Navigating modern relationships feels like constantly running on empty. Everyday pressures, stress, and misunderstandings quietly shape the dynamic between us, often leading to communication breakdown and conflict.

Systemic Family Therapist Scott Hill uncovers how to shift from individual blame to understanding relational patterns. He reveals the hidden emotional needs beneath arguments and how to reconnect when exhaustion turns a supportive role into strain.

This episode provides actionable insights to strengthen communication and find the courage to be vulnerable in your closest relationships.

Scott Hill is a practising Social Worker with two decades of experience in mental health. As a Systemic Couple and Family Therapist at St John of God University Hospital, he specialises in helping families and couples strengthen communication and improve relationships.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Creating new, generative conversations
Looking at relational patterns, not individuals
Vulnerability underlies all relationship conflict
How stress changes brain communication
Courage is needed to be vulnerable

GUEST DETAILS

Scott Hill is a Systemic Family Therapist currently working at St John of God University Hospital. He has 19 years of experience as a practising Social Worker in mental health, focusing on the addiction team and adolescent mental health service. He qualified as a Systemic Family Therapist five years ago and passionately believes that healthy relationships can help people manage whatever life presents.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

I always know I'm doing an okay job when a family member, a couple, might say, I never knew that, I never heard that before, you never said that to me, I didn't realise. - Scott Hill

My job in the therapy space, to sum it all up, is to create a kind of an experience, a different type of conversation, really, that brings a bit of difference and a bit of hope and a bit of life. - Scott Hill

My client, my patient is the relationship, or my client is the family." - Scott Hill

KEYWORDS #FamilyTherapy #HealthyRelationships #ActiveListening #MentalSupport #RelationalPatterns

To mark International Nurses Day, this episode of The Stigma Shift focuses on the people learning, growing and preparing to shape the future of mental health care.

Shona Giles, Clinical Placement Coordinator at St John of God University Hospital, joins the podcast to discuss her role in supporting mental health nursing students during their clinical placements. She reflects on the importance of a positive learning environment, the value of mentorship, and how clinical experience helps students build confidence, compassion and professional identity.

This year’s International Nurses Day theme, Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives., offers a timely opportunity to recognise not only the vital contribution of nurses today, but also the importance of investing in the nurses of tomorrow.

Through this conversation with Elaine, Shona explores what it means to support students in a specialist mental health setting, the role of education in high-quality patient care, and why empowered nurses are essential to the future of healthcare.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Student placements are deeply immersive
Therapeutic relationships are built on communication
Manage shift work and feedback pressures
Weekly reflective practice builds self-awareness
The immense commitment of nurse training

GUEST DETAILS

Shona Giles is a Clinical Placement Coordinator and registered mental health nurse at St John of God University Hospital. She is a core member of the Nurse Practice Development unit.

Her key skills include overseeing student clinical placements, ensuring quality learning environments, and supporting students from the academic to the clinical setting

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

Students are straight in. They're getting involved in anything that's happening on the wards, and they're very much supervised, of course, you know, from stage one onwards. - Shona Giles

The student nurse will be involved in that documentation of the patient's presentation and really like building on their own communication skills and their therapeutic relationships… - Shona Giles

If you can just be the person that listens. You're actually That's huge. That's really powerful. - Shona Giles

KEYWORDS #MentalHealth #NursingStudent #ClinicalPlacement #ReflectivePractice #NurseTraining

The rise in workplace mental health awareness has not translated into meaningful, day-to-day change for employees. Policies and awareness days are common, but a significant gap persists between organisational intention and lived reality. This failure to act often leaves staff reliant on reactive support when issues reach a crisis point.

This episode unpacks the disconnect between language and behaviour, exploring what is missing from current approaches. The solution is moving beyond campaigns to prevention, focusing on continuous support, shared understanding, and practical frameworks. We focus on the 'Working Mind' programme, an evidence-based approach brought to Ireland to enable earlier recognition of mental health shifts.

