<![CDATA[Inside Social Work]]>dede33eb-0504-514e-b6cc-539c61a15558Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:30:18 +0000Captivate.fmMarie Vakakishttps://artwork.captivate.fm/9ba68870-e519-4ed1-89f3-224393717dfd/_Egtid8ibIin-nu0DTl58OB_.pngInside Social WorkMarie VakakisMarie VakakisEver 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.https://marievakakis.com.au/falseepisodichttps://feeds.captivate.fm/insidesocialwork/nopodcastMail BagMail BagWhat if I don’t know what I’m doing in my first session?

How do I know if I’m being paid fairly?

How do I protect my energy in private practice?

This episode is a mailbag episode, where Bronwyn and I go through some listener questions.

We talk honestly and practically about what it’s really like in the early and middle stages of practice. From first session nerves, to niching, money, burnout and protecting your energy in private practice.

This episode is a mix of lived experience, mistakes we’ve made, and the things we wish someone had told us sooner.

In this episode we cover:

  1. What actually helps when you’re seeing your first ever client
  2. How to think about niching without boxing yourself in
  3. Why pay is complicated and what to look at beyond the number
  4. How to protect your mental health and energy in private practice
  5. Why listening matters more than saying the right thing

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing this job “right”, this one is for you.

If this episode stirred something for you, you are not alone. We are all human in this work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources

• Mental Work Podcast

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>What if I don’t know what I’m doing in my first session?

How do I know if I’m being paid fairly?

How do I protect my energy in private practice?

This episode is a mailbag episode, where Bronwyn and I go through some listener questions.

We talk honestly and practically about what it’s really like in the early and middle stages of practice. From first session nerves, to niching, money, burnout and protecting your energy in private practice.

This episode is a mix of lived experience, mistakes we’ve made, and the things we wish someone had told us sooner.

In this episode we cover:

  1. What actually helps when you’re seeing your first ever client
  2. How to think about niching without boxing yourself in
  3. Why pay is complicated and what to look at beyond the number
  4. How to protect your mental health and energy in private practice
  5. Why listening matters more than saying the right thing

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re doing this job “right”, this one is for you.

If this episode stirred something for you, you are not alone. We are all human in this work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources

• Mental Work Podcast

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>3100e7bd-bfda-4508-a47e-33295e2c3f66Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:30:00 +110042:48falsefull9999How to Feel Confident When Working With ParentsHow to Feel Confident When Working With ParentsHave you ever been sitting with a young person in session while their parent waits outside, unsure how much to involve them and quietly worrying about saying the wrong thing?

Working with parents alongside young people can feel daunting. Consent, confidentiality, boundaries, imposter syndrome and distressed parents can contribute to avoiding it altogether. Avoiding bringing families into the room missed crucial information and support for the young person can leave families feeling excluded and unsure of how to help.

In this episode of the Inside Social Work Podcast, I talk about how to confidently and ethically include parents in therapeutic work with young people. We don’t need to be family therapy trained to include parents in sessions, and I share how we include them in thoughtful collaboration that supports the work rather than complicates it.

If you work with young people and feel unsure about how to manage parents, this episode offers reassurance, practical ideas, and a reminder that you do not need to do this perfectly to do it well.

In this episode, I talk about

• Why involving parents often feels overwhelming for clinicians

• Common fears early career practitioners have when working with families

• How to set clear boundaries around confidentiality and expectations

• Practical ways to include parents without overwhelming the work

• Shifting from fixing to holding space when emotions run high

• How collaboration with families can strengthen outcomes for young people

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:

  1. Mental Work Podcast
  2. Connected teens

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>Have you ever been sitting with a young person in session while their parent waits outside, unsure how much to involve them and quietly worrying about saying the wrong thing?

Working with parents alongside young people can feel daunting. Consent, confidentiality, boundaries, imposter syndrome and distressed parents can contribute to avoiding it altogether. Avoiding bringing families into the room missed crucial information and support for the young person can leave families feeling excluded and unsure of how to help.

In this episode of the Inside Social Work Podcast, I talk about how to confidently and ethically include parents in therapeutic work with young people. We don’t need to be family therapy trained to include parents in sessions, and I share how we include them in thoughtful collaboration that supports the work rather than complicates it.

If you work with young people and feel unsure about how to manage parents, this episode offers reassurance, practical ideas, and a reminder that you do not need to do this perfectly to do it well.

In this episode, I talk about

• Why involving parents often feels overwhelming for clinicians

• Common fears early career practitioners have when working with families

• How to set clear boundaries around confidentiality and expectations

• Practical ways to include parents without overwhelming the work

• Shifting from fixing to holding space when emotions run high

• How collaboration with families can strengthen outcomes for young people

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:

  1. Mental Work Podcast
  2. Connected teens

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>c7dd17bc-127c-422a-996b-84a881b0f2bdThu, 08 Jan 2026 06:30:00 +110046:04falsefull9898Owning Your Own Sh*tOwning Your Own Sh*tWhat happens when we don’t own our stuff?

This episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by psychologist and researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins to talk about something many of us encounter in our work: what happens when we avoid taking responsibility for how we show up in the work.

We explore those reactive moments. The times we avoid difficult conversations. The situations where our own history or blind spots start to shape our interactions with clients and teams. We discuss the importance of

emotional responsibility in mental health settings and why being trained in this work does not make us immune to rupture, defensiveness or being messy humans.We talk about

• Why mental health workers idealise their colleagues

• What happens when professionals avoid their own inner work

• How shame and perfectionism show up in teams

• When supervision becomes a mirror rather than a shield

• The difference between being healed and being honest

• How to recognise your triggers before they spill into the work

• Ways to bring more transparency, ownership and repair into your workplace

If this episode stirred something for you, you are not alone. We are all human in this work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources

• Mental Work Podcast

• Brene Brown YouTube clip on blame

•📕 Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

•📕 Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

• Grow Yourself Up by Jenny Brown

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>What happens when we don’t own our stuff?

This episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by psychologist and researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins to talk about something many of us encounter in our work: what happens when we avoid taking responsibility for how we show up in the work.

We explore those reactive moments. The times we avoid difficult conversations. The situations where our own history or blind spots start to shape our interactions with clients and teams. We discuss the importance of

emotional responsibility in mental health settings and why being trained in this work does not make us immune to rupture, defensiveness or being messy humans.We talk about

• Why mental health workers idealise their colleagues

• What happens when professionals avoid their own inner work

• How shame and perfectionism show up in teams

• When supervision becomes a mirror rather than a shield

• The difference between being healed and being honest

• How to recognise your triggers before they spill into the work

• Ways to bring more transparency, ownership and repair into your workplace

If this episode stirred something for you, you are not alone. We are all human in this work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources

• Mental Work Podcast

• Brene Brown YouTube clip on blame

•📕 Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

•📕 Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

• Grow Yourself Up by Jenny Brown

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>2c5b00b2-fd33-4356-9a5e-aff10064def5Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:30:00 +110044:22truefull9797Working With Couples (Without Playing Referee)Working With Couples (Without Playing Referee)Couples therapy can be some of the most rewarding work we do, but it can also be some of the most challenging. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in the room thinking, am I helping or am I refereeing?, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Inside Social Work, I revisit a conversation originally recorded with Dr Bronwyn Milkins on the Mental Work Podcast, where we break down what it really looks like to work with couples without getting pulled into the crossfire.

We explore what actually happens in sessions, why structure matters, and how to navigate the emotional intensity that comes with two people bringing their pain, frustration, and hopes into the room.

Whether you’re new to couples work or trying to build more confidence, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real clinical experience.

We explore:

  • Why couples work can feel emotionally demanding
  • How structure helps contain conflict
  • What live conflict reveals about patterns
  • How to stay steady without taking sides
  • What to consider when separation is on the table

Resources:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>Couples therapy can be some of the most rewarding work we do, but it can also be some of the most challenging. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in the room thinking, am I helping or am I refereeing?, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Inside Social Work, I revisit a conversation originally recorded with Dr Bronwyn Milkins on the Mental Work Podcast, where we break down what it really looks like to work with couples without getting pulled into the crossfire.

We explore what actually happens in sessions, why structure matters, and how to navigate the emotional intensity that comes with two people bringing their pain, frustration, and hopes into the room.

Whether you’re new to couples work or trying to build more confidence, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real clinical experience.

We explore:

  • Why couples work can feel emotionally demanding
  • How structure helps contain conflict
  • What live conflict reveals about patterns
  • How to stay steady without taking sides
  • What to consider when separation is on the table

Resources:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>0f607ba3-e3e0-4811-8bd8-7533cb8946eeThu, 27 Nov 2025 06:30:00 +110054:09falsefull9696Looking Back at Our Money StoriesLooking Back at Our Money StoriesMoney touches every part of our lives, yet so often it’s the thing we avoid talking about. In this final episode of our money mini-series, Ashton Hayes (Becoming an AMHSW Podcast) and I wrap up our reflections on the money stories and money blocks that shape how we live, work, and relate.

Together we explore:

  • How old beliefs about money can quietly influence our choices
  • The importance of transparency around money in relationships
  • Why financial literacy matters for social workers and clients alike
  • Gendered expectations about money and worth
  • Small, practical steps that help you feel more confident with money
  • Why reflective practice applies just as much to money as it does to social work

This episode is about going gently with yourself, questioning the stories you’ve inherited, and starting the conversations that so many of us have avoided.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>Money touches every part of our lives, yet so often it’s the thing we avoid talking about. In this final episode of our money mini-series, Ashton Hayes (Becoming an AMHSW Podcast) and I wrap up our reflections on the money stories and money blocks that shape how we live, work, and relate.

Together we explore:

  • How old beliefs about money can quietly influence our choices
  • The importance of transparency around money in relationships
  • Why financial literacy matters for social workers and clients alike
  • Gendered expectations about money and worth
  • Small, practical steps that help you feel more confident with money
  • Why reflective practice applies just as much to money as it does to social work

This episode is about going gently with yourself, questioning the stories you’ve inherited, and starting the conversations that so many of us have avoided.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

]]>f404a256-c27e-40d0-b8a3-73891a8df189Fri, 17 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110018:42falsefull9595Untangling money blocks in social workUntangling money blocks in social workOur relationship with money doesn’t start when we open our first bank account. It’s shaped from childhood,  through our families, culture, community, and the messages we absorbed without even realising. These “money stories” influence how we value ourselves, the fees we set, the risks we take, and the limits we place on our practice.

In this episode, Ashton and I explore the money myths and blocks that show up for social workers in private practice. We share our own experiences, unpack where these beliefs come from, and talk about how shifting them can open up new possibilities in our work and lives.

What we cover:

  • What “money stories” are and why they matter
  • How family and culture shape our beliefs about money
  • Common money myths (hard work equals worth, ambition equals greed)
  • How money blocks play out in practice, undercharging, burnout, and fear of growth
  • Practical tools and resources to reflect on and reframe your money story

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Also explore:

  • Books – She’s On the Money, Barefoot Investor, Profit First, You’re a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
  • Journaling prompts – Ashton’s 30-day reflections on money blocks
  • How to Improve Your Relationship With Money

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

Our relationship with money doesn’t start when we open our first bank account. It’s shaped from childhood,  through our families, culture, community, and the messages we absorbed without even realising. These “money stories” influence how we value ourselves, the fees we set, the risks we take, and the limits we place on our practice.

In this episode, Ashton and I explore the money myths and blocks that show up for social workers in private practice. We share our own experiences, unpack where these beliefs come from, and talk about how shifting them can open up new possibilities in our work and lives.

What we cover:


Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Also explore:

  • Books – She’s On the Money, Barefoot Investor, Profit First, You’re a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
  • Journaling prompts – Ashton’s 30-day reflections on money blocks
  • How to Improve Your Relationship With Money

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>0999bbe7-9cae-4085-bc0d-6a8d99af5868Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110022:58falsefull9494We don’t have to work for freeWe don’t have to work for freeSocial work is often framed as a profession of sacrifice, but does that mean we should give away our time and expertise for free?

In this episode, Ashton and I unpack the belief that charging for our services makes us less caring. We talk about fee transparency, the real costs of running a practice, and how the expectation of free or underpaid labour undermines both social workers and clients.

We also reflect on the importance of boundaries, sustainability, and the difference between choosing to give back through volunteering or community work and being pressured to undervalue ourselves.

We cover:

  • Why social workers are pressured to work for free (and why it’s harmful)
  • The hidden costs of private practice (training, HEX debt, ongoing supervision)
  • Fee transparency and clear expectations with clients
  • How undervaluing ourselves undermines the profession
  • Balancing generosity and sustainability in practice
  • The difference between volunteering by choice vs. being exploited

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Also explore:

Open letter from Ashon Hayes - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-accredited-mental-health-social-worker-ashton-hayes-idq9c/

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5...]]>Social work is often framed as a profession of sacrifice, but does that mean we should give away our time and expertise for free?

