Mental Work

Bron and guest Claire Trevitt discuss the concepts of transference and countertransference. Bron has been eager to record this episode for two years, and it does not disappoint! Claire explains the nuances of these concepts that are essential for every mental health professional to understand. The episode covers what transference and countertransference are, why they're important in therapy, and offers practical strategies for managing them. Claire shares personal anecdotes from her extensive psychodynamic training and supervision, making the concepts relatable and easier to grasp. Bron and Claire also discuss the importance of supervision, personal therapy, and how to handle these reactions professionally. Enjoy and don't miss listening to this episode! 🤩

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
• Nancy McWilliam's books on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (recommended by Claire)
• An Introduction to Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Jonathan Shelder (recommended by Bron - an easier introduction to psychodynamic concepts)

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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 and guest Harriet Iles chat about managing common feelings that show up alongside running a private practice early in your career, including imposter syndrome, anxiety, and overthinking. Harriet shares her valuable insights, including her personal experiences with imposter syndrome while running her own private practice. We discuss common definitions, myths, and misunderstandings about imposter syndrome, and explore practical strategies like self-compassion, peer support, and value alignment for managing these feelings. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening conversation aimed at helping mental health workers build confidence and navigate their early careers with compassion and curiosity.

Guest: Harriet Iles, Consultant Psychologist

LINKS

• Harriet's LinkedIn

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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 and guest Dr Amy Talbot discuss how to manage the emotional and clinical challenges that often show up when working with complex presentations. Amy shares her journey, starting with treating enduring eating disorders to tackling less understood issues like tic disorders. Then we go through practical strategies for managing our own emotional responses to complex clients. The episode offers practical tips for dealing with anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty, stressing the importance of supervision and self-care.

Guest: Dr Amy Talbot, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Founder & Director of Clinical Services at The Talbot Centre

LINKS

• Amy's psychology practice, The Talbot Centre (main website) and Facebook
• Amy regularly delivers training for early-career psychologists and supervisors of early-career psychologists, click here for more info

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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.

We covered imposter syndrome wayyy back when the podcast started in 2021 - it's time for a revisit now that we're older and... wiser? Bron is joined by Marie to share new thoughts and research on how imposter syndrome affects early career mental health workers, how feelings of self-doubt can both hinder and help, how workplace environments play a significant role in fueling imposter syndrome, and what helps to reduce imposter feelings. If you've ever felt like an imposter, this episode is for you!

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

LINKS

• "Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome" by Ruchika Tulshyan and Jodi-Ann Burey
• Research article: "They will discover I’m a fraud!" The Impostor Syndrome Among Psychology Students (2021) (spoiler: 56.15% of study participants experienced high and intense impostor syndrome 😱)
• Research article: Are You Better Than Me? Competitive Work Climates Fuel Impostorism via Upward Social Comparisons (2025)
• Marie's original episode on Imposter Syndrome on the Inside Social Work Podcast
• 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.
• Connect with Marie on LinkedIn

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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 and Marie (Mental Health Social Worker) dive into the mailbag and answer listener questions about how to decline seeing clients who aren't a good fit, promoting yourself in a competitive market, and what to do when another mental health professional in your local area muscles in on your niche - are they are your friend or foe? 🤔 We covered a lot of ground in this episode and hope you enjoy the discussion!

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.
• Inside Social Work Podcast - Marie's podcast taking you behind the scenes of the social work profession.
• Connect with Marie on LinkedIn

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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.

It's a quick solo episode with Bron! I chat about why closing my solo private practice after four years was the right decision for me, how I feel after taking a break from clinical work for 6 months, the factors that influence job satisfaction in mental health, and opportunities for growth in non-private roles.

LINKS

• Tim Ballard - Job-Related Predictors of Satisfaction Among Australian Workers

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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 Anita (newly registered psychologist) to chat about Anita's journey through her internship and early career, exploring topics like psychological safety at work, burnout prevention, and tricky contract clauses such as non-competes and supervision repayments. Anita reflects on how she found the right supervision and workplace, as well as the lessons she has learned along the way. Thank you Anita for your clarity and practical tips on these important topics - early-career listeners will learn a LOT from this episode! 😊

Guest: Anita Knezevic, Psychologist at MindMovers Psychology

LINKS

• Anita's LinkedIn
• Fair Work Australia
• FYI: Some professional indemnity/public liability insurer policies for Australian psychologists include 2 hours of free legal advice per year (E.g., Aon)! Check your policy for details.

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career mental health workers 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 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.

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 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 Danielle Graber to explore a no-nonsense approach to burnout prevention called S.P.A.R.K.S. Danielle shares how her experience during Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns sparked the creation of this method, and together they unpack why traditional self-care often falls short. The conversation redefines what therapist wellness really means, highlights the importance of genuine, sustainable self-care, and shows how practical strategies can improve both clinician wellbeing and client outcomes. Packed with personal stories, actionable tips, and an overview of the SPARKS approach, this episode is essential listening for early-career and experienced mental health professionals alike.

Guest: Danielle Graber - Clinical Psychologist, Director of 12 Points Psychology, Animal-Assisted Therapist, Supervisor & Trainer

LINKS

• More about the SPARKS approach to burnout prevention, created by Danielle
• More professional development opportunities from Danielle (there's A LOT!)
• Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn

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, 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 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.

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 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 and Michael (Mental Work podcast editor) unpack the complex and often misunderstood topic of dissociation in children and adolescents. Drawing on Bron’s recent experience as a researcher in this area, they explore what dissociation is, how it shows up in young people, common causes, and why early recognition is so important. They also dive into gaps in research, the lack of youth-specific treatments, and share practical strategies to help clinicians feel more confident when working with dissociation. This is a must-listen for mental health workers wanting to deepen their understanding and improve client care!

LINKS

• Bron's open-access paper on dissociation in adolescents 🥳
• The essential book on dissociation in children: "The Child Survivor: Healing Developmental Trauma and Dissociation" by Joyanna Silberg
• Book: The Handbook of Complex Trauma and Dissociation in Children: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (2025)
• Training on complex trauma and dissociation provided by Arianne Struik
• Training on dissociation in adults provided by Dr Catherine Hynes

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, 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 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.

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 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 Hayley Kelly for an honest conversation about why therapist visibility matters now more than ever, especially for early-career professionals. Hayley challenges the status quo, calling for innovation in the mental health profession to meet the growing community need for evidence-based expertise and support. She explores why many therapists feel the urge to shrink, and how to break free from staying small. Hayley also shares the story behind her viral social media post that led to her account being removed, and how she continues to show up confidently with an ethics-driven approach to visibility. This episode is packed with insight and inspiration for anyone in the mental health field.

Guest: Dr Hayley Kelly - CEO of Therapists Rising, Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Innovation Strategist, and Speaker

LINKS

• The podcast episode Hayley's viral LinkedIn post was based on: Why "I Can’t Stay Quiet Anymore: What Our Mental Health System Isn’t Ready to Face"
• Another of Hayley's podcast episodes: How to Stay Visible (Even When You’re Terrified of Being Reported)
• Hayley's podcast, Therapists Rising

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, 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 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.

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 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.