Mental Work
Mental Work is a podcast about working in mental health, with a focus on early-career psychologists. Hosted by psychologist Dr Bronwyn Milkins, it covers topics relevant to professionals in the field.
Episodes
Beyond the DSM: Intro to the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (with Claire Trevitt)
Bron is joined by Claire Trevitt (Psychologist) to explore the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM), which is one diagnostic alternative to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (the DSM). Claire explains how the PDM uses the same diagnostic categories as the DSM but adds depth around personality and subjective experience, which can give mental health workers a different perspectives on their cli
Young kids and a psychology career? Tips from a psychologist and mum of five (with Fiona Mann)
Bron is joined by Fiona Mann (Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor) to chat about balancing parenting young children with building a career in psychology. Fiona shares how she fell pregnant halfway through her clinical Masters, worked through her registrar program with twins on the way, and now works in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), plus what she has learnt about flexibilit
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy for ADHD: Practical tips for psychologists (with Jordan Turner)
Bron is joined by Jordan Turner (Educational and Developmental Psychologist) to unpack how to work well with clients who have ADHD. Both are ADHDers themselves and passionate about delivering neurodiversity-affirming, helpful therapy for ADHD clients. They chat about:👉🏽 What ADHD is, why the DSM criteria only tell part of the story, and where executive functioning fits👉🏻 Assessment pathways, and h
Psychologist myths and facts: Do we have favourite clients? Is the therapeutic relationship enough? (with Matthew Jackson)
Bron is joined by Matthew Jackson (Psychologist) to unpack psychologist myths and facts, quickfire style. Bron presents the myths (which Matthew has not heard before!) and Matthew weighs in, from whether therapists secretly judge clients to whether you can only take clients as far as you've gone yourself. They chat about:👉🏽 Judging clients and having favourite clients👉🏻 Does charging a fee for the
Working well with couples who stonewall, withdraw, and shut down (with Marie Vakakis)
Bron is joined by Marie Vakakis (Mental Health Social Worker and couples therapist) to chat about working with couples who stonewall, withdraw, and shut down. Marie unpacks the Gottman Method's "Four Horsemen" and shares exactly what to say and do when a couple's session starts to unravel. I found the episode really helpful for individual work, too! They chat about:👉🏽 The Four Horsemen: Criticism,
Understanding and identifying coercive control (with Krasi Kirova)
Bron is joined by Krasi Kirova (Clinical Psychologist) to chat about identifying coercive control in the therapy room. Krasi shares her own '3Ds' framework, built from years of clinical work, to help clinicians name abuse that doesn't always look obvious. They chat about:👉🏽 Krasi's '3Ds' framework: Disrespect, Disempowerment and Distortion👉🏻 Why coercive control is so often missed by psychologists
Decolonising your practice: Small steps toward anti-oppressive therapy (with Mish Kumar-Jonson)
Bron is joined by Mish Kumar-Jonson (Mental Health Social Worker and Chair of the Iceberg Foundation) about bringing anti-oppressive and anti-colonial practice into therapy. Mish shares how their own experience of migration and community shaped a lifelong commitment to supporting LGBTIQASBP+, neurodivergent, and BIPOC communities, and supporting mental health practitioners to unlearn colonial norm
What does a school psychologist do? (with Renae Martelli)
Bron is joined by Renae Martelli (psychologist, Board-approved supervisor, and former school psychologist) to unpack what school psychology really involves. Renae shares how the role differs from private practice, why the work is more varied than most people expect, and how to figure out if being a school psychologist is for you. They chat about:👉 What a typical school psychologist's day act
What are "core needs" and why they matter in therapy (with Amy Howell)
Bron is joined by Amy Howell (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Co-Founder of Centre Self Collective) to unpack what our core psychological needs actually are and why they matter so much in clinical work. Amy shares how unmet needs in childhood shape attachment styles, coping patterns, and the schemas we carry into adulthood, and why acknowledging this isn't about parent-blaming. They chat a
