Beyond the Sessions - A BSS Psychology Podcast

ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood

From studying exercise physiology in Brisbane to practicing Social Work in the mines of the Bowen Basin. Add to that an adulthood diagnosis of ADHD and Jessica Micallef’s journey has been far from conventional. Jess is a long-term member of our Mackay team and has had regular site and community runs over the years. In this episode, Jess shares some of her background, how it informs her current work, and discusses her lived experience of not just being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, but of being undiagnosed for many years. Through stories of struggle, grief, and empowerment, Jess shares her journey and will humanize it for many others.

From Cricket to Psychology

Collie boy Cade Williamson has had a broad range of life experiences – from playing professional County Cricket in England, to working in the fitness industry, to working FIFO in the mines, to eventually becoming a psychologist (almost by accident). In this episode, Cade discusses his experiences as a cricketer and how his favorite sport took him from Collie to the other side of the world. He shares what cricket has taught him about life and some of his journey through FIFO and fitness work to eventually becoming a psychologist with BSS who regularly attends site. Cade’s story might just hit you for six!

Isolation and loneliness – John Hannan and Chris Burrows

Between them, psychologists Chris Burrows and John Hannan have decades of experience in travelling for work – Chris with his background in training and site work, and John with his role as a trainer and years of experience working for the RFDS and as a white-water rafting tour guide. Both have enjoyed the travel but have also struggled with the challenges that can come with FIFO life. In this podcast they talk not just about the isolation you can feel when you are away for work, but also the isolation you experience when you are back home. They each share how they have managed these very real challenges.