Addiction, Dependence and Hyperbolic Tapering.
Welcome to Chemical Conversations with Julie Santall and Brenda Sutherland
What doctors don’t know, despite their best intentions. The research. drug phases, mis-diagnosis, drug-drug interactions and safely coming off antidepressants.
Antidepressants play a significant role in the treatment of mental health conditions, but their effects extend beyond simply improving mood. This webinar explores how antidepressants work within the brain and body, the benefits and potential side effects they can produce, and the ways they interact with other medications. Participants will gain insight into the science behind these pharmaceutical interactions, why they occur, and how they can influence treatment outcomes.
Designed for counsellors and other mental health professionals, this webinar will also examines the challenges clients may face when considering reducing or discontinuing antidepressant medication.
Chemical Conversations is an engaging exploration of how each antidepressants affects the brain and body, interacts with other medications, and what counsellors need to know to support clients safely and effectively.
- An accessible introduction to the neurochemistry and pharmacology of antidepressants
- Exploring how antidepressants interact with the brain, body, and other medications
- Discover what most doctors don’t know about tapering, dosing and the side effects.
- Understanding antidepressant withdrawal effects and how they may present in clients
- The importance of gradual tapering and medical supervision when reducing or discontinuing antidepressants
- Understanding the “chemical conversations” that occur when medications are introduced, adjusted, or withdrawn
- Practical strategies for counsellors to support clients throughout the withdrawal process
- Collaborating effectively with prescribing healthcare professionals to promote client safety and wellbeing
- Applying this knowledge to enhance holistic, informed, and client-centred care in counselling practice
Facilitators
Julie Santall
Julie Santall began her career 35 years ago as a critical care emergency nurse in the UK and later specialised in Advanced Trauma Life support. She served on the Faculty of Brighton University (UK) to train nurses and doctors in the management of major trauma. In 2003 she was sponsored by the Alfred Hospital Trauma Centre in Melbourne and moved to Australia with her daughter.
In a career spanning over 20 years in Australia, Julie has worked as a Drug and Alcohol Nurse in several Melbourne Emergency Departments, working with patients frequently presenting with a dual diagnosis of mental health and drug and alcohol issues compounded by transient and chaotic lifestyles.
Julie has worked in a case management role with the Homeless Persons Program (now Bolton Clarke), as the overdose prevention nurse in Frankston, as a drug and alcohol counsellor with the Frankston and Mornington Alcohol and Drug Service. More recently, Julie has worked as a counsellor for the Medication Support and Recovery service at Access Health. In this time, she has worked with many clients presenting in crisis to the emergency Departments and out in the community in a case management role.
Julie is currently in private practise working with a wide range of clients with high trauma, addictions, NDIS funded, clients wanting to taper off antidepressants safely with knowledge and many more.
For more go to: https://awakening.com.au/about/
Brenda Sutherland
Brenda is the Founder of The Awakening Group training programs and principal trainer with over 43 years of counselling experience.
For more information go to: https://awakening.com.au/about/
Individual sessions available
To book an appointment with Julie Santall to support your own hyperbolic tapering journey off antidepressants
https://awakening.com.au/services/booking
Workbook
The workbook made up of the presentation slides be sent via email