Mental Work

Bron is joined by Tess Philip (psychologist and founder of Tess Philip Psychology) to chat about her provisional psychology journey and what it takes to keep going when everything feels stacked against you.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Tess' experience of working across six different workplaces during her internship.
👉🏻 What workplace bullying can look like in psychology training
👉 How Tess navigated repeated setbacks and environments that left her questioning her competence and career path
👉🏾 How creativity, purpose, and persistence can help you get through

Definitely give this episode a listen! Thanks Tess! 💖

Guest: Tess Philip - Registered Psychologist, mentor for support workers and founder of a former national award-winning psychosocial support service provider

LINKS

• Website: tessphilippsychology.com.au

• Instagram: @tessphilip.psychology

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 Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist and burnout researcher) to unpack what it really looks like to treat clients with severe burnout. Ben shares his own experience of burning out during COVID after years of researching stress, and why even doing “all the right things” didn’t lead to quick recovery.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why burnout is still poorly understood and often lacks clear treatment pathways
👉🏻 How to tell the difference between stress and severe burnout in your clients
👉 The hidden severity of burnout, including cognitive, emotional, and physical impacts
👉🏿 Why time off alone often isn’t enough for recovery (and what the research actually shows)
👉🏾 Practical ways to support clients, including hope-building, pacing, and re-engaging with meaningful activities
👉🏼 Working with cynicism, detachment, and loss of motivation in therapy

You’ll walk away from this episode with a clearer framework for recognising severe burnout and some realistic, compassionate ways to support recovery when clients feel completely stuck.

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.

Bron is joined by Amy Henderson (Organisational Psychologist) to unpack psychosocial hazards in the workplace and what early-career mental health workers need to know about recognising and responding to them.

They chat about:
👉 What psychosocial hazards are and how they differ from physical workplace hazards
👉🏾 Why high caseloads, isolation, and workplace bullying are common risks in mental health work
👉 The subtle warning signs that your work might be affecting your wellbeing
👉🏿 How to tell the difference between “something wrong with me” and a systemic workplace issue
👉 What rights workers have if they’re experiencing psychosocial harm at work
👉🏾 Practical ways psychologists can support clients dealing with workplace bullying or burnout

Thanks so much Amy!

Guest: Amy Henderson - Organisational Psychologist, PhD Candidate with UQ University, Psychosocial Health Coach, HR Data Analyst

LINKS

• Amy's LinkedIn

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 Vi-An Nguyen (Organisational Psychologist and Founder of An Tâm Psychology) to talk about how culture shapes both our own experiences and those of our clients, and why conversations about culture and work matter for the clients we support.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why discussions about culture and work can feel uncomfortable but necessary
👉🏾 The common workplace tensions faced by people from culturally diverse backgrounds
👉🏻 The pressure to assimilate versus staying authentic at work
👉🏿 How family expectations and concepts like filial piety can influence career choices
👉🏽 Practical ways early-career clinicians can sensitively explore culture with clients

Thanks Vi-An for this important and informative conversation!

Guest: Vi-An Nguyen - Organisational Psychologist passionate about culturally responsive mental health and Founder of An Tâm Psychology

LINKS

• Vi-An's psychology and coaching practice, An Tâm Psychology
• Vi-An's LinkedIn

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 and Director of Succoris Psychology) to chat about how to stay relevant and innovative as a mental health worker in a rapidly changing mental health landscape.

They chat about:
👉 Why innovation in psychology often comes from necessity
👉 How small changes in systems or services can improve client care
👉 Why many clinicians want more variety than full-time one-to-one therapy
👉 Managing fear of failure and backlash from colleagues when trying something new
👉 Practical ways early-career psychologists can experiment with ideas safely

Thanks Catherine for this important conversation!

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

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 Laura Lee (psychologist & sexologist) to talk about why sexual healthcare matters in therapy and how to talk about sex with clients without fear, awkwardness, or shame.

