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!

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

In this episode of The Practitioner's Heart Podcast, host Poh Gan, a psychologist and Buddhist practitioner, shares practical Buddhist wisdom to help therapists and healthcare workers cultivate loving-kindness and manage the inner critic. Poh introduces a simple yet profound practice using Metta (loving-kindness meditation) that can be integrated into daily life to soothe self-criticism and promote resilience. Listeners are guided through a hands-on-heart exercise designed to bring immediate relief and create new habits of self-kindness, ensuring a sustainable and balanced practice. This episode is a resource for therapists seeking deeper spiritual alignment and support in their personal and professional lives.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart

02:29 The Inner Critic's Replay Loop

04:10 Understanding the Inner Critic

06:40 Practicing Metta: Loving Kindness

14:23 Hands-on Heart Practice

19:39 Building a Sustainable Practice

21:21 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

Send us a text

In this episode of the Practitioner's Heart podcast, host Poh Gan explores the 'invisible emotional load' that therapists often carry. Drawing on Mahayana Buddhist psychology, Poh shares insights into how thoughts and emotions are like dust on a mirror—transient and not defining who we are. The episode discusses practical techniques for therapists to manage stress and emotional weight, offering a blend of theory and actionable advice. Poh also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and releasing emotions, ultimately fostering a practice of compassion without being overwhelmed. The episode includes practical examples, insights into handling empathy and compassion fatigue, and guidance on maintaining emotional clarity and balance.

00:00 Introduction to the Practitioner's Heart

02:21 The Emotional Load of a Therapist

04:15 Understanding Emotions Through a Buddhist Lens

06:42 The Concept of Emptiness in Buddhism

09:14 Practical Applications in Therapy

12:43 Managing Emotional Reactions

15:55 Therapeutic Presence and Compassion

22:28 Concluding Thoughts and Practices

25:26 Closing Remarks

Send us a text

In this episode of 'The Practitioner's Heart Podcast,' host Poh Gan delves into the pervasive habit among therapists and healthcare workers of treating rest as a reward that needs to be earned. Drawing on Buddhist teachings and personal experiences, Poh discusses the concept of the Middle Way, a balanced path between extreme discipline and indulgence, to illustrate how rest should be considered an essential resource rather than a luxury or reward. The episode offers practical advice on integrating rest into daily routines, thereby enhancing the capacity for presence and compassion both in personal and professional life. Poh encourages listeners to rethink their approach to rest and provides insights on cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart
02:26 The Habit of Earning Your Break
04:55 The Middle Way: A Buddhist Perspective
10:09 Practical Tips for Integrating Rest
14:28 Final Thoughts and Closing

Send us a text

In this episode of the Practitioner's Heart Podcast, host Poh emphasises the profound role of gratitude within Buddhist practice, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the teachings and compassion received from parents and Dharma teachers. Poh shares personal reflections on the impactful teachings from Venerable Master Shen-Kai and other spiritual guides from the Buddhahood Lineage. The episode urges listeners, especially therapists and healthcare workers, to integrate wisdom and compassion into their daily practices and cultivate a community dedicated to collective awakening and growth. Poh concludes with an invitation to listeners to engage with the podcast through sharing, feedback, and participation.

00:00 Introduction to The Practitioner's Heart

02:21 Episode Theme: Gratitude and Acknowledgement

03:06 The Four Types of Grace in Mahayana Tradition

03:39 Honouring Parents and Teachers

04:43 Venerable Master Shen-Kai and His Legacy

07:23 The Path to Awakening and Future Generations

08:41 Personal Journey and Inspirations

11:19 Mahayana Teachings and Daily Practice

14:37 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

17:03 Final Words and Call to Action

After the therapy room door closes and the day’s stories soften into silence, what helps your heart settle? The Practitioner’s Heart is a new podcast for therapists and healthcare workers who want to feel grounded, steady and spiritually nourished. If you've ever ended a day feeling mentally full, emotionally stretched, or longing for deeper clarity, this space is for you. Through practical Buddhist wisdom, gentle reflections, and honest conversations, we'll explore how helpers can care for their own hears while caring for others. I’m Poh, psychologist and long‑time Buddhist practitioner, inviting you to discover steady, compassionate ways to return to yourself. Follow The Practitioner’s Heart on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and join us for our launch in January 2026.

Let us know what you took away from this conversation!