Inside Social Work

In this week's episode, you’ll hear how Silvina started an inclusive drama program in Canada and ran it successfully there for a number of years before moving to Melbourne and starting it all over again.  Learn more here https://www.purplecarrots.com.au/ Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/  Become a Youth Mental Health First AiderFace to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/  Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

This podcast episode will look a little different to future episodes. Its a chance for you to get to know the host Marie Vakakis  and hear about her motivations for the podcast. The Inside Social Work podcast is a podcast interview series that aims to entertain and inspire Social workers  illustrating the diverse world of social work through conversations with industry leaders, colleagues, peers, new graduates and mentors. Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Money is often the thing we’re told not to talk about. Yet for social workers, it’s at the heart of so many challenges in our profession.In this episode, Ashton and I unpack:Why social workers feel guilty about charging for their workThe gendered expectations tied to caring professionsHow undervaluing ourselves hurts both us and the professionThe hidden costs of private practice training, supervision, sick leave, overheadsShifting mindset from “martyrdom” to sustainabilityHow charging fairly allows us to keep showing up for clientsWe talk openly about the guilt, the judgment, and the reality of making a living in social work.If this resonates, start with the Intro Episode of the series and follow through each conversation. Together, they’re about honesty, growth, and reclaiming what it means to thrive in this profession.Resources Listen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Social work doesn’t follow a straight line, it’s often what we call a squiggly career. Along the way, there are challenges, shiny distractions, and moments of doubt. But there are also incredible rewards.In this episode, Ashton and I reflect on:The hardest parts of working as Accredited Mental Health Social WorkersThe risks of chasing every new training or modalityWhy having a clear thread or anchor point mattersCommon misconceptions about AMHSW accreditationThe role of hobbies, creativity, and connection outside of workThe great things that keep us engaged in this profession🎧 Tune in to hear the lessons we’ve learned and the joys we’ve found along the way.Resources Listen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Self-doubt has a way of creeping in at the worst times whether it’s applying for a job, saying yes to a leadership role, or even putting yourself out there creatively.In this episode, Ashton and I talk about the moments where self-doubt almost stopped us from saying yes to opportunities and how we found ways to push through. We explore:Why self-doubt shows up even for experienced social workersHow writing, speaking, and visibility can feel like barriersGendered expectations around confidence and “meeting the criteria”Strategies that help us move forward despite inner criticismProgress over perfection and learning to reframe self-doubt as growth🎧 Listen to the episode now and reflect on the role self-doubt has played in your own career.ResourcesListen to the previous episodes in this series:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeSusan David  - Emotional agility Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Have you ever looked at your career and thought,  my younger self would never have seen this coming?In Episode 3 of our mini-series, Ashton and I reflect on how our work, values, and lives have evolved in ways our 25-year-old selves could never have predicted. From unexpected career shifts to the courage to take up space, we explore the surprises that come with time and experience.We also invite you to reflect: what would surprise your younger self about where you are now?In this episode we cover:How career paths rarely unfold the way we imagine at the startThe tension between early dreams and where we’ve landedWhy public speaking, podcasting, or leadership might feel impossible when we’re just starting outThe role of values in shaping a career, more than goals or tick-box achievementsHow looking back can spark empathy for our younger selves — and gratitude for our growthResources:Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)How our social work practice has grownJoin the Career Clarity Challenge today!Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Social work careers rarely look the same. In this episode we share what ours look like now and how they keep evolving, Ashton and I talk about where that journey has taken us and the work we’re doing now.I share what it’s like running The Therapy Hub in Melbourne, supporting young people, families, and couples, as well as the trainings and parenting programs I’ve developed. Ashton talks about her dual focus: Willow Tree, her counselling clinic, and Ashton Hayes & Co Consulting, where she mentors and supports social workers across Australia.Together, we explore:The realities of running private practices and balancing multiple rolesFinding a niche in therapy and why it’s an evolving processThe overlap between mental health, relationships, and educationHow supervision, mentoring, and leadership strengthen our fieldWhy building community matters as much as individual client workGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Every social worker has a story about how they got here. Some of us take winding paths through other careers, while others stumble into social work almost by accident.In this first episode of our 10-part collaboration series, I sit down with Ashton Hayes (host of Becoming an AMHSW) to share our journeys into social work.We talk about:The meandering, non-linear paths that led us into social workHow travel, life experience, and curiosity shaped our choicesThe breadth of social work, from policy to practice, and everything in betweenWhy the profession can be so hard to define, yet so rewardingThe challenges of explaining what we do, and how training shapes our careersThis isn’t the neat checklist version of becoming a social worker. It’s about real experiences, twists and turns, and the values that pulled us into the work.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Have you ever wondered if you’re really cut out to be an accredited mental health social worker? If you’re smart enough, good enough, or if everyone else has it figured out while you’re still feeling like an imposter? What about talking money and finances? Branding and marketing?You’re not alone.In this special 10-part collaboration, I team up with Ashton Hayes, host of Becoming an AMHSW, to share the messy, honest realities of becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. We share our own lived experiences, the winding career paths that shape who we are, impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and discuss the often-taboo topic of money stories.You won't want to miss this seriesAcross the series we talk about:The challenges and frustrations of AMHSW applications and pathwaysThe truth about starting out in private practiceWhy vulnerability and connection matter so much in this workMoney beliefs, charging clients, and financial security in social workBuilding networks and community so the work feels less lonelyThis isn’t a guidebook. It’s two social workers sharing the behind-the-scenes stories that often go unspoken. Our hope is that you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and maybe even inspired as you navigate your own career.🎧 Listen to the collaboration series on Inside Social Work and Becoming an AMHSW.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Have you ever sat in a supervision session that felt more like a checklist than real support? Maybe you’ve wondered what supervision is actually meant to give you.In this solo episode of Inside Social Work, I talk about why supervision matters, how it’s shaped my own practice, and why it’s more than a professional requirement. We’ll explore how good supervision helps prevent burnout, what makes it different from line management, and how to find the right fit as your needs change.This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with reflections for social workers, therapists, and anyone holding the weight of other people’s stories.Key Takeaways:Why real supervision is about reflection and growth, not just case managementHow supervision helps with ethical decision making and burnout preventionWhat to look for in a supervisor beyond credentialsWhy it’s okay for your supervision needs to change over timeHow group and peer supervision can build connection and perspectiveWhat supervision can and can’t do when it comes to workplace challengesIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with a colleague or anyone who’s thinking about their own supervision practice. You can also download my free resource on reflective questions for supervision in the show notes.Resources:Reflective Questions for Getting the Most Out of SupervisionSupervision PART 1Supervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group SupervisionPart 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning PreferencesBenefits of Clinical SupervisionGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Teenagers today are navigating a very complex world Social media and digital technology, constant connection, academic pressure, identity exploration, and big emotions can make adolescence feel overwhelming, not just for teens, but for parents, carers, and the professionals who support them.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins to share insights from our years of working with teens and their families. We explore what makes therapy unique for young people, how to support them through life’s challenges, and why safety and trust matter more than quick solutions.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, this conversation is a reminder that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and understood.We explore: • Why teens often feel misunderstood by adults • How therapy can help with identity exploration and emotional regulation • The importance of trust, consent, and autonomy in therapy • Strategies for parents and carers to strengthen connection • Practical ways therapists can engage teens meaningfullyIf you’re worried about a young person in your life, reaching out for support is a powerful first step. You can visit The Therapy Hub to find guidance and professional support.If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit, leave a review, or subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.Resources:Inside Social Work PodcastThe Therapy HubHeadspace Postvention ToolkitBe You: Suicide Prevention and Responsehttp://marievakakis.com.au/courses/working-therapeutically-with-teens/https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/introduction-to-mental-health-support-and-interventions-for-teens/Get Ready for Therapy GuideTrainings:https://marievakakis.com.au/professionals-training-and-supervision/Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned...

