reflective Practice Lead at Banksia Palliative Care. She is passionate about supporting people living with a life-limiting illness and their families with their experience of grief, loss and adjustment. Matina is also committed to supporting the wellbeing of staff in the sector by providing opportunities for professional development and reflective practice.