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 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 with peer workers and 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!

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, 31st March 2026

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

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

• Cost: Free

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and will be asked to complete a survey to help us improve future events.

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.

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 Jarvie 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.

Anna Guthrie started her career in the AOD sector as a volunteer on the newly established Family Drug Helpline in 2000. With a lived experience of having a sibling with a drug dependence, Anna connected with other family members who phoned the helpline worried about the people they cared for. She has worked across a number of roles in the AOD and MH sectors ever since, including in research, education, project coordination, group facilitation, clinical services and peer work. Her current role is Lived/Living Experience Practice Lead at the North East Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect, a service for families, carers, supporters and kin of people challenged by mental health and substance use, delivered by a consortium partnership of Access Health, SHARC and healthAbility.

Michelle Sharkey has worked in the drug and alcohol sector across a wide range of services, including residential withdrawal and rehabilitation, including a specialist Methamphetamine treatment service, and as a consultation and liaison nurse within emergency departments and hospital wards. She has completed a Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing and is endorsed as a Drug and Alcohol Nurse Practitioner, currently working with clients on opioid pharmacotherapy treatment. Michelle is a passionate advocate for clients' self-determination and works to ensure treatment is compassionate, collaborative and client-centred.