In this episode, Ashton and I unpack the belief that charging for our services makes us less caring. We talk about fee transparency, the real costs of running a practice, and how the expectation of free or underpaid labour undermines both social workers and clients.

We also reflect on the importance of boundaries, sustainability, and the difference between choosing to give back through volunteering or community work and being pressured to undervalue ourselves.

We cover:

  • Why social workers are pressured to work for free (and why it’s harmful)
  • The hidden costs of private practice (training, HEX debt, ongoing supervision)
  • Fee transparency and clear expectations with clients
  • How undervaluing ourselves undermines the profession
  • Balancing generosity and sustainability in practice
  • The difference between volunteering by choice vs. being exploited

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Also explore:

Open letter from Ashon Hayes - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-accredited-mental-health-social-worker-ashton-hayes-idq9c/

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>336f251c-3cc1-48a1-8a29-40dca67575f1Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110020:08falsefull9393Saving money starting out and the mistakes we madeSaving money starting out and the mistakes we madeStarting in private practice is exciting and expensive. There are so many choices about what to spend on and what to skip. From shiny new tech to endless training courses, it can be easy to waste money before you’ve even found your feet.

In this episode, Ashton and I talk about where you can actually save money when you’re just starting out, the investments that are worth it, and our biggest money blunders (spoiler: ring lights and training we never finished).

We cover:

  • Why systems are the best early investment
  • How to avoid wasting money on unused tech or subscriptions
  • The hidden savings in group supervision and training bundles
  • The importance of cancellation policies to protect your income
  • Balancing “just getting started” with optimising as you grow
  • Our own biggest money mistakes (and what we’d do differently)

This conversation is about being strategic. Spend where it counts, cut back where you can, and don’t let shiny distractions eat into your income.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Starting in private practice is exciting and expensive. There are so many choices about what to spend on and what to skip. From shiny new tech to endless training courses, it can be easy to waste money before you’ve even found your feet.

In this episode, Ashton and I talk about where you can actually save money when you’re just starting out, the investments that are worth it, and our biggest money blunders (spoiler: ring lights and training we never finished).

We cover:

  • Why systems are the best early investment
  • How to avoid wasting money on unused tech or subscriptions
  • The hidden savings in group supervision and training bundles
  • The importance of cancellation policies to protect your income
  • Balancing “just getting started” with optimising as you grow
  • Our own biggest money mistakes (and what we’d do differently)

This conversation is about being strategic. Spend where it counts, cut back where you can, and don’t let shiny distractions eat into your income.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>0ea76148-9391-4338-9e7e-2b863e3c9fdbTue, 14 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110020:53falsefull9292Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Why do social workers feel guilty charging our worth?Money is often the thing we’re told not to talk about. Yet for social workers, it’s at the heart of so many challenges in our profession.

In this episode, Ashton and I unpack:

  • Why social workers feel guilty about charging for their work
  • The gendered expectations tied to caring professions
  • How undervaluing ourselves hurts both us and the profession
  • The hidden costs of private practice training, supervision, sick leave, overheads
  • Shifting mindset from “martyrdom” to sustainability
  • How charging fairly allows us to keep showing up for clients

We talk openly about the guilt, the judgment, and the reality of making a living in social work.

If this resonates, start with the Intro Episode of the series and follow through each conversation. Together, they’re about honesty, growth, and reclaiming what it means to thrive in this profession.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Money is often the thing we’re told not to talk about. Yet for social workers, it’s at the heart of so many challenges in our profession.

In this episode, Ashton and I unpack:

  • Why social workers feel guilty about charging for their work
  • The gendered expectations tied to caring professions
  • How undervaluing ourselves hurts both us and the profession
  • The hidden costs of private practice training, supervision, sick leave, overheads
  • Shifting mindset from “martyrdom” to sustainability
  • How charging fairly allows us to keep showing up for clients

We talk openly about the guilt, the judgment, and the reality of making a living in social work.

If this resonates, start with the Intro Episode of the series and follow through each conversation. Together, they’re about honesty, growth, and reclaiming what it means to thrive in this profession.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>2ce58055-aee6-4106-934e-9e553cf346a9Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110011:55falsefull9191The hardest parts of social work and what we love about itThe hardest parts of social work and what we love about itSocial work doesn’t follow a straight line, it’s often what we call a squiggly career. Along the way, there are challenges, shiny distractions, and moments of doubt. But there are also incredible rewards.

In this episode, Ashton and I reflect on:

  • The hardest parts of working as Accredited Mental Health Social Workers
  • The risks of chasing every new training or modality
  • Why having a clear thread or anchor point matters
  • Common misconceptions about AMHSW accreditation
  • The role of hobbies, creativity, and connection outside of work
  • The great things that keep us engaged in this profession

🎧 Tune in to hear the lessons we’ve learned and the joys we’ve found along the way.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Social work doesn’t follow a straight line, it’s often what we call a squiggly career. Along the way, there are challenges, shiny distractions, and moments of doubt. But there are also incredible rewards.

In this episode, Ashton and I reflect on:

  • The hardest parts of working as Accredited Mental Health Social Workers
  • The risks of chasing every new training or modality
  • Why having a clear thread or anchor point matters
  • Common misconceptions about AMHSW accreditation
  • The role of hobbies, creativity, and connection outside of work
  • The great things that keep us engaged in this profession

🎧 Tune in to hear the lessons we’ve learned and the joys we’ve found along the way.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>10d526e9-1f38-4e68-91e9-c9867f690654Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110031:11falsefull9090The moments self-doubt almost stopped usThe moments self-doubt almost stopped usSelf-doubt has a way of creeping in at the worst times whether it’s applying for a job, saying yes to a leadership role, or even putting yourself out there creatively.

In this episode, Ashton and I talk about the moments where self-doubt almost stopped us from saying yes to opportunities and how we found ways to push through. 

We explore:

  • Why self-doubt shows up even for experienced social workers
  • How writing, speaking, and visibility can feel like barriers
  • Gendered expectations around confidence and “meeting the criteria”
  • Strategies that help us move forward despite inner criticism
  • Progress over perfection and learning to reframe self-doubt as growth

🎧 Listen to the episode now and reflect on the role self-doubt has played in your own career.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Self-doubt has a way of creeping in at the worst times whether it’s applying for a job, saying yes to a leadership role, or even putting yourself out there creatively.

In this episode, Ashton and I talk about the moments where self-doubt almost stopped us from saying yes to opportunities and how we found ways to push through. 

We explore:

  • Why self-doubt shows up even for experienced social workers
  • How writing, speaking, and visibility can feel like barriers
  • Gendered expectations around confidence and “meeting the criteria”
  • Strategies that help us move forward despite inner criticism
  • Progress over perfection and learning to reframe self-doubt as growth

🎧 Listen to the episode now and reflect on the role self-doubt has played in your own career.

Resources

Listen to the previous episodes in this series:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>fe61c246-58c8-4d03-9e51-ac5a90f11315Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110015:59falsefull8989The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeThe careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believeHave you ever looked at your career and thought,  my younger self would never have seen this coming?

In Episode 3 of our mini-series, Ashton and I reflect on how our work, values, and lives have evolved in ways our 25-year-old selves could never have predicted. From unexpected career shifts to the courage to take up space, we explore the surprises that come with time and experience.

We also invite you to reflect: what would surprise your younger self about where you are now?

In this episode we cover:

  • How career paths rarely unfold the way we imagine at the start
  • The tension between early dreams and where we’ve landed
  • Why public speaking, podcasting, or leadership might feel impossible when we’re just starting out
  • The role of values in shaping a career, more than goals or tick-box achievements
  • How looking back can spark empathy for our younger selves — and gratitude for our growth

Resources:

  1. Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
  2. How our social work practice has grown
  3. Join the Career Clarity Challenge today!

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Have you ever looked at your career and thought,  my younger self would never have seen this coming?

In Episode 3 of our mini-series, Ashton and I reflect on how our work, values, and lives have evolved in ways our 25-year-old selves could never have predicted. From unexpected career shifts to the courage to take up space, we explore the surprises that come with time and experience.

We also invite you to reflect: what would surprise your younger self about where you are now?

In this episode we cover:

  • How career paths rarely unfold the way we imagine at the start
  • The tension between early dreams and where we’ve landed
  • Why public speaking, podcasting, or leadership might feel impossible when we’re just starting out
  • The role of values in shaping a career, more than goals or tick-box achievements
  • How looking back can spark empathy for our younger selves — and gratitude for our growth

Resources:

  1. Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)
  2. How our social work practice has grown
  3. Join the Career Clarity Challenge today!

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>28d2c892-354b-477d-a237-abb74a98e2efWed, 08 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110013:09falsefull8888How our social work practice has grownHow our social work practice has grownSocial work careers rarely look the same. In this episode we share what ours look like now and how they keep evolving, Ashton and I talk about where that journey has taken us and the work we’re doing now.

I share what it’s like running The Therapy Hub in Melbourne, supporting young people, families, and couples, as well as the trainings and parenting programs I’ve developed. Ashton talks about her dual focus: Willow Tree, her counselling clinic, and Ashton Hayes & Co Consulting, where she mentors and supports social workers across Australia.

Together, we explore:

  • The realities of running private practices and balancing multiple roles
  • Finding a niche in therapy and why it’s an evolving process
  • The overlap between mental health, relationships, and education
  • How supervision, mentoring, and leadership strengthen our field
  • Why building community matters as much as individual client work

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Social work careers rarely look the same. In this episode we share what ours look like now and how they keep evolving, Ashton and I talk about where that journey has taken us and the work we’re doing now.

I share what it’s like running The Therapy Hub in Melbourne, supporting young people, families, and couples, as well as the trainings and parenting programs I’ve developed. Ashton talks about her dual focus: Willow Tree, her counselling clinic, and Ashton Hayes & Co Consulting, where she mentors and supports social workers across Australia.

Together, we explore:

  • The realities of running private practices and balancing multiple roles
  • Finding a niche in therapy and why it’s an evolving process
  • The overlap between mental health, relationships, and education
  • How supervision, mentoring, and leadership strengthen our field
  • Why building community matters as much as individual client work

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>f0d7b23d-15ec-48d3-a6b6-708fe5ed8ee0Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110024:11falsefull8787Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)Why we became social workers (and why we stayed)Every social worker has a story about how they got here. Some of us take winding paths through other careers, while others stumble into social work almost by accident.

In this first episode of our 10-part collaboration series, I sit down with Ashton Hayes (host of Becoming an AMHSW) to share our journeys into social work.

We talk about:

  • The meandering, non-linear paths that led us into social work
  • How travel, life experience, and curiosity shaped our choices
  • The breadth of social work, from policy to practice, and everything in between
  • Why the profession can be so hard to define, yet so rewarding
  • The challenges of explaining what we do, and how training shapes our careers

This isn’t the neat checklist version of becoming a social worker. It’s about real experiences, twists and turns, and the values that pulled us into the work.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Every social worker has a story about how they got here. Some of us take winding paths through other careers, while others stumble into social work almost by accident.

In this first episode of our 10-part collaboration series, I sit down with Ashton Hayes (host of Becoming an AMHSW) to share our journeys into social work.

We talk about:

  • The meandering, non-linear paths that led us into social work
  • How travel, life experience, and curiosity shaped our choices
  • The breadth of social work, from policy to practice, and everything in between
  • Why the profession can be so hard to define, yet so rewarding
  • The challenges of explaining what we do, and how training shapes our careers

This isn’t the neat checklist version of becoming a social worker. It’s about real experiences, twists and turns, and the values that pulled us into the work.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>43e87bba-f18b-4ab8-8603-2e110921c9efMon, 06 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110022:29falsefull8686Behind the scenes of becoming an accredited mental health social worker series intro.Behind the scenes of becoming an accredited mental health social worker series intro.Have you ever wondered if you’re really cut out to be an accredited mental health social worker? If you’re smart enough, good enough, or if everyone else has it figured out while you’re still feeling like an imposter? What about talking money and finances? Branding and marketing?

You’re not alone.

In this special 10-part collaboration, I team up with Ashton Hayes, host of Becoming an AMHSW, to share the messy, honest realities of becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. We share our own lived experiences, the winding career paths that shape who we are, impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and discuss the often-taboo topic of money stories.

You won't want to miss this series

Across the series we talk about:

  • The challenges and frustrations of AMHSW applications and pathways
  • The truth about starting out in private practice
  • Why vulnerability and connection matter so much in this work
  • Money beliefs, charging clients, and financial security in social work
  • Building networks and community so the work feels less lonely

This isn’t a guidebook. It’s two social workers sharing the behind-the-scenes stories that often go unspoken. Our hope is that you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and maybe even inspired as you navigate your own career.