From client work to policy change: How psychologists can advocate for systemic change (with Anastasia Sagris-Desmond)
Bron is joined by Anastasia Sagris-Desmond (psychologist and graduate of the Pathways to Politics Program) about advocacy beyond the therapy room. Anastasia shares how three decades working in gambling harm and family violence led her into politics, union leadership, and co-authoring a book on coercive control and financial abuse. They chat about:👉🏽 Why early-career psychologists often feel pressu
How to stay evidence-based and keep up with research after you graduate: A guide for psychologists (Solo)
Bron tackles a listener question: how do you actually stay evidence-based once you're out of university, time-poor, and no longer have easy access to academic databases? She walks through the full range of free and low-cost options, from AI search tools to library memberships, so you can keep up-to-date with research without it becoming a second job. Bron covers:👉🏽 The AI tools built specifically
Inside forensic psychology and working with violent and sexual offenders (with Kyle Miller)
Bron is joined by Kyle Miller (psychologist working in forensic private practice) about what it's really like to work with people who have committed sexual or violent offences. Kyle shares how he found his way into forensic work almost by accident, and why "I work with people" has become his guiding philosophy. They chat about:👉🏽 The biggest misconceptions about people who commit sexual offences👉🏻
Authenticity without oversharing: What the research says about therapist self-disclosure (with Harriet Iles)
Bron is joined by returning guest Harriet Isles (psychologist and founder of Restorative Space Psychology) to talk about therapist self-disclosure. Harriet shares her practical, intentional approach to deciding when sharing personal information with a client helps the therapeutic relationship, and when it gets in the way. They chat about:👉🏽 How to know when self-disclosure is actually for the clie
The post-registration clinical Masters bridging course and pivoting to non-client work (with Nishie Govender)
Bron is joined by Nishie Govender (clinical psychologist and occupational psychology consultant) for an honest conversation about building a career that looks nothing like the one you imagined. Nishie shares how realising full-time clinical work wasn't sustainable for her led to a fulfilling dual career working between corporate psychology and private practice, and what prompted her to go back to
Imagery rescripting deep dive (with Samantha Duroska)
Bron is joined by Samantha Duroska (clinical psychologist) for a practical deep dive into using imagery techniques in therapy. They chat about: 👉🏽 How to adapt if clients struggle to visualise👉🏻 The common mistake of talking about imagery but not actually doing imagery👉🏿 How to manage dissociation risks with simple, practical grounding strategies👉 Why allowing clients to feel strong emotion in ses
Supporting clients experiencing grief and loss (with Richard Sedgman)
Bron is joined by Richard Sedgman (social worker and founder of Live Well HQ) to talk about one of the most emotionally challenging areas in clinical work: supporting clients through grief and loss. Richard draws on his three years in palliative care and extensive private practice experience to share what actually helps, and what well-meaning therapists often get wrong. They chat about: 👉🏽 The dif
You don't need to pick a lane: Building a psychology career that works for you (with Ethan Solomon)
Bron is joined by Ethan Solomon (organisational psychologist and private practice therapist) to chat about building a career that blends both therapy and corporate work. Ethan shares how he went from wanting to be a clinical psychologist to specialising in psychometric assessment, leadership development, and coaching, while keeping one foot firmly in private practice therapy. They chat about: 👉🏽 W
Ending placement poverty in psychology (Solo)
In this short bonus episode, Bron discusses the financial stress experienced by many psychology students undertaking placements and the push to include psychology students in the Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme. She covers:👉🏽 Why psychology students currently miss out on the Commonwealth Prac Payment👉🏻 The data on financial stress during unpaid placements👉 Case studies of
How do you actually have a sustainable career as a psychologist? (200th Episode LIVE!)