Host Elaine McDonald is joined by Jacqui Mulligan, Project Coordinator with Mental Health First Aid Ireland. Jacqui has spent over six years developing mental health literacy programmes. She has led large-scale training rollouts for organisations, including the Irish Defence Forces.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Awareness has not shifted staff behaviour
• Policies look great but trust breaks down
• The Working Mind builds shared language
• Understanding the mental health continuum
• Leaders must prioritise a healthy workforce

GUEST DETAILS

Jacqui Mulligan is a Project Coordinator with Mental Health First Aid Ireland. She has over six years experience in mental health literacy and programme development. Jacqui led efforts to localise and introduce the evidence-based 'Working Mind' programme to Ireland.

Her expertise includes supporting large-scale training rollouts for organisations like An Garda Síochána.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

We've normalised talking about mental health, but what we haven't normalised is then responding to it. - Jacqui Mulligan

Prevention requires culture, not campaigns. - Jacqui Mulligan

I always believe that if my intention is to care, I can't get it wrong, because that is genuine. - Jacqui Mulligan

KEYWORDS #MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellness #PsychologicalSafety #MentalContinuum #BehaviourChange

What does addiction look like when it hides behind success? In this episode, Professor O’Gara joins Elaine to unpack the often-overlooked reality of addiction among high-achieving individuals.

From burnout and insomnia to the rise of process addictions like online gaming, gambling, and phone overuse, the conversation explores how performance-driven environments can mask — and even fuel — addictive behaviours.

Professor O’Gara shares insights from over two decades on the frontline of addiction treatment, highlighting the stigma that delays help-seeking, the role of workplace culture in either supporting or failing employees, and the compassionate, non-confrontational approach his team takes to treatment.

At its core, this discussion is a reminder that recovery is possible — and that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of success or status.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Addiction expands beyond drugs and alcohol.
High achievers vulnerable to burnout, poor coping.
Personality traits link success and addiction risk.
Workplace culture affects employees' addiction recovery.
Compassionate treatment offers hope for recovery.

GUEST DETAILS

Professor Colin O'Gara is a recognised Consultant Psychiatrist with 23 years of clinical experience, specialising in addiction medicine. He serves as the Head of Addiction Services at St John of God University Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin (UCD).

For over 18 years, Professor O'Gara has led the development of holistic, non-confrontational detoxification and rehabilitation services at St John of God University Hospital. The hospital's addiction services treat a wide range of substance addictions, including alcohol, stimulants, opioids, sedatives, cannabis, and digital addictions such as gambling disorder and internet gaming disorder.
Dedicated to research, Professor O'Gara leads a group at UCD's School of Medicine investigating areas such as gambling, over-the-counter pill addiction, and alcohol rehabilitation. He actively works to destigmatise addiction through public engagement and media interactions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-colin-o-gara-13834859

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES
Addiction doesn’t discriminate by status or success — its roots are often in exhaustion and burnout. — Professor Colin O’Gara

High achievers tend to push themselves to extremes, driven by conscientiousness, self-criticism, and guilt, which can fuel addictive behaviours. — Professor Colin O’Gara

Some workplaces genuinely support mental health and vulnerability, while others only pay lip service — and that difference can make or break recovery. — Professor Colin O’Gara

Addictions are diagnosable brain disorders, with clear biological markers, just like physical illnesses — yet society still struggles to accept this. — Professor Colin O’Gara

Recovery is possible, and I’ve seen people not only get well but go on to become ambassadors for others starting their journey. — Professor Colin O’Gara

KEYWORDS

#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Burnout #WorkplaceWellbeing #HighAchievers #AddictionAwareness #Stigma #CompassionateCare #ProcessAddictions #RecoveryIsPossible

This internal and external isolation often causes people to disconnect from the relationships, social activities, and inner self that truly sustain them.

Recovery is supported by community, connection, and innovative clinical care. This episode explores how clinical services and community organisations work together to support people and families who are transitioning out of the eating disorder's black-and-white control.

Host Elaine McDonald is joined by two experts marking three decades of crucial service in Ireland's eating disorder landscape. Jane O’Riordan is an Occupational Therapist at the Eating Disorders Programme at St John of God University Hospital. Harriet Parsons is the CEO of Bodywhys, Ireland’s National Eating Disorder Association.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Occupational therapy supports life functioning.
Eating disorders develop as coping mechanisms.
Loneliness and isolation compound struggle.
Groups provide hope and universality.
Continuity of connection supports transition.

