Couples therapy can be some of the most rewarding work we do, but it can also be some of the most challenging. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in the room thinking, am I helping or am I refereeing?, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Inside Social Work, I revisit a conversation originally recorded with Dr Bronwyn Milkins on the Mental Work Podcast, where we break down what it really looks like to work with couples without getting pulled into the crossfire.

We explore what actually happens in sessions, why structure matters, and how to navigate the emotional intensity that comes with two people bringing their pain, frustration, and hopes into the room.

Whether you’re new to couples work or trying to build more confidence, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real clinical experience.

We explore:

• Why couples work can feel emotionally demanding
• How structure helps contain conflict
• What live conflict reveals about patterns
• How to stay steady without taking sides
• What to consider when separation is on the table

Resources:

• When should you refer an individual to couples therapy? Blog post by Marie.
• This Complex Life - Marie's podcast where she delves into the messiness of wellbeing and relationships.
• Books: Come Together by Emily Nagoski, Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel, Eight Dates by John and Julie Gottman
• Interested in couples therapy training? Gottman Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy are common evidence-based approaches!

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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Money touches every part of our lives, yet so often it’s the thing we avoid talking about. In this final episode of our money mini-series, Ashton Hayes (Becoming an AMHSW Podcast) and I wrap up our reflections on the money stories and money blocks that shape how we live, work, and relate.

Together we explore:

• How old beliefs about money can quietly influence our choices
• The importance of transparency around money in relationships
• Why financial literacy matters for social workers and clients alike
• Gendered expectations about money and worth
• Small, practical steps that help you feel more confident with money
• Why reflective practice applies just as much to money as it does to social work

This episode is about going gently with yourself, questioning the stories you’ve inherited, and starting the conversations that so many of us have avoided.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
• How our social work practice has grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
• The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it
• Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?
• Saving money starting out and the mistakes we made
• We don’t have to work for free
• Untangling money blocks in social 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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Our relationship with money doesn’t start when we open our first bank account. It’s shaped from childhood,  through our families, culture, community, and the messages we absorbed without even realising. These “money stories” influence how we value ourselves, the fees we set, the risks we take, and the limits we place on our practice.

In this episode, Ashton and I explore the money myths and blocks that show up for social workers in private practice. We share our own experiences, unpack where these beliefs come from, and talk about how shifting them can open up new possibilities in our work and lives.

What we cover:

• What “money stories” are and why they matter
• How family and culture shape our beliefs about money
• Common money myths (hard work equals worth, ambition equals greed)
• How money blocks play out in practice, undercharging, burnout, and fear of growth
• Practical tools and resources to reflect on and reframe your money story

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
• How our social work practice has grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
• The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it
• Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?
• Saving money starting out and the mistakes we made
• We don’t have to work for free

Also explore:

• Books – She’s On the Money, Barefoot Investor, Profit First, You’re a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
• Journaling prompts – Ashton’s 30-day reflections on money blocks
• How to Improve Your Relationship With Money

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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

Social work is often framed as a profession of sacrifice, but does that mean we should give away our time and expertise for free?

In this episode, Ashton and I unpack the belief that charging for our services makes us less caring. We talk about fee transparency, the real costs of running a practice, and how the expectation of free or underpaid labour undermines both social workers and clients.

We also reflect on the importance of boundaries, sustainability, and the difference between choosing to give back through volunteering or community work and being pressured to undervalue ourselves.

• Why social workers are pressured to work for free (and why it’s harmful)
• The hidden costs of private practice (training, HEX debt, ongoing supervision)
• Fee transparency and clear expectations with clients
• How undervaluing ourselves undermines the profession
• Balancing generosity and sustainability in practice
• The difference between volunteering by choice vs. being exploited

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
• How our social work practice has grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
• The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it
• Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?
• Saving money starting out and the mistakes we made

Also explore:

Open letter from Ashon Hayes - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-accredited-mental-health-social-worker-ashton-hayes-idq9c/

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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

Starting in private practice is exciting and expensive. There are so many choices about what to spend on and what to skip. From shiny new tech to endless training courses, it can be easy to waste money before you’ve even found your feet.

In this episode, Ashton and I talk about where you can actually save money when you’re just starting out, the investments that are worth it, and our biggest money blunders (spoiler: ring lights and training we never finished).

We cover:

• Why systems are the best early investment
• How to avoid wasting money on unused tech or subscriptions
• The hidden savings in group supervision and training bundles
• The importance of cancellation policies to protect your income
• Balancing “just getting started” with optimising as you grow
• Our own biggest money mistakes (and what we’d do differently)

This conversation is about being strategic. Spend where it counts, cut back where you can, and don’t let shiny distractions eat into your income.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
• How our social work practice has grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
• The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it
• Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?

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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

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 work
• The gendered expectations tied to caring professions
• How undervaluing ourselves hurts both us and the profession
• The hidden costs of private practice training, supervision, sick leave, overheads
• Shifting mindset from “martyrdom” to sustainability
• How charging fairly allows us to keep showing up for clients

We 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 grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
• The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it

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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

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 Workers
• The risks of chasing every new training or modality
• Why having a clear thread or anchor point matters
• Common misconceptions about AMHSW accreditation
• The role of hobbies, creativity, and connection outside of work
• The 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 grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• The moments self-doubt almost stopped us

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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

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 workers
• How writing, speaking, and visibility can feel like barriers
• Gendered expectations around confidence and “meeting the criteria”
• Strategies that help us move forward despite inner criticism
• Progress 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.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
• How our social work practice has grown
• The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
• Susan 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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

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 start
• The tension between early dreams and where we’ve landed
• Why public speaking, podcasting, or leadership might feel impossible when we’re just starting out
• The role of values in shaping a career, more than goals or tick-box achievements
• How looking back can spark empathy for our younger selves — and gratitude for our growth

Resources:

1. Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
2. How our social work practice has grown
3. Join 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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

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 roles
• Finding a niche in therapy and why it’s an evolving process
• The overlap between mental health, relationships, and education
• How supervision, mentoring, and leadership strengthen our field
• Why building community matters as much as individual client 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 [email protected], 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/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence.