Between Two Psychs: Tips for Provisional Psychologists and Early Career Therapists

<p>Delving into the questions and challenges faced by new practitioners, offering insights and strategies for navigating the journey from the internship to independent practice and beyond.</p>

Episode 1: Unpacking Supervision

Send us a text In this episode Isabelle and Claire discuss the practical and ethical aspects of supervision, as well as providing a few tips for getting the most out of supervision.

04-26
39:18

Episode 2: Being a Mindful Therapist (and learning when to tune out)

Send us a text In this episode Claire and Isabelle enter into a real and honest discussion about what it is like to be a therapist, including some of the joys and challenges, and why it is so important to take care of ourselves.

05-11
35:09

Episode 3: On Being in the Client's Chair

Send us a text Claire and Isabelle discuss therapy for the therapist, drawing on their own personal experiences in the client's chair.

05-25
23:48

Episode 4: Five key tips for all new therapists

Send us a text Isabelle and Claire share some of the things they wish they had known when they first started as provisional psychologists.

06-08
34:55

Episode 5: When to deviate from the manual

Send us a text In this episode, Isabelle and Claire discuss manualised interventions, their benefits and when we may choose to be flexible in the delivery of interventions in sessions.

06-22
26:52

Episode 6: Navigating fear and doubt as a therapist

Send us a text Isabelle and Claire talk about the process of creating the podcast, lessons learned and how they overcame some mindset challenges that they encountered along the way.

07-07
37:26

Episode 7: We want our clients to feel better, right?

Send us a text Isabelle and Claire discuss the desire to support clients in feeling better, while also acknowledging the complexities of the therapeutic process.

09-28
31:14

Episode 8: How to do observations well

Send us a text This episode provides some practical tips on how to prepare yourself and your clients for sessions that will be observed and/or recorded for supervision or accreditation purposes.

10-12
29:05

Episode 9: Being honest with your supervisor

Send us a text We all make mistakes and things don't always go as planned. Isabelle and Claire discuss the benefits and challenges of being honest and vulnerable in supervision.

10-26
32:42

Episode 10: What is psychodynamic therapy?

Send us a text Claire and Isabelle discuss the key principles of psychodynamic therapy and how these insights can be woven into any therapeutic model.

11-09
01:07:27

Episode 11: How to help clients with a comorbid addiction

Send us a text In this episode Isabelle shares advice on how to assist clients who disclose substance use in sessions. Starting at assessment, getting comfortable with identifying substance use, and understanding the function of substance use so it can be factored into your treatment plan

11-23
42:35

Episode 12: How to do case formulation

Send us a text In the final episode of Season 2 Isabelle and Claire talk about what makes a good case formulation, how to conceptualise information provided in the initial intake, sharing this with the client in a way that is both collaborative and person-centred, and using this information to inform treatment.

12-14
50:17

Episode 13: Creating a meaningful learning plan

Send us a text Professional development can feel like just another box to tick—but what if it actually helped you grow, build confidence, and enjoy your work more? In this episode, we dive into creating a PD plan that goes beyond compliance and truly supports your development. We’ll cover: ✅ How to choose PD that strengthens your skills and confidence ✅ PD requirements for psychologists ✅ Simple ways to track and log your progress If PD feels like a chore, this episode will help you mak...

03-02
16:23

Episode 14. Supervision and peer consultation: key differences

Send us a text In this episode Claire and Isabelle discus peer consultation requirements for psychologists, and the difference between supervision and peer consultation. We cover: The distinct roles of supervision and peer consultation for psychologists Why ongoing support is essential, even as we develop experience and expertise How to calculate group hours as a registered psychologist The pros and cons of paid vs unpaid peer consultation

03-09
19:07

Episode 15: Maintaining our skills as therapists

Send us a text Isabelle and Claire explore how to stay on top of professional development requirements, accessible training options, and how to document your learning.

03-15
25:59

Episode 16: Placement Red Flags

Send us a text This episode focuses on placements for provisional psychologists or student therapists, ensuring these are ethical and sustainable, and common red flags to watch out for.

03-22
22:40

Episode 17: Challenging conversations in supervision

Send us a text Most supervisors genuinely want to support their supervisees, but we also know that’s not always the experience. If you’ve ever left supervision feeling unheard, confused, or discouraged, this episode is for you.

03-29
26:38

Episode 18: Challenging conversations in the workplace

Send us a text Starting out in the therapy world isn’t just about learning how to help clients—it’s also about learning how to survive and thrive in the workplace. In this episode, we talk about: 🔸 Common challenges that arise for provisional psychologists 🔸 Contractor vs casual arrangements 🔸 Billing arrangements under Medicare and NDIS 🔸 Ethical and sustainable working conditions 🔸 What to do when you feel unsupported or overwhelmed We get real about the common (but rarely spoken abou...

04-05
26:40

Episode 19: The ingredients of a good intake process

Send us a text Isabelle and Claire discuss the initial intake process — not the first session, but everything that happens before a client steps into the therapy room. We’ll walk through the key steps we take after that first enquiry: from the introductory phone call, to screening for fit, sharing practical info, and setting clear expectations. We’ll also explore consent, forms, and how to gently support clients in preparing for therapy. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel clearer on how ...

04-12
24:47

Episode 20: The ingredients of a good first session

Send us a text Isabelle and Claire dive into one of the most important parts of the therapy process - the initial session. For early career therapists, that first session can feel like a lot to juggle: you’re building rapport, gathering history, setting the tone, and trying to make a good impression. So how do you fit it all in without making it feel rushed or clinical? In this episode, we’ll break down the key ingredients of a strong first session—from creating a supportive space...

04-19
21:34

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