Mental Work

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

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

>> Join us for a LIVE online episode recording on Friday 12th June 2026 to celebrate Mental Works' 200th episode! Register at Humantix <...

Working remotely with Aboriginal mob (with Dr George Loram)

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

>> Join us for a LIVE online episode recording on Friday 12th June 2026 to celebrate Mental Works' 200th episode! Register at Humantix <...

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

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

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

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Tess Philip (psychologist and founder of Tess Philip Psychology) to chat about her provisional psychology journey and what it takes ...

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

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist and burnout researcher) to unpack what it really looks like to treat clients with severe bur...

Protecting yourself from psychosocial hazards at work (with Amy Henderson)

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Amy Henderson (Organisational Psychologist) to unpack psychosocial hazards in the workplace and what early-career mental health work...

How culture shapes our experience at work (with Vi-An Nguyen)

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Vi-An Nguyen (Organisational Psychologist and Founder of An Tâm Psychology) to talk about how culture shapes both our own expe...

Staying relevant and innovative in a changing mental health landscape (with Dr Catherine Hart)

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist and Director of Succoris Psychology) to chat about how to stay relevant and innovative as a...

Why sexual healthcare matters & how to talk about sex with clients (with Laura Lee)

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Laura Lee (psychologist & sexologist) to talk about why sexual healthcare matters in therapy and how to talk about sex with clie...

What music can teach psychologists about cultural humility, belonging, and community (with Trisnasari Fraser)

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Dr Trisnasari Fraser (Community Psychologist and researcher) to explore how sharing music across cultures can foster connection, bui...

Tips for new psychology Masters students (with Jordan Turner)

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Calling new psychology Masters students - this episode is for you! Bron completed the 5+1 Masters & is now completing a Master of Clinical Psychol...

Listener Story: Social work to clinical psychology & working cross-culturally (with Huda Al Bukhari)

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Huda Al Bukhari (clinical psychologist) for an early-career listener story that spans social work, clinical psychology training, and...

Strategies for client retention and engagement (with Claire Trevitt)

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Claire Trevitt (psychologist and Board-approved supervisor) to unpack one of the most quietly stressful parts of early-career practi...

Self-compassion through career change (with Dr Hayley D Quinn)

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron speaks with Dr Hayley D Quinn (former clinical psychologist turned anti-burnout coach) about the realities of working in mental health when you&r...

Working therapeutically with collectivist cultures using Schema Therapy (with Beatrice Ng-Kessler)

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Beatrice Ng-Kesler (Clinical Psychologist, Schema Therapy Trainer) about working therapeutically with clients from collectivist cult...

What does a lived experience worker do? (with Prunella Howard-Jay)

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Prunella Howard-Jay (Lived Experience Supervisor) about what lived experience workers actually do, why peer work is a discipline (no...

How ACT can guide us inside and outside of therapy (with Denver Simonsz)

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Denver Simmons (Psychologist, Supervisor, Writer) to chat about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shaped not only his ...

That's a wrap! 2025 end-of-year reflection (solo)

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of the year, Bron reflects on the wins and challenges of 2025, her favourite episode this year, behind-the-scenes updates to the ...

Person-centred suicide prevention (with Lyn O'Grady)

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron speaks with Dr Lyn O’Grady (community psychologist and suicidology researcher) about person-centred suicide prevention. Lyn shares how deca...

Implicit bias towards people with disability in Australia (with Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos)

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron speaks with Dr Chrissy Antonopoulos (psychologist and founder of Beyond Bias Consulting) about her PhD research on implicit bias towards people w...

Mastering professional boundaries in therapy (with Dr Bianca Denny)

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and guest Dr Bianca Denny unpack one of the trickiest early-career topics: professional boundaries in therapy. Together, they break down wha...

Navigating identity-based burnout (with Shuktika Bose)

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt like you’re carrying the extra weight of your identity into every supervision meeting, team huddle, or client session? That’s no...

Beyond worksheets: How letting go can make you a better therapist (with Renae Martelli)

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and guest Renae Martelli explore how letting go of the tools and strategies we cling to as early-career therapists might actually make us better ...

