marie vakakis mental health and well being workshops and training

Life’s Messy. Connection Doesn’t Have to Be.

Real support for mental wellbeing, stronger relationships, and better conversations, without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your relationship, struggling to reach your teen, or just exhausted trying to “figure it all out,” this is where you start feeling understood and supported.

WHY YOU’RE HERE

You know something could be better..

• You want connection that feels real instead of exhausting

• You’re done repeating the same frustrations

• You want practical tools that actually shift how you show up

You’re not alone – and you don’t have to do this without guidance.

HOW I CAN HELP

Meaningful Relationships

Feel heard, understood, and connected – in your relationship, with your teen, and with the people who matter most.

No more waiting for things to magically change. Let me give you the tools and clarity that make a real difference.

Mental Wellbeing That Works in Your Everyday Life

Cut through confusion, stigma and guesswork with evidence-based strategies that help you feel better in your life, not just in theory.

Confident Parenting & Communication

Stop repeating the same arguments. Learn to talk so they actually listen, especially with teens.

Support for Workplaces & Professionals

Build mentally healthy teams who feel capable, supported and confident. Training, tools, and leadership that make wellbeing part of your culture.

Interactive programs, workshops, expertly guided training, and honest conversations that actually change the way you live and relate.

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YOU BELONG HERE IF…

You’re ready for less stress and more connection

You want to break old patterns , without feeling alone

You care about deep change, not quick fixes

Ready for that shift?

 

I’ve been featured on:

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Relationship New Year Reset

Transform your relationship in 2026

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Feel closer and more connected in just seven conversations.

If you want to

     ✅ feel closer

     ✅ feel more connected

     ✅ get back on the same page

     ✅ feel like a team

This is where you start.

Discover ways to improve your mental wellbeing and create positive relationships at work, school, and home.

For Workplaces

Equip your workplace with Mental Health First Aid training. Empower your team to identify and support mental health issues, fostering a healthier, more supportive work environment. Invest in employee wellbeing today.

For Parents

Learn how to reduce conflict, improve communication, and boost your confidence as a parent. Experience deeper connection and strengthen your bond with your teen.

For Couples

Explore practical tools and expert insights to strengthen your relationships, improve communication, and build deeper connections.

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Hi there, I am Marie

Mental health is health. I believe strong connected relationships are crucial for good mental health and wellbeing. 

Through my work as a speaker, podcaster, and trainer I aim to normalise conversations about mental health and give those who care the tools to ask the tough questions.

I support individuals and communities to discover ways to improve their mental wellbeing and create positive relationships at work, school, and home.

B.Arts Psychology, Master of Social Work, Grad. Dip Youth Mental Health, Master of Family Therapy. AMHSW and member of AAFT

Mental Health First Aid Training

 

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

The 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid course teaches any adult (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to adolescents experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.

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Standard Mental Health First Aid Training

The 12-hour Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches any adult (18 years and over) how to provide initial support to someone who is experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.

Workshops for Parents

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Connected Teens™ Parenting Program

Through self-reflection and expert guidance, parents will learn about their own parenting style and how to create an emotionally safe environment for their teens, fostering mutual trust and understanding.

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Tuning into Teens

Worried they will go “off the rails”? , or maybe you feel disconnected from them?
We’ll shows you how to help your teen develop emotional intelligence.

Speaking:

Through the delivery of innovative and engaging training workshops, Marie normalises conversations about mental health and educates people on how to nurture their mental wellbeing. Marie is passionate about demystifying Mental Health and breaking down the stigma one conversation at a time.

Marie facilitates presentations, parent workshops and professional development programs that are interactive, research-based and presented in a relaxed and friendly way. From a 60-minutes to a full-day workshop, Marie can tailor her presentations to meet the needs of the audience. 

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The Connected Teens Program

Are you overwhelmed or unsure of how to navigate the challenges that come with parenting a teenager?

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Connected Teens™ shows you how to understand your own parenting style, accept emotions, and effectively communicate with your teenage child to build a strong, positive, and mutually respectful relationship

Would you like to learn how to:

  • Make the transition from parenting a child to parenting a teenager easier for both of you
  • Reduce conflict and fighting by learning to stand beside your teen as your relationship changes
  • Have a more connected relationship with your teen
  • Raise a happy, confident and resilient teen
  • Be the parent you want to

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‘’I loved Marie – she created a beautiful and inviting space for us to ask any question 🙂 I felt that she explained all the different types of mental health problems really well and I feel really confident about approaching any young person now who may be experiencing a mental health crisis!’’

 

– Past MHFA attendee

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‘’Marie did an excellent job of presenting a lot of information. She managed to keep it engaging and relevant. Her presentation style was really friendly and easy to listen to.’’

 

– Past MHFA attendee

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‘’Really great effort to keep us engaged over 2 days. I got a lot out of the training. Thank You’’

 

– Past MHFA attendee

marie vakakis podcast

Podcast

Welcome to “This Complex Life,” a podcast where we delve into the messiness of well-being and relationships! Join Marie as she explores the ups and downs of mental health & relationships, and navigates life’s complexities.

Latest Podcast Episodes from Marie

Attachment Styles in Conflict: Breaking the Cycle

Attachment Styles in Conflict: Breaking the Cycle

Have you ever had an argument with your partner that seemed to come out of nowhere? One minute you are talking about weekend plans. The next, one person is in tears and the other is sitting in silence with their arms crossed. Later you look back and wonder, what the...

5 Conversations Couples Should Have Before It’s Too Late

5 Conversations Couples Should Have Before It’s Too Late

The conversations I wish couples had before coming to therapy There’s something I hear a lot when couples sit down in therapy. We probably should have done this earlier. That sentence comes up more than you’d expect. It’s not always because something huge happened....

Why Doesn’t My Partner Celebrate My Wins?

Why Doesn’t My Partner Celebrate My Wins?

Sharing good news with your partner should feel connecting. A promotion, an achievement, something you’ve worked towards for a long time, these moments are meant to land with warmth, pride, and shared joy. Yet for many couples, those same moments can quickly turn into...

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