Bron is joined by returning guest Matthew Jackson to celebrate episode 200 with a live recording about one of the most important questions in early-career psychology: how do you actually make this career sustainable? They chat about:👉🏽 What hasn't worked for their own sustainable practice, including poor work/life boundaries, rescuer complexes, and placement scarcity👉🏻 How time-blocking psychology
Working in a not-for-profit & using lived experience well (with Ceara Rickard)
Bron is joined by Ceara Rickard (psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, and lived experience leader at Life Without Barriers) for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to be a psychologist. Ceara shares her journey to working proudly in the NGO and lived experience sector, and challenges the profession to grapple more critically with power, privilege, and human rights. They chat
The Australian Psychology Board's proposed training redesign (with Kate Crosher)
Bron is joined by Kate Crosher (founding director of the Australian Educational and Developmental Psychology Association, AEDPA) to unpack the Australian Psychology Board's proposed training pathway redesign. Kate breaks down what the proposed changes are in plain English, reassures current trainees and early career psychologists about what could change (and what isn't), and makes a compelling cas
Helping survivors of family and domestic violence (with Patricia Gallagher)
Bron is joined by Patricia Gallagher (psychologist & EMDR consultant) to unpack how early-career clinicians can safely and confidently support survivors of family and domestic violence. They chat about:👉🏽 The difference between toxic relationships and coercive control👉 How to respond when clients don’t recognise they’re in an abusive relationship👉🏿 Managing rescuer instincts and co
Learning to be a therapist: Boundaries and self-doubt from a Swiss perspective (with Tiffany Kanani Limacher)
Bron is joined by Tiffany, a licensed psychotherapist based in Switzerland, to chat about the emotional realities of starting out in therapy and what it’s like working in mental health on the other side of the world. They chat about:👉🏽 Why personal therapy helped Tiffany become a better clinician👉🏻 Feeling like you’re “drowning and swimming at the same time” when starting t
Starting out in trauma work: EMDR, TF-CBT, and therapist fears (with Chris Long)
Bron is joined by Chris Long, psychologist, to unpack two of the most widely used trauma therapies: EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT. If you’re an early-career clinician who feels nervous about trauma work, overwhelmed by the number of approaches out there, or worried about “making things worse” by asking clients about trauma, this episode is for you. They chat about:👉🏽 Common fears e
How to successfully manage therapeutic endings (with Dr Catherine Hart)
Bron is joined by Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist) to unpack one of the most overlooked but clinically significant parts of therapy: therapeutic endings. Catherine shares how recent large-scale clinic closures prompted her to reflect on how little training clinicians receive on ending therapy, despite how emotionally complex and ethically important it is. Together, she and Bron explore wh
Working remotely with Aboriginal mob (with Dr George Loram)
Bron is joined by Dr George Loram (Psychologist working in Mparntwe/Alice Springs) to explore what it’s like to work as a psychologist in very remote Australia and with Aboriginal mob. George shares how a placement during lockdown led him to stay long-term, and what surprised him most about working with Aboriginal communities. They chat about:👉🏽 What a typical week looks like across remote c
Treating clients with severe burnout: Part 2 - moral injury and cynicism (with Dr Ben J Searle)
Bron is joined by Dr Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist) for part two of their deep dive into severe and prolonged burnout, focusing on what it actually looks like in practice and how clinicians can support recovery. This episode focuses on:👉🏽 What cynicism really looks like in burnout and why it becomes a barrier to recovery👉🏿 The role of moral injury and values misalignment in driving burno
LISTENER STORY: Managing bullying in a psychology internship and coming out the other side (with Tess Philip)
Bron is joined by Tess Philip (psychologist and founder of Tess Philip Psychology) to chat about her provisional psychology journey and what it takes to keep going when everything feels stacked against you. They chat about:👉🏽 Tess' experience of working across six different workplaces during her internship.👉🏻 What workplace bullying can look like in psychology training👉 How Tess navigated repeated
Treating clients with severe burnout: Part 1 (with Dr Ben J Searle)
