Mental Work

Apr 09 2025 148 ep. 41 mins 40
Mental Work Podcast artwork

Mental Work is the Australian podcast unpacking the challenges faced by early-career psychologists, so they don't have to go it alone. Hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

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Have you considered politics? The Pathways to Politics Program (Solo)

Apr 06 2025 19 mins  
Last year, Bron participated in a week-long program called "Pathways to Politics", which aims to equip women with the skills and confidence to run for office. Before going in, Bron knew as much about politics as many people, in that it usually involves intense debates, democracy sausages, and a fair bit of drama. She left the program knowing so much more, and felt very inspired to

Beyond therapy: Non-clinical creative hustles (with Caitlin Bell)

Apr 09 2025 43 mins  
Bron is joined by Caitlin Bell (Copywriter and clinical psychologist) to chat about her unique career path. That's right, it's a listener story! 🥳 Caitlin shares her journey from a winding educational path to finding a home in her creative passion for copywriting. We talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, professional identity, and the challenges of balancing dual careers - this

More than rapport: What is the therapeutic relationship? (with Claire Trevitt)

Apr 02 2025 58 mins  
You've probably heard that the therapeutic relationship involves things like rapport building and empathy, but what else is there, and what IS a 'therapeutic relationship' anyway?? 🧐 Here to chat about these questions and more is experienced psychologist Claire Trevitt! Bron and Claire dig deeper into concepts like genuineness, transference and countertransference, and why self-

How theatre can transform mental health promotion (with Ally Kelly)

Mar 26 2025 38 mins  
A lot of the work we do in mental health focuses on helping people who are already unwell, but what if we could stop them getting unwell in the first place? That's what our guest today, Ally, is passionate about. She started a whole organisation called Mind Blank to give people and communities the tools they need to proactively take care of their mental health, and she uses her pas

Are your money beliefs holding you back? (with Marie Vakakis)

Mar 19 2025 47 mins  
Bron and Marie unpack the money beliefs that unconsciously shape how much we earn and what we charge as mental health professionals. We talk about the unspoken anxiety around money shared by many of us, and practical strategies for managing discomfort around adequately charging for services. Bron also wonders, just how much is therapy "worth" and is there an upper ceiling? Tune-in

How to respond well to a subpoena as a psychologist (with Dr Carollyne Youssef)

Feb 26 2025 52 mins  
Bron is joined by Dr Carollyne Youssef, Forensic Psychologist, to chat about how to respond well when a subpoena comes. We cover legal obligations, maintaining client confidentiality, practical tips for navigating subpoenas, common mistakes psychologists can make, and the importance of seeking legal advice and support through supervision. This is such a jam-packed episode with so m

How to make effective 'here and now' comments in therapy (with Marie Vakakis)

Mar 12 2025 40 mins  
Bron and Marie chat about the comments that therapists make when they want to talk about what's happening right here and now in the therapy room -- you might know them as 'here and now' comments, process comments, or immediacy comments. They can be tricky to use and master, particularly early in our career! Marie takes us through some ways to build confidence in making these commen

Everything about being a registrar psychologist (with Jordan Turner)

Mar 05 2025 41 mins  
Bron and Jordan do a deep-dive on the registrar program for psychologists -- this is the massive training program that psychologists undertake when they want to gain endorsement in an area such as clinical, counselling, or educational & developmental psychology. Jordan shares her personal experience completing the Ed & Dev Registrar program, covering topics like supervision

Burnout: Coming out the other side (with Matthew Jackson) (Part 2)

Feb 08 2025 54 mins  
Initially overwhelmed by the severest phase of burnout, in this Part 2 episode Matthew discusses his journey of self-reflection, acceptance, and gradual recovery. Bron and Matt delve into the stages of burnout, and the transformational shift Matthew undertook to cope and regain his sense of self. We again thank Matthew for his courage and vulnerability during this episode, and

Burnout: In the thick of it (with Matthew Jackson) (Part 1)

Feb 05 2025 57 mins  
In this deeply personal episode, Matthew shares his experience of hitting the depths of burnout and making the difficult decision to leave his career as a therapist. We discuss the warning signs of burnout, the importance of recognising when therapy work no longer aligns with you, and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. We also explore the stigma surrounding career chang