Mental Work

Bron is joined by Krasi Kirova (Clinical Psychologist) to chat about identifying coercive control in the therapy room. Krasi shares her own '3Ds' framework, built from years of clinical work, to help clinicians name abuse that doesn't always look obvious. They chat about: 👉🏽 Krasi's '3Ds' framework : Disrespect, Disempowerment and Distortion 👉🏻 Why coercive control is so often missed by psychologists 👉 The concept of "perspecticide" and how abusers distort reality 👉🏿 Practical questions to ask clients who might be experiencing it Guest: Krasi Kirova , Clinical psychologist LINKS Learn more with Krasi! She has an online course for psychologists & mental health practitioners on recognising coercive control, available here . Krasi's website DV Alert training - Free training on domestic abuse in Australia Safe and Equal (formerly Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria) Safe and Together Institute See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill - Highly recommended book! Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft Laura Richards - Resources including the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence (DASH 2009-2025) Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model Emma Katz's Substack on decoding coercive control Ramani Durvasula 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Mish Kumar-Jonson (Mental Health Social Worker and Chair of the Iceberg Foundation) about bringing anti-oppressive and anti-colonial practice into therapy. Mish shares how their own experience of migration and community shaped a lifelong commitment to supporting LGBTIQASBP+, neurodivergent, and BIPOC communities, and supporting mental health practitioners to unlearn colonial norms in their work. They chat about: 👉🏽 How pathologising language and power imbalances show up in everyday therapy 👉🏻 Why "neutral" therapy is never actually neutral 👉 Practical ways to name structural causes of distress with clients 👉🏿 How to sustain joy and community support while doing this work long term Guest: Mish Kumar-Jonson , Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Consultant LINKS Iceberg Foundation Mish's practice: Niram EMDR and Trauma Counselling Mish on LinkedIn Mish on Instagram 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Renae Martelli (psychologist, Board-approved supervisor, and former school psychologist) to unpack what school psychology really involves. Renae shares how the role differs from private practice, why the work is more varied than most people expect, and how to figure out if being a school psychologist is for you. They chat about: 👉 What a typical school psychologist's day actually looks like 👉 How to get into school psychology and what qualifications you need 👉 Navigating multiple relationships and confidentiality within schools 👉 The personality traits that suit (or don't suit) school psychology Guest: Renae Martelli, Psychologist at Think Feel Grow and Board-Approved Supervisor LINKS Renae's private practice, Think Feel Grow Renae's Instagram Renae'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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Howell (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Co-Founder of Centre Self Collective) to unpack what our core psychological needs actually are and why they matter so much in clinical work. Amy shares how unmet needs in childhood shape attachment styles, coping patterns, and the schemas we carry into adulthood, and why acknowledging this isn't about parent-blaming. They chat about: 👉 The difference between a core need and a want 👉 How unmet needs shape attachment styles and adult behaviour 👉 How to explore unmet needs with clients without slipping into parent-blaming 👉 Practical ways to help clients identify and meet their core needs Guest: Amy Howell, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Co-Founder of Centre Self Collective LINKS Amy's private practice - Centre Self Collective: https://centreself.com.au/ Download Amy's core needs self-assessment checklist here: https://centreself.com.au/blog Reinventing Your Life by Jeffrey Young Schema therapy training in Australia 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Anastasia Sagris-Desmond (psychologist and graduate of the Pathways to Politics Program) about advocacy beyond the therapy room. Anastasia shares how three decades working in gambling harm and family violence led her into politics, union leadership, and co-authoring a book on coercive control and financial abuse. They chat about: 👉🏽 Why early-career psychologists often feel pressure to "stay small" and avoid advocacy 👉🏻 How gambling harm is treated as a mitigating factor in the justice system 👉 What coercive control and financial abuse actually look like 👉🏿 Practical first steps for psychologists who want to get involved in advocacy or policy Guest: Anastasia Sagris-Desmond , Psychologist and AHPRA-Approved Supervisor LINKS Book authored by Tammy Casselson on surviving domestic violence: The Grimmest of Fairy Tales: A Lived Experience Voice That Offers