In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes, we shift into the clinical and developmental heart of her work. Louise shares what she hopes practitioners pay attention to when learning new therapy models, and how to support young people with presence, curiosity, and compassion.

We also talk openly about burnout, compassion fatigue, and therapist wellbeing—how they show up, how they change us, and what it means to create space to reconnect with meaning, creativity, and care in our work.

This episode is grounding, generous, and nourishing for anyone working with adolescents or navigating the emotional demands of therapeutic practice.

In this episode, we explore:

• how to learn therapy models without overwhelm

• why “function over form” matters in clinical work

• DNAV and a developmental approach to supporting adolescents

• the unique pressures affecting young people today

• presence, attunement, and humility in therapeutic relationships

• burnout, compassion fatigue, and protecting practitioner wellbeing

• letting go of striving and reconnecting with values

Key insights:

• Young people benefit most when practitioners understand their developmental context and the pressures shaping their identity.

• DNAV offers a flexible, practical framework that strengthens psychological flexibility.

• Therapist presence—genuine, regulated, and spacious—is often more healing than any technique.

• Burnout is a sign to pause and reconnect with what matters, not a personal failing.

• Sustaining this work requires compassion for ourselves as much as for our clients.

About Dr. Louise Hayes

Dr. Louise Hayes is a clinical psychologist, international trainer, author, and co‑developer of the DNAV model. She has spent decades supporting young people and advancing process‑based, developmentally grounded psychological approaches.

Connect with me:

Instagram: @the.blossoming.therapists

Email: poh@blossomingtrueself.com.au

I’d love to hear what resonates for you in this episode—feel free to DM or email me anytime.

Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

In this inaugural episode of the Practitioner's Heart Podcast, host Poh Gan introduces the show’s mission to offer practical Buddhist wisdom for therapists and healthcare workers. The episode features part 1 of an in-depth conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes, a psychologist, author, and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), who shares her journey of integrating Buddhism with psychology. They discuss the significance of meditation, presence, and letting go of attachments in professional and personal life, emphasising the profound impact of these practices on therapeutic work.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart

02:21 Reflection on the First Interview

05:06 Conversation with Dr. Louise Hayes Begins

05:38 Louise Hayes' Journey and Insights

15:40 The Role of Buddhism in Therapy

23:06 Personal Practices and Professional Growth

37:58 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Part 2 of the conversation will be released on the 9/2/2026.

Dr Louise Hayes brings two decades of acceptance and commitment therapy expertise to her comprehensive training programs.

Louise Hayes' ACT training combines clinical excellence with practical application making her one of Australia's most sought after psychology trainers.

Louise's website: https://www.louisehayes.com.au/

Let us know what you took away from this conversation!

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In this episode of The Practitioner's Heart podcast, host Poh Gan introduces herself, sharing her journey as a psychologist and Buddhist practitioner. She explores the intersection of psychology, Buddhist wisdom, culture, and identity, emphasizing the importance of decolonizing spiritual practices in therapy. Poh discusses her challenges as a first-generation Asian immigrant and neurodivergent therapist, advocating for the authentic integration of spiritual traditions into therapeutic practice to support collective healing and awakening. Through her reflections and personal stories, Poh aims to inspire therapists and healthcare professionals to embrace their unique identities and cultivate inner resources for sustainable practice.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart
02:21 Poh's Personal Journey and Intentions
03:52 Cultural and Professional Background
07:07 Intersectionality and Professional Challenges
11:28 Decolonizing Psychology and Integrating Spirituality
23:17 Bodhisattva Practices and Therapeutic Parallels
28:53 Reflections and Closing Thoughts
35:27 Conclusion and Call to Action