Therapy is often seen as a safe, supportive space, but what happens when it goes wrong? In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to unpack what bad therapy has taught her about being a better therapist.We talk about what happens when therapy misses the mark, how defensiveness impacts client relationships, and why rupture and repair skills are essential for every therapist.Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or someone navigating therapy yourself, this conversation will help you see the importance of transparency, fit, and realistic expectations.We explore:• How defensiveness can damage the client–therapist relationship• Why rupture and repair is one of the most important therapeutic skills• The role of client expectations in therapy outcomes• How deliberate practice builds confidence and skill• Why talking about therapy’s side effects matters• How marketing and branding can help clients find the right fit• Practical advice for clients to ask the right questions• Why mistakes in therapy are inevitable but repair is possibleResources:• Santio Counselling Centre• Inside Social Work Podcast• Get Ready for Therapy GuideGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Therapy is meant to be supportive and healing, but not every client experience feels that way. In this encore episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Ben and Carrie, from the Very Bad Therapy podcast, about what happens when therapy goes wrong, why it matters to talk about it, and how we can do better.Key Takeaways• Bad therapy cannot be reduced to a checklist. It depends on the individual client experience• Many clients internalise bad therapy and believe they are at fault• Therapy can have side effects and sometimes people feel worse afterwards• Mistakes will happen. Repair and humility matter more than perfection• Asking about expectations is just as important as setting goals• Therapists will feel defensive. The work is to notice it and respond with openness• Deliberate practice builds skills by focusing on one area at a time• Administrative details like fees, scheduling, and emails are part of the relationship and need careThis conversation is for therapists and anyone who has ever questioned whether therapy was helping. Ben and Carrie share lessons from hundreds of client stories that challenge us to rethink how we work, listen, and repair when things go wrong.Resources: Very Bad Therapy podcast with Ben Feinman and Carrie WiitaModern Therapist Survival Guide with Kurt and KatieSantio Counselling Centre in CaliforniaLearn Psychotherapy podcast with Ben and CarrieInside Social Work with Marie VakakisIf this episode resonated with you please follow and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sharing the episode helps more people join these honest conversations about mental health and relationships.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