Transference and countertransference (with Claire Trevitt)

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and guest Claire Trevitt discuss the concepts of transference and countertransference. Bron has been eager to record this episode for two years, ...

Managing the feelings that come along with running a private practice (with Harriet Iles)

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and guest Harriet Iles chat about managing common feelings that show up alongside running a private practice early in your career, including impo...

Working with complex clients: Staying grounded when you feel overwhelmed (with Dr Amy Talbot)

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and guest Dr Amy Talbot discuss how to manage the emotional and clinical challenges that often show up when working with complex presentations. A...

Imposter syndrome revisited (with Marie Vakakis)

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We covered imposter syndrome wayyy back when the podcast started in 2021 - it's time for a revisit now that we're older and... wiser? Bron is joined b...

MAILBAG: Saying no to clients who aren't a good fit & promoting yourself in a competitive market

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Marie (Mental Health Social Worker) dive into the mailbag and answer listener questions about how to decline seeing clients who aren't a good...

Private practice doesn't have to be the end goal (Solo)

28 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a quick solo episode with Bron! I chat about why closing my solo private practice after four years was the right decision for me, how I feel afte...

LISTENER STORY: Psychological safety at work and understanding contracts (with Anita Knezevic)

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Anita (newly registered psychologist) to chat about Anita's journey through her internship and early career, exploring topics like p...

The SPARKS approach to burnout prevention (with Danielle Graber)

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Danielle Graber to explore a no-nonsense approach to burnout prevention called S.P.A.R.K.S. Danielle shares how her experience durin...

Dissociation in children and adolescents

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Michael (Mental Work podcast editor) unpack the complex and often misunderstood topic of dissociation in children and adolescents. Drawing on...

Why therapist visibility matters more than ever (and how to stop shrinking) (with Dr Hayley Kelly)

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Dr Hayley Kelly for an honest conversation about why therapist visibility matters now more than ever, especially for early-career pr...

Owning your own sh*t as a therapist (with Marie Vakakis)

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Marie (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) explore how mental health workers can sometimes hold idealised, unrealistic expectations of on...

Building sustainable boundaries for work-life balance (with Jazmin Pursell)

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Jazmin (Social Worker, Consultant) discuss how early career mental health workers can maintain their well-being while balancing the demands o...

Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (with Aimee Oliveri)

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Aimee (Clinical Psychologist) dive into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition estimated to affect 3-8% of menstruating women. A...

Mailbag: Tips for first client/fair pay for first job/finding a niche (with Marie Vakakis)

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's our first MAILBAG episode, woo hoo! 🥳 In this ep, Marie (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) and Bron (Psychologist) answer listener quest...

Psychosocial hazards for mental health workers (with Jason van Schie)

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by specialist in workplace psychosocial hazards, Jason van Schie, to talk about the kinds of psychosocial hazards mental health workers...

Losing a client to suicide (with Marie Vakakis)

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide and its emotional impacts. Specific methods or cases are not discussed. Please take care ...

Listener story: Studying a Masters of Clinical Psychology (with Tess Rutherford)

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a listener story! 🥳 Tess is a provisional psychologist studying her Master of Clinical Psychology and in this ep, she shares exactly what it's...

What should early-career mental health workers know more about?

13 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hello! Bron here - I'm looking for new episode ideas and guests. This podcast is for you, so I want to hear from you! If you would like to be a guest ...

Working as a mental health researcher (with Dr Alix Woolard)

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Dr Alix Woolard, a Senior Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute, to give us an insider peek into the world of being a youth...

Where are you on the burnout continuum? (with Matthew Jackson)

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not all mental health professionals experience burnout, but if they do, they might not realise just how bad it is. Matthew returns to the pod to chat ...

Defining your own career: Entrepreneurship when you live with a disability (with Raimy-Rose Lewis)

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Raimy-Rose joins Bron to discuss her journey as a disability advocate and personal trainer specialising in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Raimy shares ...

What's it like being a neurodivergent therapist? (with Jordan Turner)

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 face...

Supporting neurodivergent women during IVF treatment (with Liz Bancroft)

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Liz, a clinical and counseling psychologist & IVF coach to chat about the unique challenges neurodivergent people face during IV...

