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 byDr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist and Director of Succoris Psychology) to chat about how to stay relevant and innovative as a mental health worker in a rapidly changing mental health landscape.

They chat about:
👉 Why innovation in psychology often comes from necessity
👉 How small changes in systems or services can improve client care
👉 Why many clinicians want more variety than full-time one-to-one therapy
👉 Managing fear of failure and backlash from colleagues when trying something new
👉 Practical ways early-career psychologists can experiment with ideas safely

Thanks Catherine for this important conversation!

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

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 Dr Catherine Hart (Clinical Psychologist and Director of Succoris Psychology) to chat about how to stay relevant and innovative as a mental health worker in a rapidly changing mental health landscape.
They chat about: 👉 Why innovation in psychology often comes from necessity 👉 How small changes in systems or services can improve client care 👉 Why many clinicians want more variety than full-time one-to-one therapy 👉 Managing fear of failure and backlash from colleagues when trying something new 👉 Practical ways early-career psychologists can experiment with ideas safely
Thanks Catherine for this important conversation!
Guest: Dr Catherine Hart - Clinical Psychologist, Director of <a href="https://succoris.com.au/">Succoris Psychology</a> and Succoris Psychology Partnerships, Private Practice Business Coach
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Catherine's psychology practice, <a href="https://succoris.com.au/">Succoris Psychology</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/">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>.

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

Bron is joined by Laura Lee (psychologist & sexologist) to talk about why sexual healthcare matters in therapy and how to talk about sex with clients without fear, awkwardness, or shame.

They chat about:
👉 Laura's journey into sexology, beginning with noticing gaps in her own psychology training
👉🏿 Why avoiding conversations about sex can unintentionally reinforce stigma
👉🏾 Common barriers clinicians face to talking about sexual health with clients
👉🏼 The EX-PLISSIT model as a practical, containing framework for opening up conversations about sex, which psychologists can use in everyday practice

Thank you Laura for this incredible conversation! 🥰

Guest: Laura Lee, Psychologist and Sexologist, Board-Approved Supervisor

LINKS
Laura's LinkedIn
Laura's Instagram @lauraleesexology
Laura's private psychology practice
Research paper published by Laura: "The impact of communication on sexual response: A summary of findings"
Research paper: The Extended PLISSIT Model for Addressing the Sexual Wellbeing of Individuals with an Acquired Disability or Chronic Illness

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 Laura Lee (psychologist &amp; sexologist) to talk about why sexual healthcare matters in therapy and how to talk about sex with clients without fear, awkwardness, or shame.
They chat about: 👉 Laura's journey into sexology, beginning with noticing gaps in her own psychology training 👉🏿 Why avoiding conversations about sex can unintentionally reinforce stigma 👉🏾 Common barriers clinicians face to talking about sexual health with clients 👉🏼 The EX-PLISSIT model as a practical, containing framework for opening up conversations about sex, which psychologists can use in everyday practice
Thank you Laura for this incredible conversation! 🥰
Guest: <a href="https://www.lauralee.com.au/">Laura Lee</a>, Psychologist and Sexologist, Board-Approved Supervisor
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Laura's <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraleepsychologist/">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li>Laura's Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lauraleesexology/">@lauraleesexology</a></li>
<li>Laura's <a href="https://www.lauralee.com.au/">private psychology practice</a></li>
<li>Research paper published by Laura: <a href="https://journalofpositivesexuality.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10.51681.1.1024_The_Impact_of_Communication_on_Sexual_Response_Summary-Lee.pdf">"The impact of communication on sexual response: A summary of findings"</a></li>
<li>Research paper: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226331562_The_Extended_PLISSIT_Model_for_Addressing_the_Sexual_Wellbeing_of_Individuals_with_an_Acquired_Disability_or_Chronic_Illness">The Extended PLISSIT Model for Addressing the Sexual Wellbeing of Individuals with an Acquired Disability or Chronic Illness</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/">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>.

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

Bron is joined by Dr Trisnasari Fraser (Community Psychologist and researcher) to explore how sharing music across cultures can foster connection, build community resilience, and deepen cultural humility in mental health work.

We chat about:
👉🏽 Trisnasari's music-filled pathway from running a multicultural performing arts school to completing a PhD onintercultural music engagement.
👉🏻 Musicking as a social, community act that fosters belonging.
👉🏿 How music can help us hold both cultural difference and shared humanity at the same time.
👉🏼 How early-career psychologists can think beyond the therapy room and consider how creativity, music, and community participation can support healing, belonging, and sustainable practice.

Guest: Trisnasari Fraser, Community Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher

LINKS
Trisnasari's research page at the University of Melbourne
Trisnasari'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 Dr Trisnasari Fraser (Community Psychologist and researcher) to explore how sharing music across cultures can foster connection, build community resilience, and deepen cultural humility in mental health work.
We chat about: 👉🏽 Trisnasari's music-filled pathway from running a multicultural performing arts school to completing a PhD on intercultural music engagement. 👉🏻&nbsp;Musicking as a social, community act that fosters belonging. 👉🏿 How music can help us hold both cultural difference and shared humanity at the same time. 👉🏼 How early-career psychologists can think beyond the therapy room and consider how creativity, music, and community participation can support healing, belonging, and sustainable practice.
Guest: Trisnasari Fraser, Community Psychologist and Postdoctoral Researcher
LINKS
<ul>
<li><a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/801247-trisna-fraser">Trisnasari's research page at the University of Melbourne</a></li>
<li>Trisnasari's <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisnasari-fraser-8b45b2106/">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/">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>.

Starting out in private practice

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