Inside Social Work
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work on the frontlines of social change? Inside Social Work takes you behind the scenes to explore the realities of a profession that’s equal parts rewarding and relentless. Through candid conversations and honest reflections, this podcast examines the challenges, personal growth, and moments that stay with you long after the day is done. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious, this podcast offers a relatable and thought-provoking look at the realities of social work.
What Just Happened? How to Use ‘Here and Now’ Comments in Therapy
When you’re in a therapy session and something happens right in the moment, a shift in body language, a sudden silence, a flicker of emotion, naming it can change everything.
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work Podcast to talk about using ‘here and now’ comments to deepen connection and insight in the room. We explore why they work, when to use them, and how to navigate the risks.
We discuss:
What ‘here and now’ comments are and why they matterHow they can build safe...Student Placements in Private Practice with Amy Howell
Student placements in private practice are becoming more common, but they raise a lot of questions for students, supervisors, and clients.
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by social worker and supervisor Amy Howell to explore what it’s like offering student placements in a private practice setting, what support students need, and how services can navigate the challenges that come up.
We discuss:
Why more students are doing placements in private settingsWhat good supervision looks like when you’re in private practiceThe ethical, practical and emotional sides of student workHo...Inside the Therapy Room with the Whole Family
What actually happens when the whole family comes to therapy? And how do you even start a conversation when everyone’s at odds?
In this special crossover episode with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast, we explore the unique challenges and dynamics of working with whole families in therapy. From preparing for multi-person sessions to setting boundaries, managing multiple agendas and keeping kids engaged, this is an honest look into the real-world practice of systemic family therapy.
We talk about:
How therapists manage logistics, power dynamics and safetyThe importance of clear contracting wh...Is Caring Costing You? Money Beliefs and Private Practice
For many social workers and mental health professionals, the tension between caring and charging is real.
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins, host of the Mental Work podcast, to unpack how unexamined money beliefs can impact your practice, your wellbeing, and even your sense of identity as a helping professional.
We explore:
Why helping professions carry deep shame around moneyHow personal history and family beliefs shape financial decisionsThe unconscious ways clinicians undercharge, overwork, and self-sacrificeHow to create ethical, sustainable private practice modelsWhat healthy boundaries around time...Is Finding Your Dream Job a Scam?
Why does doing what you love sometimes leave you exhausted, stuck, or questioning your identity?
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Dr Bronwyn Milkins, psychologist and host of the Mental Work podcast, about why the dream job ideal doesn’t always lead to happiness. We explore how hustle culture, guilt and overidentification with our jobs contribute to burnout, and what it actually looks like to reclaim space outside work.
Whether you're a therapist, educator or any kind of helping professional, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like work becam...
Talk About the Talking: What Really Matters in the First Three Sessions
Do you ever feel like you need to have all the answers in the first few sessions? Maybe you’ve wondered if your client is silently asking themselves, is this going to help?
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I chat with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast about the pressures, pacing, and expectations that sit inside the first three sessions of therapy. We unpack what actually helps clients stay engaged and why slowing down can sometimes be the most helpful thing we do.
This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with re...
Intersectionality and finding a BIPOC therapist with Tham Fuyana
What if the therapist you were seeing just got it?
What if you didn’t have to explain your cultural background, your lived experience, or the reasons you approach life the way you do?
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I sat down with Tham Fuyana, Social Worker, Family Therapist and Educator, to talk about what it’s like navigating therapy as a BIPOC client.
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people/ person of colour
While I'm not a person of colour and can’t speak from lived experience, I shared re...
When a Client Dies by Suicide: Reflections for Mental Health Professionals
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by psychologist and researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins for an honest, reflective conversation about the professional and emotional impact of client suicide.
We discuss the emotional aftermath, ethical concerns, and the invisible weight carried by clinicians, social workers, and mental health practitioners.
Whether you've experienced this personally or are supporting someone who has, this episode offers insight, validation and guidance.
Key takeaways
• Why suicide loss can feel isolating for professionals
• The unspoken guilt, shame and fear that often accompany a clien...
Inside Social Work Returns
What does it really mean to work in this space? To support others, hold complex stories, and still show up with care?
In this new season of Inside Social Work, I’m having real, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about life as a social worker and allied health professional. Whether you’re just starting, mid-career, or wondering what’s next, this season is for you.
We’ll explore supervision, burnout, grief, identity shifts, cultural safety, politics, money, and the things that impact our work but rarely get talked about in training.
I'll be sharing r...
Group Supervision for Mental Health Professionals and Therapists
Do you ever feel like you're navigating your work solo, without a support system? In this episode, I'm diving into the world of group supervision and why it’s a game-changer for therapists and mental health professionals. I’ll share my experiences with supervision, the lessons learned, and why group supervision has been one of the most powerful tools for professional growth and connection.
Group supervision isn’t just about case reviews; it’s about building networks, gaining different perspectives, and developing as a therapist. If you're a mental health practitioner, this episode is for you. And if you'r...
Supervision for social workers
Have you ever wondered what supervision is all about and why it’s so important for mental health professionals? In this episode, I share my thoughts on the power of supervision, and how it helps mental health practitioners grow, avoid burnout, and improve their skills. Whether you’re in supervision now or looking to find the right supervisor, this episode is full of insights to get you thinking about how you can get the most out of the process.
I’ve been reflecting on my own experiences as both a supervisee and a supervisor, and in this episod...
Workplace Bullying, Burnout, and Work-Related Stress
Workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress are significant issues that can have detrimental effects on individuals in various professions. It's essential to recognise the signs of workplace bullying, take action early, and prioritise self-care to prevent long-term negative effects on mental and physical health.
In this episode, our guest, Frances Caile shares her experiences and insights on workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress. She explains how she was drawn to social work and her transition to private practice to have more time to do good work without the politics of organisations and paperwork. She discusses her motivation...
Helping women recover from interpersonal trauma and violence
Helping women recover from interpersonal trauma and violence
Liz is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who runs her own private practice called Breathe therapy. She's a mindful trauma therapist and is really passionate about supporting women to heal from childhood and adult experiences of interpersonal violence and abuse.
Liz has done some really incredible work and we talk about some of her social work journey, and how she incorporates various techniques such...
Supporting Social Workers with their accreditation pathway with Ashton Hayes
Ashton talks us through some steps you can take to work towards your accreditation.
She shares some of the resources that she's developed, including her accredited Mental Health Social Worker roadmap, which is part of an ebook series, private Facebook group that she has, as well as her consultation and training
We talk about supervision and what we wish we knew when we were first starting out and the importance of that.
Guest bio
Part 2 Implicit bias, we all have it with Lachlan Slade
This is the second episode of a multi-part series examining gender and sexuality. In this episode we look at implicit bias.
About your guest Lachlan Slade
Lachlan, (he/they) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. He has worked in the space for about 12 years now in various spaces with LGBTIQA+ and trauma work.
Lachlan Slade grew up in Shepparton studying in Albury Wodonga, and Bendigo to complete their Social Work degree. Lachlan cofounded the Out in the Open Festival, Shepparton's first L...
Part 1: They don't look gay?! Getting language right with Lachlan Slade
This is the first episode of a multi-part series examining gender and sexuality. How we as social workers can be more inclusive in our language and how we can work more emphatically with individuals and families.
About your guest Lachlan Slade
Lachlan, (he/they) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. He has worked in the space for about 12 years now in various spaces with LGBTIQA+ and trauma work.
Lachlan Slade grew up in Shepparton studying in Alb...
I hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-Wright
I hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-Wright
Yasmine McKee- Wright is a social worker and podcaster.
She has learned a lot from some of the guests on her podcast, Social Work Spotlight. We talk about her journey, having students on placement and a bit of time on self-care. Jasmine shares some of the things that she does for self-care and some of the things that sustain social workers in their careers.
Connect with Yasmine
<...Destigmatising borderline personality disorder and understanding DBT with Yvette Vardy
Dr Yvette Vardy is a clinical psychologist with twenty years of experience in the treatment of people with borderline personality disorder and those with complex issues and traumatic histories. Dr Yvette Vardy uses evidence-based practices and is passionate about providing treatments that lead to recovery or clinically significant improvements, ensuring clients are left with very tangible and concrete ways to manage themselves and their symptoms differently. She has a private practice in North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Yvette Vardy has established several Dialectical Behaviour Therapy programs in Australia and been employed as a...