🎧 Listen to the collaboration series on Inside Social Work and Becoming an AMHSW.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Have you ever wondered if you’re really cut out to be an accredited mental health social worker? If you’re smart enough, good enough, or if everyone else has it figured out while you’re still feeling like an imposter? What about talking money and finances? Branding and marketing?

You’re not alone.

In this special 10-part collaboration, I team up with Ashton Hayes, host of Becoming an AMHSW, to share the messy, honest realities of becoming an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. We share our own lived experiences, the winding career paths that shape who we are, impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and discuss the often-taboo topic of money stories.

You won't want to miss this series

Across the series we talk about:

  • The challenges and frustrations of AMHSW applications and pathways
  • The truth about starting out in private practice
  • Why vulnerability and connection matter so much in this work
  • Money beliefs, charging clients, and financial security in social work
  • Building networks and community so the work feels less lonely

This isn’t a guidebook. It’s two social workers sharing the behind-the-scenes stories that often go unspoken. Our hope is that you’ll feel less alone, more grounded, and maybe even inspired as you navigate your own career.

🎧 Listen to the collaboration series on Inside Social Work and Becoming an AMHSW.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>6ab25503-a764-4887-9524-a81090daeff8Fri, 03 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +110011:15falsefull8585Benefits of SupervisionBenefits of SupervisionHave you ever sat in a supervision session that felt more like a checklist than real support? Maybe you’ve wondered what supervision is actually meant to give you.

In this solo episode of Inside Social Work, I talk about why supervision matters, how it’s shaped my own practice, and why it’s more than a professional requirement. We’ll explore how good supervision helps prevent burnout, what makes it different from line management, and how to find the right fit as your needs change.

This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with reflections for social workers, therapists, and anyone holding the weight of other people’s stories.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why real supervision is about reflection and growth, not just case management
  • How supervision helps with ethical decision making and burnout prevention
  • What to look for in a supervisor beyond credentials
  • Why it’s okay for your supervision needs to change over time
  • How group and peer supervision can build connection and perspective
  • What supervision can and can’t do when it comes to workplace challenges

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with a colleague or anyone who’s thinking about their own supervision practice. You can also download my free resource on reflective questions for supervision in the show notes.

Resources:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Have you ever sat in a supervision session that felt more like a checklist than real support? Maybe you’ve wondered what supervision is actually meant to give you.

In this solo episode of Inside Social Work, I talk about why supervision matters, how it’s shaped my own practice, and why it’s more than a professional requirement. We’ll explore how good supervision helps prevent burnout, what makes it different from line management, and how to find the right fit as your needs change.

This conversation is honest, practical, and filled with reflections for social workers, therapists, and anyone holding the weight of other people’s stories.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why real supervision is about reflection and growth, not just case management
  • How supervision helps with ethical decision making and burnout prevention
  • What to look for in a supervisor beyond credentials
  • Why it’s okay for your supervision needs to change over time
  • How group and peer supervision can build connection and perspective
  • What supervision can and can’t do when it comes to workplace challenges

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with a colleague or anyone who’s thinking about their own supervision practice. You can also download my free resource on reflective questions for supervision in the show notes.

Resources:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>ac8afb58-7293-4822-b352-d33e7f06c3e3Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +110022:12falsefull8484Therapy With TeensTherapy With TeensTeenagers today are navigating a very complex world Social media and digital technology, constant connection, academic pressure, identity exploration, and big emotions can make adolescence feel overwhelming, not just for teens, but for parents, carers, and the professionals who support them.

In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins to share insights from our years of working with teens and their families. We explore what makes therapy unique for young people, how to support them through life’s challenges, and why safety and trust matter more than quick solutions.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, this conversation is a reminder that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and understood.

We explore:

• Why teens often feel misunderstood by adults

• How therapy can help with identity exploration and emotional regulation

• The importance of trust, consent, and autonomy in therapy

• Strategies for parents and carers to strengthen connection

• Practical ways therapists can engage teens meaningfully

If you’re worried about a young person in your life, reaching out for support is a powerful first step. You can visit The Therapy Hub to find guidance and professional support.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit, leave a review, or subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Resources:


Trainings:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned...]]>Teenagers today are navigating a very complex world Social media and digital technology, constant connection, academic pressure, identity exploration, and big emotions can make adolescence feel overwhelming, not just for teens, but for parents, carers, and the professionals who support them.

In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins to share insights from our years of working with teens and their families. We explore what makes therapy unique for young people, how to support them through life’s challenges, and why safety and trust matter more than quick solutions.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or practitioner, this conversation is a reminder that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and understood.

We explore:

• Why teens often feel misunderstood by adults

• How therapy can help with identity exploration and emotional regulation

• The importance of trust, consent, and autonomy in therapy

• Strategies for parents and carers to strengthen connection

• Practical ways therapists can engage teens meaningfully

If you’re worried about a young person in your life, reaching out for support is a powerful first step. You can visit The Therapy Hub to find guidance and professional support.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit, leave a review, or subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Resources:


Trainings:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>c729465a-87ba-4d03-a4db-4095db51edf7Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +110050:36falsefull8383What Bad Therapy Taught Me About Good TherapyWhat Bad Therapy Taught Me About Good TherapyTherapy is often seen as a safe, supportive space, but what happens when it goes wrong? In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to unpack what bad therapy has taught her about being a better therapist.

We talk about what happens when therapy misses the mark, how defensiveness impacts client relationships, and why rupture and repair skills are essential for every therapist.

Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or someone navigating therapy yourself, this conversation will help you see the importance of transparency, fit, and realistic expectations.

We explore:

• How defensiveness can damage the client–therapist relationship

• Why rupture and repair is one of the most important therapeutic skills

• The role of client expectations in therapy outcomes

• How deliberate practice builds confidence and skill

• Why talking about therapy’s side effects matters

• How marketing and branding can help clients find the right fit

• Practical advice for clients to ask the right questions

• Why mistakes in therapy are inevitable but repair is possible

Resources:

• Santio Counselling Centre

• Inside Social Work Podcast

• Get Ready for Therapy Guide

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Therapy is often seen as a safe, supportive space, but what happens when it goes wrong? In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Carrie Wiita, adjunct professor, consultant, and creator of Interpersonal Branding, to unpack what bad therapy has taught her about being a better therapist.

We talk about what happens when therapy misses the mark, how defensiveness impacts client relationships, and why rupture and repair skills are essential for every therapist.

Whether you’re a social worker, therapist, or someone navigating therapy yourself, this conversation will help you see the importance of transparency, fit, and realistic expectations.

We explore:

• How defensiveness can damage the client–therapist relationship

• Why rupture and repair is one of the most important therapeutic skills

• The role of client expectations in therapy outcomes

• How deliberate practice builds confidence and skill

• Why talking about therapy’s side effects matters

• How marketing and branding can help clients find the right fit

• Practical advice for clients to ask the right questions

• Why mistakes in therapy are inevitable but repair is possible

Resources:

• Santio Counselling Centre

• Inside Social Work Podcast

• Get Ready for Therapy Guide

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>b859c982-bec9-4ff6-bed3-2916c20e2e7bTue, 09 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +110042:20falsefull8282Very Bad Therapy EncoreVery Bad Therapy EncoreTherapy is meant to be supportive and healing, but not every client experience feels that way. 

In this encore episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Ben and Carrie, from the Very Bad Therapy podcast, about what happens when therapy goes wrong, why it matters to talk about it, and how we can do better.

Key Takeaways

• Bad therapy cannot be reduced to a checklist. It depends on the individual client experience

• Many clients internalise bad therapy and believe they are at fault

• Therapy can have side effects and sometimes people feel worse afterwards

• Mistakes will happen. Repair and humility matter more than perfection

• Asking about expectations is just as important as setting goals

• Therapists will feel defensive. The work is to notice it and respond with openness

• Deliberate practice builds skills by focusing on one area at a time

• Administrative details like fees, scheduling, and emails are part of the relationship and need care

This conversation is for therapists and anyone who has ever questioned whether therapy was helping. Ben and Carrie share lessons from hundreds of client stories that challenge us to rethink how we work, listen, and repair when things go wrong.

Resources: 

  • Very Bad Therapy podcast with Ben Feinman and Carrie Wiita
  • Modern Therapist Survival Guide with Kurt and Katie
  • Santio Counselling Centre in California
  • Learn Psychotherapy podcast with Ben and Carrie
  • Inside Social Work with Marie Vakakis

If this episode resonated with you please follow and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sharing the episode helps more people join these honest conversations about mental health and relationships.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Therapy is meant to be supportive and healing, but not every client experience feels that way. 

In this encore episode of Inside Social Work, I speak with Ben and Carrie, from the Very Bad Therapy podcast, about what happens when therapy goes wrong, why it matters to talk about it, and how we can do better.

Key Takeaways

• Bad therapy cannot be reduced to a checklist. It depends on the individual client experience

• Many clients internalise bad therapy and believe they are at fault

• Therapy can have side effects and sometimes people feel worse afterwards

• Mistakes will happen. Repair and humility matter more than perfection

• Asking about expectations is just as important as setting goals

• Therapists will feel defensive. The work is to notice it and respond with openness

• Deliberate practice builds skills by focusing on one area at a time

• Administrative details like fees, scheduling, and emails are part of the relationship and need care

This conversation is for therapists and anyone who has ever questioned whether therapy was helping. Ben and Carrie share lessons from hundreds of client stories that challenge us to rethink how we work, listen, and repair when things go wrong.

Resources: 

  • Very Bad Therapy podcast with Ben Feinman and Carrie Wiita
  • Modern Therapist Survival Guide with Kurt and Katie
  • Santio Counselling Centre in California
  • Learn Psychotherapy podcast with Ben and Carrie
  • Inside Social Work with Marie Vakakis

If this episode resonated with you please follow and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sharing the episode helps more people join these honest conversations about mental health and relationships.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>55f63d25-b0b4-448f-8b74-fdffe9cea27bThu, 04 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +110051:06falsefull8181What Just Happened? How to Use ‘Here and Now’ Comments in TherapyWhat Just Happened? How to Use ‘Here and Now’ Comments in TherapyWhen 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 matter
  • How they can build safety and trust in therapy
  • Practical ways to notice and name what’s happening
  • The difference between curiosity and confrontation
  • How to handle moments when it lands badly
  • Why slowing down is often the most powerful thing you can do

Whether you’re new to therapy or an experienced practitioner, this conversation offers practical tools to bring more presence, attunement, and awareness into your work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 matter
  • How they can build safety and trust in therapy
  • Practical ways to notice and name what’s happening
  • The difference between curiosity and confrontation
  • How to handle moments when it lands badly
  • Why slowing down is often the most powerful thing you can do

Whether you’re new to therapy or an experienced practitioner, this conversation offers practical tools to bring more presence, attunement, and awareness into your work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>428f32cc-c979-48e2-bc4a-6cfbb4038aabWed, 20 Aug 2025 06:30:00 +110043:10falsefull8080Student Placements in Private Practice with Amy HowellStudent Placements in Private Practice with Amy HowellStudent 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 settings
  • What good supervision looks like when you’re in private practice
  • The ethical, practical and emotional sides of student work
  • How to create a learning environment that feels safe and reflective
  • What students need to feel supported, not thrown in the deep end


This episode is for anyone supervising students, considering offering placements, or thinking about private practice as a student.

🎧 Listen now and explore more resources and links below.

🔗 Resources


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 settings
  • What good supervision looks like when you’re in private practice
  • The ethical, practical and emotional sides of student work
  • How to create a learning environment that feels safe and reflective
  • What students need to feel supported, not thrown in the deep end


This episode is for anyone supervising students, considering offering placements, or thinking about private practice as a student.

🎧 Listen now and explore more resources and links below.

🔗 Resources


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>ceb3d94d-48e4-42df-8199-20dca12a0bb9Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:30:00 +110036:50falsefull7979Inside the Therapy Room with the Whole FamilyInside the Therapy Room with the Whole FamilyWhat 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 safety
  • The importance of clear contracting when working with families
  • Why it’s important to name the emotional undercurrents in the room
  • What makes systemic therapy different from individual or couples work
  • Why therapists need to get comfortable with discomfort

Whether you're a social worker, counsellor or psychologist working with families or just curious what it’s really like in the room, this episode shares insights, humour and real talk from inside the therapy process.

Resources


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 safety
  • The importance of clear contracting when working with families
  • Why it’s important to name the emotional undercurrents in the room
  • What makes systemic therapy different from individual or couples work
  • Why therapists need to get comfortable with discomfort

Whether you're a social worker, counsellor or psychologist working with families or just curious what it’s really like in the room, this episode shares insights, humour and real talk from inside the therapy process.