Bron is joined by Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist and burnout researcher) to unpack what it really looks like to treat clients with severe burnout. Ben shares his own experience of burning out during COVID after years of researching stress, and why even doing “all the right things” didn’t lead to quick recovery. They chat about:👉🏽 Why burnout is still poorly understood an
Protecting yourself from psychosocial hazards at work (with Amy Henderson)
Bron is joined by Amy Henderson (Organisational Psychologist) to unpack psychosocial hazards in the workplace and what early-career mental health workers need to know about recognising and responding to them. They chat about:👉 What psychosocial hazards are and how they differ from physical workplace hazards👉🏾 Why high caseloads, isolation, and workplace bullying are common risks in mental health w
How culture shapes our experience at work (with Vi-An Nguyen)
Bron is joined by Vi-An Nguyen (Organisational Psychologist and Founder of An Tâm Psychology) to talk about how culture shapes both our own experiences and those of our clients, and why conversations about culture and work matter for the clients we support. They chat about:👉🏽 Why discussions about culture and work can feel uncomfortable but necessary👉🏾 The common workplace tensions faced by
Staying relevant and innovative in a changing mental health landscape (with Dr Catherine Hart)
Bron is joined by Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist and Director of Succoris Psychology) to chat about how to stay relevant and innovative as a mental health worker in a rapidly changing mental health landscape. They chat about:👉 Why innovation in psychology often comes from necessity👉 How small changes in systems or services can improve client care👉 Why many clinicians want more variety th
Why sexual healthcare matters & how to talk about sex with clients (with Laura Lee)
Bron is joined by Laura Lee (psychologist & sexologist) to talk about why sexual healthcare matters in therapy and how to talk about sex with clients without fear, awkwardness, or shame. They chat about:👉 Laura's journey into sexology, beginning with noticing gaps in her own psychology training👉🏿 Why avoiding conversations about sex can unintentionally reinforce stigma👉🏾 Common barriers clinic
What music can teach psychologists about cultural humility, belonging, and community (with Trisnasari Fraser)
Bron is joined by Dr Trisnasari Fraser (Community Psychologist and researcher) to explore how sharing music across cultures can foster connection, build community resilience, and deepen cultural humility in mental health work. We chat about:👉🏽 Trisnasari's music-filled pathway from running a multicultural performing arts school to completing a PhD on intercultural music engagement.👉🏻 Musickin
Tips for new psychology Masters students (with Jordan Turner)
Calling new psychology Masters students - this episode is for you! Bron completed the 5+1 Masters & is now completing a Master of Clinical Psychology, and Jordan completed an Educational/Developmental Masters. In this episode, we share what we wish we knew before starting our Masters and our best tips for making it through the course. We chat about:👉🏽 Why learning matters far more than grades👉
Listener Story: Social work to clinical psychology & working cross-culturally (with Huda Al Bukhari)
Bron is joined by Huda Al Bukhari (clinical psychologist) for an early-career listener story that spans social work, clinical psychology training, and practising across Australia and Abu Dhabi! They chat about: 👉🏽 What it was really like to move from social work into psychology, including the fear of "not making it" 👉🏻 Managing the intensity of a clinical psychology Masters, including what he
Strategies for client retention and engagement (with Claire Trevitt)
Bron is joined by Claire Trevitt (psychologist and Board-approved supervisor) to unpack one of the most quietly stressful parts of early-career practice: client retention. Together, they explore why clients disengage from therapy and why it’s so often not a sign that you’re “bad at therapy.” They chat about:👉🏽 Why ambivalence and drop-out are common (and normal)👉🏻 How
Self-compassion through career change (with Dr Hayley D Quinn)
Bron speaks with Dr Hayley D Quinn (former clinical psychologist turned anti-burnout coach) about the realities of working in mental health when you’re still finding your feet including self-doubt, emotional load, and the pressure to feel more competent than you actually feel. Hayley also shares her personal story of changing careers from clinical psychology to business coaching, and how sel
Working therapeutically with collectivist cultures using Schema Therapy (with Beatrice Ng-Kessler)
