Join psychologists Michelle Bakjac and Suzanne McKenzie for an engaging and practical Q&A panel exploring the complex psychological factors that can influence recovery, work participation and return to work outcomes.
Working in the vocational rehabilitation space often means navigating the grey areas between psychological barriers, fear, uncertainty, workplace conflict and reluctance to return to work. This session will unpack these challenges and provide practical insights that Rehabilitation Counsellors and other vocational rehabilitation professionals can apply in their day-to-day practice.
The panel will tackle real-world questions, including:
- Psychological barriers vs. reluctance to return to work: How can we distinguish genuine psychological barriers from reluctance or disengagement, and what strategies can help overcome these challenges?
- Fear avoidance and catastrophising: How can practitioners recognise and effectively respond to fear-avoidant and catastrophising behaviours that may be limiting recovery and work participation?
- Psychologists and Rehabilitation Counsellors working together: How can psychological treatment goals and functional return-to-work goals be better aligned to create a more coordinated approach to recovery?
- Low trust and workplace conflict: What practical strategies can Rehabilitation Counsellors use when trust has broken down between a worker and employer?
- Turning psychological insight into functional outcomes: How can we translate psychological recommendations into meaningful, achievable vocational goals?
Expect a practical, interactive and thought-provoking discussion, with plenty of opportunity to explore the questions and challenges that arise in real vocational rehabilitation cases.
Whether you work as a Rehabilitation Counsellor, psychologist, case manager, employer representative or in another role supporting people to return to work, this session will provide valuable insights into working effectively at the intersection of psychology, recovery and vocational rehabilitation.
REGISTER HERE