Resources


Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>9736fd09-3540-426f-8926-00c2a3cff3cfThu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +110059:37falsefull7878Is Caring Costing You? Money Beliefs and Private PracticeIs Caring Costing You? Money Beliefs and Private PracticeFor 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 money
  • How personal history and family beliefs shape financial decisions
  • The unconscious ways clinicians undercharge, overwork, and self-sacrifice
  • How to create ethical, sustainable private practice models
  • What healthy boundaries around time, fees, and energy really look like

This conversation is for any social worker or therapist trying to navigate the emotional side of money while building a values-aligned career.

🔗 Resources

Mental Work Podcast –https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/are-your-money-beliefs-holding-you-back-with-marie-vakakis/

How to Improve Your Relationship With Money – https://www.raskmedia.com.au/2025/01/02/how-to-improve-your-relationship-with-money/

Relationships & money: how to start having better conversations – https://marievakakis.com.au/relationships-money-how-to-start-having-better-conversations/

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 money
  • How personal history and family beliefs shape financial decisions
  • The unconscious ways clinicians undercharge, overwork, and self-sacrifice
  • How to create ethical, sustainable private practice models
  • What healthy boundaries around time, fees, and energy really look like

This conversation is for any social worker or therapist trying to navigate the emotional side of money while building a values-aligned career.

🔗 Resources

Mental Work Podcast –https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/are-your-money-beliefs-holding-you-back-with-marie-vakakis/

How to Improve Your Relationship With Money – https://www.raskmedia.com.au/2025/01/02/how-to-improve-your-relationship-with-money/

Relationships & money: how to start having better conversations – https://marievakakis.com.au/relationships-money-how-to-start-having-better-conversations/

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>4d33ecfc-db2b-416c-a21f-2c4b033d96ecWed, 23 Jul 2025 18:30:00 +110051:25falsefull7777Is Finding Your Dream Job a Scam?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 became too much of their identity.

Key takeaways:

  • Why the dream job ideal can create internal pressure
  • What happens when you’re praised for over-functioning
  • The role of guilt in keeping people stuck in burnout
  • How boundaries and rest protect your wellbeing
  • Why it’s hard to separate identity from profession
  • What sustainable success could look like instead
  • How to shift your values without losing your sense of purpose

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins here at mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:


If this episode hit close to home, share it with a friend or colleague who might be carrying the same weight.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 became too much of their identity.

Key takeaways:

  • Why the dream job ideal can create internal pressure
  • What happens when you’re praised for over-functioning
  • The role of guilt in keeping people stuck in burnout
  • How boundaries and rest protect your wellbeing
  • Why it’s hard to separate identity from profession
  • What sustainable success could look like instead
  • How to shift your values without losing your sense of purpose

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins here at mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:


If this episode hit close to home, share it with a friend or colleague who might be carrying the same weight.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>9f40321e-d0a0-443a-ad4c-583b772defcdWed, 02 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +110056:05falsefull7676Talk About the Talking: What Really Matters in the First Three SessionsTalk About the Talking: What Really Matters in the First Three SessionsDo 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 reflections for early career therapists and anyone supporting people through the first steps of therapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why the first three sessions can feel like they carry extra pressure for both clients and therapists
  • What actually helps people stay in therapy
  • The power of making the therapy process visible
  • Why clarity, structure, and customer service really matter
  • How scripts and checklists can guide, not restrict, the work
  • Why slowing down is sometimes the most effective thing we can do
  • The importance of culture, lived experience, and meaningful engagement
  • Practical ways to check in, offer choice, and build trust

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with your colleagues or anyone supporting people in their early therapy sessions. You can also explore more resources and on-demand training via the website. Thanks for listening to Inside Social Work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:


👉 Learn more about my on-demand course: Enhance Clinical Outcomes in the First Three Sessions: https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/enhancing-clinical-outcomes-in-the-first-three-sessions/ 

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 reflections for early career therapists and anyone supporting people through the first steps of therapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why the first three sessions can feel like they carry extra pressure for both clients and therapists
  • What actually helps people stay in therapy
  • The power of making the therapy process visible
  • Why clarity, structure, and customer service really matter
  • How scripts and checklists can guide, not restrict, the work
  • Why slowing down is sometimes the most effective thing we can do
  • The importance of culture, lived experience, and meaningful engagement
  • Practical ways to check in, offer choice, and build trust

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with your colleagues or anyone supporting people in their early therapy sessions. You can also explore more resources and on-demand training via the website. Thanks for listening to Inside Social Work.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources:


👉 Learn more about my on-demand course: Enhance Clinical Outcomes in the First Three Sessions: https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/enhancing-clinical-outcomes-in-the-first-three-sessions/ 

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>3144f7c7-6b3c-4563-8bdf-f8b20e004500Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +110059:23falsefull7575Intersectionality and finding a BIPOC therapist with Tham FuyanaIntersectionality and finding a BIPOC therapist with Tham FuyanaWhat 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 reflections from my perspective as a therapist and acknowledged the limits of my own experience, while making space for this important conversation.

Tham shares powerful insights from their lived experience as a person of colour and as a therapist, reflecting on how this shapes their work and the way they connect with clients.

Tham talks about the experience of searching for a BIPOC therapist, the invisible barriers to accessing mental health care, and why representation and understanding matter in the therapy room. They reflect on what it means to be truly seen, and the challenges many people of colour face when navigating mental health services.

Key things discussed 

  • What it means to seek a BIPOC therapist and why it matters
  • How intersectionality shapes the therapy experience
  • Barriers to accessing mental health care for people of colour
  • The emotional weight of having to always explain your story
  • Why some people feel safer being vulnerable with someone who "gets it"
  • How representation can impact trust and connection in therapy
  • The complexity of navigating multiple identities in multicultural Australia
  • Practical ways to find the right therapist for you

Resources

Therapy Hub: https://www.thetherapyhub.com.au

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 reflections from my perspective as a therapist and acknowledged the limits of my own experience, while making space for this important conversation.

Tham shares powerful insights from their lived experience as a person of colour and as a therapist, reflecting on how this shapes their work and the way they connect with clients.

Tham talks about the experience of searching for a BIPOC therapist, the invisible barriers to accessing mental health care, and why representation and understanding matter in the therapy room. They reflect on what it means to be truly seen, and the challenges many people of colour face when navigating mental health services.

Key things discussed 

  • What it means to seek a BIPOC therapist and why it matters
  • How intersectionality shapes the therapy experience
  • Barriers to accessing mental health care for people of colour
  • The emotional weight of having to always explain your story
  • Why some people feel safer being vulnerable with someone who "gets it"
  • How representation can impact trust and connection in therapy
  • The complexity of navigating multiple identities in multicultural Australia
  • Practical ways to find the right therapist for you

Resources

Therapy Hub: https://www.thetherapyhub.com.au

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>9e446518-add6-40a4-a403-0e7ba050f649Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:00:00 +110035:24falsefull7474When a Client Dies by Suicide: Reflections for Mental Health ProfessionalsWhen a Client Dies by Suicide: Reflections for Mental Health ProfessionalsIn 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 client death

• How organisations and colleagues can support impacted staff

• The importance of reflective practice and clinical supervision

• Balancing professional responsibility with human vulnerability

• Navigating coronial investigations and confidentiality concerns

• Reframing grief and finding space to heal

About the Guest:

Dr Bronwyn Milkins (PhD, MPsych) is a psychologist and researcher whose passions are working therapeutically with neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ clients with trauma, advocacy on equitable and accessible mental health care, and supporting diversity in the mental health workforce. Bronwyn’s current research aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people who experience trauma-related dissociation. She also hosts the popular 'Mental Work' podcast which exists to support Australian mental health workers.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources


🎙️ If this topic resonates with you, or if you’re navigating the loss of a client, this episode might offer some comfort or perspective.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 client death

• How organisations and colleagues can support impacted staff

• The importance of reflective practice and clinical supervision

• Balancing professional responsibility with human vulnerability

• Navigating coronial investigations and confidentiality concerns

• Reframing grief and finding space to heal

About the Guest:

Dr Bronwyn Milkins (PhD, MPsych) is a psychologist and researcher whose passions are working therapeutically with neurodivergent and LGBTIQA+ clients with trauma, advocacy on equitable and accessible mental health care, and supporting diversity in the mental health workforce. Bronwyn’s current research aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people who experience trauma-related dissociation. She also hosts the popular 'Mental Work' podcast which exists to support Australian mental health workers.

Contact Dr Bronwyn Milkins @ mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Resources


🎙️ If this topic resonates with you, or if you’re navigating the loss of a client, this episode might offer some comfort or perspective.

Got something you'd like to hear on the podcast?

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>96ff47e4-19c8-4674-97c1-bc005471131eWed, 21 May 2025 06:30:00 +110035:44truefull7373Inside Social Work ReturnsInside Social Work ReturnsWhat 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 reflections, research, and stories from the field, with a mix of expert voices and everyday practitioners.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” or “Does anyone else feel like this?”, you’re not alone.

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 reflections, research, and stories from the field, with a mix of expert voices and everyday practitioners.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” or “Does anyone else feel like this?”, you’re not alone.

🎙️ Got a question or something on your mind? Send it through. You can write it or email a voice memo to contact@marievakakis.com.au, and it might be featured in a future episode of Inside Social Work.

Your curiosity could help shape a conversation that resonates with the wider community.

Want to be a guest? Submit a speaker request here 

http://marievakakis.com.au/be-a-podcast-guest/

Got an anonymous question? Submit it here:

https://forms.gle/wg7Lk61xde9Lge976

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>bc39738a-03c7-4b18-8640-dbd76e9f7c79Tue, 20 May 2025 20:48:00 +110007:43falsefull7272Workplace Bullying, Burnout, and Work-Related StressWorkplace 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 for setting up her private practice and her specialisations in workplace bullying, burnout, and workplace stress.

  • Key Takeaways:

  • Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety

  • Examples of workplace bullying include spreading rumours, excluding or isolating someone socially, intimidation, threatening a person's role or performance, undermining or impeding a person's work, and withholding necessary information

  • Workplace bullying can have serious consequences on the mental and physical health of the victims, and it's important to seek assistance and support early to prevent long-term negative effects

  • Work-related stress and burnout are common in high-stress roles such as social work, teaching, and healthcare, as well as in resource-constrained environments with high turnover and competition for promotion

  • It's crucial to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and seek support when experiencing work-related stress and burnout to prevent long-term physical and mental health issues.

Contact details for Frances


https://www.stresssupport.com.au/


Promo code for working ISW2023 for 20% off


https://marievakakis.com.au/


https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 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 for setting up her private practice and her specialisations in workplace bullying, burnout, and workplace stress.

  • Key Takeaways:

  • Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety

  • Examples of workplace bullying include spreading rumours, excluding or isolating someone socially, intimidation, threatening a person's role or performance, undermining or impeding a person's work, and withholding necessary information

  • Workplace bullying can have serious consequences on the mental and physical health of the victims, and it's important to seek assistance and support early to prevent long-term negative effects

  • Work-related stress and burnout are common in high-stress roles such as social work, teaching, and healthcare, as well as in resource-constrained environments with high turnover and competition for promotion

  • It's crucial to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and seek support when experiencing work-related stress and burnout to prevent long-term physical and mental health issues.

Contact details for Frances


https://www.stresssupport.com.au/


Promo code for working ISW2023 for 20% off


https://marievakakis.com.au/


https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>999c43fe-71dc-4700-a1ca-a74de7e480f9Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:52:00 +110046:09falsefull7171Helping women recover from interpersonal trauma and violenceHelping 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 as act DBT, and mindfulness into working with women to recover from some of those experiences and diagnosis such as PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and other sorts of things that can really stem from those early experiences that women face. I hope you enjoy this episode with Liz.


 


Contact Liz

BreatheTherapy.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 

 

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 as act DBT, and mindfulness into working with women to recover from some of those experiences and diagnosis such as PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and other sorts of things that can really stem from those early experiences that women face. I hope you enjoy this episode with Liz.


 


Contact Liz

BreatheTherapy.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>807d6341-fe2b-4b3b-be9b-4dc9af9142fbMon, 20 Mar 2023 05:59:00 +110039:48falsefull7070Supporting Social Workers with their accreditation pathway with Ashton HayesSupporting 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


Ashton is a an accredited mental health social worker with a background of working in human services and mental health settings. 


She has over a decade of experience in child protection, housing, forensic and mental health settings.  She currently provides supervision to human services and mental health professionals across Australia.  She is also the owner and director of Willowtree Wellbeing, a counselling clinic in Western Sydney, NSW. 


