Bron and creative arts therapist Abi Jenkins chat about her journey from full-time employment to private practice as an early-career dance therapist. Abi shares her insights on balancing creativity with financial sustainability, the importance of setting boundaries, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in aged care and private practice. We also chat about dance therapy and tips for making the leap into private practice! Thanks for sharing your passion for dance therapy and your journey with us, Abi! 😊

Guest: Abigail Jenkins, Creative Arts Therapist and Counsellor at Align Dance Therapy

LINKS

• Abigail's private practice, Aligned Dance Therapy and Instagram

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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

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 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 land in Boorloo.

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or remain politically neutral. Bron also walks through the AHPRA code of conduct, AHPRA social media guidelines, and other considerations for those who want to advocate for change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of psychology and politics!

LINKS

• Wells, R., & Behardian O'Doherty, S. (2020). "What is an activist-practitioner and should I be one?" [Magazine Article]
• Rahim, M., & Cooke, A. (2019). Should clinical psychologists be political? [Book Chapter]
• AHPRA Code of Conduct for Psychologists (effective from 1 December 2025)
• AHPRA social media guidance: "How to meet your obligations under the National Law"
• Haeny, A. M. (2014). Ethical Considerations for Psychologists Taking a Public Stance on Controversial Issues: The Balance Between Personal and Professional Life. Ethics & Behavior, 24(4), 265–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2013.860030
• Nadal, K. L. (2017). “Let’s get in formation”: On becoming a psychologist–activist in the 21st century. American Psychologist, 72(9), 935–946. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000212
• Singh, A., Roberts, M. C., McKinney, W. S., Kelly, S., Ortega, A., Doyle, R., & Tampke, E. C. (2023). Advocacy as a professional competency in psychology. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 17(4), 414–422. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000450

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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 informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a clinical or non-clinical 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 unceded Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Shane (Community Psychologist) to chat about reflective practice groups and how they can be a great tool for preventing burnout in early-career clinicians. We chat about what reflective practice groups involve, how they can reduce feelings of isolation (that "I'm the only one experiencing this" feeling), and how you can implement reflective practices in our workplace, supervision group, or regular peer consultation. Thanks Shane for opening up the conversation about this great tool for staying well while we work in mental health! ✨😊 

Guest: Shane Puxley, Community Psychologist and Reflective Group Facilitator

LINKS

• A 2025 peer-reviewed paper on reflective practice groups: "Specialist mental health staff consider reflective practice groups as helpful for coping better with work-related stress"👍

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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 informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a clinical or non-clinical 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 unceded Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron and Dr. Kate Jackowski (Forensic Psychologist) chat about working within Australia's family court system. We talk about what it's like to write court reports, the intricacies of family court assessments, what Kate finds rewarding about this line of work, and how to maintain objectivity and self-care when working with sensitive subject matter. Bron had a lot of beginner questions about the Family Court, which makes the episode perfect for early-career clinicians looking to demystify forensic psychology!

Guest: Kate Jackowski, Forensic Psychologist and Co-Founder of Workplace Conversations

LINKS

• Kate's business, 'Workplace Conversations', which provides tailored wellbeing services to organisations to support the psychological health and safety of staff in high pressure industries.

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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 informational 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 unceded Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Caitlin Bell (Copywriter and clinical psychologist) to chat about her unique career path. That's right, it's a listener story! 🥳 Caitlin shares her journey from a winding educational path to finding a home in her creative passion for copywriting. We talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, professional identity, and the challenges of balancing dual careers - this episode has it all!

Guest: Caitlin Bell, Copywriter at Bell Copy Co, Psychologist, and Host of Healers with Hustles podcast

LINKS

• Caitlin's podcast, Healers with Hustles (Bron was a guest on this episode!)
• Caitlin's Facebook group for health professionals with non-clinical businesses

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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.

Last year, Bron participated in a week-long program called "Pathways to Politics", which aims to equip women with the skills and confidence to run for office. Before going in, Bron knew as much about politics as many people, in that it usually involves intense debates, democracy sausages, and a fair bit of drama. She left the program knowing so much more, and felt very inspired to share with you what the program involves, what she learnt, and why she believes there should be more mental health workers in politics. If you've ever considered going into politics or are just curious about its inner workings, this episode is for you!

LINKS

• Pathways to Politics program website: https://pathwaystopolitics.org.au/
• ABC Vote Compass (see how your positions on various issues align with different party policies): https://www.abc.net.au/news/vote-compass

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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 unceded Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably heard that the therapeutic relationship involves things like rapport building and empathy, but what else is there, and what IS a 'therapeutic relationship' anyway?? 🧐 Here to chat about these questions and more is experienced psychologist Claire Trevitt! Bron and Claire dig deeper into concepts like genuineness, transference and countertransference, and why self-reflection in a therapeutic relationship matters. Claire also shares her journey from a CBT-trained psychologist to embracing psychodynamic principles and the value of personal therapy. Listen in for a deeper understanding of fostering a healthy therapeutic relationship in your practice, and enjoy!

Guest: Claire Trevitt, Psychologist and Supervisor at The Growing Therapist

LINKS

• Claire's podcast, Between Two Psychs, which is dedicated to early-career psychologists! 🥰💖⭐
• Claire's training/supervision website, The Growing Therapist
• A jargon-free intro to contemporary psychodynamic therapy by Jonathon Shelder is here
• The biggest deep-dive on relational dynamics in therapy: Attachment in Psychotherapy, a book by David J Wallin

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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.

A lot of the work we do in mental health focuses on helping people who are already unwell, but what if we could stop them getting unwell in the first place? That's what our guest today, Ally, is passionate about. She started a whole organisation called Mind Blank to give people and communities the tools they need to proactively take care of their mental health, and she uses her passion for theatre to make sure the information sticks. In today's ep, we hear about how Ally's lived experience led her to entrepreneurship, what she likes about focusing on preventive mental health, and the challenges and opportunities running your own organisation brings. This ep will especially resonate with folks who want to get involved in community education but are unsure what it could look like.

Guest: Ally Kelly, CEO & Founder of Mind Blank

LINKS

• Ally's organisation, Mind Blank, which uses creative arts and education to help people proactively take care of their wellbeing.
• Open-access journal article on arts-based programs for mental health promotion: "Effectiveness and mechanisms of change in participatory arts-based programmes for promoting youth mental health and well-being – a systematic review"

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. 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 Marie unpack the money beliefs that unconsciously shape how much we earn and what we charge as mental health professionals. We talk about the unspoken anxiety around money shared by many of us, and practical strategies for managing discomfort around adequately charging for services. Bron also wonders, just how much is therapy "worth" and is there an upper ceiling? Tune-in for a really important chat!

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, with an early-career focus. 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 Marie chat about the comments that therapists make when they want to talk about what's happening right here and now in the therapy room -- you might know them as 'here and now' comments, process comments, or immediacy comments. They can be tricky to use and master, particularly early in our career! Marie takes us through some ways to build confidence in making these comments, and Bron talks about how she started small when trying to increase her use of 'here and now' comments in therapy. Marie always offers such gentle and practical guidance, so I know you'll love this episode! Thanks to listener Jade for inspiring this episode 🥰 - we love hearing topic ideas from listeners!

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

LINKS

• Loved this episode? You might like to listen to other Mental Work episodes with Marie! Check them out here.
• 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, with an early-career focus. 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.