Bron takes us through the challenges and successes of her first year as a private practice psychologist. Listen in for a jam-packed episode full of generously shared tips, tricks, and all the things Bron wishes she had known before starting out. All shared in the spirit of giving you a helping hand if you're thinking of diving into private practice.

THE END BITS
Thanks so much for listening. Mental Work is the podcast taking a closer look at the everyday challenges faced by early-career mental health professionals, so they don’t have to go it alone.


Love the podcast? You can help keep it alive by joining our Patreon for $2 a month at patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast
Website: https://www.MentalWorkPodcast.com

Books about Private Practice
Fit to Practice by Kaye Frankcom
Building Your Ideal Private Practice by Lyn Grodzki
Financial Success in Mental Health Practice by Steven Warfish

Credits
Host: Dr Bronwyn Milkins (Psychologist)
Producer: Michael English
Show art: Bronwyn Milkins
Music: Home

Bron takes us through the challenges and successes of her first year as a private practice psychologist. Listen in for a jam-packed episode full of generously shared tips, tricks, and all the things Bron wishes she had known before starting out. All shared in the spirit of giving you a helping hand if you're thinking of diving into private practice.
THE END BITS
<ul>
<li>Thanks so much for listening. Mental Work is the podcast taking a closer look at the everyday challenges faced by early-career mental health professionals, so they don’t have to go it alone.</li>
<li>
Love the podcast? You can help keep it alive by joining our Patreon for $2 a month at<a href="http://www.patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast"> patreon.com/mentalworkpodcast</a>
</li>
<li>Website: <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com">https://www.MentalWorkPodcast.com</a></li>
</ul>
Books about Private Practice
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/fit-to-practice-kaye-frankcom/book/9781922117779.html">Fit to Practice by Kaye Frankcom</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/building-your-ideal-private-practice-a-guide-for-therapists-and-other-healing-professionals-lynn-grodzki/book/9780393709483.html?source=pla&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAoNWOBhCwARIsAAiHnEjM0nICR1DJE9rgORAdCPB2fgnUP8913DAEJp-7OmzFF92dmN0F4jYaApchEALw_wcB">Building Your Ideal Private Practice by Lyn Grodzki</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Success-Mental-Health-Practice/dp/1433803747">Financial Success in Mental Health Practice by Steven Warfish</a></li>
</ul>
Credits Host: Dr Bronwyn Milkins (Psychologist) Producer: Michael English Show art: Bronwyn Milkins Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com">Home</a>

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

Starting out in private practice

Bron is joined by Denver Simonsz (Psychologist, Supervisor, Writer) to chat about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shaped not only his therapeutic work with clients over the past 18 years, but also his own career trajectory and personal life.

They chat about:
👉🏽 How ACT can be a guiding compass for early-career psychologists
👉🏻 Navigating the internal and external challenges of being a psychologist
👉 Figuring out professional identity 
👉🏿 How Denver once left a workplace to focus on self-care

Guest: Denver Simonsz - Psychologist, Board-Approve Supervisor, Writer

LINKS
Denver writes a popular newsletter on Effective Practice - Join the mailing list here
Denver's Instagram and LinkedIn

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 honor 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 Denver Simonsz (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/denver-simonsz-9ba6b01b9/?originalSubdomain=au">Psychologist</a>, Supervisor, Writer) to chat about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shaped not only his therapeutic work with clients over the past 18 years, but also his own career trajectory and personal life.
They chat about: 👉🏽 How ACT can be a guiding compass for early-career psychologists 👉🏻 Navigating the internal and external challenges of being a psychologist 👉 Figuring out professional identity 👉🏿 How Denver once left a workplace to focus on self-care
Guest: Denver Simonsz - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/denver-simonsz-9ba6b01b9/?originalSubdomain=au">Psychologist, Board-Approve Supervisor, Writer</a>
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://denver-simonsz.mykajabi.com/mailing-list">Denver writes a popular newsletter on Effective Practice - Join the mailing list here</a></li>
<li>Denver's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/denver.simonsz/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/denver-simonsz-9ba6b01b9/?originalSubdomain=au">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher <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> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">DM Bron on Instagram</a>, leave a comment on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify episode</a>, or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>
Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor 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">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.

