In this episode of Life in the Psych Lane, Rachel Goh sits down with Andrea and Shana, co-founders of The Hierophant Melbourne, a sanctuary for spiritual development and healing. Together, they explore the intersection of psychology and spirituality, discussing how intuition, energy work, and evidence-informed practices can complement clinical approaches to mental health and personal growth.
Andrea and Shana share their personal journeys into spiritual and healing work, including pivotal awakenings that shaped their practices. They also discuss the importance of destigmatising spirituality, making mindful and intuitive practices accessible to everyone, including those who may feel sceptical or hesitant.
The conversation delves into trauma-informed spiritual healing and how it intersects with psychological care, highlighting observed shifts in clients’ emotional, psychological, and energetic wellbeing. Listeners will gain practical guidance on how to explore spiritual practices safely and learn how these approaches can work alongside clinical psychology to foster resilience, self-awareness, and holistic wellbeing.
Whether you are curious about the science behind spirituality, seeking to integrate mindful practices into your life, or exploring trauma-informed approaches to healing, this episode provides a nuanced, clinically informed perspective on supporting growth and alignment with your highest potential.
In this episode of Life in the Psych Lane, I sit down with Dr Joseph Sakdalan and Nimasha Weerakoon to explore a ground-breaking approach to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, one that places neurodivergence at the centre of care.
Together, we unpack the Neurodiversity-Affirming DBT Program, a pioneering model designed specifically for autistic clients experiencing emotional dysregulation. Originally developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, traditional DBT has since expanded to various populations. However, Joseph and Nimasha take us deeper into how the standard DBT framework can unintentionally lead to masking, burnout, and invalidation in autistic clients, and how their adaptation challenges that head-on.
This neuro-affirming approach isn't just a rebrand. It's a thoughtfully reconceptualised framework, co-developed with lived-experience clinicians and autistic participants, offering a strengths-based, inclusive, and accessible alternative. We discuss:
Why standard DBT needs to evolve when working with autistic clients
The core features of the NDA-DBT program
How neurodiversity-affirming language and principles reshape therapeutic space
Insights from Nimasha’s lived experience and clinical work
Whether you’re a mental health professional, an ally, or a neurodivergent listener, this episode challenges us to rethink how we define "effective" therapy and who it really serves.
Want to learn more?
Join Joseph and Nimasha's 2-day virtual training workshop on October 17 & 18, 2025 to gain hands-on tools and access to their comprehensive NDA-DBT manual and resources.
Tune in, reflect, and let's keep psychology human.
Kate Laidlaw gained fame as a participant in Season 9 of Married at First Sight (MAFS), a reality show with a massive global fanbase. Overnight, she became a household name as Australians, and later viewers worldwide, tuned in eagerly to witness the unpredictable journey of marrying strangers at the altar to pursue love and a happily ever after.
She speaks candidly and shares the unfiltered truth about her experiences. She opens up about the harsh realities, including the challenges of forming genuine connections with her paired match, the toll on her mental health, and the struggle against a negative portrayal to a vast audience, coupled with online trolling. She revealed her history of bullying throughout her school years where she also experienced these types of behaviours from other contestants on the show.
In her daily life, she’s a Clinical Nutritionist with her twin sister Bec and their business, Nourish with Kate and Bec. They seek to understand the challenges around achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through nutrition. Their professional life educates and empowers individuals to feel confident in their lives and find their best selves.
Connect with Kate:
Instagram: @katelaidlaw_ @nourish_withkateandbec
Business: www.nourishwithkateandbec.com.au
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Join us in this captivating episode as we delve into Celine's extraordinary life and career as a Criminal Defence Lawyer. From her role as a Criminal Defence Lawyer to making waves on TikTok, Celine takes us behind the scenes of the courtroom drama and sheds light on her experiences representing some of Australia's most dangerous and notorious criminals. We unravel the intricacies of defending a criminal in court and discuss the pivotal role that Psychologists (Forensic or Clinical) play in the legal system.
Learn about how Criminal Defence Lawyers and Psychologists (Forensic and Clinical) work together to build a comprehensive profile of the accused. This involves considering psychological nuances that may provide context to the alleged actions, presenting a more holistic picture for legal consideration. In essence, the justice system recognises a holistic understanding of an accused person involves legal perspectives and insights into the complex realm of human psychology.
**Connect with Celine:**
**Instagram: @celine_t_khoury**
**Tik Tok: @diaryofacriminallawyer**
**Business: SLK Law**
**Connect with me:**
**Website (Our Team of Psychologists):** www.ethospsychology.org
**Instagram:** @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
**Tik Tok:** @lifeinthepsychlane
In this episode, we explore the realm of organisational psychology with our distinguished guest, Erica King, a seasoned consultant with profound expertise in the field. Erica stands out as an accomplished Australian Business Development Mentor specialising in SMEs within the Health & Lifestyle industries.
