Mental Work

In this short bonus episode, Bron discusses the financial stress experienced by many psychology students undertaking placements and the push to include psychology students in the Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme.

She covers:
👉🏽 Why psychology students currently miss out on the Commonwealth Prac Payment
👉🏻 The data on financial stress during unpaid placements
👉 Case studies of financial stress during psychology placements
👉🏿 The petition currently before Federal Parliament and how you can support it

LINKS

• Sign the petition to end placement poverty here
• "Placement poverty is holding the next generation of psychologists back" - Article published by the Australian Psychological Society

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 [email protected]

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 returning guest Matthew Jackson to celebrate episode 200 with a live recording about one of the most important questions in early-career psychology: how do you actually make this career sustainable?

They chat about:
👉🏽 What hasn't worked for their own sustainable practice, including poor work/life boundaries, rescuer complexes, and placement scarcity
👉🏻 How time-blocking psychology roles (and building a life outside them) changed everything for Matthew
👉 Why "stints" in different roles are not a red flag on your CV but a sign of healthy self-knowledge
👉🏿 What has kept them both in the field, even when quitting felt very close

Guest: Matthew Jackson, Registered Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor

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 [email protected]

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 Ceara Rickard (psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, and lived experience leader at Life Without Barriers) for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to be a psychologist. Ceara shares her journey to working proudly in the NGO and lived experience sector, and challenges the profession to grapple more critically with power, privilege, and human rights.

They chat about: 
👉🏽 Why lived experience is a legitimate and powerful clinical skill, not something to hide
👉🏻 What a week in a large NGO actually looks like
👉🏾 Why viewing NGO work as a "stepping stone" is problematic
👉 The hidden hierarchy in psychology and why it can get in the way of therapeutic work

Guest: Ceara Rickard, Psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, and Lived Experience Leader

LINKS

• Ceara Rickard's website
• Ceara on LinkedIn
• Life Without Barriers

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 [email protected]

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 Kate Crosher (founding director of the Australian Educational and Developmental Psychology Association, AEDPA) to unpack the Australian Psychology Board's proposed training pathway redesign. Kate breaks down what the proposed changes are in plain English, reassures current trainees and early career psychologists about what could change (and what isn't), and makes a compelling case for why every psychologist should make a submission before the consultation period closes on June 10th, 2026.

UPDATE: While the submission period has closed, you can still read about the proposed changes in the links below.

They chat about:
👉🏽 What the single five-year pathway to general registration would look like
👉🏻 Why the proposed AQF level drop from 9 to 8 matters for salaries, career progression, and research
👉 The risks and opportunities of industry-accredited workplaces replacing registrar program
👉🏿 Why the Board is proposing to remove provisional registration and what student registration means instead
👉🏾 How to make a submission (even if you only have 10 minutes) using the AEDPA submission generator

Guest: Kate Crosher, Educational & Developmental/Clinical Psychologist and Founding Director of AEDPA

LINKS

• Kate's psychology practice, Enfys Psychology - Kate is also a Board-Approved supervisor 🌈
• AEDPA Position Summary on PsyBA Training Pathway Redesign Consultation and here's info about the Australia Education and Developmental Psychologists Association
• More information on redesigning the higher degree pathway from the Australian Psychology Board
• Information from AAPi about the PsyBA proposal
• Submission from the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

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 [email protected]

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 Patricia Gallagher (psychologist & EMDR consultant) to unpack how early-career clinicians can safely and confidently support survivors of family and domestic violence.

They chat about:
👉🏽 The difference between toxic relationships and coercive control
👉 How to respond when clients don’t recognise they’re in an abusive relationship
👉🏿 Managing rescuer instincts and countertransference as therapists
👉🏾 Supporting clients who cannot safely leave a relationship yet
👉🏼 EMDR, stabilisation, and trauma recovery for victim survivors

Guest: Patricia Gallagher, Psychologist, EMDR Consultant, and Board-Approved Supervisor

LINKS

• Patricia's psychology practice, Gallagher Psychology
• Understanding EMDR podcast with Tracy Lynch
• Neurodivergent Women podcast episode with Patricia
• See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill

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 [email protected]

