Bron is joined by Claire Trevitt (psychologist and Board-approved supervisor) to unpack one of the most quietly stressful parts of early-career practice: client retention. Together, they explore why clients disengage from therapy and why it’s so often not a sign that you’re “bad at therapy.”

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why ambivalence and drop-out are common (and normal)
👉🏻 How to spot readiness for change through attendance and in-session cues
👉🏿 Practical ways to slow down, check in, and keep clients engaged
👉🏾 Using permission-giving, pacing, and a “menu of choices” in sessions
👉🏼 When supervision, feedback, and skill-building can genuinely help

This episode is a reassuring, practical conversation for early-career psychologists who care deeply about their work and are quietly worrying they’re “not doing enough.” If you’ve ever taken client disengagement personally, this one’s for you!

Guest: Claire Trevitt, Psychologist and Supervisor at The Growing Therapist and Host of the Between Two Psychs Podcast

LINKS

• Claire's podcast, Between Two Psychs
• Claire's training/supervision website, The Growing Therapist
• Outcome Rating Scale and Session Rating Scale

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.

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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.