Award-winning social worker and national advisor Michael Elwan shares his ALIVE National Centre story on young carer mental health in Australia and the lessons of early caregiving.

Award-winning social worker and national advisor Michael Elwan reflects on receiving the WA Mental Health Award 2025 for Lived Experience Impact & Inspiration, supported by the WA Mental Health Commission.

Childhood experiences shape our perceptions, behaviors, and emotional responses. When those experiences involve trauma, they can leave lasting imprints that influence our adult lives. However, healing from childhood trauma  is possible - and across Australia, more people are reclaiming their inner strength through compassionate, evidence-based support. Traumatic events in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or loss, can lead to challenges like anxiety, trust issues, and emotio

Grief is a deeply personal experience that encompasses a range of emotions, from profound sadness to unexpected moments of peace. It’s not a linear process but rather a journey that unfolds uniquely for each individual. At Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs), we provide grief counselling in Australia  to help people navigate this journey with compassion, understanding, and evidence-informed care. Grief can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like fatigue, chan

Our earliest interactions with caregivers lay the foundation for our attachment styles in adult relationships , profoundly shaping how we connect with others later in life. Understanding these styles can offer valuable insight into relationship patterns and help foster healthier, more fulfilling connections. The Four Attachment Styles Secure Attachment:  Individuals with a secure attachment style are comfortable with intimacy and autonomy. They trust their partners, communica

Anger is a universal emotion, often misunderstood and hastily judged. While it can manifest explosively, leading to regrettable actions, it's essential to recognise that anger often serves as a protective mechanism, masking deeper, more vulnerable feelings. Through anger management therapy in Australia , people can explore the underlying emotions beneath their anger, gaining insight and building healthier, more authentic relationships. The Anger Iceberg: What's Beneath the Su

Addiction is often perceived merely as a series of poor choices or a lack of willpower. However, in my experience as a therapist, I’ve come to understand that addiction frequently serves as a coping mechanism for deeper, unresolved emotional pain. Through addiction therapy in Australia , people can explore these underlying emotions and pave the way for genuine healing and recovery. The Emotional Roots of Addiction Many individuals turn to substances or compulsive behaviours n