Mental Work

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 to spot readiness for change through attendance and in-session cues👉🏿 Practical ways to slow down, check in, and keep clients engaged👉🏾 Using permission-giving, pacing, and a “menu of choices” in sessions👉🏼 When supervision, feedback, and skill-building can genuinely help This episode is a reassuring, practical conversation for early-career psychologists who care deeply about their work and are quietly worrying they’re “not doing enough.” If you’ve ever taken client disengagement personally, this one’s for you! Guest: Claire Trevitt, Psychologist and Supervisor at The Growing Therapist and Host of the Between Two Psychs Podcast LINKS Claire's podcast, Between Two Psychs Claire's training/supervision website, The Growing Therapist Outcome Rating Scale and Session Rating Scale THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 self-compassion helped her through this enormous period of change. They chat about:👉🏽 Early-career self-doubt and imposter syndrome👉🏻 The emotional impact of client work👉🏿 Learning to tolerate uncertainty in sessions👉🏾 Using supervision as support, not performance👉🏼 Building sustainability rather than perfection Guest: Dr Hayley D Quinn - Former clinical psychologist turned anti-burnout business coach LINKS Hayley's book, From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion: https://drhayleydquinn.com/product/book/ Hayley's podcast "Welcome to Self": https://drhayleydquinn.com/podcasts/ Hayley's Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, humility, and therapist authority👉🏾 Working with emotional suppression in schema therapy👉🏼 Practical ways to build safety without pushing too fast This episode is essential listening for early-career clinicians wanting to work more thoughtfully, safely, and effectively across cultures. Guest: Beatrice Ng-Kesler – Clinical Psychologist, Schema Therapy Trainer, founder of the Chinese Schema Therapy Academy LINKS Register for Beatrice's next online workshop on Adapting Psychotherapy for Collectivistic Cultures, scheduled for February 2026! More upcoming trainings offered by Beatrice, including training on adapting psychotherapy for collectivist cultures Article written by Beatrice, published by the British Psychological Society: Connecting worlds and finding common ground Chinese Schema Therapy Academy THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 work is a discipline, not “just sharing a story”👉🏿 Boundaries, scope of practice, and common misconceptions👉🏾 How clinicians can be allies when peer workers are tokenised or sidelined👉🏼 What good collaboration looks like in practice Guest: Prunella Howell-Jay - Lived Experience Supervisor, Workforce Coordinator, Trainer and Facilitator LINKS Prunella's LinkedIn Lived Experience Australia THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a psychologist👉 Figuring out professional identity 👉🏿 How Denver once left a workplace to focus on self-care Guest: Denver Simonsz - Psychologist, Board-Approve Supervisor, Writer LINKS Denver writes a popular newsletter on Effective Practice - Join the mailing list here Denver's Instagram and LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! 🌈 LINKS Burnout Part 1 and Burnout Part 2 with Matthew Jackson THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 traditional risk assessments👉🏻 The limits of low/medium/high suicide-risk categories👉🏿 Using risk formulation and collaborative, empowering safety planning👉 Keeping conversations open without increasing shame or fear👉🏽 How clinicians can sit with uncertainty, use existing skills, and practise sustainably in this challenging space Guest: Lyn O'Grady - Community Psychologist LINKS Lyn is featured in this article: ​How to take a person-centred approach to suicide prevention, published by the Australian Psychological Society Lyn is available for supervision - you can message her on LinkedIn Open-access research paper: Cognitive Behavior Therapy With and Without Narrative Assessment and Suicide Attempts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2025): "Results suggest that a narrative assessment (of suicide risk) may be a simple and effective way to capture the forces that lead to suicide attempts and to direct interventions toward their prevention." 👏 THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 difference between explicit and implicit bias 👉🏻 The Stereotype Content Model👉 Participant's views of people with disability in terms of competence and warmth👉🏿 What early-career clinicians can do to challenge implicit assumptions about people with disability Guest: Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos - Psychologist LINKS Chrissy's research paper discussed in the episode: Implicit bias towards people with disability in Australia: relationship with personal values Chrissy's consulting business, Beyond Bias Consulting Chrissy's Instagram @the_blind_psychologist THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 for handling dilemmas How to distinguish boundary crossings from violations Why supervision is your best friend How to approach online spaces responsibly. Whether you’re feeling anxious about “getting it wrong” or just want to strengthen your ethical confidence, this episode will help you manage boundaries with clarity and calm. Guest: Dr Bianca Denny - Clinical Psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, Author LINKS Bianca's book discussed in the episode: The How-To of Psychotherapy: A Practical Guide for Therapists (HIGHLY recommended! 