When you’re in a therapy session and something happens right in the moment,  a shift in body language, a sudden silence, a flicker of emotion,  naming it can change everything.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work Podcast to talk about using ‘here and now’ comments to deepen connection and insight in the room. We explore why they work, when to use them, and how to navigate the risks.We discuss:What ‘here and now’ comments are and why they matterHow they can build safety and trust in therapyPractical ways to notice and name what’s happeningThe difference between curiosity and confrontationHow to handle moments when it lands badlyWhy slowing down is often the most powerful thing you can doWhether you’re new to therapy or an experienced practitioner, this conversation offers practical tools to bring more presence, attunement, and awareness into your work.Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:Inside Social Work Podcast on SpotifyInside Social Work Podcast on AppleMental Work PodcastGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Student placements in private practice are becoming more common, but they raise a lot of questions for students, supervisors, and clients.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by social worker and supervisor Amy Howell to explore what it’s like offering student placements in a private practice setting, what support students need, and how services can navigate the challenges that come up.We discuss:Why more students are doing placements in private settingsWhat good supervision looks like when you’re in private practiceThe ethical, practical and emotional sides of student workHow to create a learning environment that feels safe and reflectiveWhat students need to feel supported, not thrown in the deep endThis episode is for anyone supervising students, considering offering placements, or thinking about private practice as a student.🎧 Listen now and explore more resources and links below.🔗 ResourcesThe Therapy HubAASW Supervision GuidelinesInside Social Work PodcastProfessional LearningGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

What actually happens when the whole family comes to therapy? And how do you even start a conversation when everyone’s at odds?In this special crossover episode with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast, we explore the unique challenges and dynamics of working with whole families in therapy. From preparing for multi-person sessions to setting boundaries, managing multiple agendas and keeping kids engaged, this is an honest look into the real-world practice of systemic family therapy.We talk about:How therapists manage logistics, power dynamics and safetyThe importance of clear contracting when working with familiesWhy it’s important to name the emotional undercurrents in the roomWhat makes systemic therapy different from individual or couples workWhy therapists need to get comfortable with discomfortWhether you're a social worker, counsellor or psychologist working with families or just curious what it’s really like in the room, this episode shares insights, humour and real talk from inside the therapy process.ResourcesMental Work Podcast episode: https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/intro-to-family-therapy/https://mhpn.org.au/members/#/Network/95487Professional Learning: https://marievakakis.com.au/professionals-training-and-supervision/Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