Ashton is passionate about providing a safe and collaborative environment for supervision for social workers, caseworkers, team leaders and anyone who works in human services.  



Contact guest


https://ashtonhayesconsulting.com.au/



Previous episode with Ashton


 


Episode 26 : From Paralegal to Social Worker. Working with children and trauma all while staying passionate about the work you do with Ashton Hayes 


 


Supervision series


 Part 1 Supervision


Part 2 - The benefits of Group Supervision


Part 3 Supervision - Understanding learning preferences



Inside Social Work Podcast


Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 

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


Ashton is a an accredited mental health social worker with a background of working in human services and mental health settings. 


She has over a decade of experience in child protection, housing, forensic and mental health settings.  She currently provides supervision to human services and mental health professionals across Australia.  She is also the owner and director of Willowtree Wellbeing, a counselling clinic in Western Sydney, NSW. 


Ashton is passionate about providing a safe and collaborative environment for supervision for social workers, caseworkers, team leaders and anyone who works in human services.  



Contact guest


https://ashtonhayesconsulting.com.au/



Previous episode with Ashton


 


Episode 26 : From Paralegal to Social Worker. Working with children and trauma all while staying passionate about the work you do with Ashton Hayes 


 


Supervision series


 Part 1 Supervision


Part 2 - The benefits of Group Supervision


Part 3 Supervision - Understanding learning preferences



Inside Social Work Podcast


Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>ed0def9d-d546-43f3-b29e-058411e580d6Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:41:00 +110044:05falsefull6969Part 2 Implicit bias, we all have it with Lachlan SladePart 2 Implicit bias, we all have it with Lachlan SladeThis 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 LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics.


 


Work with Lachlan


 


Upcoming events Neutralising Queerphobia workshop, in Kannygoopna (Shepparton) as part of Out in the Open Festival, tix at outintheopen.org.au. The workshop explores implicit bias, ambient trauma and Allyship.


Lachlan's LGBTIQA+ focused Group Supervision sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/group-supe#organiserInfoBox


 


https://sladeconsulting.services


Email: slade.consulting@protonmail.com


Instagram: @lachlan_listens


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics.


 


Work with Lachlan


 


Upcoming events Neutralising Queerphobia workshop, in Kannygoopna (Shepparton) as part of Out in the Open Festival, tix at outintheopen.org.au. The workshop explores implicit bias, ambient trauma and Allyship.


Lachlan's LGBTIQA+ focused Group Supervision sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/group-supe#organiserInfoBox


 


https://sladeconsulting.services


Email: slade.consulting@protonmail.com


Instagram: @lachlan_listens


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>44f84ad2-a7c7-4a67-a349-74e9e177c077Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:05:00 +110043:54falsefull6868Part 1: They don't look gay?! Getting language right with Lachlan SladePart 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 Albury Wodonga, and Bendigo to complete their Social Work degree. Lachlan cofounded the Out in the Open Festival, Shepparton's first LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics.


 


Work with Lachlan


 


Upcoming events Neutralising Queerphobia workshop, in Kannygoopna (Shepparton) as part of Out in the Open Festival, tix at outintheopen.org.au. The workshop explores implicit bias, ambient trauma and Allyship.


Lachlan's LGBTIQA+ focused Group Supervision sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/group-supe#organiserInfoBox


 


https://sladeconsulting.services


Email: slade.consulting@protonmail.com


Instagram: @lachlan_listens


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 

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 Albury Wodonga, and Bendigo to complete their Social Work degree. Lachlan cofounded the Out in the Open Festival, Shepparton's first LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics.


 


Work with Lachlan


 


Upcoming events Neutralising Queerphobia workshop, in Kannygoopna (Shepparton) as part of Out in the Open Festival, tix at outintheopen.org.au. The workshop explores implicit bias, ambient trauma and Allyship.


Lachlan's LGBTIQA+ focused Group Supervision sessions: https://events.humanitix.com/group-supe#organiserInfoBox


 


https://sladeconsulting.services


Email: slade.consulting@protonmail.com


Instagram: @lachlan_listens


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>d1d394ee-0fa8-4174-bfd7-152832f75e6fThu, 20 Oct 2022 01:48:00 +110046:07falsefull6767I hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-WrightI hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-WrightI 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



swspotlightpodcast@gmail


https://anchor.fm/socialworkspotlight


https://www.facebook.com/socialworkspotlight


https://twitter.com/SWSpotlightPod


https://www.instagram.com/socialworkspotlight_podcast/


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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



swspotlightpodcast@gmail


https://anchor.fm/socialworkspotlight


https://www.facebook.com/socialworkspotlight


https://twitter.com/SWSpotlightPod


https://www.instagram.com/socialworkspotlight_podcast/


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>45c90103-2c57-4b27-8864-356113360714Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:41:00 +110032:38falsefull6666Destigmatising borderline personality disorder and understanding DBT with Yvette VardyDestigmatising borderline personality disorder and understanding DBT with Yvette VardyDr 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 senior clinical psychologist, supervisor and team leader at a number of hospitals. Previously, as Spectrum Personality Disorders Service of Victoria’s senior education officer, Dr Vardy visited numerous services and organisations across Australia, to help clinicians learn practical skills and helpful theoretical concepts in working effectively with BPD and individuals with personality disorders.  Dr Vardy has completed her Comprehensive and Intensive DBT and DBT-PE training and enjoys sharing her passion for DBT by providing DBT-specific lectures and workshops, as well as individual and group supervision to clinicians seeking DBT training and support.



https://www.yvettevardy.com/



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 senior clinical psychologist, supervisor and team leader at a number of hospitals. Previously, as Spectrum Personality Disorders Service of Victoria’s senior education officer, Dr Vardy visited numerous services and organisations across Australia, to help clinicians learn practical skills and helpful theoretical concepts in working effectively with BPD and individuals with personality disorders.  Dr Vardy has completed her Comprehensive and Intensive DBT and DBT-PE training and enjoys sharing her passion for DBT by providing DBT-specific lectures and workshops, as well as individual and group supervision to clinicians seeking DBT training and support.



https://www.yvettevardy.com/



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>66396ea8-dc8e-4dda-ac3b-defa394d978eTue, 30 Aug 2022 20:58:00 +110046:05falsefull6565Hello Anxiety with Dr Jodie RichardsonHello 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.com/


Books https://drjodirichardson.com/shop/


Podcast https://podfollow.com/1585382774


Enquiries hello@drjodirichardson.com.au


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson/


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrJodiRichardson/


LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jodi-richardson-15589240/



Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 


Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 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.com/


Books https://drjodirichardson.com/shop/


Podcast https://podfollow.com/1585382774


Enquiries hello@drjodirichardson.com.au


Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson/


Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrJodiRichardson/


LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jodi-richardson-15589240/



Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 


Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>2055e3cd-89d3-458d-a6e5-89fd8fe73a51Wed, 17 Aug 2022 07:03:00 +110046:53falsefull64649 questions to ask your therapist9 questions to ask your therapistThings 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.

  2. What are your fees and cancellation policy?

  5. What training did you do?

  8. What Kind Of Therapy Do You Offer?

  11. How Will I Know We’re A Good Fit?”  Do you have experience working with others who are in similar circumstances?

  14. What will Therapy look like moving forward?

  17. Can You Help Me Create Some Goals?

  20. Can I reach you in between sessions? 

  23. What can I do in between sessions?

  26. How do you think I’m doing? How will we measure progress?


What if after all this it still doesn’t feel right?


Check out our blog post I saw a professional for help for my mental health but it didn’t work – what do I do next?  


Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 


 


Episode 7 Youth Mental Health First Aid - interview with Dr Claire Kelly


Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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.

  2. What are your fees and cancellation policy?

  5. What training did you do?

  8. What Kind Of Therapy Do You Offer?

  11. How Will I Know We’re A Good Fit?”  Do you have experience working with others who are in similar circumstances?

  14. What will Therapy look like moving forward?

  17. Can You Help Me Create Some Goals?

  20. Can I reach you in between sessions? 

  23. What can I do in between sessions?

  26. How do you think I’m doing? How will we measure progress?


What if after all this it still doesn’t feel right?


Check out our blog post I saw a professional for help for my mental health but it didn’t work – what do I do next?  


Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 


 


Episode 7 Youth Mental Health First Aid - interview with Dr Claire Kelly


Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>cd5f51d5-ad0e-4fe0-bdcf-d2ae318c161bTue, 09 Aug 2022 19:36:00 +110026:19falsefull6363Purple Carrots: Inclusive drama programs with Silvina D'AlessandroPurple 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/ 



Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>

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/ 



Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>cfe132a6-3adb-4bda-a730-b936d881e60eMon, 25 Jul 2022 19:25:00 +110036:03falsefull59626259Part 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning PreferencesPart 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning PreferencesWe 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

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 


Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 


Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider


Face to face in Footscray https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Online https://thetherapyhub.com.au/online-youth-mental-health-first-aid/ 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>93f15d65-57a9-48b1-8fc0-b488974f0837Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:45:00 +110025:22falsefull6161Becoming trained in EMDR Therapy Caroline BurrowsBecoming trained in EMDR Therapy Caroline BurrowsCaroline 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 loves encouraging and motivating mentoring therapists as they embrace the opportunities that EMDR therapy brings. So for a bit more information about Caroline, you can head over to her website, https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/

Recommended resources


 


What happened to you -  Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey


THe body Keeps Score - Bessel van der Kolk


Podcast recommended


 


Notice That https://emdr-podcast.com/


https://blueknot.org.au/


Episode 29 - EMDR explained


https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000482673871



Training 


 


Carolines on demand training https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/on-demand-training-main


Upcoming EMDR part 1 training www.carolineburrows.com.au/basic-emdr-training 



Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors


 


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 loves encouraging and motivating mentoring therapists as they embrace the opportunities that EMDR therapy brings. So for a bit more information about Caroline, you can head over to her website, https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/

Recommended resources


 


What happened to you -  Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey


THe body Keeps Score - Bessel van der Kolk


Podcast recommended


 


Notice That https://emdr-podcast.com/


https://blueknot.org.au/


Episode 29 - EMDR explained


https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000482673871



Training 


 


Carolines on demand training https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/on-demand-training-main


Upcoming EMDR part 1 training www.carolineburrows.com.au/basic-emdr-training 



Join the supervision group for school social workers and school counsellors


 


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>b03c7473-8ab2-4671-a2de-b66b0b86eb66Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:30:00 +110042:58falsefull6060Supervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group SupervisionSupervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group SupervisionBenefits 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

  • Peer Feedback
  • Social Networking
  • Hive mind -Having Multiple Listeners, ideas and frames of reference for the Same Event.
  • Developing Empathy, compassion and self-compassion
  • Practice Public Speaking and Presenting.



 



https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 



Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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

  • Peer Feedback
  • Social Networking
  • Hive mind -Having Multiple Listeners, ideas and frames of reference for the Same Event.
  • Developing Empathy, compassion and self-compassion
  • Practice Public Speaking and Presenting.



 



https://thetherapyhub.com.au/supervision/ 



Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>d370bb71-9159-4d97-8612-7942677ffc4bTue, 21 Jun 2022 23:33:00 +110017:01falsefull5959Hospital Social Work with Adham HammoudHospital Social Work with Adham HammoudAdam 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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>d575e2aa-8ab4-4081-b15a-e86a6f87d33bWed, 08 Jun 2022 07:05:00 +110042:53falsefull5858Supervision PART 1Supervision PART 1Supervision 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 things to ask or explore - check out their linkedin profile, website or other profiles 


  2. What is their background and work experience? 

  5. Do they have any areas of specialty and/or interest? Does this match the work your doing or are interested int?

  8. Ask them what is their approach to supervision?


Check if they are 


  2. Professional. 

  5. Knowledgeable. 

  8. You’re compatible

  11. Convenient / do they have the availability to mete your needs?



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 things to ask or explore - check out their linkedin profile, website or other profiles 


  2. What is their background and work experience? 

  5. Do they have any areas of specialty and/or interest? Does this match the work your doing or are interested int?

  8. Ask them what is their approach to supervision?


Check if they are 


  2. Professional. 

  5. Knowledgeable. 

  8. You’re compatible

  11. Convenient / do they have the availability to mete your needs?



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>5082d534-f07c-45e2-9187-045b6e25ab1dTue, 31 May 2022 19:04:00 +110012:36falsefull5757Being your authentic self with Coby LiewBeing your authentic self with Coby LiewWe 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 them in identifying and maximising their inner strengths and resilience.


 


Connect with Coby


 


https://liveyourstory.com.au/


 


Find out More about Youth Mental Health First Aid and Tuning into teens


 


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 them in identifying and maximising their inner strengths and resilience.