Bron is joined by Beatrice Ng-Kessler (Clinical Psychologist, Schema Therapy Trainer) about working therapeutically with clients from collectivist cultures, and why Western, individualistic models don’t always translate as cleanly as we expect. They chat about:👉🏽 How collectivist and individualist values shape therapy👉🏻 Filial piety, family hierarchy, and unmet needs👉🏿 Cultural safety, humil
What does a lived experience worker do? (with Prunella Howell-Jay)
Bron is joined by Prunella Howell-Jay (Lived Experience Supervisor) to chat about what lived experience workers actually do, why peer work is a discipline (not just a vibe), and how clinicians and peer workers can work together in ways that are respectful, collaborative, and grounded in human rights. They chat about:👉🏽 What lived experience workers actually do in mental health teams👉🏻 Why peer wor
How ACT can guide us inside and outside of therapy (with Denver Simonsz)
Bron is joined by Denver Simonsz (Psychologist, Supervisor, Writer) to chat about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shaped not only his therapeutic work with clients over the past 18 years, but also his own career trajectory and personal life. They chat about:👉🏽 How ACT can be a guiding compass for early-career psychologists👉🏻 Navigating the internal and external challenges of being
That's a wrap! 2025 end-of-year reflection (Solo)
In the final episode of the year, Bron reflects on the wins and challenges of 2025, her favourite episode this year, behind-the-scenes updates to the podcast, and a sneak peek of episodes coming up in 2026. If you've enjoyed the podcast this year, please consider buying Bron & editor Michael a virtual coffee at buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork. New episodes coming to you from January 15 2026!
Person-centred suicide prevention (with Lyn O'Grady)
Bron speaks with Dr Lyn O’Grady (community psychologist and suicidology researcher) about person-centred suicide prevention. Lyn shares how decades of work across communities, schools, projects and private practice shaped her understanding of suicidality and why relying solely on checklists can shut down meaningful conversations. They chat about:👉🏽 How person-centred care differs from tradit
Implicit bias towards people with disability in Australia (with Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos)
Bron speaks with Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos (psychologist and founder of Beyond Bias Consulting) about her PhD research on implicit bias towards people with disability in Australia. Chrissy shares how her lived experience of blindness led her to investigate the subtle and often invisible attitudes shaping workplace decisions, clinical interactions, and public policy. They chat about: 👉🏽 The diff
Mastering professional boundaries in therapy (with Dr Bianca Denny)
Bron and guest Dr Bianca Denny unpack one of the trickiest early-career topics: professional boundaries in therapy. Together, they break down what boundaries actually mean (and don’t mean), how to navigate self-disclosure, gift-giving, ethical grey areas, and what to do when you realise a boundary has been crossed by you or a colleague. 👉 We cover: Bianca's practical framework fo
Navigating identity-based burnout (with Shuktika Bose)
Ever felt like you’re carrying the extra weight of your identity into every supervision meeting, team huddle, or client session? That’s not “just stress.” It might be identity-based burnout. In this ep, Bron and guest Shuktika Bose unpack identity-based burnout - what it is and how to navigate it. 👉🏾 We cover: How identity-based burnout differs from general workplace burno
Beyond worksheets: How letting go can make you a better therapist (with Renae Martelli)
Bron and guest Renae Martelli explore how letting go of the tools and strategies we cling to as early-career therapists might actually make us better at our jobs. We unpack what happens when we stop trying to “do” therapy perfectly and instead tune in to the client, the context, and the process. 👉🏽 We cover: Why tools and worksheets can sometimes hold us back The shift from doing t
Transference and countertransference (with Claire Trevitt)
Bron and guest Claire Trevitt discuss the concepts of transference and countertransference. Bron has been eager to record this episode for two years, and it does not disappoint! Claire explains the nuances of these concepts that are essential for every mental health professional to understand. The episode covers what transference and countertransference are, why they're important in therapy, and o
Managing the feelings that come along with running a private practice (with Harriet Iles)
Bron and guest Harriet Iles chat about managing common feelings that show up alongside running a private practice early in your career, including imposter syndrome, anxiety, and overthinking. Harriet shares her valuable insights, including her personal experiences with imposter syndrome while running her own private practice. We discuss common definitions, myths, and misunderstandings about impost