For many social workers and mental health professionals, the tension between caring and charging is real.In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins, host of the Mental Work podcast, to unpack how unexamined money beliefs can impact your practice, your wellbeing, and even your sense of identity as a helping professional.We explore:Why helping professions carry deep shame around moneyHow personal history and family beliefs shape financial decisionsThe unconscious ways clinicians undercharge, overwork, and self-sacrificeHow to create ethical, sustainable private practice modelsWhat healthy boundaries around time, fees, and energy really look likeThis conversation is for any social worker or therapist trying to navigate the emotional side of money while building a values-aligned career.🔗 ResourcesMental Work Podcast –https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/are-your-money-beliefs-holding-you-back-with-marie-vakakis/ How to Improve Your Relationship With Money – https://www.raskmedia.com.au/2025/01/02/how-to-improve-your-relationship-with-money/Relationships & money: how to start having better conversations – https://marievakakis.com.au/relationships-money-how-to-start-having-better-conversations/ Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Why does doing what you love sometimes leave you exhausted, stuck, or questioning your identity?In this episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Dr Bronwyn Milkins, psychologist and host of the Mental Work podcast, about why the dream job ideal doesn’t always lead to happiness. We explore how hustle culture, guilt and overidentification with our jobs contribute to burnout,  and what it actually looks like to reclaim space outside work.Whether you're a therapist, educator or any kind of helping professional, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like work became too much of their identity.Key takeaways:Why the dream job ideal can create internal pressureWhat happens when you’re praised for over-functioningThe role of guilt in keeping people stuck in burnoutHow boundaries and rest protect your wellbeingWhy it’s hard to separate identity from professionWhat sustainable success could look like insteadHow to shift your values without losing your sense of purposeContact Dr Bronwyn Milkins here at mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:Mental Work PodcastInside Social WorkThe Therapy HubCareer GuideIf this episode hit close to home, share it with a friend or colleague who might be carrying the same weight.Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

Do you ever feel like you need to have all the answers in the first few sessions? Maybe you’ve wondered if your client is silently asking themselves, is this going to help?In this episode of Inside Social Work, I chat with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast about the pressures, pacing, and expectations that sit inside the first three sessions of therapy. We unpack what actually helps clients stay engaged and why slowing down can sometimes be the most helpful thing we do.This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with reflections for early career therapists and anyone supporting people through the first steps of therapy.Key Takeaways:Why the first three sessions can feel like they carry extra pressure for both clients and therapistsWhat actually helps people stay in therapyThe power of making the therapy process visibleWhy clarity, structure, and customer service really matterHow scripts and checklists can guide, not restrict, the workWhy slowing down is sometimes the most effective thing we can doThe importance of culture, lived experience, and meaningful engagementPractical ways to check in, offer choice, and build trustIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with your colleagues or anyone supporting people in their early therapy sessions. You can also explore more resources and on-demand training via the website. Thanks for listening to Inside Social Work.Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.comResources:On-Demand Training: Enhancing Clinical Outcomes in the First Three SessionsMental Work Podcast👉 Learn more about my on-demand course: Enhance Clinical Outcomes in the First Three Sessions: https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/enhancing-clinical-outcomes-in-the-first-three-sessions/ Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast? 🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

What if the therapist you were seeing just got it?What if you didn’t have to explain your cultural background, your lived experience, or the reasons you approach life the way you do?In this episode of Inside Social Work, I sat down with Tham Fuyana, Social Worker, Family Therapist and Educator, to talk about what it’s like navigating therapy as a BIPOC client. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people/ person of colour  While I'm not a person of colour and can’t speak from lived experience, I shared reflections from my perspective as a therapist and acknowledged the limits of my own experience, while making space for this important conversation.Tham shares powerful insights from their lived experience as a person of colour and as a therapist, reflecting on how this shapes their work and the way they connect with clients.Tham talks about the experience of searching for a BIPOC therapist, the invisible barriers to accessing mental health care, and why representation and understanding matter in the therapy room. They reflect on what it means to be truly seen, and the challenges many people of colour face when navigating mental health services.Key things discussed What it means to seek a BIPOC therapist and why it mattersHow intersectionality shapes the therapy experienceBarriers to accessing mental health care for people of colourThe emotional weight of having to always explain your storyWhy some people feel safer being vulnerable with someone who "gets it"How representation can impact trust and connection in therapyThe complexity of navigating multiple identities in multicultural AustraliaPractical ways to find the right therapist for youResourcesTherapy Hub: https://www.thetherapyhub.com.auGot something you'd like to hear on the podcast?🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976Mentioned in this episode:5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work 5 Days to Career Clarity in Social WorkReflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work