Hope, Exposes Red Flags and Empowers Allies Pathways to Politics program (active in every Australian state and territory) Centre for Women's Economic Safety "Compulsion, convergence or crime?" A report from the Centre for Innovative Justice on contact with the criminal justice system as a form of gambling harm. Medical Scientists Association of Victoria (MSAV) The Adolescent Man Box Report 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 tackles a listener question: how do you actually stay evidence-based once you're out of university, time-poor, and no longer have easy access to academic databases? She walks through the full range of free and low-cost options, from AI search tools to library memberships, so you can keep up-to-date with research without it becoming a second job. Bron covers: 👉🏽 The AI tools built specifically for searching academic literature, and where general tools like ChatGPT fall short 👉🏻 Free options like Google Scholar alerts, ResearchGate, and alumni library access 👉 How to quickly find the "clinical implications" of any paper 👉🏿 Where to find clinical practice guidelines for the conditions you treat most LINKS Bron has put all the links for this episode into a handy blog post. Head here for the full list: https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/blog/how-do-i-stay-evidence-based-keeping-up-with-research-after-you-graduate-a-guide-for-psychologists/ 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Kyle Miller (psychologist working in forensic private practice) about what it's really like to work with people who have committed sexual or violent offences. Kyle shares how he found his way into forensic work almost by accident, and why "I work with people" has become his guiding philosophy. They chat about: 👉🏽 The biggest misconceptions about people who commit sexual offences 👉🏻 How Kyle manages countertransference and the pressure to "fix" clients 👉 Why learning forensic terminology and skills happens on the job, not at uni 👉🏿 How to build rapport with clients who don't want to be in the room Guest: Kyle Miller, Psychologist at Melbourne Private Psychology LINKS Melbourne Private Psychology Beyond The Crime podcast 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by returning guest Harriet Isles (psychologist and founder of Restorative Space Psychology) to talk about therapist self-disclosure. Harriet shares her practical, intentional approach to deciding when sharing personal information with a client helps the therapeutic relationship, and when it gets in the way. They chat about: 👉🏽 How to know when self-disclosure is actually for the client's benefit, not your own 👉🏻 What the AHPRA Code of Conduct says about sharing personal information with clients 👉 Findings from the 2025 "Goldilocks Disclosures" study on when self-disclosure lands well (and when it backfires) 👉🏿 Why speaking "from the scar, not the wound" protects clients from role confusion Guest: Harriet Isles, Psychologist and Founder of Restorative Space Psychology LINKS Research article: "Goldilocks disclosures: A qualitative exploration of when therapist self-disclosure of lived experience is "just right" Harriet's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restorativespacepsychology/ 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 mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Nishie Govender (clinical psychologist and occupational psychology consultant) for an honest conversation about building a career that looks nothing like the one you imagined. Nishie shares how realising full-time clinical work wasn't sustainable for her led to a fulfilling dual career working between corporate psychology and private practice, and what prompted her to go back to study a Clinical Masters bridging course as a registered psychologist. They chat about: 👉🏻 What a corporate/occupational psychology role actually looks like day-to-day, and why it surprised her 👉 How clinical training transfers into nonclinical settings (and vice versa) 👉🏿 What the post-registration Clinical Masters bridging course involves, and who it's really for 👉🏾 The identity challenges of going back to being a student when you're already a competent psychologist Guest: Nishie Govender , Clinical Psychologist LINKS Cetas Psychology website THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Samantha Duroska (clinical psychologist) for a practical deep dive into using imagery techniques in therapy. They chat about: 👉🏽 How to adapt if clients struggle to visualise 👉🏻 The common mistake of talking about imagery but not actually doing imagery 👉🏿 How to manage dissociation risks with simple, practical grounding strategies 👉 Why allowing clients to feel strong emotion in session can be a strength, not a failure 👉🏼 How Samantha manages her own emotions doing trauma work, and why she still finds it deeply meaningful Guest: Samantha Duroska , Clinical Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor LINKS Samantha Duroska's website Previous episode with Samantha on IRRT THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Richard