Tamara Cavenett Clinical Psychologist

05/01/2024

“Acceptance doesn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, mean passive resignation. Quite the opposite. It takes a huge amount of fortitude and motivation to accept what is — especially when you don’t like it — and then work wisely and effectively as best you possibly can with the circumstances you find yourself in and with the resources at your disposal, both inner and outer, to mitigate, heal, redirect, and change what can be changed.” (p.407)

Acceptance, appreciation, and resonating with the positive result in happiness.

05/01/2024

Study hacks based on science...

Exam season is fast approaching, so if you or a family member are currently studying you might be considering how best to prepare. Luckily, there’s a wealth of research out there on how best to cope before, during and after exams…

15/03/2023

My next Under Investigation episode airing now…

03/05/2022

The viral nature of social media means that people can have their reputations damaged literally overnight… the mental health implications are incredible. Thank you so much SBS for having me and for giving this important issue a forum

06/03/2022

But how soon after meeting someone should we move past the small talk? According to a 2021 study again involving Epley and led by Michael Kardas, the answer is: right away.

Earlier research has shown that giving compliments draws both strangers and friends closer together. It also costs nothing, either financially or in terms of effort.

By Emma Young. Psychology provides some intriguing insights into how best to handle conversations, to turn strangers into new friends, and new friends into life-long confidantes.

08/01/2022

“The more we study bipolar disorder, the more we appreciate its complexity, especially around the onset of symptoms and in the underserved,” said Manpreet K. Singh, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. “There isn’t going to be a single genetic marker, research tool, or treatment plan that resolves this complexity.”

All of this is driving two major shifts that are already proving life-changing for patients: earlier and more accurate diagnosis and increasingly personalised treatments. Including the role of wearable devices and blue light-blocking glasses. Exercise can also boost cardiovascular health, which is implicated in bipolar disorder and cognitive rehabilitation therapies- can assist with memory impacts.

“Research has shown that 3-, 6-, or 9-month treatments focused on education and skill-building are effective in preventing recurrences and improving overall functioning.”

To fully support those with bipolar disorder, a coordinated effort between psychologists, who excel at developing and delivering psychosocial interventions, and psychiatrists, who have a sophisticated understanding of how medications can help, is crucial.

30/12/2021

How To Cope With Failure, According To Psychology

We all have times when we feel that we’ve failed — but it’s how we respond to it that really matters:

By Emma Young. We all have times when we feel that we’ve failed – but it’s how we respond to it that really matters. Here are five findings that could help you cope with failure:

23/12/2021

As adults we’re feeling a bit overwhelmed already. Little ones (and not so little ones) are also easily dysregulated this time of year. Although there are likely lots of happy and excited feelings, high intensity of any emotion can be tricky. Let’s not forget it’s hard for them too.

04/12/2021

In this quick video, Russ shares four whacky techniques to help you unhook from difficult thoughts and feelings.