About the Guest: Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valuable cultural experiences, contributing to her deep understand...
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About the Guest: Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valuable cultural experiences, contributing to her deep understand...
About the Guest: Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valuable cultural experiences, contributing to her deep understand...
Patrick Coorey is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the high-octane world of professional motorsport. Starting from humble beginnings in Coffs Harbour, Australia, his passion for racing and engineering drove him to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One. Despite an initial setback when his team ran out of funds, Patrick transitioned into Formula E, where he thrived as a championship-winning team manager. His career has also included roles such as design office man...
George Sahyoun built the Karima Group from the ground up, naming it after his mum—because sometimes the best business inspiration comes from home. As co-founder and director, George has turned entrepreneurial success into something bigger: genuine community impact through philanthropy and mentoring. What sets George apart isn't just his business acumen—it's his commitment to lifting others up. From mentoring emerging entrepreneurs to leading community initiatives across Australia, George prov...
Claudia Chakar has spent over 20 years helping Australian families untangle intergenerational trauma and build stronger connections. As a clinical psychotherapist specialising in family and couples therapy, Claudia understands that healing often means examining family patterns passed down through generations. Her trauma-informed approach has made her a respected voice in mental health circles, particularly within Lebanon's Australian community where cultural sensitivity meets psychologi...
About the Guests: Heyam Haddad and Hanaan Haddad are accomplished clinical psychologists with an impressive track record of over 18 years in the field. Both guests have a robust background in trauma therapy, having worked extensively with different forms of trauma ranging from refugee and front-line emergency services trauma to child sexual abuse and domestic violence. With thriving private practices in Sydney, they specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, w...
Episode Summary: This episode of "Finding Sanctuary" brings together three remarkable voices tackling the mental health challenges facing young Aussies today. Host Debbie Draybi sits down with Fr Ron Hassarati—educator turned recently ordained priest—and Leena Dib, her friend and fellow education expert, for a raw conversation about parenting, faith, and finding your way in our digital world. Father Ron and Leena don't hold back when discussing how technology's completely reshaping childhood ...
Key Takeaways: Community Building through Activity: The Marunite Run Club successfully brings people together, blending physical exercise with opportunities for community-building and faith exploration.Casual Settings Promote Connection: A non-intimidating environment, like casual run/walk meet-ups, significantly eases social interactions and encourages new friendships.Inclusive Approach: The initiative is not limited to runners; it welcomes walkers and even those who show up post-run for soc...
Key Takeaways: The importance of creating a safe and supportive network by sharing vulnerabilities and authentic experiences within a community.How raw and unedited podcasts foster genuine connections and provide relatable content that resonates with a broad audience.Imposter syndrome is a universal experience, and embracing it can lead to greater personal accountability and growth.The critical role of empathy and authenticity in fostering mental health dialogues that resonate on a personal a...
Eddie Reaiche sits down with Monsignor Shora and Honi Lattouf to explore the life-changing impact of the Alpha program. Rhey dive into how this eleven-week course has become a guiding light for those seeking faith development, a sense of belonging, and clarity amid life’s challenges. Alpha creates space for honest conversations, offering a path to personal growth and spiritual renewal—especially for people feeling lost, disconnected, or unsure of where they stand with God. For many, Alpha is ...
Episode Summary: In this episode of Finding Sanctuary, we sit down with Melissa D’Cruz—a powerhouse florist and wedding planner whose story is as inspiring as the blooms she works with. From dreaming of being a psychologist to becoming a trusted presence at some of life’s most emotional moments, Melissa opens up about how deep personal loss and grief reshaped her path and fuelled her passion for bringing comfort through creativity Melissa shares how, as a single mum facing tough legal battles...
Key Takeaways: The critical role of securing a sense of belonging and acceptance in shaping one’s identity and choices.How Andrew’s journey illustrates the deep links between trauma, addiction, and the search for masculine identity.The importance of seeking spiritual guidance and community support in overcoming personal challenges.The concept of “I am” and its influence on personal identity and behavior as demonstrated through Andrew’s transformation.A message of hope: It is possible to reinv...
About the Guest: Dr. Peter Holmes is a senior lecturer in theology at the University of Notre Dame. Recently Dr. Holmes published a book titled “Redeeming Masculinity,” which delves into understanding masculine identity from a theological perspective. To add to his list of credentials, he is now completing studies in counselling/ psychology. Key Takeaways: The Evolution of Masculinity: Peter discusses how his personal and academic journeys shaped his understanding of masculinity, emphasising ...
Key Takeaways: The Power of Faith: Pamela Chedid emphasizes how her faith in Christ helped her carry the burden of grief after the loss of her child.Writing as Therapy: Through writing, Pamela found solace and a means to process her emotions, leading to the creation of her poetry book.Honor and Memory: Remembering and honoring lost loved ones through personal rituals and sharing stories aid in the healing journey.Support Networks: A strong, caring network of family, friends, and professionals...
The content of this podcast is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for personal medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult your GP, therapist, or another qualified health professional for guidance tailored to your specific needs. Key Takeaways: Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Combining medication with therapy and spiritual practices offers the most effective path to mental well-being.Stigma in Fa...
About the Guest: Berta Azzi is a distinguished holistic health coach and nutritionist with a rich history in the wellness industry. Over her expansive career, Berta has transformed her personal health journey into a professional mission to empower others. With expertise in holistic approaches to wellness, she emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and soul in achieving optimal health. Berta is also a Pilates instructor and has an extensive background in counseling. She is the founder of Be...
Resources: George John Photography on InstagramDodie Jay Hair on InstagramAbout the Guests: Dodie Jay: Dodie Jay is a renowned hairstylist in the wedding industry, known for her authentic and candid approach to her craft. With a commitment to building her clients' self-esteem, Dodie has crafted a career that balances personal passion and professional excellence. Her journey has been marked by resilience, having triumphed over personal health challenges, and she now shares her expertise with a...
About the Guest: Jade El-Choueifati is a seasoned Master of Ceremonies who has emceed numerous prominent events throughout Sydney. He is well known for his event management and charisma and specialises in coordinating weddings and celebrations within the Maronite community. His focus on fostering community spirit and emphasising the deeper significance of matrimonial celebrations highlights his dedication to creating memorable and heartfelt experiences. Besides his professional achievem...
Key Takeaways: Anthony Salame has successfully merged his love for comedy with his deep-rooted faith, creating content that is both entertaining and enriching.His children's books aim to simplify and communicate complex values in an accessible way for young minds.Comedians often face mental health challenges, and Anthony emphasizes the importance of a strong faith foundation to navigate these struggles.The discussion underscores the powerful role of humor in enhancing well-being and encouragi...
Key Takeaways: The "Finding Sanctuary" podcast invites community members to share their voices, effectively breaking the silence on mental health issues.Hosting the podcast provides personal growth and deeper connections for both the hosts and the listeners.Special guests bring new insights into episodes, enriching conversations with their unique perspectives.Workshops following episodes allow for further community engagement and practical applications of podcast themes.The enduring message o...
About the Guest: Helena Roumanus: Helena Roumanus is very involved in community service and is known for her passionate commitment to helping those in need. She has been instrumental in organizing charitable activities, particularly around Christmas, where she engages friends and family to support young mothers and children in crisis shelters. Helena is a dedicated wife and mother of four, balancing her family responsibilities with her community endeavors to uplift and support those less fort...
About the Guest: Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valuable cultural experiences, contributing to her deep understand...