Sedgman (social worker and founder of Live Well HQ) to talk about one of the most emotionally challenging areas in clinical work: supporting clients through grief and loss. Richard draws on his three years in palliative care and extensive private practice experience to share what actually helps, and what well-meaning therapists often get wrong. They chat about: 👉🏽 The difference between grief, bereavement, and loss, and why grief extends far beyond death 👉🏻 Why ACT and narrative therapy are Richard's go-to approaches with grieving clients 👉 The powerful "wave" analogy that helps clients understand how grief shifts over time 👉🏿 The common therapist mistakes to avoid 👉🏼 Why therapists don't need lived experience of a loss to do genuinely good grief work Guest: Richard Sedgman , Social Worker, Therapist, and founder of Live Well HQ LINKS Live Well HQ website Live Well HQ on Instagram THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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 Ethan Solomon (organisational psychologist and private practice therapist) to chat about building a career that blends both therapy and corporate work. Ethan shares how he went from wanting to be a clinical psychologist to specialising in psychometric assessment, leadership development, and coaching, while keeping one foot firmly in private practice therapy. They chat about: 👉🏽 What organisational psychology actually involves day-to-day 👉🏻 The transferable skills that connect therapy and org psych work 👉🏿 Why knowing your values is the best career compass you have 👉🏾 The misconceptions early-career psychs hold about what their career can look like 👉🏼 Why the human element in psychology will always matter, even in a world of AI Thank you for sharing your story, Ethan! 😊 Guest: Ethan Solomon , Organisational Psychologist and Therapist LINKS Ethan Solomon on LinkedIn THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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.

In this short bonus episode, Bron discusses the financial stress experienced by many psychology students undertaking placements and the push to include psychology students in the Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme. She covers: 👉🏽 Why psychology students currently miss out on the Commonwealth Prac Payment 👉🏻 The data on financial stress during unpaid placements 👉 Case studies of financial stress during psychology placements 👉🏿 The petition currently before Federal Parliament and how you can support it LINKS Sign the petition to end placement poverty here "Placement poverty is holding the next generation of psychologists back" - Article published by the Australian Psychological Society THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by returning guest Matthew Jackson to celebrate episode 200 with a live recording about one of the most important questions in early-career psychology: how do you actually make this career sustainable? They chat about: 👉🏽 What hasn't worked for their own sustainable practice, including poor work/life boundaries, rescuer complexes, and placement scarcity 👉🏻 How time-blocking psychology roles (and building a life outside them) changed everything for Matthew 👉 Why "stints" in different roles are not a red flag on your CV but a sign of healthy self-knowledge 👉🏿 What has kept them both in the field, even when quitting felt very close Guest: Matthew Jackson , Registered Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Ceara Rickard (psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, and lived experience leader at Life Without Barriers) for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to be a psychologist. Ceara shares her journey to working proudly in the NGO and lived experience sector, and challenges the profession to grapple more critically with power, privilege, and human rights. They chat about: 👉🏽 Why lived experience is a legitimate and powerful clinical skill, not something to hide 👉🏻 What a week in a large NGO actually looks like 👉🏾 Why viewing NGO work as a "stepping stone" is problematic 👉 The hidden hierarchy in psychology and why it can get in the way of therapeutic work Guest: Ceara Rickard , Psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor, and Lived Experience Leader LINKS Ceara Rickard's website Ceara on LinkedIn Life Without Barriers THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Kate Crosher (founding director of the Australian Educational and Developmental Psychology Association, AEDPA ) to unpack the Australian Psychology Board's proposed training pathway redesign. Kate breaks down what the proposed changes are in plain English, reassures current trainees and early career psychologists about what could change (and what isn't), and makes a compelling case for why every psychologist should make a submission before the consultation period closes on June 10th, 2026. UPDATE: While the submission period has closed, you can still read about the proposed changes in the links below. They chat about: 👉🏽 What the single five-year pathway to general registration