Sensory modulation therapy & working as an occupational therapist (with Emma Craske)

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Family mediation and managing overthinking early in your career (with Rosemary Gattuso)

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Imagery rescripting & reprocessing therapy (with Samantha Duroska)

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Samantha to unpack imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy (IRRT), a technique well-known in Germany but relatively unknown in ...

Reflections on five years of practice (Solo)

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 st...

What makes a fulfilling career in mental health? (with Marie Vakakis)

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

Creative arts therapy and making the leap to private practice (with Abi Jenkins)

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and creative arts therapist Abi Jenkins chat about her journey from full-time employment to private practice as an early-career dance therapist. ...

Should psychologists be political?

27 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or rem...

Preventing burnout with reflective practice groups (with Shane Puxley)

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Shane (Community Psychologist) to chat about reflective practice groups and how they can be a great tool for preventing burnout in e...

Working in the family court system (with Dr Kate Jackowski)

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Dr. Kate Jackowski (Forensic Psychologist) chat about working within Australia's family court system. We talk about what it's like to write c...

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

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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! 🥳 ...

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

06 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably heard that the therapeutic relationship involves things like rapport building and empathy, but what else is there, and what IS a 'ther...

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

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

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

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 -- yo...

Everything about being a registrar psychologist (with Jordan Turner)

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Jordan do a deep-dive on the registrar program for psychologists -- this is the massive training program that psychologists undertake when th...

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

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Dr Carollyne Youssef, Forensic Psychologist, to chat about how to respond well when a subpoena comes. We cover legal obligations, ma...

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

09 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Initially overwhelmed by the severest phase of burnout, in this Part 2 episode Matthew discusses his journey of self-reflection, acceptance, and gradu...

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

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply personal episode, Matthew shares his experience of hitting the depths of burnout and making the difficult decision to leave his career ...

Navigating the psychology pathway while managing a disability (with Courtney McKee & Karen Knight)

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron is joined by Karen Knight and Courtney McKee, two experienced psychologists with lived experience of blindness. We dive into 👉 their personal ...

LISTENER STORY: Moving from Australia to the UK as a psychologist (with Georgina Lennard)

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron chats with Georgina about her journey of gaining her psychologist registration in Australia before moving to the UK. We chat about the difference...

Animal assisted therapy (with Danielle Graber)

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Danielle dive into animal assisted therapy! Danielle tells us how animals, especially dogs, can be integrated into therapy to support psychol...

Maintaining physical health as a mental health worker (with exercise physiologist Jamie Hart)

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As mental health workers, we are so used to giving to others that our own needs can be neglected, especially our physical health. In this episode, exe...

Working effectively with religious trauma (with Sam Sellers)

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Sam chat about how to work well with clients who come to therapy with religious trauma. They chat about 👉🏽 Sam's experience and passion...

What does a community psychologist do? (with Shane Puxley)

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Shane (Community Psychologist) dive into Community Psychology! We talk about 👉🏽 the role and functions of community psychologists 👉🏻...

What does an organisational psychologist do? (with James Cowan)

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and James talk about organisational psychology! We cover how org psychs apply psychological principles in the workplace, the differences between ...

How to write a successful case report (with Annie Slater)

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Writing a good case report is an essential skill for mental health workers but it's a hard one to master! Annie Slater has seen so many case reports ...

Should I start a group private practice or stay solo? (with Marie Vakakis)

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Marie talk about the pressure some solo private practitioners feel to start a group practice. Bron and Marie talk about wise and not-so-wise ...

What does an educational & developmental psychologist do? (with Jordan Turner)

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Jordan talk about everything educational and developmental psychology! We chat about how ed/dev psychologists apply psychological principles ...

Therapists can benefit from mindfulness too (with Matthew Jackson)

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mindfulness is one approach that therapists often recommend to clients but might not embrace for themselves. Matthew was kind enough to come on the po...

Studying while ill and working with a visible health condition (with Kaedee Abel)

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's a listener story!! 😍 Bron is joined by Kaedee who generously shares their journey to registration while managing complex chronic health condit...

Studying internationally, working with gender diverse people, personalised self-care (with Fabian Friedrich)

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's a listener story, wahooo! 🤩⭐ Bron is joined by Fabian, a newly registered psychologist (congrats Fabian!) who talks about his journey toward...