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 Tiffany, a licensed psychotherapist based in Switzerland, to chat about the emotional realities of starting out in therapy and what it’s like working in mental health on the other side of the world.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why personal therapy helped Tiffany become a better clinician
👉🏻 Feeling like you’re “drowning and swimming at the same time” when starting therapy work
👉 How comparison and perfectionism can fuel early-career self-doubt
👉🏼 The differences between Australian and Swiss mental health systems

Guest: Tiffany Kanani Limacher, Licensed Psychotherapist

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 [email protected]

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 Chris Long, psychologist, to unpack two of the most widely used trauma therapies: EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT. If you’re an early-career clinician who feels nervous about trauma work, overwhelmed by the number of approaches out there, or worried about “making things worse” by asking clients about trauma, this episode is for you.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Common fears early-career psychologists have about trauma work
👉🏻 How trauma-focused CBT uses exposure and behavioural experiments
👉 The Adaptive Information Processing model behind EMDR
👉🏼 Why structured therapies can help early-career clinicians feel more confident

Guest: Chris Long, Psychologist

LINKS

• 'Notice That' EMDR Podcast
• Phoenix Australia often offers professional development on trauma, including TF-CBT

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 [email protected]

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 Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist) to unpack one of the most overlooked but clinically significant parts of therapy: therapeutic endings.

Catherine shares how recent large-scale clinic closures prompted her to reflect on how little training clinicians receive on ending therapy, despite how emotionally complex and ethically important it is. Together, she and Bron explore why endings can stir up attachment wounds, countertransference, and grief for both clients and clinicians.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why therapeutic endings are often neglected in training and why it matters
👉🏻 The difference between planned and unplanned endings (and why unplanned endings can increase risk)
👉 How to prepare clients for endings from the very first session
👉🏿 What ethical, “good” endings actually look like, including transparency, collaboration, and continuity of care
👉🏾 Managing strong client reactions like anger, distress, or withdrawal
👉🏼 What to do when clients suddenly drop out or “ghost” therapy

Thanks as always Catherine for this informative and engaging episode!

Guest: Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist, Director of Succoris Psychology and Succoris Psychology Partnerships, Private Practice Business Coach)

LINKS

• Catherine's psychology practice, Succoris Psychology
• Catherine's on-demand course, "DBT Launchpad: Build & Run a Successful Program"

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 [email protected]

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 Dr George Loram (Psychologist working in Mparntwe/Alice Springs) to explore what it’s like to work as a psychologist in very remote Australia and with Aboriginal mob. George shares how a placement during lockdown led him to stay long-term, and what surprised him most about working with Aboriginal communities.

They chat about:
👉🏽 What a typical week looks like across remote clinics and private practice
👉🏻 How being a “person first and psychologist second” can transform your work and relationships
👉🏾 Practical ways to work in culturally safe ways, including listening, observing, and letting go of the expert role
👉🏼 Navigating perfectionism, structure, and uncertainty as an early-career psychologist

This episode is a powerful reflection on what happens when you let go of doing therapy “the right way” and instead focus on connection, culture, and community. Thanks so much George, we loved having you on the podcast! 😊

Guest: Dr George Loram - Clinical Psychologist at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

LINKS

• George's LinkedIn
• Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

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 [email protected]

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 Dr Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist) for part two of their deep dive into severe and prolonged burnout, focusing on what it actually looks like in practice and how clinicians can support recovery.

This episode focuses on:
👉🏽 What cynicism really looks like in burnout and why it becomes a barrier to recovery
👉🏿 The role of moral injury and values misalignment in driving burnout
👉🏻 Practical strategies to help clients re-engage with positive experiences and shift attention away from negative bias
👉 How to work with clients when their workplace really is toxic (and not just perceived that way)
👉🏼 Supporting clients through shame, frustration, and the feeling of “failing” at recovery

Thanks so much Ben, and enjoy listening to the ep!

Guest: Dr Ben J. Searle - Organisational psychologist, survivor of burnout, host of 'Mind on the Job' podcast

LINKS

• Ben's podcast: Mind on the Job
• Ben's website
• Ben's newsletter

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 [email protected]

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.