🥰) Bianca's website, LinkedIn, Instagram Bianca's other book: Talk To Me: Lessons from Patients and Their Therapist THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 burnout The emotional and nervous system toll of constantly “proving yourself” What psychological safety really looks like at work Boundaries as acts of self-preservation and cultural respect How to find your voice - even when it feels risky Guest: Shuktika Bose - Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Consultant & Speaker LINKS Shuktika's website, Instagram, LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 therapy to being a therapist How supervision helps refine your therapist lens Letting go of self-criticism and embracing self-compassion in your practice Expect practical insights, plenty of “I’ve done that too” moments, and an honest conversation about what it really takes to grow as a therapist. Thanks Renae! 😊 Guest: Renae Martelli, Psychologist, supervisor and owner of Think Feel Grow LINKS Renae's private practice Renae's Instagram Renae's LinkedIn The DNA-V model (We talked about this approach in the episode)  THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 offers practical strategies for managing them. Claire shares personal anecdotes from her extensive psychodynamic training and supervision, making the concepts relatable and easier to grasp. Bron and Claire also discuss the importance of supervision, personal therapy, and how to handle these reactions professionally. Enjoy and don't miss listening to this episode! 🤩 Guest: Claire Trevitt, Psychologist and Supervisor at The Growing Therapist and Host of the 'Between Two Psychs' Podcast LINKS Claire's podcast, Between Two Psychs Claire's training/supervision website, The Growing Therapist Nancy McWilliam's books on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (recommended by Claire) An Introduction to Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Jonathan Shelder (recommended by Bron - an easier introduction to psychodynamic concepts) THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 imposter syndrome, and explore practical strategies like self-compassion, peer support, and value alignment for managing these feelings. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening conversation aimed at helping mental health workers build confidence and navigate their early careers with compassion and curiosity. Guest: Harriet Iles, Consultant Psychologist LINKS Harriet's LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 practical tips for dealing with anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty, stressing the importance of supervision and self-care. Guest: Dr Amy Talbot, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Founder & Director of Clinical Services at The Talbot Centre LINKS Amy's psychology practice, The Talbot Centre (main website) and Facebook Amy regularly delivers training for early-career psychologists and supervisors of early-career psychologists, click here for more info THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 what helps to reduce imposter feelings. If you've ever felt like an imposter, this episode is for you! Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW), and Family & Couples Therapist at The Therapy Hub LINKS "Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome" by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey Research article: "They will discover I’m a fraud!" The Impostor Syndrome Among Psychology Students (2021) (spoiler: 56.15% of study participants experienced high and intense impostor syndrome 😱) Research article: Are You Better Than Me? Competitive Work Climates Fuel Impostorism via Upward Social Comparisons (2025) Marie's original episode on Imposter Syndrome on the Inside Social Work Podcast This Complex Life - Marie's podcast where she delves into the messiness of wellbeing and relationships. Sign-up to Marie's professional development workshops and live events for professionals working with couples, families, and relationships. Connect with Marie on LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the discussion! Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW), and Family & Couples Therapist at The Therapy Hub LINKS This Complex Life - Marie's podcast where she delves into the messiness of wellbeing and relationships. Inside Social Work Podcast - Marie's podcast taking you behind the scenes of the social work profession. Connect with Marie on LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Thank you Anita for your clarity and practical tips on these important topics - early-career listeners will learn a LOT from this episode! 😊 Guest: Anita Knezevic, Psychologist at MindMovers Psychology LINKS Anita's LinkedIn Fair Work Australia FYI: Some professional indemnity/public liability insurer policies for Australian psychologists include 2 hours of free legal advice per year (E.g., Aon)! Check your policy for details. THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers about working in mental health. Hosted by Psychologist/Researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, sustainable self-care, and shows how practical strategies can improve both clinician wellbeing and client outcomes. Packed with personal stories, actionable tips, and an overview of the SPARKS approach, this episode is essential listening for early-career and experienced mental health professionals alike. Guest: Danielle Graber - Clinical Psychologist, Director of 12 Points Psychology, Animal-Assisted Therapist, Supervisor & Trainer LINKS More about the SPARKS approach to burnout prevention, created by Danielle More professional development opportunities from Danielle (there's A LOT!) Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-specific treatments, and share practical strategies to help clinicians feel more confident when working with dissociation. This is a must-listen for mental health workers wanting to deepen their understanding and improve client care! LINKS Bron's open-access paper on dissociation in adolescents 🥳 The essential book on dissociation in children: "The Child Survivor: Healing Developmental Trauma and Dissociation" by Joyanna Silberg Book: The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (2025) Training on complex trauma and dissociation provided by Arianne Struik Training on dissociation in adults provided by Dr Catherine Hynes THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.