As a dedicated mentor, Erica empowers business owners to regain command of their enterprises, alleviate stress, achieve greater autonomy, and optimise profits through a robust strategic framework. Known for her prowess in constructing businesses that liberate clients from the 'work to live' paradigm, Erica has an impressive 30-year track record and has successfully owned 12 businesses averaging a remarkable $20 million annual turnover. Her outstanding achievements have earned her recognition, including being a runner-up in the Telstra Business Women of the Year award in previous years. Join us as Erica shares her wealth of knowledge and insights into the multifaceted world of organisational psychology, as we uncover the crucial role organisational psychologists play in enhancing workplace dynamics, fostering employee well-being, and contributing to the overall success of businesses. She proves that anything is possible with the right strategy and mindset.
For information about Life Lessons with Erica King visit: Inquiries for personalised mentoring opportunities contact: erica@lifelessonsericaking.com
Businesses:
Owner at Gasworks Cafe
Life Lesson with Erica King
Website:
Instagram - gasworkscafe
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Carla Ferrari is a Forensic Psychologist and Director of her private practice, Ferrari Consulting Group. She has a keen interest in exploring the interface between law and psychology. As a forensic psychologist, she provides psycho-legal assessments and reports for the court, where she is often required to give evidence as an expert witness.
Her work involves working in criminal law, family law, Victims of Crime, and civil matters, including personal injury claims, immigration, and institutional abuse. Her work in forensic psychology is fascinating and nail-biting and challenges anyone to stay present while maintaining her professionalism.
Even more, she’s a beloved friend, a part of my boss babe tribe of women supporting women.
Welcome to Life in the Psych Lane Carla.
Connect with Carla:
Website: ferrariconsultinggroup.com
Email: carla@carlaferrari.com
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Bonus episode to develop a safe place in your mind.
This exercise is a resource to develop and is particularly important if you've experienced extensive childhood trauma. The point of the exercise is to allow you to experience safety and pleasant emotions in moments of need so that parts of the experience may be generalised into everyday life.
If the word ‘safe’ evokes memories of just the opposite and the absence of safety, then interchange the words to ‘calm’ or ‘peaceful’ place that may be more effective.
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Su is a Registered Psychologist at Ethos Psychology and proudly identifies as Turkish-Australian. She discusses her professional journey fuelled by a deep commitment to fostering mental well-being within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. With bilingual proficiency, Su extends her services to Turkish speakers, ensuring a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach to her therapeutic work.
In her private practice work, she has delivered psychological support to individuals in detention, migrants, refugees and those seeking asylum and assessment for educational purposes. The conversation details the meaning of ‘culture’ that encompasses a rich tapestry of beliefs, values, and traditions that shape an individual's worldview. Listen to hear more about her experiences as a Psychologist working with minority groups.
Connect with Su and I:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Sean Loots is a podcast host, speaker and creative strategist.
What sets Sean apart is his incredible journey as a first-time father, a role that led him to confront profound challenges. His daughter, Zoe, was born with complex neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions, including intractable epilepsy and global developmental delay.
Sean's story is a testament to the extraordinary power of grit, determination, and psychological flexibility that love can inspire in a father's heart. Join us as he shares his inspiring journey of unwavering devotion to Zoe and the resilience he's discovered along the way.
Connect with Sean: Seanloots.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/seanloots
Podcast: Something Shifted
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Anna, better known as misannabell on socials, shares her courageous journey from darkness to light, opening up about her mental health struggles with Substance Use Disorder to alcohol and the road to recovery toward sobriety. She discusses the pervasive nature and dependence on alcohol where she struggled with impaired control, risky use and how this affected her in social settings.
She has an important message for us as humans that we are all capable of change; however, it starts with choosing yourself and the willingness to learn to master a new way to be. She has recovered with such grace and intention with many moments of realisation for the better. Listen to the inspiring steps that she took towards recovery and to become sober.
Connect with Anna:
Instagram and Tik Tok: misannabell
Links: https://iamsober.com/
Reframe: Tips for changing your relationship with alcohol
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Margaret Hoelzer is an Olympic Swimmer, Motivator, Public Speaker and Advocate Against Sexual Abuse. Discover her remarkable journey from surviving two years of complex developmental trauma due to sexual abuse by a family friend to achieving the pinnacle of athletic success: setting a world record. Join her as she opens up about the profound impact of trauma on her self-worth and how her swimming career became the catalyst for her psychological recovery. She talks in-depth about how her mind and body overcame her unimaginable trauma, where she's proof that anything is possible.
Today, Margaret is a spokesperson for the National Children's Advocacy Centre (USA), continuing to shine as a globally recognised motivational speaker and advocate. Her tireless efforts now focus on raising awareness and empowering others to share their experiences with sexual abuse.
Connect with Margaret:
Website: www.margarethoelzer.com
Instagram: @margaret_hoelzer
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists):** www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Stephanie Georgiou, a seasoned Registered Psychologist, Clinical Psychology Registrar, and the Director of Mind Food Psychology. She's also the author of the book "Food Jail."
You might recognise her as the influential Mind Food Steph on social media.
Join us as Stephanie and I delve into the complex realm of Feeding and Eating Disorders within the scope of mental health diagnosis and diagnostic criteria.