 


Connect with Coby


 


https://liveyourstory.com.au/


 


Find out More about Youth Mental Health First Aid and Tuning into teens


 


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>3f703919-2774-4cc1-ab33-5f2d0c4e4a5fWed, 25 May 2022 06:00:00 +110045:34falsefull5656Healthy BoundariesHealthy BoundariesBoundaries 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 



 


Healthy boundaries are cruicial components for self-care.


 


Some of the advantages of healthy boundaries include having good mental health, good emotional health, avoiding burnout and being a positive influence on others behaviour.


 


Consequences include stress, wasted time, financial burdens and relationship issues. Whether it's in work or in our personal relationships, poor boundaries may lead to resentment, hurt, anger, and burnout. A lack of healthy boundaries can negatively impact all areas of someone's life.



Boundaries help us take care of ourselves by giving us permission to say NO to things, to not take everything on. Knowing our boundaries and setting them are two very different hurdles to overcom


 


Know what they are


 


Start by working out your limits.


 


Remind yourself of the benefit of sticking to them 



Be assertive and Communicate them


 


Communicate them often, frequently and clearly. This is your responsibility 


People can’t read your mind. This make take practice to implement. 



Try the following or other similar situartions to practice setting boundaries and being assertive.


  • Did the barrister get your coffee order wrong? Ask them for what you actually ordered.

  • Is a family member intruding on your dating life? Say that you'd rather talk about something else.

  • Is a work colleague pushing his or her work onto you? Remind them that it isn't within your scope, you are busy with your own work, and direct them to someone who will be of better service.

  • Did a friend do something to hurt you? Ask them to meet you for lunch and explain why their words or actions hurt you.

  • Someone inviting you to an event and you’re too busy to attend? Let them know ‘’Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm going to say no this time.”



  • Start with small adjustments 


  • Practice self compassion


  • Be confident


  • Keep it simple


  • No need to explain why 


  • No need to apologise 


  • You may be able to offer an alternative 


  • Be clear about what “Yes” means



How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.


 


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: assertive and Communicate them


 


Communicate them often, frequently and clearly. This is your responsibility 


People can’t read your mind. This make take practice to implement. 



Try the following or other similar situartions to practice setting boundaries and being assertive.


  • Did the barrister get your coffee order wrong? Ask them for what you actually ordered.

  • Is a family member intruding on your dating life? Say that you'd rather talk about something else.

  • Is a work colleague pushing his or her work onto you? Remind them that it isn't within your scope, you are busy with your own work, and direct them to someone who will be of better service.

  • Did a friend do something to hurt you? Ask them to meet you for lunch and explain why their words or actions hurt you.

  • Someone inviting you to an event and you’re too busy to attend? Let them know ‘’Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm going to say no this time.”



  • Start with small adjustments 


  • Practice self compassion


  • Be confident


  • Keep it simple


  • No need to explain why 


  • No need to apologise 


  • You may be able to offer an alternative 


  • Be clear about what “Yes” means



How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.


 


 


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>3ea61396-f791-4528-8437-80812080e4dbWed, 18 May 2022 20:30:00 +110015:50falsefull5555What can we learn from Very Bad Therapy? With Caroline Wiita & Ben FinemanWhat can we learn from Very Bad Therapy? With Caroline Wiita & Ben FinemanWe 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 


 


Ben Fineman is the cohost of the Very Bad Therapy podcast. He works as the Clinic Director of Sentio Counseling Center and the Chief Operating Officer of Sentio University, two new nonprofit organizations which use the emerging science of Deliberate Practice to improve the quality of therapist training and education. Ben is also an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.


 


 


Carrie Wiita is the other host of the Very Bad Therapy podcast. She runs MFT California, a free resource for those who want to become marriage and family therapists in California, and she coaches early-career clinicians from the grad school application process through their professional development as service providers.


 


MFT California - https://www.mftcalifornia.com/


 


 


Very Bad Therapy - https://www.verybadtherapy.com/


Sentio Counseling Center - https://www.sentiocc.org/


Sentio University - https://sentio.org/


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 


 


Ben Fineman is the cohost of the Very Bad Therapy podcast. He works as the Clinic Director of Sentio Counseling Center and the Chief Operating Officer of Sentio University, two new nonprofit organizations which use the emerging science of Deliberate Practice to improve the quality of therapist training and education. Ben is also an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.


 


 


Carrie Wiita is the other host of the Very Bad Therapy podcast. She runs MFT California, a free resource for those who want to become marriage and family therapists in California, and she coaches early-career clinicians from the grad school application process through their professional development as service providers.


 


MFT California - https://www.mftcalifornia.com/


 


 


Very Bad Therapy - https://www.verybadtherapy.com/


Sentio Counseling Center - https://www.sentiocc.org/


Sentio University - https://sentio.org/


Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>ece6ac77-eaf7-4285-be35-3142fcdabed4Mon, 09 May 2022 19:00:00 +110057:15falsefull5454Imposter SyndromeImposter 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



So what can we do?


A good place to start is to try and recognise it.


Therapy and supervision can be helpful 


Talking to friends and trusted peers 


Look at the system, what is happening in the work environment?


Some things that have been recommended include keeping a diary and writing down positive feedback - cultivating a practice of - listening, to take in the positive responses.


 


The article mentioned in today's episode


https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>

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



So what can we do?


A good place to start is to try and recognise it.


Therapy and supervision can be helpful 


Talking to friends and trusted peers 


Look at the system, what is happening in the work environment?


Some things that have been recommended include keeping a diary and writing down positive feedback - cultivating a practice of - listening, to take in the positive responses.


 


The article mentioned in today's episode


https://hbr.org/2021/02/stop-telling-women-they-have-imposter-syndrome



Inside Social Work Podcast: Website / Facebook/ Be on the Podcast/ Support the show


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>5a37fc66-870a-42f0-8661-633cc3b27e81Tue, 03 May 2022 10:00:00 +110024:39falsefull5353The importance of investing in ourselves with Helen GrayThe importance of investing in ourselves with Helen GrayThe 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/watch?v=tL0G1xhJnRE&t=1s


 


To chat to Helen about her work or learn more please email on hello@helengray.com.au or book in for a chat at https://helengray.youcanbook.me/



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group



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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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/watch?v=tL0G1xhJnRE&t=1s


 


To chat to Helen about her work or learn more please email on hello@helengray.com.au or book in for a chat at https://helengray.youcanbook.me/



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group



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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>b5a8c9b8-c344-48a7-9a1c-50a4d2426a74Thu, 17 Mar 2022 10:51:00 +110040:47falsefull5252Understanding anxiety in teensUnderstanding anxiety in teensAnxiety 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 Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts! 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts! 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>587d3d06-4e28-4387-bc1c-0312890deb29Sun, 16 Jan 2022 06:03:00 +110037:54falsefull5151BONUS episode: Having conversations about mental healthBONUS episode: Having conversations about mental healthBlog 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 running, feel free to share it around.


https://mailchi.mp/1233dcd926c2/untitled-page

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 running, feel free to share it around.


https://mailchi.mp/1233dcd926c2/untitled-page

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>0423e7db-6104-4a12-8cb4-e631bdd91943Wed, 01 Dec 2021 04:39:00 +110023:44falsefull5050ENCORE EMDR Therapy explained, with Caroline Burrows.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 first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria, Australia. Outside of work Caroline is an animal lover and enjoys walking her dogs, laughing and sharing meals with friends and family.  


Carolines private practice Mindful Living in Croydon, where people can access EMDR therapy (either in-person or online): www.mindfulliving.com.au


 


Carolines website where people can find out more about her EMDR training, consultation and clinical supervision services: www.carolineburrows.com.au


Upcoming MHPN meeting, Footscray Youth Network 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria, Australia. Outside of work Caroline is an animal lover and enjoys walking her dogs, laughing and sharing meals with friends and family.  


Carolines private practice Mindful Living in Croydon, where people can access EMDR therapy (either in-person or online): www.mindfulliving.com.au


 


Carolines website where people can find out more about her EMDR training, consultation and clinical supervision services: www.carolineburrows.com.au


Upcoming MHPN meeting, Footscray Youth Network 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>9a31436e-9fe1-4aa9-8877-f36bf27ec8fdMon, 15 Nov 2021 10:45:00 +110044:13falsefull4949ENCORE: Youth Mental Health First Aid with Dr Claire KellyENCORE: Youth Mental Health First Aid with Dr Claire KellyEver 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 share insights from my experience working in schools and private practice, along with key skills that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Key Takeaways

  • Recognising signs: Understand the clusters of symptoms to look out for when someone may be struggling.
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid options: Overview of the course formats, including the hybrid model and two-day workshop options.
  • Knowing your role: Learn about the boundaries of mental health first aid and why it’s essential not to go beyond what’s safe.
  • Having the conversation: Practical tips on how to approach sensitive topics with young people, making the conversation safe and non-judgmental.
  • Crisis response: Steps to take when a young person is experiencing a mental health crisis and when to seek further help.
  • Prevention and self-care: Insights into everyday practices that support mental wellness, from regular exercise to engaging in meaningful conversations.
  • The impact on youth: Stats on how mental health affects young people in Australia and why early intervention matters.
  • Encouraging help-seeking: Simple strategies to help young people feel comfortable asking for support when they need it.

Resources



Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 share insights from my experience working in schools and private practice, along with key skills that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Key Takeaways

  • Recognising signs: Understand the clusters of symptoms to look out for when someone may be struggling.
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid options: Overview of the course formats, including the hybrid model and two-day workshop options.
  • Knowing your role: Learn about the boundaries of mental health first aid and why it’s essential not to go beyond what’s safe.
  • Having the conversation: Practical tips on how to approach sensitive topics with young people, making the conversation safe and non-judgmental.
  • Crisis response: Steps to take when a young person is experiencing a mental health crisis and when to seek further help.
  • Prevention and self-care: Insights into everyday practices that support mental wellness, from regular exercise to engaging in meaningful conversations.
  • The impact on youth: Stats on how mental health affects young people in Australia and why early intervention matters.
  • Encouraging help-seeking: Simple strategies to help young people feel comfortable asking for support when they need it.

Resources



Submit a question to the Podcast

https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

Connect with Marie

https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>d3b33d77-206f-4cd3-9588-de7ab0750db4Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:11:00 +110055:12falsefull4848Creating an LGBTQIA+ safe practice with Lachlan SladeCreating an LGBTQIA+ safe practice with Lachlan SladeLauchlan 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 


 


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 


 


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>fae253f7-145e-4d9a-9839-707e50606290Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:29:00 +110036:38falsefull4747Creating a gender clinic with Allison ParkerCreating a gender clinic with Allison ParkerIn 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 Innovation Lead of the Transgender, Gender Diverse & non binary innovation challenge at IPC Health. 


 


Some resources Allisons shared


 


Wyndham City council run Q group, a group for ages 12-25 years of the LGBTIQA+ community- a youth led space to provide support and recreational activities.


 


youthinwyndham@wyndham.vic.gov.au


 


For parents to seek support and information about their child’s gender identity


Parents of Gender diverse children:


www.pgdc.org.au


 


Drummond Street Services has Queerspace for folks who identify as LGBTIQA+ they provide counselling, case management, advocacy and also training and professional development


www.queerspace.org.au


 


Transgender Victoria TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diveradvocacy. TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy.


www.tgv.org.au


For resources and support


 


Minus 18- a youth organisation , amazing service to support the young people who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community


 www.minus18.org.au


 


 


NWPHN- for resources and training for professionals


www.nwmphn.org.au    


 


 


Thorne harbour Health ( formally the Victorian AIDS council): for resources and support for the LGBTIQA+ community and professionals for PD and resources


www.thorneharbour.org


 


 


https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/


https://nwmphn.org.au/for-primary-care/trans-gp-module/ 


 


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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 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 Innovation Lead of the Transgender, Gender Diverse & non binary innovation challenge at IPC Health. 


 


Some resources Allisons shared


 


Wyndham City council run Q group, a group for ages 12-25 years of the LGBTIQA+ community- a youth led space to provide support and recreational activities.


 


youthinwyndham@wyndham.vic.gov.au


 


For parents to seek support and information about their child’s gender identity


Parents of Gender diverse children:


www.pgdc.org.au


 


Drummond Street Services has Queerspace for folks who identify as LGBTIQA+ they provide counselling, case management, advocacy and also training and professional development


www.queerspace.org.au


 


Transgender Victoria TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diveradvocacy. TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy.


www.tgv.org.au


For resources and support


 


Minus 18- a youth organisation , amazing service to support the young people who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community


 www.minus18.org.au


 


 


NWPHN- for resources and training for professionals


www.nwmphn.org.au    


 


 


Thorne harbour Health ( formally the Victorian AIDS council): for resources and support for the LGBTIQA+ community and professionals for PD and resources


www.thorneharbour.org


 


 


https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/


https://nwmphn.org.au/for-primary-care/trans-gp-module/ 


 


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>d06c8392-95d9-4734-9d93-2aa1b60d5d56Sun, 29 Aug 2021 02:07:00 +110047:04falsefull4646Managing Burnout in Private Practice.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.



