Phone 0468 783 727
Mandala Kind is a psychosocial support service founded by Vera Steiner. It was inspired by the many people in our global community who provide compassionate support to others - including the quiet individuals who humbly go about their day connecting with and caring for others. The name 'Mandala Kind' was chosen as a reminder of universal compassion and kindness.
Vera is a social work practitioner, educator and researcher with qualifications including a Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Health) and PhD. She has 25 years of experience providing holistic psychosocial supportive care to adults, children and families impacted by disabilities and acute, chronic and palliative-stage health conditions in home, community and hospital settings.
Vera provides psychosocial services to children (school-aged) through to adults covering a broad range of issues. Age and developmentally appropriate approaches are used.
Child-centred counselling and therapy techniques are used with children and young people to address emotional issues. Adult interventions focus on exploring the underlying causes of personal issues and practical matters impacting on health and wellbeing. Tailored support is provided using a range of modalities. All services offered are underpinned by a person-centred and family-focused approach.
Supportive care is provided in a confidential and safe environment and is professional / nonjudgmental at all times.
Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
Palliative Care Social Work Australia
Vera has presented at international and national health and research conferences and forums. Most recently she presented on 'Parenting while dying: Hospital-based supportive care of parents with advanced cancer' (Oncology Social Work Australia & New Zealand 2019 Conference ).
Publications:
Steiner, V. Shlonsky, A. Joubert, L. (2017). Psychosocial interventions for parents with incurable end-stage cancer: A rapid evidence assessment. Australian Psychologist, Special issue, 52(5), 381-391. doi:10.1111/ap.12286
Steiner, V. Joubert, L. Shlonsky, A. & Hocking, A. (2020). Australian hospital-based parenting support for adults with incurable end-stage cancer: Parent perspectives. Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 17(2), 172–190. doi:10.1080/26408066.2019.1705957
Joubert, L. Collins, M. Braddy, L. Turner, K. Hocking, A. Beovich, D. Blaschke, S. Wiseman, F. & Steiner, V. (2020). Clinical data mining: A practice research methodology of choice for health social workers. Joubert, L. & Webber, M. (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Practice Research. NY, Routledge.