Hello Anxiety with Dr Jodie Richardson
Dr Jodie Richardson is one of Australia's leading lights in managing anxiety. An educational leader, Dr Jodi Richardson supports parents and teachers to change their relationship with anxiety, dial it right down and light the way for their children and students to do the same. Jodi is a professional speaker supporting whole school communities around Australia, the best-selling author of the books 'Anxious Kids' and 'Anxious Mums', hosts the popular podcast 'Well, hello anxiety' and is a mum of two.
Where to find Jodie
Website https://drjodirichardson.c...
9 questions to ask your therapist
Things to ask your therapist during your first therapy session
Doing some research and planning before your session can help give you a sense of calm and help you work out if the therapist is going to be a good fit for you and your goals/ needs for therapy.
Finding the right professional or professionals and finding the right kind of treatment and support is a fine balance.
What training did you do?
What Kind Of Therapy Do You Offer?
How W...
Purple Carrots: Inclusive drama programs with Silvina D'Alessandro
In this week's episode, you’ll hear how Silvina started an inclusive drama program in Canada and ran it successfully there for a number of years before moving to Melbourne and starting it all over again.
Learn more here https://www.purplecarrots.com.au/
Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors
https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/
<...
Part 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning Preferences
We all have different ways that we like to learn and engage with content. In this episode, I talk through some of the learning preferences that adult learners may have and how to tailor supervision to meet different needs.
If you are a supervisor it's really handy to know what works for your supervisee and if you're a supervisee it’s really helpful to know how you like to learn and what you can do and supervision to get the most out of supervision.
Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors
...Becoming trained in EMDR Therapy Caroline Burrows
Caroline is an accredited EMDR, trainer and consultant with a background in clinical social work and psychotherapy. She has over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and tertiary settings. She is the owner and director of Mindful Living, a group private practice in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She had worked in The Melbourne Clinic so as an EMDR, coordinator where she developed the first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria. She has an infectious enthusiasm for EMDR therapy and EMDR training, which will be obvious when you listen to her talk about it. She...
Supervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group Supervision
Benefits of group supervision
Group supervision can provide unique opportunities to grow your skills, feel connected and normalise difficult situations or experiences.
Some of the benefits include
https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/
Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!
...
Hospital Social Work with Adham Hammoud
Adam works in tertiary mental health services. He's an accredited mental health social worker. Currently he works as a social Work Discipline lead in a hospital, and part of his role now is as allied health educator, supporting graduate social workers, and other allied health professionals as well as students on placement.
‘’I always knew that I wanted to work with people in like a helping profession.’’
Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show
<...
Supervision PART 1
Supervision is SO important . It provides a forum for reflection and learning, review, reflection, critique and replenishment for professional practitioners.
One of the purposes of social work supervision is to enhance the professional skills and competence of the supervisee to achieve positive outcomes for the people with whom they work
Choosing a supervisor
It's crucial to find someone you can work with and trust
Some thing...
Being your authentic self with Coby Liew
We chatted about diversity, sexuality, being authentic in therapy, critical reflection, building trust, and sharing parts of your lived experience.
About Coby
Coby is an experienced mental health practitioner with a passion for life, health, and healing. As an advocate for good mental health, he regularly presents at conferences and workshops across different states in Australia and internationally. In addition, he has extensive experience working creatively with children (as young as 6 years old), adolescents, and adults from various backgrounds and cultures, assisting t...
Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are the limits we set with other people, which indicate what we find acceptable and unacceptable in their behavior towards us.
Elements of trust - from the work of Brene Brown.
Using the acronym BRAVING
Boundaries
Reliability
Accountability
Vault
Intergtriy
Non-judgement
Generosity
...
What can we learn from Very Bad Therapy? With Caroline Wiita & Ben Fineman
We can learn so much from people's experiences of therapy. When someone shares their story of what they have found helpful and harmful, we need to reflect on what we are doing in our practices.
I have learned so much from the storied Ben and Carrie share on their podcast, Very Bad Therapy, and it was an absolute pleasure speaking to them for this episode on the Inside Social Work Podcast.
About this weeks guests
Imposter Syndrome
Impostor syndrome
What is imposter syndrome?
