The new OHS regulations in Victoria are a necessary and powerful step towards protecting mental health in the workplace. They rightly mandate a proactive risk management approach, treating psychological harm with the same seriousness as physical injury.

But as the focus shifts to compliance, a worrying trend is emerging: the push for "real-time data," "custom analytics," and "proactive mental health tools." We are being sold a vision where employee well-being is a dashboard, compliance is a series of green ticks, and a human being is just a collection of quantifiable metrics.

In Victoria, establishing a Psychosocial Safety System is a crucial part of an organisation's duty to manage work health and safety (WHS), specifically the risks arising from psychosocial hazards. This system is designed to integrate the protection of psychological health into core business operations, thereby helping the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) comply with their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic).

These are the psychosocial hazards in the workplace that arise from how work is designed, managed, and performed, which can cause psychological or physical harm to workers.

The Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 in Victoria, which take effect on 1 December 2025, establish a mandatory framework that applies equally to all Victorian employers, regardless of size. This means companies with 1 to 500 employees are held to the same foundational standard as the largest corporations, requiring a proactive and systemic approach to managing mental health risks.

While the compliance system must be scaled appropriately for a smaller business, the core duties remain non-negotiable.

AI Is Not a Substitute for Human Therapists

Does the convenience of AI mean human therapists are on the brink of obsolescence? Even the AI systems themselves don't claim to replace human expertise. For example, when offering suggestions and strategies to cope with personal problems, services like ChatGPT explicitly state that their advice is no substitute for a trained professional's. They often conclude their guidance with a recommendation to "consider talking to a mental health professional."

In the world of psychology, there's a powerful and often-praised concept: evidence-based practice. At its heart, the idea is simple and logical—use methods that have been proven to work. On the surface, who could argue with that? We want therapy to be effective, and we want to know it is.

​But what if this approach, in its rigid application, has become less of a guide and more of a cage? What if, in the pursuit of what can be measured, we've started to dismiss what truly heals?

At Cheswick Consultants, we have first hand knowledge of the unique challenges faced by small business owners, particularly those managing teams of 1 to 50 members.

Our Employee Wellness Program (EWP) adopts a practical and sustainable approach by encouraging team members to take advantage of discounted counselling and meditation sessions, rather than relying solely on free services provided directly by the business owner.

Affordable Support for Your Team

As a business owner—whether you’re flying solo or managing up to 50 team members—finding affordable ways to support your employees' well-being can be challenging. Yet, prioritising mental health and wellness is essential for creating a positive, productive workplace.

For a modest weekly investment, your business gains access to valuable counselling services and meditation classes for your entire team.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are a common workplace benefit designed to help employees with personal and work-related issues. However, many EAPs are often criticized for being poorly run and underutilized. This is due to a variety of interconnected factors, including a lack of awareness, concerns about confidentiality, outdated service models, and a reactive rather than proactive approach.

When navigating intense, non-ordinary experiences, having a foundational paradigm is crucial. It provides a consistent framework for making sense of what you've encountered, helping you avoid the confusion that comes from trying to hold conflicting worldviews at once. It’s the ground you stand on when the world seems to have shifted beneath your feet.

SMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, is a programme designed to aid individuals in overcoming addiction and managing addictive behaviours. It provides a science-based alternative to traditional approaches, focusing on building motivation, coping strategies, and life skills.

Beneath the surface of these intricate cognitive mechanisms lies a deeper, often overlooked element – a calm, focused, and self-aware mind. This, as profound insights gleaned from psychology and the enduring wisdom of traditional meditation reveal, is the very essence, the still core, of truly effective executive function.

The Mind Yoga + out patient recovery program is a time intensive, psycho-physiological program in which participants learn a range of new habits and practices:

• Maximum of 4 participants each week

• 8-10hrs per day

• Founded on sound scientific research.

Considering rehabilitation for addiction is a monumental step towards reclaiming your life and well-being. For many, alongside the emotional and physical challenges, a significant concern is the financial aspect. Understanding the cost of rehab in Australia isn't just about the price tag; it's about recognising the investment you're making in a healthier, more fulfilling future. This decision is often made against the backdrop of the immense toll addiction can take on finances, relationships, and career.

Change is an inevitable part of life, and while it can sometimes feel daunting, it is also a powerful opportunity for personal growth. At Mind Yoga +, we believe that embracing change is essential for discovering new paths in your journey. Whether you’re going through a significant life transition or seeking to enhance your everyday experiences, here are some tips to help you navigate the waters of change with confidence and optimism.

Gardening has emerged as a therapeutic tool that offers a myriad of benefits for individuals in addiction recovery. Engaging with the earth and nurturing plants provides not only a physical outlet but also psychological support in the healing process. This article explores the multifaceted advantages of gardening as a supplementary method for overcoming addiction, supported by current research and analysis.

Addiction is a multifaceted challenge that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While many approaches aim to facilitate recovery, traditional meditation offers a powerful, time-tested practice that can aid in the healing process. This article explores the positive impacts of traditional meditation on addiction recovery, backed by contemporary research and studies.

Addiction recovery is a complex and multifaceted journey, requiring holistic approaches that support both physical and mental well-being. One such effective approach is walking. This simple yet powerful form of exercise offers numerous benefits that can significantly aid individuals in their recovery from addiction.

Implementing an EAP for SME is not just a valuable investment in employee well-being; it's a strategic move that can enhance overall productivity and workplace morale. EAPs provide essential support through mental health resources, financial counseling, and personal development opportunities, which can alleviate stress and enhance job satisfaction.

Understanding Your Inner Eaters for Balanced Eating

Have you ever felt like there's a battle going on inside you when it comes to food? One moment you're craving comfort, the next you're determined to stick to strict rules. You're not alone. Many of us experience internal conflicts that significantly influence our eating behaviors. The key to a healthier relationship with food lies in understanding and integrating the different "inner eaters" within us. This recognition can be a truly transformative step towards achieving a balanced and mindful approach to nourishing your body.