Nervous about including parents in therapy? Wish you could run the other way when a parent asks to speak with you? Our guest today, Marie Vakakis, wants EVERY therapist to feel comfortable working with parents and families. Marie helps Bron to 👉🏽 address common anxieties that psychs have about working with parents 👉🏻 How to involve parents in therapy 👉 Common dilemmas and how to address them. 

Guest: Marie Vakakis, Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and Family & Couples Therapist, Host of This Complex Life podcast

LINKS
The Bouverie Centre for Family Therapy courses

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Love the podcast? Reviews really help! Leave a rating & review on Apple and Spotify.

Keep the pod alive by joining our Patreon for $2 a month 😎

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee! ☕

Have an early-career question? Send it to our mailbag!

Facebook / Instagram / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website / Apply to be a guest / Email Bron

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Nervous about including parents in therapy? Wish you could run the other way when a parent asks to speak with you? Our guest today, Marie Vakakis, wants EVERY therapist to feel comfortable working with parents and families. Marie helps Bron to 👉🏽 address common anxieties that psychs have about working with parents 👉🏻 How to involve parents in therapy 👉 Common dilemmas and how to address them. 
Guest: Marie Vakakis, <a href="https://marievakakis.com.au/">Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and Family &amp; Couples Therapist</a>, Host of <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/this-complex-life/id1459084811">This Complex Life</a> podcast
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au/research/centres/health/bouverie/courses">The Bouverie Centre</a> for Family Therapy courses</li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by <a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/about/">Dr Bronwyn </a><a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/">Milkins</a>.
Love the podcast? Reviews really help! Leave a rating &amp; review on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mental-work/id1596910103">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify</a>.
Keep the pod alive by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast">joining our Patreon</a> for $2 a month 😎
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork">buying me a virtual coffee</a>! ☕
Have an early-career question? <a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/contact/">Send it to our mailbag!</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mentalworkpod">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">Email Bron</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>

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.

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.

A closer look at the everyday challenges faced by early-career mental health workers, so they don’t have to go it alone.

Mental Work

How to feel confident when working with parents (with Marie Vakakis)

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

👉🏽 differences between professional and personal roles 
👉🏻 what to do when you're tempted to give therapy advice 
👉 practical boundary-setting strategies 
👉🏿 how therapist training can change our personal interactions.

Matthew's humour and authenticity shines through in this insightful conversation! 

Guest: Matthew Jackson, Psychologist 

LINKS
Check out Matthew's previous episodes here
Matthew's side hustle as Queen Matilda Mercury
Book: Setting Boundaries by Rebecca Ray

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕

Join our monthly online hangout to connect with Bron and fellow listeners - we'd LOVE for you to join! 🥰 Become a $5 Patreon member to get the deets.

Sponsor the show for $2 a month on Patreon

Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate & review us on Apple and Spotify or share this episode with a mate.

Facebook / Instagram / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website / Apply to be a guest / Email Bron

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

Opinions expressed are personal and subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.

Bron and Matt chat about the challenge of maintaining boundaries when family and friends seek therapeutic advice. We explore:
👉🏽 differences between professional and personal roles 👉🏻 what to do when you're tempted to give therapy advice 👉 practical boundary-setting strategies 👉🏿 how therapist training can change our personal interactions.
Matthew's humour and authenticity shines through in this insightful conversation! 
Guest: Matthew Jackson, Psychologist 
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Check out Matthew's previous episodes <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/guests/matthew-jackson/">here</a></li>
<li>Matthew's side hustle as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matildamercuryqueen/?hl=en">Queen Matilda Mercury</a></li>
<li>Book: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57650422-setting-boundaries">Setting Boundaries by Rebecca Ray</a></li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/">Dr Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕
Join our monthly online hangout to connect with Bron and fellow listeners - we'd LOVE for you to join! 🥰 Become a $5 <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast">Patreon</a> member to get the deets.
Sponsor the show for $2 a month on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast">Patreon</a>
Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate &amp; review us on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mental-work/id1596910103">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify</a> or share this episode with a mate.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mentalworkpod">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">Email Bron</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>
Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
Opinions expressed are personal and subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.

