Mental Work

Raimy-Rose joins Bron to discuss her journey as a disability advocate and personal trainer specialising in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Raimy shares her journey from traditional work environments to running her own business serving a community she is deeply passionate about. We talk about the challenges people with disability face in standard work settings, the benefits and flexibility entrepreneurship provides, and the importance of inclusive workspaces. Raimy also opens up about her personal struggles with EDS, her entry into the fitness industry, and how she manages her health while growing her business. If you have a chronic illness and/or disability, or are supporting clients who live with disability/chronic illness, then this conversation will provide great insights! Thanks so much Raimy for your openness and practical strategies 💖

Guest: Raimy-Rose Lewis - Personal Trainer, Disability Advocate and Host/Creator of the Sick Of It Podcast

LINKS

• Raimy's podcast, 'Sick Of It'
• Raimy's Personal Training business, The Hypermobile PT
• What are Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?

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 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.

Bron and Jordan are two neurodivergent psychologists, and in this episode we chat about the strengths we bring to the role and challenges we have faced in light of our neurodivergence. We talk about attention to detail, hyperfocus, empathy, self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, the decision to disclose neurodivergence, maintaining professional boundaries, and how to maximise strengths and minimise challenges - this episode has it all! We know our experiences are our own and will not be generalisable to all neurodivergent mental health workers, but we hope there are a few relatable nuggets that resonate with neurodivergent early-career colleagues 🥰

Guest: Jordan Turner, Educational & Developmental Psychologist

LINKS

• Neurodiversity Affirming Psychologists Australia and Australian Neurodiversity Affirming Health Professionals (Facebook groups for Australian health professionals)

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.

Bron is joined by Liz, a clinical and counseling psychologist & IVF coach to chat about the unique challenges neurodivergent people face during IVF treatment (that's In Vitro Fertilisation treatment), and how we can best support them. Liz shares her personal experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and highlights the sensory overload, emotional stress, and medical trauma involved. Tune in to learn about practical strategies, the importance of psychological flexibility, and the trauma-informed + neurodiversity-affirming ways mental health professionals can better assist their clients during IVF.

Guest: Liz Bancroft, Clinical and Counselling Psychologist at Bancroft Psychology and IVF Coach at Hope Affirm Thrive

LINKS

• Liz's Instagram @hopeaffirmthrive
• IVF information and support website, funded by the Australian Government: https://yourivfsuccess.com.au/

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.

We welcome our first occupational therapist guest, Emma Craske! 🥳 Bron and Emma chat about what it's like working as an OT before turning to Emma's passion topic, sensory modulation therapy. Emma talks about how sensory modulation can help clients with a range of challenges and gets specific about the techniques that might be used in a session. I really enjoyed learning about this creative and practical approach to helping client's feel safe and regulated, and hope you do too!

Guest: Emma Craske, Mental Health Occupational Therapist 

LINKS

• Emma's Instagram
• Research article: Defining sensory modulation: A review of the concept and a contemporary definition for application by occupational therapists (2018)
• Research article: Efficacy of sensory interventions on school participation of children with sensory disorders: A systematic review (2018)

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.

Bron is joined by Rosemary Gattuso (Trauma-Informed Family Mediator) to talk about the role of a mediator in the family court and Rosemary's special interest in helping people manage overthinking. We chat about what family mediation is, what it involves (and what it doesn't), and then go on to practical strategies for managing overthinking that early-career mental health professionals can apply to themselves and use in their work. Thanks so much for coming on to the podcast, Rosemary, I loved this conversation! 🥰

Guest: Rosemary Gattuso, Trauma-Informed Family Mediator

LINKS

• Rosemary's website, Insta, Facebook, and LinkedIn

• Rosemary's book 'It's Not You, It's Me! A Chronic Overthinker's Guide to Self Reflection'

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.

Bron is joined by Samantha to unpack imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy (IRRT), a technique well-known in Germany but relatively unknown in Australia. We also talk about Samantha's journey of moving to Australia to practice psychology and interesting differences in how therapy is delivered. Samantha also shares the importance of finding a therapeutic approach that resonates with you, rather than feeling pressured to learn everything all at once.

Guest: Samantha Duroska, Clinical Psychologist

LINKS

• Samantha's Instagram and website
• Research Article: Imagery rescripting as a short intervention for symptoms associated with mental images in clinical disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2023). "Imagery rescripting is highly effective in reducing clinical symptoms associated with [aversive] mental images" ✅
• Research article: Efficacy of imagery rescripting in treating mental disorders associated with aversive memories – An updated meta-analysis (2023). "Imagery Rescripting appears similarly effective as exposure, cognitive restructuring, or EMDR."

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.

In this solo ep, Bron reflects on five years of registration as a psychologist. She shares her Top 10 reflections and what she wishes she had known starting out. From shifts in professional identity, changes in approaches to therapy, and thoughts on finding your professional tribe, Bron offers her reflections on her early-career years (which she hopes will prompt your own reflections!).

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.

Many of us have been told to 'follow your passion' when it comes to choosing a career, but is that good advice? Bron and Marie look into the research-backed factors that predict whether you'll think your job is a dream or a flop.

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

LINKS

• Article discussed in this episode: "We reviewed over 60 studies about what makes for a dream job. Here’s what we found."
• 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

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.

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.