GUEST DETAILS

Jane O'Riordan is an Occupational Therapist on the Eating Disorders Programme at St John of God University Hospital. With nearly two decades of experience across adult and adolescent mental health, she specialises in activity-led approaches, including meal preparation and therapeutic practices. Her expertise focuses on the mind-body connection in recovery and the intersection of neurodiversity and eating disorders.

Harriet Parsons is the CEO of Bodywhys, Ireland's National Eating Disorder Association. A fully accredited psychotherapist who has been with the organisation for almost 20 years, she led the development of crucial support services, including family programmes. She also played a key role in delivering the community support component of the HSE's National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

Having an eating disorder is really exhausting and really time consuming, so it's very difficult to be present or have energy for doing things or people's self esteem and body image are affected. - Jane O'Riordan
Eating disorders develop as a way of coping with difficult experiences or a difficult kind of internal world. So we want to try and support people to develop other skills and outlets for that. - Jane O'Riordan
The eating disorder is a way of coping, and because it's a way of coping, they're very counter intuitive illnesses. - Harriet Parsons
It takes great courage to kind of reach out and make that first connection with somebody who's focused on how this person might be able to live their life without the eating disorder. - Harriet Parsons

KEYWORDS: #EatingDisorders #MentalHealthRecovery #GroupSupport #StigmaShift #Bodywhys

In this episode, we’re joined by Carol Keegan, Clinical Nurse Specialist at St John of God University Hospital, to explore the realities of living with anxiety.

Carol breaks down the difference between everyday stress and clinical anxiety, challenges common misconceptions, and explains why anxiety isn’t always the enemy—it can sometimes be protective and even useful.

From practical coping tools like breathing techniques and self-care habits, to the role of social supports, therapy, and medication, Carol offers clear, compassionate insights that make anxiety feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or navigating anxiety yourself, this conversation is full of reassurance, hope, and strategies you can put into practice.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Why anxiety isn’t always the enemy — and how it can sometimes help us
The difference between everyday stress and clinical anxiety
Common physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety
Practical coping tools: breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and self-care basics
How to support a loved one and challenge the myth that you can “snap out of it”

GUEST DETAILS

Carol Keegan is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at St John of God University Hospital. She works on the psychosis team as part of a multidisciplinary effort. Carol is also a registered nurse prescriber. Her experience involves providing assessment, education, and emotional support to patients and their families. She focuses on helping patients understand their anxiety and develop coping strategies.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

Anxiety is one of our primary emotions, a basic function designed to protect us. – Carol Keegan
Everyday stress is temporary and manageable, but clinical anxiety lingers, intensifies, and interferes with daily life. – Carol Keegan
Breathing techniques are the most effective way to manage anxiety in the moment because they reset the body’s stress response. – Carol Keegan
Self-care may sound basic, but sleep, nutrition, exercise, and connection are crucial to building resilience against anxiety. – Carol Keegan
Anxiety isn’t something you can just snap out of — if people could, they absolutely would. – Carol Keegan

KEYWORDS

#AnxietyAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #CopingStrategies #SelfCare #Resilience #Wellbeing #Mindfulness #CBT #StigmaFree #Podcast

Grief and loss are profound and complex human experiences that often leave us feeling isolated and uncertain of how to cope. We struggle to talk about these deeply personal emotions, and the pressure to "be okay" can compound the pain, leading to self-criticism and shame. This difficulty is worsened by a culture of productivity that systemically discourages taking the time needed for a natural healing process.

This episode offers clarity and care by exploring what grief truly is—beyond just bereavement—and how it affects our mental health. We delve into the power of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to reframe our emotional struggles and the vital role of self-validation in moving forward while honouring what has been lost.

You will learn practical strategies to cultivate compassion for yourself and others as a powerful guide through times of emotional difficulty.

Elaine McDonald is joined by Dr Sonia Pillai, a Senior Psychologist at St John of God University Hospital and an aspiring somatic coach.

Dr Pillai has a special interest in trauma, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. Her practice is grounded in humanistic and neuro-affirming philosophies, integrating various therapeutic approaches to support people through complex emotional experiences.

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

Grief is broad, universal process
Societal barriers hinder natural grieving
CFT's three emotional systems model
Grief is an ongoing, non-linear process.
Validate your emotional responses to loss.

