The Importance of Trust in Creating Psychological Safety to Support Change

11 July 2025

In times of transition and uncertainty, trust is the foundation that enables individuals and communities to feel safe, connected, and open to change. This presentation explores how trust fosters psychological safety—the assurance that one can express thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment or rejection—through the lens of applied neuroscience. When trust is present, the brain’s threat response diminishes, allowing for deeper connection, emotional regulation, and openness to new possibilities. In contrast, a lack of trust triggers a survival response, leading to fear, withdrawal, and resistance—obstacles to growth and transformation. This session will examine key neuroscience of leadership principles regarding trust, vulnerability and change. We will explore practical, compassionate approaches for creating psychologically safe spaces where individuals feel valued, heard, and supported through change. The session will offer insights and tools to help nurture trust, foster psychological safety, and support individuals through change.

The history and future of death down under: Implications for spiritual care

08 August 2025

Facing the upcoming challenges of deathcare in Australia requires a more nuanced appreciation of its history alongside contemporary trends, such as the rise of spirituality (as opposed to religion) and ‘Buddhish’ (or Buddhist-inspired) death practice.

Menopause Complexity, Wellness and Spirituality

22 August 2025

Menopause is currently attracting substantive public attention in Australia and other Western societies. While previously considered a "taboo" subject, people are now speaking out about this complex life change. Yet most research and discourses on menopause focus largely on medicalisation and management of its negative symptoms. This new era of public menopause narratives and discourses, fuelled by markets and social media, is also largely dominated by so-called Western women. A recent Australian parliamentary inquiry on ‘Issues related to Menopause and Perimenopause’ has flagged the need for more research into Indigenous, culturally diverse, LGBTQIA+ and women living with disabilities' experiences of menopause, and that ‘in some cultures, reaching menopause is associated with an experience of enhanced wisdom or becoming more revered.’ There are also rising concerns regarding menopause marketisation and disinformation, particularly among wellness influencers seeking to profit from selling menopause products and services. In response to these developments, this paper reports on recent research into spiritual framings and experiences of menopause and wellbeing. It explores Ayurvedic and Chinese Traditional Medicine understandings of menopause linked to Vedic and Buddhist traditions. It puts forward a new theory of ‘menopause complexity’, as increased awareness of menopause is no doubt beneficial but can also pose potential risks. It concludes by arguing that learning from holistic and empowering framings of menopause deserves more attention, particularly in Australia, given our rich history of worldview diversity and our geographical proximity to Asia.

Spiritual Care in Bereavement

12 September 2025

Bereavement disrupts all aspects of human experience, but how this disruption is understood, and thus how bereavement care is offered, can vary. The evidence supporting today’s bereavement models tends to come from selected populations (counselling clients, for example), is largely developed by professionals to inform their practice, and thus reflects the disciplinary interests of those professionals (in particular, psychoanalysis and psychology are strongly represented). Providing spiritual care in settings shaped by these bereavement care models can involve both complementing and challenging aspects of their approach to care.

Framework for Young Children's Spiritual Capabilities

19 September 2025

Research shows that children who feel connected thrive. This sense of connectedness—central to spirituality—fosters resilience, wellbeing, and protective factors that support lifelong growth. But how can professionals intentionally nurture this vital aspect of development? Drawing on over 20 years of groundbreaking research, this webinar looks at the recently published "", which equips educators and healthcare professionals with the tools to support children’s spiritual development. Authored by leading experts in early childhood spirituality, this work bridges the gap between theory and practice, presenting evidence-based strategies to nurture spirituality in children aged 0–8. This essential guide offers an accessible approach to nurturing the whole child. By cultivating a sense of connection, you can help children flourish spiritually, emotionally, and developmentally.

Forest Therapy: Biophilia Research for Spiritual Care

03 October 2025

Forest therapy, or “Shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing), originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to the increasing stress and urbanization of modern life. The practice involves immersing oneself in a forest environment, engaging the senses to experience the natural world fully. Over time, scientific research has supported the benefits of this practice, linking it to improved mental and physical health. The concept of biophilia—the innate human connection to nature—underpins forest therapy. Exploring the latest research in Forest Therapy, this webinar introduces you to some Forest Therapy interventions, offering a unique and enriching way to enhance your spiritual care pracitce and interventions. Recognised by the Australian Counselling Association, Forest Therapy Victoria’s PD workshops are designed to be both informative and restorative.

Problem Accessing Vimeo?

01 May 2025

Our hosting platform for Professional Development, Vimeo, has indicated that due to system upgrades, their "Promotion Codes" are not currently working.

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01 March 2024

SCA News Archive now available

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