About Us
Dr Paul Whetham Dip. community Welfare, BA(Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology), FAPS.
Dr Paul Whetham Dip. community Welfare, BA(Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology), FAPS.
Dr Paul Whetham Dip. community Welfare, BA(Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology), FAPS.
Hi, I’m Paul Whetham, a clinical psychologist with over 30 years’ experience as an educator and counsellor.
I’ve lived and worked in residential community settings; researched loneliness extensively for my PhD; lectured in and headed up the Masters in Counselling program at the University of South Australia; authored numerous books; edited psychology textbooks; and, for the last 15 years have been counselling and offering workshops in private practice.
I'm passionate about neuroscience, the connection between mind and soul, and training up Community Connectors to help impact a lonely world.
I'm married to Lib, my partner in life and business, and have two wonderful daughters. I love a long bike ride, making music or watching a good doco with friends.
I'm excited to explore our life journey together, whether in a workshop or counselling space.
Life Cafe Club
Dr Paul Whetham Dip. community Welfare, BA(Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology), FAPS.
Dr Paul Whetham Dip. community Welfare, BA(Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology), FAPS.
Life Cafe Club was created to transform lives and connect communities. Health services are so stretched that there are simply not enough paid professionals to deal with the tsunami of mental health and loneliness issues in the community.
Unfortunately, professionals are like ambulances at the bottom of a cliff. While this is important, putting a fence of 'Community Connectors' at the top of the cliff makes more sense (see below for a news article on our Beyond Loneliness Soul Talk Project).
That's why Life Cafe Club provides a range of innovative services, including Healthy Minds Workshops, Soul Talk Project and 1:1 counselling, that are in-line with the latest mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention directions.
Click the button below to contact us and tick the box get our high school psychology textbook chapter ‘Social Issues & Personal Growth Reading’. It outlines the new directions in mental health and the life skills required for effective coping.
Beyond Loneliness SOul Talk Project
THE LONELINESS PROJECT - ARTICLE BY EMMA HEIDENREICH 11.7.24
It’s easy to be busy and distracted in our modern world, losing sight of the more important things. On August 2, Seaford-based clinical psychologist, author and coordinator of the popular Life Cafe and Beyond Loneliness Soul Talk Project, Dr Paul Whetham, will introduce his Dash of Life Workshop in Victor Harbor. This free event will see Dr Whetham guide a conversation from small talk to soul talk by focusing on ‘The Big 5’ life issues - identity, isolation, death anxiety, meaning and freedom.
Dr Whetham said the workshop also helps participants outline practical ways to find your 'Why' and boost your wisdom & wellbeing. “After completing the workshop, participants may choose to go on and do the government funded Beyond Loneliness Soul Talk Project,” Dr Whetham said. This enables the participant to become a Community Connector and make an impact in Victor Harbor, through the project.
Dr Whetham’s main goal through the Soul Talk Project is to tackle the growing impact that loneliness is having on communities across the region. “Loneliness takes up to 15 years off your life,” Dr Whetham said. “It’s the equivalent of being a smoker, alcoholic or having a chronic illness.” “This is where the Soul Talk Project and the training of ‘Community Connectors’ comes in!”
Dr Whetham said through the Soul Talk Project, he helps participants to combat loneliness through reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection among community members, build a greater understanding of themselves and others, provide community support and reduce stigma around loneliness and mental health. Dr Paul Whetham has dedicated his career to the study of loneliness, neuroscience and community education. For more information, visit www.beyondloneliness.club