A morning of learning, connection, and a deeper understanding of trauma.

On 8 September, I had the privilege of attending the Early Signals: Innowell x Heidi Breakfast Series at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, hosted by Bianca Bowron-Cuthill (GAICD), CEO of Innowell.

The morning featured an insightful presentation from Pr Alain Brunet, Director of the National PTSD Centre and Professor with UniSC’s Thompson Institute, on “Treatment of PTSD: What’s New at the National PTSD Research Centre.”

I also had the opportunity to speak with Professor Brunet personally about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)—a topic that is particularly meaningful to me through my own lived experience.

What I valued most about the morning was the opportunity to bring together learning and lived experience. Understanding trauma isn't only about research, diagnosis, or treatment. It's also about listening, sharing, asking questions, and continuing to learn from both evidence and human experience.

As I continue building my work in mental-health mentoring and advocacy, opportunities like this help me deepen my knowledge and think more intentionally about how we can support people experiencing trauma.
And yes… the message on the wall behind Professor Brunet during his presentation really caught my attention. 🙂

Sometimes, the thing you came to learn about is quite literally staring you in the face.

Grateful for meaningful conversations, new insights, and the people committed to advancing better understanding and support for those affected by trauma and PTSD.