Esther M. Roodenburg is a former academic at Monash University, Australia, who remains committed to community involvement. After secondary teaching, and raising five children, she continued her work as a community‑based psychologist, completing a qualitative PhD researching individual differences. Her university graduate teaching and supervision focused on broad case‑based practical applications of evidence‑based therapeutic approaches. John Roodenburg was awarded the 2020 APS National Award of Distinction for leadership in Educational and Developmental Psychology while an academic and clinic director at Monash University. Primary school teaching was followed by work as a school psychologist in rural Victoria. Graduate‑level teaching followed his completion of a PhD modelling individual differences in thinking.
If you want to know more about how to do the work of professional care-giving, to learn more about real-life psychology underpinning effective care-work, and or to further foster your understanding of giving and receiving care as a reflective practitioner, this is a must read text for you. It offers direct access and refreshing insight into the world of mental health drawing upon a wide range of rich experience. It should inspire student, professional or interested reader alike in facilitating further their own development, personal thinking and relevant reflective practice. I suggest this is a book to own, use and re-use as a tool for teaching and a practical source for what is a serial series of learning conversation about the work of mental health and pastoral care. Professor Emeritus Stephen Rayner, Birmingham Newman University, UK There is something profoundly humbling about being called to serve others. Not just as a teacher to teach, or a psychologist to treat (both of which imply a certain status in the relationship) but to share, sit with, support and serve others in their moments of need. Through rich case explorations and thought provoking questions, Dr Esther Roodenburg continues to serve and help other psychologists to serve. Dr Shane Costello, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Monash University, Australia