GUEST DETAILS

Dr Sonia Pillai is Senior Counselling Psychologist at St John of God University Hospital. She works alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting new inpatients and runs DBT and CFT groups. Dr Pillai practices from a foundation of humanistic and neuro-affirming philosophies. She integrates models like Emotion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Dr Pillai has a special interest in trauma, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

The grief process... can take years, right? And I think helping people to validate their very natural responses to loss can be really powerful in the therapy space. - Dr Sonia Pillai

As long as there is a loss of something that's meaningful to someone, and it's, you know, maybe indicated that one cannot return to the way one's life was before this loss, then I think it's natural for a grief process to happen then. - Dr Sonia Pillai

You know, the grief will always be there. The waves are always going to be part of your life. Life, but it's about maybe allowing them to feel less intense through the process of minding yourself. - Dr Sonia Pillai

KEYWORDS

#GriefAndLoss #SelfCompassion #MentalHealthSupport #CFTSkills #EmotionalWellbeing

The human brain possesses extraordinary ability to adapt and change throughout life, a quality called neuroplasticity that many mistakenly believe only occurs during childhood.

Dr Clodagh Cremen, senior clinical psychologist on psychiatry of later life team at St John of God University Hospital, explains how neural pathways function like motorways with traffic rerouting when connections close, why neurons that fire together wire together, how Tilda research shows 206,800 adults over 70 volunteer annually demonstrating active community contribution, and why starting with one small consistent change like 20 minute brisk walks matters more than perfectionistic overnight transformations.

With special interest in neuropsychology, disability, trauma and resilience, Dr Cremen shares practical strategies for supporting brain health including hearing aid maintenance, challenging ageist assumptions about capability, and understanding that sleep architecture changes naturally with age requiring different amounts than teenage years

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

• Brain plastic changes adapts forms new connections environment
• One small consistent change not perfectionistic overnight transformation
• Over seventies volunteer provide care contribute Irish society fabric
• Hearing aids cognitive functioning maintenance never too late
• Mindfulness skill takes practice not silver bullet stress

GUEST DETAILS


Dr Clodagh Cremen is senior clinical psychologist on psychiatry of later life team at St John of God University Hospital, working with adults over 65 experiencing mood struggles, anxiety, adjustment challenges or grief whilst providing assessment through listening and formal cognitive testing alongside intervention teaching coping skills.

With special interest in neuropsychology, disability, trauma and resilience, she worked extensively in neuro rehabilitation settings with acquired brain injury survivors and their families from historical background including interest in people born 1940s through different generations within over 65 category.

Her approach focuses on empowering people to flourish, thrive and build fulfilling lives by supporting return to meaningful activities that matter to individuals rather than prescribed goals, bringing holistic psychological perspective to multidisciplinary team whilst showing compassion for brains doing their best under difficult circumstances.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about the work of the St John of God University Hospital visit stjohnofgodhospital.ie

QUOTES

The brain is plastic, so it does change over time. It adapts. New connections get formed and that's often based on what's happening in our environment around us, and equally physiologically, what's happening internally inside our bodies as well. - Dr Clodagh Cremen

The way that the brain is structured is that there's different parts within the brain, we call them lobes. These lobes have different jobs and communicate with one another through what we call neural pathways. These form networks. It's a bit like having big cities that are connected to one another via motorways. Something might happen in life, and one of these motorways close. The traffic diverts, so maybe it starts using the country roads more. The messages might get delivered at a different pace. But over time, what can happen as this new road gets used is that it can become more developed. The traffic can reroute so the messages can still get through. - Dr Clodagh Cremen

It's never too late. Our brains have evolved over billions of years to consistently adapt and change, and we always have the capacity to learn, and that's one of the things that makes life so interesting. Changing can seem daunting. It can feel overwhelming. Start with the simple stuff, stuff that you have control over, that feels easy and manageable for you. You're good enough, good enough person as you are, and that can be true, and it can also be true that there's stuff that you want to change. To go easy on yourself. Life is hard. It's not too late. Notice and celebrate the small stuff that maybe you have changed. - Dr Clodagh Cremen

KEYWORDS

#Neuroplasticity #BrainHealth #AgeingWell #MentalWellbeing #CognitiveResilience