Tips for nailing the first three therapy sessions (with Marie Vakakis)

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Want to get your client off to a good start in therapy but feeling lost? Bron and Marie talk about how to nail these crucial sessions. We cover 👉🏽...

Creating safe therapeutic spaces for clients with complex trauma (with Dr Catherine Hynes)

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Dr Catherine Hynes (Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant) cover the essentials of complex trauma. They chat about 👉🏽 Understanding...

Neurodiversity affirming schema therapy with Emma DiCicco (Ep 71 re-run)

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mental Work is on a short break and will be back soon! 🌈🌴 In the meantime, please enjoy this verrrry popular previous episode which has been pol...

Mental Work is on break - new episodes later in the year!

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hey Mental Workers! Just letting you know that the podcast is on break 🌴🌊 and we'll have new episodes for you later in the year. Take it easy an...

How to not do 'therapy-lite' with partners and friends (with Matthew Jackson)

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Matt chat about the challenge of maintaining boundaries when family and friends seek therapeutic advice. We explore: 👉🏽 differences bet...

Mistakes made and lessons learned

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In line with Mental Work's aim to shine a light on the important yet under-discussed aspects of being an early-career psychologist, Bron shares the le...

The importance of knowing your own stuff as a therapist (with Daniela Ho Tan)

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Daniela chat about the value of knowing your own stuff when you're a therapist. We explore 👉🏿 why therapists need to engage in their ow...

LISTENER STORY: Equine therapy, AHPRA complaints, going solo in private practice (with Danielle Rancie)

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron chats with Danielle about the ups and downs of her journey towards registration, her passion for equine therapy and holistic approach to healing ...

AHPRA Notifications (with Dr Carollyne Youssef)

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Carollyne unpack how complaints about psychologists are managed by AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia. We chat about how notificatio...

BONUS: Harmful supervision

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recent studies have found that up to 62% of counselling professionals are receiving harmful supervision... but no-one is talking about it. In this epi...

Working with couples (with Marie Vakakis)

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Marie chat about working well with couples on common issues like sexual desire discrepancies, communication, and conflict. Marie shares her a...

Should I get certified in a particular therapy? (with Daniela Ho Tan)

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Daniela chat about the pressure🔥 and process to become certified or accredited in a particular therapy like Schema, IFS, or EMDR. Daniela ...

What does a forensic psychologist do? (with Amy Brandler)

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Amy discuss Amy's career journey as a forensic psychologist. We chat about 👉🏽 What forensic psychology is and how to become a forensic ...

Career progression in psychology: What jobs can I get? (with Matthew Jackson)

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Matthew chat about career opportunities in psychology beyond the therapy chair and, if you're already a qualified psychologist, beyond comple...

Helping clients find healthy relationships (with Phoebe Rogers)

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Phoebe chat about how to help clients have healthy romantic relationships and develop a secure attachment style. Phoebe tells us about her ad...

How do I know if private practice is for me? (with Jordan Turner)

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Jordan chat about how to know if private practice is for you, and if you are ready for this big step! We discuss the financial aspects, pract...

Working therapeutically with young children (with Kate Christie)

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Kate chat about the challenges and rewards of working therapeutically with children under the age of 10. 👉🏼 Kate shares her journey int...

What is music therapy? (with Brede Davis)

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Brede chat about MUSIC THERAPY! 🎶 We discuss 👉🏽 Who music therapy can help 👉🏻 How creativity is therapeutic 👉 How to become...

Working effectively with teens (with Marie Vakakis)

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Marie explore how to work effectively with teenage clients. We cover 👉🏽 The importance of getting to the root cause of behaviours like ...

Bringing joy and play back into your work day (with Rebecca Black)

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron and Rebecca explore all things joy, play, and fun! They chat about the importance of joy for sustainability in our careers, the common challenges...

Rethinking Borderline Personality Disorder and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bron chats with Matthew about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and its application for folks diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). ...

Celebrating episode 100! Reflections and our favourite clips

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come celebrate our 100th episode with us! 🥳🥳🥳 Bron is joined by editor of the podcast, Dr Michael English, to reflect on this huge milestone ...