Working with complex clients: Staying grounded when you feel overwhelmed (with Dr Amy Talbot)
Bron and guest Dr Amy Talbot discuss how to manage the emotional and clinical challenges that often show up when working with complex presentations. Amy shares her journey, starting with treating enduring eating disorders to tackling less understood issues like tic disorders. Then we go through practical strategies for managing our own emotional responses to complex clients. The episode offers pra
Imposter syndrome revisited (with Marie Vakakis)
We covered imposter syndrome wayyy back when the podcast started in 2021 - it's time for a revisit now that we're older and... wiser? Bron is joined by Marie to share new thoughts and research on how imposter syndrome affects early career mental health workers, how feelings of self-doubt can both hinder and help, how workplace environments play a significant role in fueling imposter syndrome, and
MAILBAG: Saying no to clients who aren't a good fit & promoting yourself in a competitive market
Bron and Marie (Mental Health Social Worker) dive into the mailbag and answer listener questions about how to decline seeing clients who aren't a good fit, promoting yourself in a competitive market, and what to do when another mental health professional in your local area muscles in on your niche - are they are your friend or foe? 🤔 We covered a lot of ground in this episode and hope you enjoy th
Private practice doesn't have to be the end goal (Solo)
It's a quick solo episode with Bron! I chat about why closing my solo private practice after four years was the right decision for me, how I feel after taking a break from clinical work for 6 months, the factors that influence job satisfaction in mental health, and opportunities for growth in non-private roles. LINKS Tim Ballard - Job-Related Predictors of Satisfaction Among Australian Workers T
LISTENER STORY: Psychological safety at work and understanding contracts (with Anita Knezevic)
Bron is joined by Anita (newly registered psychologist) to chat about Anita's journey through her internship and early career, exploring topics like psychological safety at work, burnout prevention, and tricky contract clauses such as non-competes and supervision repayments. Anita reflects on how she found the right supervision and workplace, as well as the lessons she has learned along the way. T
The SPARKS approach to burnout prevention (with Danielle Graber)
Bron is joined by Danielle Graber to explore a no-nonsense approach to burnout prevention called S.P.A.R.K.S. Danielle shares how her experience during Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns sparked the creation of this method, and together they unpack why traditional self-care often falls short. The conversation redefines what therapist wellness really means, highlights the importance of genuine, sust
Dissociation in children and adolescents
Bron and Michael (Mental Work podcast editor) unpack the complex and often misunderstood topic of dissociation in children and adolescents. Drawing on Bron’s recent experience as a researcher in this area, they explore what dissociation is, how it shows up in young people, common causes, and why early recognition is so important. They also dive into gaps in research, the lack of youth-specif
Why therapist visibility matters more than ever (and how to stop shrinking) (with Dr Hayley Kelly)
Bron is joined by Dr Hayley Kelly for an honest conversation about why therapist visibility matters now more than ever, especially for early-career professionals. Hayley challenges the status quo, calling for innovation in the mental health profession to meet the growing community need for evidence-based expertise and support. She explores why many therapists feel the urge to shrink, and how to br
Owning your own sh*t as a therapist (with Marie Vakakis)
Bron and Marie (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) explore how mental health workers can sometimes hold idealised, unrealistic expectations of one another – and how this can lead to surprise or disappointment when we encounter each other’s emotion regulation struggles or interpersonal differences. We discuss the importance of holding realistic expectations, and of meeting our own
Building sustainable boundaries for work-life balance (with Jazmin Pursell)
Bron and Jazmin (Social Worker, Consultant) discuss how early career mental health workers can maintain their well-being while balancing the demands of work and life. Jazmin shares her journey, from struggling with work-life boundaries to finding strategies that helped her prioritise self-care and family time. She emphasises the importance of reflective practice, supervision, and setting realistic
Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (with Aimee Oliveri)
