Mental Work

Hosted by Bronwyn Milkins

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Episodes

208

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

Mental Work is the podcast about working in mental health for psychologists, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Psychologist Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 202648 min

Working in a not-for-profit & using lived experience well (with Ceara Rickard)

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.

June 3, 202640 min

The Australian Psychology Board's proposed training redesign (with Kate Crosher)

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. 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 To make a submission by June 10th 2026, complete this form. Feel free to use AEDPA's Consultation Submission Generator to help you out. You can also provide brief feedback by completing this survey. 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.

May 27, 202639 min

Helping survivors of family and domestic violence (with Patricia Gallagher)

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.

May 20, 202639 min

Learning to be a therapist: Boundaries and self-doubt from a Swiss perspective (with Tiffany Kanani Limacher)

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.

May 13, 202648 min

Starting out in trauma work: EMDR, TF-CBT, and therapist fears (with Chris Long)

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.

May 6, 202638 min

How to successfully manage therapeutic endings (with Dr Catherine Hart)

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.

April 29, 202646 min

Working remotely with Aboriginal mob (with Dr George Loram)

Bron is joined by Dr George Loram (Psychologist working in Mparntwe/Alice Springs) to explore what it’s like to work as a psychologist in very remote Australia and with Aboriginal mob. George shares how a placement during lockdown led him to stay long-term, and what surprised him most about working with Aboriginal communities. They chat about:👉🏽 What a typical week looks like across remote clinics and private practice👉🏻 How being a “person first and psychologist second” can transform your work and relationships👉🏾 Practical ways to work in culturally safe ways, including listening, observing, and letting go of the expert role👉🏼 Navigating perfectionism, structure, and uncertainty as an early-career psychologist This episode is a powerful reflection on what happens when you let go of doing therapy “the right way” and instead focus on connection, culture, and community. Thanks so much George, we loved having you on the podcast! 😊 Guest: Dr George Loram - Clinical Psychologist at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress LINKS George's LinkedIn Central Australian Aboriginal Congress 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.

April 22, 202634 min

Treating clients with severe burnout: Part 2 - moral injury and cynicism (with Dr Ben J Searle)

Bron is joined by Dr Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist) for part two of their deep dive into severe and prolonged burnout, focusing on what it actually looks like in practice and how clinicians can support recovery. This episode focuses on:👉🏽 What cynicism really looks like in burnout and why it becomes a barrier to recovery👉🏿 The role of moral injury and values misalignment in driving burnout👉🏻 Practical strategies to help clients re-engage with positive experiences and shift attention away from negative bias👉 How to work with clients when their workplace really is toxic (and not just perceived that way)👉🏼 Supporting clients through shame, frustration, and the feeling of “failing” at recovery Thanks so much Ben, and enjoy listening to the ep! Guest: Dr Ben J. Searle - Organisational psychologist, survivor of burnout, host of 'Mind on the Job' podcast LINKS Ben's podcast: Mind on the Job Ben's website Ben's newsletter 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.

April 15, 202635 min

LISTENER STORY: Managing bullying in a psychology internship and coming out the other side (with Tess Philip)

Bron is joined by Tess Philip (psychologist and founder of Tess Philip Psychology) to chat about her provisional psychology journey and what it takes to keep going when everything feels stacked against you. They chat about:👉🏽 Tess' experience of working across six different workplaces during her internship.👉🏻 What workplace bullying can look like in psychology training👉 How Tess navigated repeated setbacks and environments that left her questioning her competence and career path👉🏾 How creativity, purpose, and persistence can help you get through Definitely give this episode a listen! Thanks Tess! 💖 Guest: Tess Philip - Registered Psychologist, mentor for support workers and founder of a former national award-winning psychosocial support service provider LINKS Website: tessphilippsychology.com.au Instagram: @tessphilip.psychology 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.

April 8, 202654 min

Treating clients with severe burnout: Part 1 (with Dr Ben J Searle)

Bron is joined by Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist and burnout researcher) to unpack what it really looks like to treat clients with severe burnout. Ben shares his own experience of burning out during COVID after years of researching stress, and why even doing “all the right things” didn’t lead to quick recovery. They chat about:👉🏽 Why burnout is still poorly understood and often lacks clear treatment pathways👉🏻 How to tell the difference between stress and severe burnout in your clients👉 The hidden severity of burnout, including cognitive, emotional, and physical impacts👉🏿 Why time off alone often isn’t enough for recovery (and what the research actually shows)👉🏾 Practical ways to support clients, including hope-building, pacing, and re-engaging with meaningful activities👉🏼 Working with cynicism, detachment, and loss of motivation in therapy You’ll walk away from this episode with a clearer framework for recognising severe burnout and some realistic, compassionate ways to support recovery when clients feel completely stuck. Guest: Dr Ben J. Searle - Organisational psychologist, survivor of burnout, host of 'Mind on the Job' podcast LINKS Ben's podcast: Mind on the Job Ben's website Ben's newsletter 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.