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 


Contact Karen


 


http://karenbarrett.com.au/


https://www.facebook.com/karenbarrettclincalsocialworker/

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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.



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 


Contact Karen


 


http://karenbarrett.com.au/


https://www.facebook.com/karenbarrettclincalsocialworker/

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>06c8e354-e0f3-4abe-93f6-a8f594ba10ffWed, 04 Aug 2021 06:17:00 +110041:07falsefull4545Exploring Policy and Advocacy with self described policy geek Jack WhitneyExploring Policy and Advocacy with self described policy geek Jack WhitneyIn 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

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>d325b58c-db71-45e8-b0f8-a0a1226148b5Mon, 26 Jul 2021 01:01:00 +110039:38falsefull4444Moving from the city to the Top End. Working as a social worker in the Northern TerritoryMoving from the city to the Top End. Working as a social worker in the Northern TerritoryKatilin 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 Kaitlin


https://ntgpe.org/workingwell/pdf/kartiya_are_like%20_toyotas.pdf 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>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 Kaitlin


https://ntgpe.org/workingwell/pdf/kartiya_are_like%20_toyotas.pdf 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>1ee65f9d-815b-4712-9c4f-4517b87103daSun, 04 Jul 2021 03:47:00 +110038:46falsefull4343How are you showing up in the jobhunting space? With Kate TaylorHow are you showing up in the jobhunting space? With Kate TaylorHow are you showing up in the job hunting space? With Kate Taylor


Founder and managing director of TaylorCare group Kate Taylor,  runs a recruitment agency in community services for 8 years and is a RUOK Ambassador and entrepreneur.


 In this episode Kate Taylor shares some of her tips to improve your resume and cover letter. She talks about how all communication you have is part of the first impression.


Listen to the episode to find some ways to improve your resume ,cover letter and some tips to make you more employable and a more successful candidate in the jobhunting space



In todays interview she answers the following questions


 


  2. How can we make sure our application stands out when applying for jobs? 

  5. Why now is ideal time to move jobs post pandemic and restrictions lifting 

  8. What are recruiters & employers looking for when shortlisting people’s applications 

  11. What support is available with cover letters & cvs 

  14. What’s your secret top tip for interviews in community services.


 


Check out our previous interview → Episode 24 you don't get a second chance to make a first impression 


attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid training https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Future proof your career


https://www.taylorcare.com.au/future-proof-your-career

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>How are you showing up in the job hunting space? With Kate Taylor


Founder and managing director of TaylorCare group Kate Taylor,  runs a recruitment agency in community services for 8 years and is a RUOK Ambassador and entrepreneur.


 In this episode Kate Taylor shares some of her tips to improve your resume and cover letter. She talks about how all communication you have is part of the first impression.


Listen to the episode to find some ways to improve your resume ,cover letter and some tips to make you more employable and a more successful candidate in the jobhunting space



In todays interview she answers the following questions


 


  2. How can we make sure our application stands out when applying for jobs? 

  5. Why now is ideal time to move jobs post pandemic and restrictions lifting 

  8. What are recruiters & employers looking for when shortlisting people’s applications 

  11. What support is available with cover letters & cvs 

  14. What’s your secret top tip for interviews in community services.


 


Check out our previous interview → Episode 24 you don't get a second chance to make a first impression 


attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid training https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/


Future proof your career


https://www.taylorcare.com.au/future-proof-your-career

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>0318f7be-1277-419c-82aa-188bebc1370fSun, 30 May 2021 08:51:00 +110047:38falsefull4242Supporting fathers with Dom AlfordSupporting fathers with Dom AlfordSupporting father with Don Alford

This episode's guest is Dom. Dom Alford works as A Project Coordinator - Support for Fathers at Relationships Australia Victoria. 


Resources from todays episode

https://www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au/


https://supportforfathers.com.au/

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Supporting father with Don Alford

This episode's guest is Dom. Dom Alford works as A Project Coordinator - Support for Fathers at Relationships Australia Victoria. 


Resources from todays episode

https://www.relationshipsvictoria.com.au/


https://supportforfathers.com.au/

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>4e00489b-9098-4d36-a0b6-83b690796421Fri, 23 Apr 2021 06:01:00 +110047:29falsefull4141Working in disability services with Amberly MoersWorking in disability services with Amberly MoersAmberly shares her experience working in disability services as a support worker. She has worked through recent bushfires the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown and currently dealing with flooding.

We talk about self-care ,advocacy, intersectionality and working with high support needs . Amberly shares her ideas on how to get through so many difficult environmental and community based crises and stresses. 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Amberly shares her experience working in disability services as a support worker. She has worked through recent bushfires the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown and currently dealing with flooding.

We talk about self-care ,advocacy, intersectionality and working with high support needs . Amberly shares her ideas on how to get through so many difficult environmental and community based crises and stresses. 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>48c40aaf-ceff-4431-ae67-4ea32af08dbbFri, 26 Mar 2021 00:46:00 +110030:16falsefull4040E39 Exploring mindfulness with Associate Professor Craig Hassed.Exploring mindfulness with Associate Professor Craig HassedExploring mindfulness with Associate Professor Craig Hassed.

Associate Professor Craig Hassed, shares with listeners some of basics of mindfulness, what it is, how we can do it and what the benefits are. He also shares how we can use it to reduce our own mental clutter while also sharing tips on how to  introduce it in our work.


About Associate Professor Craig Hassed.


Associate Professor Craig Hassed OAM has been working within the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University since 1989. He now also teaches into a number of other faculties and is coordinator of mindfulness programs across Monash. His teaching, research and clinical interests include mindfulness, mind-body medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine and medical ethics. Craig developed and integrated into the Monash medical curriculum the world-first mindfulness-based healthy lifestyle course called the Health Enhancement Program. He has authored over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is regularly invited to speak and run courses in Australia and overseas in health, educational, government and corporate contexts. Craig has collaborated with a number of Australian and international universities helping them to integrate similar content. Craig was the founding president of Meditation Australia, is a regular media commentator, and has published 13 books and 14 book chapters. Craig featured in the documentaries, The Connection, and My Year of Living Mindfully. He co-authored with Richard Chambers the two free online Mindfulness courses in collaboration with Monash University and FutureLearn, both of which are rated by Class Central among the leading online courses in the world. In 2019 Craig was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Medicine.


Links to resources mentioned  


Mindfulness based cognitive therapy course 


https://www.monash.edu/medicine/scs/southern-synergy/mindfulness/mbct-prof-training 


Future learn, mindfulness for peak performance 


https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/mindfulness-wellbeing-performance 


Craigs book - new edition coming out June 2021 

Mindfulness for Life By: Dr. Craig Hassad, Dr. Stephen McKenzieJoin the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity...]]>Exploring mindfulness with Associate Professor Craig Hassed.

Associate Professor Craig Hassed, shares with listeners some of basics of mindfulness, what it is, how we can do it and what the benefits are. He also shares how we can use it to reduce our own mental clutter while also sharing tips on how to  introduce it in our work.


About Associate Professor Craig Hassed.


Associate Professor Craig Hassed OAM has been working within the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University since 1989. He now also teaches into a number of other faculties and is coordinator of mindfulness programs across Monash. His teaching, research and clinical interests include mindfulness, mind-body medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine and medical ethics. Craig developed and integrated into the Monash medical curriculum the world-first mindfulness-based healthy lifestyle course called the Health Enhancement Program. He has authored over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and is regularly invited to speak and run courses in Australia and overseas in health, educational, government and corporate contexts. Craig has collaborated with a number of Australian and international universities helping them to integrate similar content. Craig was the founding president of Meditation Australia, is a regular media commentator, and has published 13 books and 14 book chapters. Craig featured in the documentaries, The Connection, and My Year of Living Mindfully. He co-authored with Richard Chambers the two free online Mindfulness courses in collaboration with Monash University and FutureLearn, both of which are rated by Class Central among the leading online courses in the world. In 2019 Craig was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Medicine.


Links to resources mentioned  


Mindfulness based cognitive therapy course 


https://www.monash.edu/medicine/scs/southern-synergy/mindfulness/mbct-prof-training 


Future learn, mindfulness for peak performance 


https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/mindfulness-wellbeing-performance 


Craigs book - new edition coming out June 2021 

Mindfulness for Life By: Dr. Craig Hassad, Dr. Stephen McKenzieJoin the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>5462ce87-a7b6-4bd7-a7dd-889088a75d54Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:15:00 +110036:51falsefull3939Working with young people in forensic services.Working with young people in forensic services. Working with young people in forensic services  

In this episode, Susan Hancox shares her experience working in forensics services. She shares with the listeners her journey into social work and further studies in psychology. We discuss the raise the age campaign and some of the reasons that social workers, other allied health, and medical professionals were advocating to increase the age of criminal responsibility. 

Some resources and readings recommended by Sussie 

http://www.worthasecondchance.com.au/take-action/raise-the-age/

https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/media-releases/doctors-lawyers-experts-unite-in-call-to-raise-age-of-criminal-responsibility


age of criminal responsibility - RACP


Following Universal Children’s Day, doctors, lawyers, health and human rights experts from across Australia are calling for the age when children can be held criminally liable to be raised to at least 14 years so that primary school-aged children are not entangled in the criminal justice system.


www.racp.edu.au

https://jss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Raising-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-There-is-a-better-way.pdf


Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility


Internationally, strong systems support children in trouble in meaningful and holistic ways. These examples show us that raising the age of criminal responsibility is possible.


jss.org.au


https://www.raisetheage.org.au/


Raise The Age


Our petition. To my State Premier or Chief Minister and State/Territory Attorney-General, right now in our state children between 10 and 13 years olds are locked up in prison. Medical experts say that children’s brains are still developing, especially the parts that regulate judgment, decision-making and impulse control.

www.raisetheage.org.au


https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-27/raise-the-age-of-child-criminal-responsibility-in-australia/12483178


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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  Working with young people in forensic services  

In this episode, Susan Hancox shares her experience working in forensics services. She shares with the listeners her journey into social work and further studies in psychology. We discuss the raise the age campaign and some of the reasons that social workers, other allied health, and medical professionals were advocating to increase the age of criminal responsibility. 

Some resources and readings recommended by Sussie 

http://www.worthasecondchance.com.au/take-action/raise-the-age/

https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/media-releases/doctors-lawyers-experts-unite-in-call-to-raise-age-of-criminal-responsibility


age of criminal responsibility - RACP


Following Universal Children’s Day, doctors, lawyers, health and human rights experts from across Australia are calling for the age when children can be held criminally liable to be raised to at least 14 years so that primary school-aged children are not entangled in the criminal justice system.


www.racp.edu.au

https://jss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Raising-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-There-is-a-better-way.pdf


Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility


Internationally, strong systems support children in trouble in meaningful and holistic ways. These examples show us that raising the age of criminal responsibility is possible.


jss.org.au


https://www.raisetheage.org.au/


Raise The Age


Our petition. To my State Premier or Chief Minister and State/Territory Attorney-General, right now in our state children between 10 and 13 years olds are locked up in prison. Medical experts say that children’s brains are still developing, especially the parts that regulate judgment, decision-making and impulse control.

www.raisetheage.org.au


https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-27/raise-the-age-of-child-criminal-responsibility-in-australia/12483178


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>eeceb89e-6176-4d9d-b2d4-a27b65a841d6Sun, 15 Nov 2020 10:42:00 +110042:27falsefull3838Working in perinatal and infant mental healthWorking in perinatal and infant mental healthJude is an accredited mental health social worker, counsellor and therapist. In this week's episode, she shares with listeners her journey leading to working in perinatal and infant mental health. She talks about some of the challenges working in that space and what it can bring up for you about your own childhood and relationships within your family. Jude discusses some of the main theoretical frameworks that she uses in her work and talks about how she integrates them when working with parents and babies. Jude has a passion for learning and is a lifelong learner , she encourages listeners to read as many resources as they can attend professional development opportunities and find a really good supervisor and peer group to support you in your journey in your selected field.