would look like 👉🏻 Why the proposed AQF level drop from 9 to 8 matters for salaries, career progression, and research 👉 The risks and opportunities of industry-accredited workplaces replacing registrar program 👉🏿 Why the Board is proposing to remove provisional registration and what student registration means instead 👉🏾 How to make a submission (even if you only have 10 minutes) using the AEDPA submission generator Guest: Kate Crosher, Educational & Developmental/Clinical Psychologist and Founding Director of AEDPA LINKS Kate's psychology practice, Enfys Psychology - Kate is also a Board-Approved supervisor 🌈 AEDPA Position Summary on PsyBA Training Pathway Redesign Consultation and here's info about the Australia Education and Developmental Psychologists Association More information on redesigning the higher degree pathway from the Australian Psychology Board Information from AAPi about the PsyBA proposal Submission from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Patricia Gallagher (psychologist & EMDR consultant) to unpack how early-career clinicians can safely and confidently support survivors of family and domestic violence. They chat about: 👉🏽 The difference between toxic relationships and coercive control 👉 How to respond when clients don’t recognise they’re in an abusive relationship 👉🏿 Managing rescuer instincts and countertransference as therapists 👉🏾 Supporting clients who cannot safely leave a relationship yet 👉🏼 EMDR, stabilisation, and trauma recovery for victim survivors Guest: Patricia Gallagher , Psychologist, EMDR Consultant, and Board-Approved Supervisor LINKS Patricia's psychology practice, Gallagher Psychology Understanding EMDR podcast with Tracy Lynch Neurodivergent Women podcast episode with Patricia See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Tiffany, a licensed psychotherapist based in Switzerland, to chat about the emotional realities of starting out in therapy and what it’s like working in mental health on the other side of the world. They chat about: 👉🏽 Why personal therapy helped Tiffany become a better clinician 👉🏻 Feeling like you’re “drowning and swimming at the same time” when starting therapy work 👉 How comparison and perfectionism can fuel early-career self-doubt 👉🏼 The differences between Australian and Swiss mental health systems Guest: Tiffany Kanani Limacher , Licensed Psychotherapist THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Chris Long, psychologist, to unpack two of the most widely used trauma therapies: EMDR and Trauma-Focused CBT. If you’re an early-career clinician who feels nervous about trauma work, overwhelmed by the number of approaches out there, or worried about “making things worse” by asking clients about trauma, this episode is for you. They chat about: 👉🏽 Common fears early-career psychologists have about trauma work 👉🏻 How trauma-focused CBT uses exposure and behavioural experiments 👉 The Adaptive Information Processing model behind EMDR 👉🏼 Why structured therapies can help early-career clinicians feel more confident Guest: Chris Long , Psychologist LINKS 'Notice That' EMDR Podcast Phoenix Australia often offers professional development on trauma, including TF-CBT THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja. Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email . Further information can be found here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bron is joined by Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist) to unpack one of the most overlooked but clinically significant parts of therapy: therapeutic endings. Catherine shares how recent large-scale clinic closures prompted her to reflect on how little training clinicians receive on ending therapy, despite how emotionally complex and ethically important it is. Together, she and Bron explore why endings can stir up attachment wounds, countertransference, and grief for both clients and clinicians. They chat about: 👉🏽 Why therapeutic endings are often neglected in training and why it matters 👉🏻 The difference between planned and unplanned endings (and why unplanned endings can increase risk) 👉 How to prepare clients for endings from the very first session 👉🏿 What ethical, “good” endings actually look like, including transparency, collaboration, and continuity of care 👉🏾 Managing strong client reactions like anger, distress, or withdrawal 👉🏼 What to do when clients suddenly drop out or “ghost” therapy Thanks as always Catherine for this informative and engaging episode! Guest: Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist, Director of Succoris Psychology and Succoris Psychology Partnerships, Private Practice Business Coach) LINKS Catherine's psychology practice, Succoris Psychology Catherine's on-demand course, "DBT Launchpad: Build & Run a Successful Program" THE END BITS Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins . Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram , leave a comment on the Spotify episode , or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com 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.