Vrinda Edan

About me

This supervisor has been approved to provide supervision under the ACCESS TO SUPERVISION PROJECT.

I have been a consumer worker for over 20 years, entering into this work because of the experiences I had using services and meeting with other consumers. I had worked as a nurse in Oncology and Palliative care and was disturbed by the treatment I received in the health system that I was a part of. I live in outer east Melbourne with my partner of 30 years, have two adult children, 2 lively Labradors and relax by sewing, painting and crotchet. I dream of a time when my systemic advocacy is no longer needed and I can buy a caravan and traveling around Australia.

This supervisor has been approved to provide supervision under the ACCESS TO SUPERVISION PROJECT. If you are a supervisee who has received an approval email/letter from the CMHL you may contact this supervisor for supervision for this project, then follow the stated processes for supervision payment.

My experience

Consumer Consultant - metropolitan clinical mental health service My experience across my career has included working directly with consumers in inpatient units, SECU, CCUs and in case management services.
Executive level manager of lived experience workforce - metropolitan clinical mental health service
Chair, Committee of Management, VMIAC
Acting CEO VMIAC and Chief Operating Officer VMIAC
State-wide role in Consumer workforce development
Consumer Academic - research and teaching at Monash University and University of Melbourne
Member of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Register (MHA)
Involved in the development of the Consumer Perspective Supervision Framework and training

My current role/work

I am currently undertaking a PhD at University of Melbourne and work as a consumer academic on a couple of research projects. My experience across my career has included working directly with consumers in inpatient units, SECU, CCUs and in case management services. I have been on national and state government committees, advocating for change across the mental health system. I work from a human rights perspective, and a lot of my current work is in reducing coercive and compulsory services.

My training

IPS ( attended 2 x 5 day training courses)
Co reflection, 2 day course conducted by Shery Mead and Chris Hansen for IPS providers
3 day Clinical Supervision course (LAMPS cluster training)

My approach to supervision

I would describe my approach to supervision as being directed by the person I am working with. The IPS principles of mutuality, and world view are central to this. I also hold strongly to the principle of curiosity about, and validation of peoples experiences. In my experience some people just need a sounding board and can come to answers themselves and others seek some guidance to 'dig deeper' into the issues they are currently working on. Sometimes it is a mixture of these approaches.