Mental Work

Bron and Marie talk about the pressure some solo private practitioners feel to start a group practice. Bron and Marie talk about wise and not-so-wise reasons to become a group practice owner, the importance of having an entrepreneurial mindset, dealing with financial insecurity and the importance of business coaching. Marie shares her own journey from solo to group practice owner, and Bron shares her reasons for staying solo!

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
• Sign-up to Marie's professional development workshops and live events for professionals working with couples, families, and relationships.

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health. 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 or email [email protected]

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant 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 service or organisation. 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.

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. 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 Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron and Jordan talk about everything educational and developmental psychology! We chat about how ed/dev psychologists apply psychological principles to enhance learning across the lifespan and Jordan's passion for supporting neurodivergent and gifted/twice-exceptional folks. We also get real about some of the challenges of ed/dev psychology, including the financial burdens of the registrar program and the need for broader recognition within psychology. Listen in to show ed/dev psychs some love! 💖

Guest: Jordan Turner, Educational and Developmental Psychologist

LINKS

• Jordan has been on a bunch of Mental Work episodes! You might enjoy listening to Jordan on "How do I know if private practice is for me?", "Why I chose contract work", and "Working with kids and parents"

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health. 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 or email [email protected]

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant 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 service or organisation. 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.

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. 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 Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mindfulness is one approach that therapists often recommend to clients but might not embrace for themselves. Matthew was kind enough to come on the pod to chat about what mindfulness is and how a regular practise can help us as therapists. Matthew shares his journey from skeptic to mindfulness-embracer, and offers practical advice for therapists interested in giving mindfulness a go. Listen in for a great episode!

GUEST: Matthew Jackson, Psychologist and Intensively-Trained DBT Therapist

LINKS

• Loved Matthew? You might like other episodes he's featured on! Try 'What jobs can I get in psychology?', 'Rethinking Borderline Personality Disorder', and 'How to really process what clients share'

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health. 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 or email [email protected]

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant 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 service or organisation. 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.

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. 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 Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a listener story!! 😍 Bron is joined by Kaedee who generously shares their journey to registration while managing complex chronic health conditions and working with a visible aid. Kaedee shares personal experiences of living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, gastric dysmotility, and other health issues, discussing the impact on their career and identity. We talk about self-disclosure and the need for accommodations for mental health clinicians with diverse needs. Such an insightful convo, thanks so much Kaedee! ✨🌈

Guest: Kaedee Abel (she/they), Psychologist at Curious Steps Psychology

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health. 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 or email [email protected]

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant 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 service or organisation. 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.

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 people of diverse cultures. 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 Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a listener story, wahooo! 🤩⭐ Bron is joined by Fabian, a newly registered psychologist (congrats Fabian!) who talks about his journey towards registration and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Fabian shares what it was like to study psychology internationally, their work in gender-affirming therapy 🏳️‍⚧️, overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing academic and work life, and his future aspirations in the field. SUCH a great convo, be sure to tune in!

Guest: Fabian Friedrich (he/they), Psychologist

LINKS

• Email Fabian!
• Online training on working with trans and gender diverse people 
• Trans Hub - for all info on gender diversity

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health. 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 or email [email protected]

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant 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 service or organisation. 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.

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 people of diverse cultures. 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 Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to get your client off to a good start in therapy but feeling lost? Bron and Marie talk about how to nail these crucial sessions. We cover 👉🏽 Setting expectations 👉🏿 Creating safety and hope 👉 Talking to clients about their goals, strengths, and learning styles 👉🏻 The importance of clear admin processes.

Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW), and Family & Couples Therapist at The Therapy Hub 

LINKS

• Marie has training on this topic!!! Click here if you're keen to further your learning.
• 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.

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health. 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 or email [email protected]

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant 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 service or organisation. 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.

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 people of diverse cultures. 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 Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron and Dr Catherine Hynes (Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant) cover the essentials of complex trauma. They chat about 👉🏽 Understanding and formulating complex trauma 👉🏻 The differences between PTSD and complex PTSD 👉 Strategies for creating a safe therapeutic space for clients 👉🏿 Managing vicarious trauma as a therapist 👉🏾 Catherine's preferred therapeutic methods for complex trauma. Dr Catherine was extremely generous with her expertise, so this episode truly is jam-packed with valuable information that every mental health worker should know!

LINKS

• Catherine's online training on identifying and treating dissociation in clients with complex trauma is here
• Catherine's other training offerings including Safety Planning for Practitioners, Advanced Topics in EMDR Therapy, and Structural Dissociation Made Clear
• Even MORE offerings from Catherine (and lots of generous freebies!) here

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕

Facebook / Instagram / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. 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.

Mental Work is on a short break and will be back soon! 🌈🌴 In the meantime, please enjoy this verrrry popular previous episode which has been polished up to improve the sound and editing!

The original episode was released 31/8/2023.

== SHOW NOTES ==

Bron and Emma unpack how to adapt therapy to neurodivergent clients, using Schema Therapy as the example. They chat about:
👉🏽 The new Schema Therapy model that Emma and her colleagues have developed for working with neurodiverse clients
👉🏻 How non-affirming therapists can be ableist and unhelpful to clients
👉 Signs that you are attuned to your neurodiverse client
👉🏿 The social model of disability.

Guest: Dr Emma DeCicco (Psychologist and Director of The Dash Hub)

LINKS

• To find out more about the neuroaffirming schema therapy model, listeners can email the authors, join the Facebook group and sign up to the STAND Attuned mailing list.
• What is schema therapy?
• Where can I get trained in schema therapy?

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English
Music: Home

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Mental Workers! Just letting you know that the podcast is on break 🌴🌊 and we'll have new episodes for you later in the year. Take it easy and make sure you 'Follow' the podcast on Spotify or in your podcast app so you don't miss new episodes when they drop! Thanks HEAPS for listening! 😊

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron and Matt chat about the challenge of maintaining boundaries when family and friends seek therapeutic advice. We explore:

👉🏽 differences between professional and personal roles
👉🏻 what to do when you're tempted to give therapy advice
👉 practical boundary-setting strategies
👉🏿 how therapist training can change our personal interactions.

Matthew's humour and authenticity shines through in this insightful conversation! 

Guest: Matthew Jackson, Psychologist 

LINKS

• Check out Matthew's previous episodes here
• Matthew's side hustle as Queen Matilda Mercury
• Book: Setting Boundaries by Rebecca Ray

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕

Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate & review us on Apple and Spotify or share this episode with a mate.

Facebook / Instagram / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website / Apply to be a guest / Email Bron

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

Opinions expressed are personal and subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated organisation. 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.