Bron and Aimee (Clinical Psychologist) dive into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition estimated to affect 3-8% of menstruating women. Aimee talks about the differences between PMDD and PMS and how to effectively support clients with this condition. We also chat about Aimee's DBT-informed treatment model, common misconceptions, and the intersections of PMDD with ADHD. This episode is
Mailbag: Tips for first client/fair pay for first job/finding a niche (with Marie Vakakis)
It's our first MAILBAG episode, woo hoo! 🥳 In this ep, Marie (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) and Bron (Psychologist) answer listener questions: How should I prepare for my first ever client? When should I niche? What pay should I expect for my first job in mental health? How do I protect my mental health when working in private practice? We share a whole bunch of practical info in bite-si
Psychosocial hazards for mental health workers (with Jason van Schie)
Bron is joined by specialist in workplace psychosocial hazards, Jason van Schie, to talk about the kinds of psychosocial hazards mental health workers may encounter at work, their impacts, and practical steps to protect your wellbeing at work. Jason also highlights the shared responsibility between employers and employees in managing these risks and offers valuable advice for those feeling the str
Losing a client to suicide (with Marie Vakakis)
Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and its emotional impacts. Specific methods or cases are not discussed. Please take care while listening, and we encourage you to pause or stop listening as needed. Every day in Australia, an average of 9 people die by suicide and their loss is felt deeply by their family, loved ones, communities, and the mental health professionals invo
Listener story: Studying a Masters of Clinical Psychology (with Tess Rutherford)
It's a listener story! 🥳 Tess is a provisional psychologist studying her Master of Clinical Psychology and in this ep, she shares exactly what it's like including overcoming perfectionism, imposter syndrome, the value of supportive peers and supervisors, juggling study and work, and other thoughts on her journey towards full registration as a psychologist. Tess also talks about her deeply importan
What should early-career mental health workers know more about?
Hello! Bron here - I'm looking for new episode ideas and guests. This podcast is for you, so I want to hear from you! If you would like to be a guest to chat about a topic that early-career mental health workers should know about, I'd love to hear from you! Topic and guest suggestions: Contact me at mentalworkpodcast.com/contact or DM me on Instagram @_mentalworkpodcast Be a guest: Apply at menta
Working as a mental health researcher (with Dr Alix Woolard)
Bron is joined by Dr Alix Woolard, a Senior Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute, to give us an insider peek into the world of being a youth mental health researcher. Along the way, we chat about how research and clinical work can complement each other, the challenges and triumphs of research, and the importance of a supportive team. We also discuss practical steps for early-career menta
Where are you on the burnout continuum? (with Matthew Jackson)
Not all mental health professionals experience burnout, but if they do, they might not realise just how bad it is. Matthew returns to the pod to chat with Bron about the five phases of burnout, starting from the honeymoon phase to the habitual burnout phase. Drawing from personal experiences and research, Matthew provides practical strategies for early career mental health workers to identify and
Defining your own career: Entrepreneurship when you live with a disability (with Raimy-Rose Lewis)
Raimy-Rose joins Bron to discuss her journey as a disability advocate and personal trainer specialising in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Raimy shares her journey from traditional work environments to running her own business serving a community she is deeply passionate about. We talk about the challenges people with disability face in standard work settings, the benefits and flexibility entreprene
What's it like being a neurodivergent therapist? (with Jordan Turner)
Bron and Jordan are two neurodivergent psychologists, and in this episode we chat about the strengths we bring to the role and challenges we have faced in light of our neurodivergence. We talk about attention to detail, hyperfocus, empathy, self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, the decision to disclose neurodivergence, maintaining professional boundaries, and how to maximise strengths and minimise ch
Supporting neurodivergent women during IVF treatment (with Liz Bancroft)