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

E11x.5 - My mistakes and what I know now

Gap 1 - Transference and counter-transference

Gap 2 - Knowing your own stuff

Gap 3 - Understanding how your neurodiversity 

Gap 4 - Everything is data

Gap 5 - Know how to repair ruptures

Gap 6 - Actively maintaining boundaries

Gap 7 - Knowing how to priortise competing eth

Gap 8 - Giving proper closure

Gap 9 - Managing dysregulation

Recommendations

Final thoughts

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 lessons she has learned from a complaint received two years ago. She outlines key knowledge gaps in the hopes that others can avoid her missteps, including understanding transference and countertransference, the impact of personal history and neurodivergence on practice, repairing ruptures, navigating complex ethical situations, and managing emotional dysregulation. Finally, she provides suggestions on how to increase knowledge in these areas, and highlights the need for collegiality amongst psychologists to promote a compassionate space for those still growing in their practice.

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕

Sponsor the show for $2 a month on Patreon

Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate & review us on Apple and Spotify or share this episode with a mate.

Facebook / Instagram / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website / Apply to be a guest / Email Bron

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.

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 lessons she has learned from a complaint received two years ago. She outlines key knowledge gaps in the hopes that others can avoid her missteps, including understanding transference and countertransference, the impact of personal history and neurodivergence on practice, repairing ruptures, navigating complex ethical situations, and managing emotional dysregulation. Finally, she provides suggestions on how to increase knowledge in these areas, and highlights the need for collegiality amongst psychologists to promote a compassionate space for those still growing in their practice.
THE END BITS
Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/">Dr Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕
Sponsor the show for $2 a month on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast">Patreon</a>
Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate &amp; review us on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mental-work/id1596910103">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify</a> or share this episode with a mate.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mentalworkpod">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">Email Bron</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>
Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.

Mistakes made and lessons learned

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 own self-reflection 👉 debunk myths around therapists doing inner work 👉🏾 share practical tips for integrating self-awareness and self-care into practice. Daniela is such an insightful and joyful guest so I know you'll love listening to this one!

Guest: Daniela Ho Tan, Clinical Psychologist and Advanced Accredited Schema Therapist at Mindwealth Psychology

LINKS
Check out Daniela's other Mental Work episodes here
Daniela's passion project, Project Horizen, which aims to bridge the gaps between Western therapy principles and Eastern cultural values. Daniela runs workshops!

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕

Join our monthly online hangout to connect with Bron and fellow listeners - we'd LOVE for you to join! 🥰 Become a $5 Patreon member to get the deets.

Sponsor the show for $2 a month on Patreon. Shout-out to Molly! 🥳

Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate & review us on Apple and Spotify or share this episode with a mate.

Facebook / Instagram / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website / Apply to be a guest / Email Bron

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

Opinions expressed are personal and subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.

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 own self-reflection 👉 debunk myths around therapists doing inner work 👉🏾 share practical tips for integrating self-awareness and self-care into practice. Daniela is such an insightful and joyful guest so I know you'll love listening to this one!
Guest: Daniela Ho Tan, Clinical Psychologist and Advanced Accredited Schema Therapist at <a href="https://www.mindwealthpsychology.com.au">Mindwealth Psychology</a>
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Check out Daniela's other Mental Work episodes <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/guests/daniela-ho-tan/">here</a></li>
<li>Daniela's passion project, <a href="http://www.projecthorizen.com">Project Horizen</a>, which aims to bridge the gaps between Western therapy principles and Eastern cultural values. Daniela runs <a href="https://projecthorizen.com/east-meets-west-workshop/">workshops</a>!</li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/">Dr Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕
Join our monthly online hangout to connect with Bron and fellow listeners - we'd LOVE for you to join! 🥰 Become a $5 <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast">Patreon</a> member to get the deets.
Sponsor the show for $2 a month on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast">Patreon</a>. Shout-out to Molly! 🥳
Don't have cash to splash but want to support the pod? You can rate &amp; review us on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mental-work/id1596910103">Apple</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify</a> or share this episode with a mate.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mentalworkpod">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">Email Bron</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>
Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship.
Opinions expressed are personal and subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.

How to feel confident when working with parents (with Marie Vakakis)

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