Connections are essential in healthcare, and in AOD and Mental Health services they are central to both client outcomes and workforce wellbeing. In the context of integrated care, the most important connection we can form is the therapeutic relationship - with individuals, the team and the health service system itself.

Together, we'll explore what relational practice looks like in integrated care and how it supports therapeutic relationships. We'll also focus on intentional communication, using practical examples and techniques to support trust, respect and collaboration in everyday practice.

This workshop will examine the unique and essential therapeutic relationships built between healthcare workers, peers, family and carers, and how these relationships can influence engagement with services more broadly.

But what happens when it all goes wrong? While relational theory helps us understand how strong connections are formed, the reality in practice can be more complex. Miscommunication, misunderstanding and differing perspectives can happen. This workshop will unpack common causes of rupture and explore ​strategies and techniques to prevent or minimise their impact, as well as approaches to repairing relationships when rupture has occurred.

Join us to dive into the single most important element of great healthcare!

Please note there will be an opportunity to attend a reflective practice session following the workshop – more information on this is below.

This workshop is aimed at Victorian AOD and mental health workers. Offered by the Hamilton Centre and funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

• Date: Tuesday, 20th October 2026

• Time: Registration 9 – 9:30am | Workshop 9:30am – 4pm.

• Location: Turning Point/ Hamilton Centre, Level 1, 110 Church Street, Richmond.

• Cost: Free

This training provides 6 hours of learning. It may be claimed as CPD with a certificate of attendance, provided the training:

• Aligns with your scope of practice.

• Addresses the learning goals as specified in a learning plan developed through your association.

• Meets registration/association standards and requirements.

Places are limited, so early registration will secure your spot. For further information, please contact us at [email protected].

Learning objectives

• Explain the significance of relational practice in delivering integrated mental health and addiction care.

• Examine the impact of therapeutic relationships in the context of peer work, families and carers.

• Identify and navigate the challenges and opportunities of working relationally across teams, disciplines and service systems.

• Apply intentional communication and reflective practice skills to enhance relational safety and connection.

• Demonstrate strategies for repairing and strengthening therapeutic relationships after rupture.

Reflective practice

There will be an opportunity to attend a reflective practice session following the workshop. The session will provide a space for workshop attendees to reflect on how they have applied the workshop learnings in practice, share experiences and challenges, and explore approaches they may take moving forward. The session will be facilitated by the workshop presenters. A Zoom link will be sent directly to workshop attendees. A certificate of attendance will not be issued for this session.

• Date: Tuesday, 17th November

• Time: 12pm - 1pm

• Location: Online, Zoom

Presenters

Lee Ann has lived experience of substance use disorder and mental health challenges. She holds qualifications in Community Services, Mental Health and AOD, as well as Child Youth and Families. In addition, she has completed multiple Peer Worker training programs and is a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator. Over the past 3.5 years, Lee Ann has worked as a Youth Residential Carer, supporting children living in Out of Home Care. She also works as a Peer Support Worker with the Hamilton Centre’s Eastern team and has recently joined the Central team as a Peer Educator. Lee Ann is a strong advocate for challenging stigma and promotes the use of therapeutic language and trauma-informed care in all aspects of her work.

Lisa Fyfield is a registered nurse passionate about contributing to developing robust processes that deliver client-led goals and experiences, increasing self-determination in healthcare. With a background in statewide program management, chronic pain, aged care, and culture change, Lisa came to the AOD sector after completing a Master of Addictive Behaviours in which she completed a thesis in pain, sleep, and substance use.