It’s not the same as having self-doubt. Sometimes when we learn a new skill or we’re trying something new for the first time we might not be confident and feel that we do it well.
Impostor syndrome is different it’s more about feeling like you’re going to get found out. It can impact your ability to perform and impact your career
The importance of investing in ourselves with Helen Gray
The importance of investing in ourselves with Helen Gray
Website - https://helengray.com.au/
Reset Your Mindset - Free webinar on the 4 steps to change your thoughts and change your future - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/x/reset-your-mindset-4-steps-to-change-your-thoughts-change-your-future-tickets-290056696387
REIGNITE - the professional wellbeing coaching program for health and social welfare practitioners - https://members.helengray.com.au/reignite/
Thriving Leadership Through Change workshops - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/wat...
Understanding anxiety in teens
Anxiety in Teens
What is anxiety How to identify anxiety in teens Tips on how to initiate a conversation with your teen about their anxiety Self-help strategies How to know when your child may need professional help and what options are available
Piera unpacks some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety in teens.
She shares ways to start conversations with teens using the 5 steps of emotion coaching.
Join the Inside Socia...
BONUS episode: Having conversations about mental health
Blog posts
https://thetherapyhub.com.au/how-can-i-approach-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety/
https://thetherapyhub.com.au/difficultconversationsteens/
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/
MHFA australia mhfa.com.au/
Here are the details to the free webinar series I am runni...
ENCORE EMDR Therapy explained, with Caroline Burrows.
EMDR explained, with Caroline Burrows.
Caroline is an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant with a background in Clinical Social Work and Psychotherapy. Through the delivery of innovative EMDR training and consultation services, she encourages, inspires and motivates EMDR therapists in their clinical work. She is also an experienced clinical supervisor. Caroline has 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and university settings. She is the Owner and Director of Mindful Living, a successful group private practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. As the EMDR Coordinator at The Melbourne Clinic, Caroline developed the...
ENCORE: Youth Mental Health First Aid with Dr Claire Kelly
Ever wondered how you can support young people who may be struggling with mental health challenges? In this episode, I talk through the importance of recognising early signs, fostering supportive environments, and knowing the essential steps to guide young people towards help. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone who wants to support the next generation, this episode dives into practical strategies to promote mental wellness in teens and young adults.
Mental health first aid is like traditional first aid, but it’s about responding to mental health concerns with the same readiness and care. I’ll sha...
Creating an LGBTQIA+ safe practice with Lachlan Slade
Lauchlan has a special interest counselling teens and adults who are experiencing trauma or anxiety, and with people from LGBTIQA+ communities.
Lauchlan runs LGBTIQA+ small group supervision for practitioners and other professionals.
If you would like to hear more about Lauchlan’s social work journey check out our earlier interview on episode 20.
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000472746380
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Creating a gender clinic with Allison Parker
In this episode, Allison and I discuss the importance of gender-inclusive health care. We discuss ways individual practitioners can show support, be a safe person to talk to and other ways to be a more inclusive practitioner.
Allison shares with listeners how she recognised a need for inclusive health care and applied for an innovation challenge , to create a gender clinic in Melbourne's West, and won!
About our guest
Allison Parker has a wide range of experience in health care, as a nurse and paramedic. Currently Allison is Inn...
Managing Burnout in Private Practice.
Managing Burnout in Private Practice.
Karen shares with listeners her Social Work journey. We talk about working with women and children, managing burnout and the importance of supervision.
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Join the Inside Social Work Podcast mailing list to get your free social work career guide
Visit the website for the latest info and show notes https://insidesocialwork.com/
Support the show by making a contribution https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork
Sub...
Exploring Policy and Advocacy with self described policy geek Jack Whitney
In this episode, Jack shares his passion for policy. He highlights some of the roles social workers can play that are not in direct practice, and how valuable and important those roles are
Moving from the city to the Top End. Working as a social worker in the Northern Territory
Katilin is a recent graduate currently working in Katherine NT in an aboriginal controlled health service as a dual diagnosis worker.
The work she does is complex for so many reasons , and she was considering working up to the Northern Territory; she struggled to find any information about what social work would look like in that area.
Kaitlin shares with listeners how she has made a network and formed a community, managing boundaries in a small town and being a graduate social worker working away from home.
Resources mentioned by...
