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The Mental Elf

The Mental Elf

Written by: The Mental Elf
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About this listen

Welcome to the Mental Elf podcast, which features interviews with leading experts in mental health: researchers, clinicians, practitioners and experts by experience.


I will help you keep up to date with the latest reliable mental health research.


Our podcasts are recorded at major mental health events and conferences, and explore a wide range of topics relevant to people who work in mental health and related fields.


Check out the Mental Elf website for thousands of free blogs summarising the latest reliable mental health research.

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Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science
Episodes
  • Why Preventing Mental Ill-Health in Schools is Essential: ReSET School Mental Health
    Feb 3 2026

    In the final episode of the ReSET Podcast, host André Tomlin from the Mental Elf explores the importance of mental health prevention in schools, featuring insights from Professor Peter Fonagy, Professor Essi Viding, Professor Jess Deighton, and Dr Ros Law.


    This episode emphasises the necessity of prevention over treatment, as optimal treatments can only reduce depression by a third. Key points include the challenge schools face in implementing prevention strategies amidst numerous demands, the long-term benefits of prevention, and the need for sustainable, evidence-based approaches.


    The episode concludes with actionable advice for schools to cut through ineffective interventions and focus on proven methods.


    Join us to learn why prevention is not just a luxury, but an essential part of creating a conducive learning environment.


    00:00 Introduction to the ReSET Project

    00:57 Recap of Previous Episodes

    01:21 The Importance of Prevention

    01:29 The Challenges Schools Face

    02:06 Implementing Prevention in Schools

    03:56 The Role of Teachers

    06:56 Evidence and Long-Term Benefits

    10:32 The ReSET Project's Unique Approach

    14:08 Practical Benefits for Schools

    17:34 Building Trust and Partnerships

    21:31 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    23:33 Conclusion and Call to Action


    Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    25 mins
  • Supporting social relationships in young people - ReSET School Mental Health
    Jan 27 2026

    Social Relationships and Mental Health in Adolescents - The Crucial Connection


    Episode 3 of the ReSET Podcast delves into the bidirectional relationship between social relationships and mental health in adolescents.


    Host André Tomlin from The Mental Elf, along with experts Pasco Fearon, Lucy Bowes, René Veenstra, and Ros Law, discuss why peer relationships are fundamental during adolescence, how transitions like moving to secondary school impact dynamics, and the importance of both emotional and social skills.


    The episode introduces the ME and WE strategies for personal and relational wellbeing and emphasises the importance of whole-school approaches and teacher support. Practical interventions and understanding peer dynamics are highlighted as key components to fostering a supportive environment for young people.


    00:00 Introduction: The Link Between Mental Health and Relationships

    00:57 Welcome to the ReSET Podcast

    01:18 The Importance of Peer Relationships

    01:54 Expert Insights on Adolescent Social Dynamics

    04:12 The Critical Transition to Secondary School

    07:19 The Healthy Context Paradox

    10:59 ME and WE Strategies for Better Relationships

    13:38 Practical Applications and Group Strategies

    17:07 Whole School Approaches and Influential Students

    22:47 Teacher Training and Support

    25:04 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts


    Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    28 mins
  • Teaching emotional skills to young people - ReSET School Mental Health
    Jan 20 2026

    Emotional Skills in Adolescents - Preventing Mental Health Problems


    Episode 2 of the ReSET podcast focuses on the importance of emotional skills for adolescents and how these can prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety.


    Host André Tomlin from The Mental Elf explores the key findings from this huge research project led by scientists from UCL and Cambridge, with panelists Professor Essi Viding, Professor Nico Steinbeis and Jenny Sole.


    They explain how emotional skills, such as the ability to recognise and regulate emotions, are essential for successful social interactions. The episode covers practical strategies like reappraisal, distraction, and breathing techniques, and emphasises the importance of these skills in academic and social settings. Learn how targeted interventions in schools can help teenagers navigate their intense emotional experiences and build resilience. Tune in to explore how these skills can create a buffer against mental health problems and enhance social relationships.


    00:00 Introduction to Emotional Skills

    00:56 Welcome to the ReSET Podcast

    01:25 The Importance of Emotional Skills

    02:17 Understanding Emotional Skills

    03:56 Adolescent Brain Development

    05:27 Classroom Challenges and Emotional Regulation

    09:52 The ReSET Trial and Its Approach

    14:46 Practical Emotional Regulation Strategies

    17:48 Linking Emotional Skills to Social Relationships

    21:22 The Role of Schools in Emotional Development

    23:58 Key Takeaways for Teachers

    25:10 Conclusion and Next Steps


    Find out more about the ReSET project at: https://resetproject.co.uk/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    28 mins
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