Bron is joined by Liz, a clinical and counseling psychologist & IVF coach to chat about the unique challenges neurodivergent people face during IVF treatment (that's In Vitro Fertilisation treatment), and how we can best support them. Liz shares her personal experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and highlights the sensory overload, emotional stress, and medical trauma involved. Tune i
Sensory modulation therapy & working as an occupational therapist (with Emma Craske)
We welcome our first occupational therapist guest, Emma Craske! 🥳 Bron and Emma chat about what it's like working as an OT before turning to Emma's passion topic, sensory modulation therapy. Emma talks about how sensory modulation can help clients with a range of challenges and gets specific about the techniques that might be used in a session. I really enjoyed learning about this creative and pra
Family mediation and managing overthinking early in your career (with Rosemary Gattuso)
Bron is joined by Rosemary Gattuso (Trauma-Informed Family Mediator) to talk about the role of a mediator in the family court and Rosemary's special interest in helping people manage overthinking. We chat about what family mediation is, what it involves (and what it doesn't), and then go on to practical strategies for managing overthinking that early-career mental health professionals can apply to
Imagery rescripting & reprocessing therapy (with Samantha Duroska)
Bron is joined by Samantha to unpack imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy (IRRT), a technique well-known in Germany but relatively unknown in Australia. We also talk about Samantha's journey of moving to Australia to practice psychology and interesting differences in how therapy is delivered. Samantha also shares the importance of finding a therapeutic approach that resonates with you, rat
Reflections on five years of practice (Solo)
In this solo ep, Bron reflects on five years of registration as a psychologist. She shares her Top 10 reflections and what she wishes she had known starting out. From shifts in professional identity, changes in approaches to therapy, and thoughts on finding your professional tribe, Bron offers her reflections on her early-career years (which she hopes will prompt your own reflections!). THE END BI
What makes a fulfilling career in mental health? (with Marie Vakakis)
Many of us have been told to 'follow your passion' when it comes to choosing a career, but is that good advice? Bron and Marie look into the research-backed factors that predict whether you'll think your job is a dream or a flop. Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW), and Family & Couples Therapist at The Therapy Hub LINKS Article discussed in this episode: "We r
Creative arts therapy and making the leap to private practice (with Abi Jenkins)
Bron and creative arts therapist Abi Jenkins chat about her journey from full-time employment to private practice as an early-career dance therapist. Abi shares her insights on balancing creativity with financial sustainability, the importance of setting boundaries, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in aged care and private practice. We also chat about dance therap
Should psychologists be political?
Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or remain politically neutral. Bron also walks through the AHPRA code of conduct, AHPRA social media guidelines, and other considerations for those who want to advocate for change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of psycholog
Preventing burnout with reflective practice groups (with Shane Puxley)
Bron is joined by Shane (Community Psychologist) to chat about reflective practice groups and how they can be a great tool for preventing burnout in early-career clinicians. We chat about what reflective practice groups involve, how they can reduce feelings of isolation (that "I'm the only one experiencing this" feeling), and how you can implement reflective practices in our workplace, supervision
Working in the family court system (with Dr Kate Jackowski)
Bron and Dr. Kate Jackowski (Forensic Psychologist) chat about working within Australia's family court system. We talk about what it's like to write court reports, the intricacies of family court assessments, what Kate finds rewarding about this line of work, and how to maintain objectivity and self-care when working with sensitive subject matter. Bron had a lot of beginner questions about th
Beyond therapy: Non-clinical creative hustles (with Caitlin Bell)
Bron is joined by Caitlin Bell (Copywriter and clinical psychologist) to chat about her unique career path. That's right, it's a listener story! 🥳 Caitlin shares her journey from a winding educational path to finding a home in her creative passion for copywriting. We talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, professional identity, and the challenges of balancing dual careers - this episode has it all
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