They chat about:
👉 Laura's journey into sexology, beginning with noticing gaps in her own psychology training
👉🏿 Why avoiding conversations about sex can unintentionally reinforce stigma
👉🏾 Common barriers clinicians face to talking about sexual health with clients
👉🏼 The EX-PLISSIT model as a practical, containing framework for opening up conversations about sex, which psychologists can use in everyday practice

Thank you Laura for this incredible conversation! 🥰

Guest: Laura Lee, Psychologist and Sexologist, Board-Approved Supervisor

LINKS

• Laura's LinkedIn
• Laura's Instagram @lauraleesexology
• Laura's private psychology practice
• Research paper published by Laura: "The impact of communication on sexual response: A summary of findings"
• Research paper: The Extended PLISSIT Model for Addressing the Sexual Wellbeing of Individuals with an Acquired Disability or Chronic Illness

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 Trisnasari Fraser (Community Psychologist and researcher) to explore how sharing music across cultures can foster connection, build community resilience, and deepen cultural humility in mental health work.

We chat about:
👉🏽 Trisnasari's music-filled pathway from running a multicultural performing arts school to completing a PhD on intercultural music engagement.
👉🏻 Musicking as a social, community act that fosters belonging.
👉🏿 How music can help us hold both cultural difference and shared humanity at the same time.
👉🏼 How early-career psychologists can think beyond the therapy room and consider how creativity, music, and community participation can support healing, belonging, and sustainable practice.

Guest: Trisnasari Fraser, Community Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher

LINKS

• Trisnasari's research page at the University of Melbourne
• Trisnasari's LinkedIn

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.

Calling new psychology Masters students - this episode is for you! Bron completed the 5+1 Masters & is now completing a Master of Clinical Psychology, and Jordan completed an Educational/Developmental Masters. In this episode, we share what we wish we knew before starting our Masters and our best tips for making it through the course.

We chat about:
👉🏽 Why learning matters far more than grades
👉🏻 How Masters is the safest time to try out different approaches
👉 The realities of juggling work and placements
👉🏿 The importance of asking for help early

Guest: Jordan Turner, Educational & Developmental Psychologist

LINKS

• Jordan's LinkedIn

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 Huda Al Bukhari (clinical psychologist) for an early-career listener story that spans social work, clinical psychology training, and practising across Australia and Abu Dhabi!

They chat about:

👉🏽 What it was really like to move from social work into psychology, including the fear of "not making it" 
👉🏻 Managing the intensity of a clinical psychology Masters, including what helped
👉🏿 Moving overseas in the middle of a Registrar program
👉🏾 What it's been like working cross-culturally with children and adolescents in Abu Dhabi
👉 Practical strategies that Huda uses to stay grounded and avoid burnout

This episode is a reassuring reminder that early-career paths are rarely linear, and that flexibility, reflection, and support matter. Thank you Huda! 🥰

Guest: Huda Al Bukhari, Clinical Psychologist

LINKS

• Huda's Instagram where she shares educational videos for parents: @guiding_youngminds
• Huda's LinkedIn

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 Claire Trevitt (psychologist and Board-approved supervisor) to unpack one of the most quietly stressful parts of early-career practice: client retention. Together, they explore why clients disengage from therapy and why it’s so often not a sign that you’re “bad at therapy.”

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why ambivalence and drop-out are common (and normal)
👉🏻 How to spot readiness for change through attendance and in-session cues
👉🏿 Practical ways to slow down, check in, and keep clients engaged
👉🏾 Using permission-giving, pacing, and a “menu of choices” in sessions
👉🏼 When supervision, feedback, and skill-building can genuinely help

This episode is a reassuring, practical conversation for early-career psychologists who care deeply about their work and are quietly worrying they’re “not doing enough.” If you’ve ever taken client disengagement personally, this one’s for you!

Guest: Claire Trevitt, Psychologist and Supervisor at The Growing Therapist and Host of the Between Two Psychs Podcast

LINKS

• Claire's podcast, Between Two Psychs
• Claire's training/supervision website, The Growing Therapist
• Outcome Rating Scale and Session Rating Scale

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.