Together, we deeply explore the intricacies behind persistent disturbances in eating and eating-related behaviour, which impairs physical health and psychosocial functioning.
Connect with Steph:
Website: www.mindfoodpsychology.com
Instagram and Tik Tok: @mindfoodsteph
Get the book: https://www.mindfoodsteph.com/shop-1 (Discount Code MINDFOOD20)
Grab my Course: Unchain Your Brain: https://stan.store/mindfoodsteph/mindfoodsteph_store/page/114526
Podcast: https://whatseatingyoupodcast.buzzsprout.com
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Stephanie Georgiou is a Registered Psychologist, Clinical Psychology Registrar, Director of the online private practice Mind Food Psychology and Author of the book Food Jail.
She is also well-known on social media as Mind Food Steph.
In this episode, Stephanie talks about her 9-year Eating Disorder and how her experiences shaped her passion to help others live better.
We take a deep dive into life with an eating disorder.
Connect with Steph:
Website: www.mindfoodpsychology.com
Instagram and Tik Tok: @mindfoodsteph
Get the book: https://www.mindfoodsteph.com/shop-1 (Discount Code MINDFOOD20)
Grab Steph's Course: Unchain Your Brain: https://stan.store/mindfoodsteph/mindfoodsteph_store/page/114526
Jason Cram is a Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Motivational Speaker and now an Aquaphobia Coach with his business Swimly.
He's an Australian swimmer who reached the pinnacle of our sport in swimming alongside two of the best swimmers of all time, Grant Hackett and Ian Thorpe. Although he may talk about swimming in their shadows, he's a champion in his own right, with over 20 years in competitive swimming and racing on the world stage at the peak of his career.
His achievements speak for themselves.
His current purpose has incorporated his life in the pool as a swimmer to help those who have had traumatic water-related experiences and struggle to swim. It's a journey of healing, joy and immersion for those involved. Jason's lived experiences are thought-provoking and inspiring where not reaching your career goals doesn't automatically assume failure. He shows us that life has much more to offer.
Connect with Jason:
Website: www.Swimly.com.au
Instagram www.instagram.com/goswimly
Email: jason@swimly.com.au
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Dr Joseph Sakdalan is an AHPRA registered clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist.
He also obtained postgraduate degrees in clinical neuropsychology and Forensic Psychiatry, where he first practiced as a General Practitioner (GP) before becoming a Psychologist.
He talks in-depth about neuropsychological assessment of clients with complex presentations, especially those with severe mental illness, personality issues, and complex trauma.
His more recent work has developed offender offence specific programs such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for intellectual disabilities (ID) and sexual and violence reduction programs.
We're fortunate to have an in-depth discussion with a Psychologist of his calibre around the complexities of mental health diagnosis and understanding the information gained in an assessment to formulate an accurate diagnosis.
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
This is my story of coming out of darkness to swimming my way back to the top, back to being the fastest in the world in my event, the 100m Backstroke.
I want to share my journey of trials and tribulations through lived experience where I ended my swimming career with one of the most life-changing moments of my life.
It was a time of self-reflection, a discovery of the self where I can truly understand the mental challenges that I had faced with my Psychologist lens.
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
In this episode, Rachel speaks with Sara Isakovic.
Sara Isakovic is an Olympic Silver medalist from Slovenia, now a Psychologist certified in hypnosis where she’s developed resilience and mental training programs for Elite Athletes. Sara is a published researcher in neuroscience and presented her mental training in a TEDX talk.
Connect with Sara:
Website: www.saraisakovic.com
Instagram: @sara3ice
Shop (Goal Setting Game and her Book):
https://shop.saraisakovic.com/shop/play-to-make-it-happen/
https://shop.saraisakovic.com/shop/between2lanes/
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok:@lifeinthepsychlane
In this episode, Rachel speaks with former undercover detective, Kim Culpin.
Kim Culpin has been a resident on Australian TV screens better known as a "Ground Hunter" on the reality show "Hunted". Kim has an extensive career in the police force where she worked as an undercover detective in the drug offence unit and reached a role as a senior detective. She then transitioned her work to the community health sector as a general manager in women's services, inclusive of family violence and homelessness. She continues to advocate for justice in the community to keep individuals and families safer in the community.
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
Everyone wants to understand why the people around them behave the way that they do, and I can help with that. My name is Rachel Goh.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist and the Founder and Director of Ethos Psychology and The Ethos Centre.
I also represented my country throughout my career as a swimmer for Australia.
Welcome to my podcast, Life in the Psych Lane.
In each episode, I chat with inspiring athletes and great thinkers who will give you a better understanding of yourself, the people in your life and most importantly, the relationship that you have with yourself. I explore the width and breadth of the human psyche and give you a glimpse into how powerful your mind and your body really are.
Subscribe to Life In the Psych Lane on your favourite podcast listening platform to better understand psychology today.
Connect with me:
Website (Our Team of Psychologists): www.ethospsychology.org
Instagram: @lifeinthepsychlane.podcast @ethospsychology
Tik Tok: @lifeinthepsychlane
