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

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

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

INTRODUCING - Mental Work

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.

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: <a href="https://www.niram.com.au">Mish Kumar-Jonson</a>, Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Consultant
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theicebergfoundation.org">Iceberg Foundation</a></li>
<li>Mish's practice: <a href="https://www.niram.com.au">Niram EMDR and Trauma Counselling</a></li>
<li>Mish on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mish-kumar-jonson-50b143a3/">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li>Mish on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neuroqueer.emdrtherapist/?hl=en">Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
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 <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/" data-airgap-id="8">Dr Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork" data-airgap-id="9">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/" data-airgap-id="10">DM Bron on Instagram</a>, leave a comment on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji" data-airgap-id="11">Spotify episode</a>, or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com" data-airgap-id="12">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/" data-airgap-id="13">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast" data-airgap-id="14">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/" data-airgap-id="15">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/" data-airgap-id="16">Home</a>
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 <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com" data-airgap-id="17">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/" data-airgap-id="18">here</a>.

Decolonising your practice: Small steps toward anti-oppressive therapy (with Mish Kumar-Jonson)

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.

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.&nbsp;
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,&nbsp;Psychologist at <a href="https://www.thinkfeelgrow.com.au">Think Feel Grow</a> and Board-Approved Supervisor
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thinkfeelgrow.com.au/" data-airgap-id="90">Renae's private practice, Think Feel Grow</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thinkfeelgrowpsychology/" data-airgap-id="91">Renae's Instagram</a></li>
<li>Renae's <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/renae-kolia-1211b4a1/" data-airgap-id="92">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>
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 <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/" data-airgap-id="20">Dr Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork" data-airgap-id="21">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/" data-airgap-id="22">DM Bron on Instagram</a>, leave a comment on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji" data-airgap-id="23">Spotify episode</a>, or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com" data-airgap-id="24">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/" data-airgap-id="25">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast" data-airgap-id="26">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/" data-airgap-id="27">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/" data-airgap-id="28">Home</a>
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 <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com" data-airgap-id="29">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/" data-airgap-id="30">here</a>.

What does a school psychologist do? (with Renae Martelli)

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.

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centreself.com.au">Centre Self Collective</a>
LINKS
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Amy's private practice - Centre Self Collective: <a href="https://centreself.com.au/" data-airgap-id="35">https://centreself.com.au/</a></li>
<li>Download Amy's core needs self-assessment checklist here: <a href="https://centreself.com.au/blog" data-airgap-id="36">https://centreself.com.au/blog</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Reinventing-Your-Life-Negative-Patterns/dp/0452272041">Reinventing Your Life by Jeffrey Young</a></li>
<li><a href="https://schematherapytraining.com/">Schema therapy training in Australia</a></li>
</ul>
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 <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/" data-airgap-id="20">Dr Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork" data-airgap-id="21">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/" data-airgap-id="22">DM Bron on Instagram</a>, leave a comment on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji" data-airgap-id="23">Spotify episode</a>, or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com" data-airgap-id="24">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/" data-airgap-id="25">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast" data-airgap-id="26">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/" data-airgap-id="27">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/" data-airgap-id="28">Home</a>
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 <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com" data-airgap-id="29">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/" data-airgap-id="30">here</a>.

INTRODUCING - Mental Work

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