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

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 podcast, and a sneak peek of episodes coming up in 2026. If you've enjoyed the podcast this year, please consider buying Bron & editor Michael a virtual coffee at buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork. New episodes coming to you from January 15 2026! 🌈

LINKS
Burnout Part 1 and Burnout Part 2 with Matthew Jackson

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.

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 podcast, and a sneak peek of episodes coming up in 2026. If you've enjoyed the podcast this year, please consider buying Bron &amp; editor Michael a virtual coffee at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork">buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork</a>. New episodes coming to you from January 15 2026! 🌈
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/burnout-in-the-thick-of-it-with-matthew-jackson-part-1/">Burnout Part 1</a> and <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/burnout-coming-out-the-other-side-with-matthew-jackson-part-2/">Burnout Part 2</a> with Matthew Jackson</li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher <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> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">DM Bron on Instagram</a>, leave a comment on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify episode</a>, or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">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">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.

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

Bron speaks with Dr Lyn O’Grady (community psychologist and suicidology researcher) about person-centred suicide prevention. Lyn shares how decades of work across communities, schools, projects and private practice shaped her understanding of suicidality and why relying solely on checklists can shut down meaningful conversations.

They chat about:
👉🏽 How person-centred care differs from traditional risk assessments
👉🏻 The limits of low/medium/high suicide-risk categories
👉🏿 Using risk formulation and collaborative, empowering safety planning
👉 Keeping conversations open without increasing shame or fear
👉🏽 How clinicians can sit with uncertainty, use existing skills, and practise sustainably in this challenging space

Guest: Lyn O'Grady - Community Psychologist

LINKS
Lyn is featured in this article: ​How to take a person-centred approach to suicide prevention, published by the Australian Psychological Society
Lyn is available for supervision - you can message her on LinkedIn
Open-access research paper: Cognitive Behavior Therapy With and Without Narrative Assessment and Suicide Attempts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2025): "Results suggest that a narrative assessment (of suicide risk) may be a simple and effective way to capture the forces that lead to suicide attempts and to direct interventions toward their prevention." 👏

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 honor 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 speaks with Dr Lyn O&rsquo;Grady (community psychologist and suicidology researcher) about person-centred suicide prevention. Lyn shares how decades of work across communities, schools, projects and private practice shaped her understanding of suicidality and why relying solely on checklists can shut down meaningful conversations.
They chat about: 👉🏽 How person-centred care differs from traditional risk assessments 👉🏻 The limits of low/medium/high suicide-risk categories 👉🏿 Using risk formulation and collaborative, empowering safety planning 👉 Keeping conversations open without increasing shame or fear 👉🏽 How clinicians can sit with uncertainty, use existing skills, and practise sustainably in this challenging space
Guest: Lyn O'Grady - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-o-grady-0818a350/">Community Psychologist</a>
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Lyn is featured in this article: <a href="https://psychology.org.au/insights/person-centred-suicide-prevention">​How to take a person-centred approach to suicide prevention</a>, published by the Australian Psychological Society</li>
<li>Lyn is available for supervision - you can message her on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-o-grady-0818a350/">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li>Open-access research paper: <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841680">Cognitive Behavior Therapy With and Without Narrative Assessment and Suicide Attempts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2025)</a>: "Results suggest that a narrative assessment (of suicide risk) may be a simple and effective way to capture the forces that lead to suicide attempts and to direct interventions toward their prevention." 👏</li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is the Australian podcast for early-career psychologists about working in mental health. Hosted by psychologist/researcher <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> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">DM Bron on Instagram</a>, leave a comment on the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5ifKADwT3mw6yYDZb9rHji">Spotify episode</a>, or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>
Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor 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">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.

Starting out in private practice

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