 


 


Resources Jude Mentions 


https://marcesociety.com/ 


https://www.aaimh.org.au/


https://waimh.org/


https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/


Books 


Becoming Attached by Robert Karen


The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert


Attachment in Psychotherapy by David Wallin


Another Chance to be Real by  Donald and Deandra Roberts



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Jude is an accredited mental health social worker, counsellor and therapist. In this week's episode, she shares with listeners her journey leading to working in perinatal and infant mental health. She talks about some of the challenges working in that space and what it can bring up for you about your own childhood and relationships within your family. Jude discusses some of the main theoretical frameworks that she uses in her work and talks about how she integrates them when working with parents and babies. Jude has a passion for learning and is a lifelong learner , she encourages listeners to read as many resources as they can attend professional development opportunities and find a really good supervisor and peer group to support you in your journey in your selected field.

 


 


Resources Jude Mentions 


https://marcesociety.com/ 


https://www.aaimh.org.au/


https://waimh.org/


https://www.circleofsecurityinternational.com/


Books 


Becoming Attached by Robert Karen


The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert


Attachment in Psychotherapy by David Wallin


Another Chance to be Real by  Donald and Deandra Roberts



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>cc37dfe1-fac2-403e-a572-afdd623e125dSun, 18 Oct 2020 09:41:00 +110038:43falsefull3737The unique perspective of social workers in tertiary mental health services.The unique perspective of social workers in tertiary mental health services.In this week's episode, I interview Justine Grimmer about her experiences working in ED mental health services. Justine has come into social work after a number of years working in welfare and community development roles and several attempts at trying to work at the teacher. She found her heart was in social work, went back to university in her 30’s to study social work. She has worked in a range of different settings and in a range of services. Justine shares with listeners her journey to social work her experience working in hospital social work and some of the challenges that can come working in multidisciplinary teams within a medical model.

 


Justine's tips for social work students and new graduates is to get to know yourself, to understand what drives you, what challenges you and what's important to you.


 


Justine recognises the importance of supervision and connecting with other social workers and recommend a few different options for connecting with other social workers and professional networks. 



https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/practice-groups


https://www.aasw.asn.au/professional-development/continuing-professional-development-cpd 


https://www.mhpod.gov.au/



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>In this week's episode, I interview Justine Grimmer about her experiences working in ED mental health services. Justine has come into social work after a number of years working in welfare and community development roles and several attempts at trying to work at the teacher. She found her heart was in social work, went back to university in her 30’s to study social work. She has worked in a range of different settings and in a range of services. Justine shares with listeners her journey to social work her experience working in hospital social work and some of the challenges that can come working in multidisciplinary teams within a medical model.

 


Justine's tips for social work students and new graduates is to get to know yourself, to understand what drives you, what challenges you and what's important to you.


 


Justine recognises the importance of supervision and connecting with other social workers and recommend a few different options for connecting with other social workers and professional networks. 



https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/practice-groups


https://www.aasw.asn.au/professional-development/continuing-professional-development-cpd 


https://www.mhpod.gov.au/



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>4cd3327b-6b2b-41b2-935a-95f66de8f94fTue, 15 Sep 2020 07:21:00 +110040:07falsefull3636Motivational Interviewing Explained with Dr Rosemary Higgins.Motivational Interviewing Explained with Dr Rosemary Higgins.Dr Rosemary Higgins joins me in the podcast to discuss Motivational Interviewing. Rosemary has vast experience in the domains of research and practice. With over 50 publications in peer reviewed journals she is internationally renowned in her field.

Rosemary is interested in the areas of lifestyle and behaviour change including smoking cessation and improving health and psychocardiology and adjustment to chronic illness, including neurological disorders, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Dr Rosemary Higgins joins me in the podcast to discuss Motivational Interviewing. Rosemary has vast experience in the domains of research and practice. With over 50 publications in peer reviewed journals she is internationally renowned in her field.

Rosemary is interested in the areas of lifestyle and behaviour change including smoking cessation and improving health and psychocardiology and adjustment to chronic illness, including neurological disorders, heart disease, cancer and diabetes.


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>f1719202-132a-4afb-9529-1e39369eb026Sun, 06 Sep 2020 09:50:00 +110040:08falsefull3535Nothing about us without us , working in mental health advocacy and peer work.Nothing about us without us , working in mental health advocacy and peer work.Working in mental health advocacy and peer work.

In this week's episode, Matthew Jackman shares with listeners some of his experiences being a social worker and service user. Matthew has been in the out of home care system and the foster care system as well as having psychiatric mental health services involved in his life. 


 


Matthew encourages us to rethink how we work with clients, to think systemically, and to continue to challenge ourselves as professionals.


 


What's the most recent book you’ve read?


 


Feminsit therapy by Bonnie


 


What's the last tv show you binge watched?


 


Ozark 


 


What's one dish you cook well?


 


Lean cuisine ?


Uber eats 


Pad thai 


 


Favourite things to do on a day off?


 


Tennis


Drive and day trips 


 


Back up career? What did you want to be when you were a kid?


 


Journalist


Paramedic


Singer 


 


A quote or mantra that resonates with you?


Nothing about us without us 



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Working in mental health advocacy and peer work.

In this week's episode, Matthew Jackman shares with listeners some of his experiences being a social worker and service user. Matthew has been in the out of home care system and the foster care system as well as having psychiatric mental health services involved in his life. 


 


Matthew encourages us to rethink how we work with clients, to think systemically, and to continue to challenge ourselves as professionals.


 


What's the most recent book you’ve read?


 


Feminsit therapy by Bonnie


 


What's the last tv show you binge watched?


 


Ozark 


 


What's one dish you cook well?


 


Lean cuisine ?


Uber eats 


Pad thai 


 


Favourite things to do on a day off?


 


Tennis


Drive and day trips 


 


Back up career? What did you want to be when you were a kid?


 


Journalist


Paramedic


Singer 


 


A quote or mantra that resonates with you?


Nothing about us without us 



Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


 


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


 


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>f9d9f395-ba4b-41e8-9860-5c0ee3e42492Sun, 16 Aug 2020 08:37:00 +110044:45falsefull3434Reframing Social Work Education.Reframing Social Work Education.Jo and Alice return the podcast to update listeners on their upcoming social work talks quarterly issue. We recap some of the key areas from previous issues, looking at decolonising social work and mental health in social work. 

The next issue of Social Work Talk Quarterly is all about social work education. Jo and Alice share their inspiration for this topic and some of the ways they are challenging educators to think about how social workers are created and trained.  


https://www.facebook.com/socialworktalkquarterly/


The previous episode with Jo and Alice, episode 13 was in December 2019


https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000459713683


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast 


Subscribe on Android


Player.fm


apple iTunes


Spotify


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Jo and Alice return the podcast to update listeners on their upcoming social work talks quarterly issue. We recap some of the key areas from previous issues, looking at decolonising social work and mental health in social work. 

The next issue of Social Work Talk Quarterly is all about social work education. Jo and Alice share their inspiration for this topic and some of the ways they are challenging educators to think about how social workers are created and trained.  


https://www.facebook.com/socialworktalkquarterly/


The previous episode with Jo and Alice, episode 13 was in December 2019


https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-inside-social-work-podcast/id1459084811?i=1000459713683


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast 


Subscribe on Android


Player.fm


apple iTunes


Spotify


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>ec267561-4e9b-4eb5-ba76-791d6621be7eTue, 11 Aug 2020 08:10:00 +110042:47falsefull3333The Role of a Social Worker in Parkinson’s CareThe Role of a Social Worker in Parkinson’s CareAmanda shares with listeners her social work journey, navigating the disability sector, working in statutory services in the UK, and traveling across the world on the Churchill fellowship. She has carved out a niche for her private practice working in Parkinson's care. Listen to the episode to hear Amanda's story. 

Amanda is an accredited mental health social worker, she has a Bachelor of Social Work, a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a Certificate IV in Assessment and Training. She has over 19 years of experience working with individuals and families affected by chronic illness. Amanda offers Parkinson's Specific Counselling for individuals and families.


In 2007, she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigated models of care for Young-Onset Parkinsons Disease. Her recommendations were accepted by Parkinsons Australia and led to the inaugural Young Onset Parkinsons Conference.


Having previously worked for Parkinsons Victoria, she is passionate about supporting people faced with neurological illness and is experienced supporting people through her past work over the helpline, facilitating support groups, coordinating support forums and conducting family meetings. 


What advice do you have for the audience?


 


‘’Get educated and learn about the subject matter’’


  • Take self-care seriously 

  • Committed to your own self-care

  • Exercise 

  • Sport 

  • Hobby


 


‘’Our work is unseen, you may never know the impact of your work’’


 


What's the most recent book you’ve read? 


Podcasts - Brene Browns Unlocking us


What's the last tv show you binge-watched?


Outlander 


What's one dish you cook well?


Spaghetti bolognese 


Favourite things to do on a day off?


Bike ride


Back up career? What did you want to be when you were a kid?


Actor, photography 


A quote or mantra that resonates with you?


Try to be your best self


The best version you can be 



Check out Amanda's Churchill fellowship report https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/project/?id=PR0012817


https://www.parkinsonsvic.org.au/images/site/publications/Annual_Reports/Parkinsons_Vic_Annual_Report_2008.pdf


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social...]]>Amanda shares with listeners her social work journey, navigating the disability sector, working in statutory services in the UK, and traveling across the world on the Churchill fellowship. She has carved out a niche for her private practice working in Parkinson's care. Listen to the episode to hear Amanda's story. 

Amanda is an accredited mental health social worker, she has a Bachelor of Social Work, a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a Certificate IV in Assessment and Training. She has over 19 years of experience working with individuals and families affected by chronic illness. Amanda offers Parkinson's Specific Counselling for individuals and families.


In 2007, she was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to investigated models of care for Young-Onset Parkinsons Disease. Her recommendations were accepted by Parkinsons Australia and led to the inaugural Young Onset Parkinsons Conference.


Having previously worked for Parkinsons Victoria, she is passionate about supporting people faced with neurological illness and is experienced supporting people through her past work over the helpline, facilitating support groups, coordinating support forums and conducting family meetings. 


What advice do you have for the audience?


 


‘’Get educated and learn about the subject matter’’


  • Take self-care seriously 

  • Committed to your own self-care

  • Exercise 

  • Sport 

  • Hobby


 


‘’Our work is unseen, you may never know the impact of your work’’


 


What's the most recent book you’ve read? 


Podcasts - Brene Browns Unlocking us


What's the last tv show you binge-watched?


Outlander 


What's one dish you cook well?


Spaghetti bolognese 


Favourite things to do on a day off?


Bike ride


Back up career? What did you want to be when you were a kid?


Actor, photography 


A quote or mantra that resonates with you?


Try to be your best self


The best version you can be 



Check out Amanda's Churchill fellowship report https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/project/?id=PR0012817


https://www.parkinsonsvic.org.au/images/site/publications/Annual_Reports/Parkinsons_Vic_Annual_Report_2008.pdf


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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


Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!


 


 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>6071831a-72a8-48a9-86fa-01975c9ec826Sun, 26 Jul 2020 09:55:00 +110051:21falsefull3232Exploring the grief and bereavement that can accompany chronic illness and disability.Exploring the grief and bereavement that can accompany chronic illness and disability.In this week's episode, I talk with Louise Pearson. Louise is an accredited mental health social worker with over twenty years of experience in the disability and community sector. She has completed training as a Gestalt Psychotherapist and is also a grief and bereavement counsellor working in Melbourne’s North-East

We talk about the grief and loss that can accompany chronic illness and disability. We explore some of the needs that people have when they are coming to terms with a recent diagnosis or a change in their health that means they’re not able to do the things that they used to do before. 

Louise shares with listeners some of her personal story and journey in social work. 

Louise has a lot of experience and has engaged with additional study and professional development in the loss and grief space. Louise remains passionate about continuing education and encourages listeners to explore gaps in knowledge and read books, listen to talks, and find ways to enhance your learning. She has a list of resources she recommends available on her website also in the links below

‘’Its ok to be impacted and affected by clients, their stories touch our hearts’’

Resources


Get in touch with Louise 


www.louisepearson.com.au


Books and other resources Louise recommends https://www.louisepearson.com.au/resources


Join Louise's mailing list https://mailchi.mp/fcda67176cd2/sign-up 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts! 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>In this week's episode, I talk with Louise Pearson. Louise is an accredited mental health social worker with over twenty years of experience in the disability and community sector. She has completed training as a Gestalt Psychotherapist and is also a grief and bereavement counsellor working in Melbourne’s North-East

We talk about the grief and loss that can accompany chronic illness and disability. We explore some of the needs that people have when they are coming to terms with a recent diagnosis or a change in their health that means they’re not able to do the things that they used to do before. 

Louise shares with listeners some of her personal story and journey in social work. 

Louise has a lot of experience and has engaged with additional study and professional development in the loss and grief space. Louise remains passionate about continuing education and encourages listeners to explore gaps in knowledge and read books, listen to talks, and find ways to enhance your learning. She has a list of resources she recommends available on her website also in the links below

‘’Its ok to be impacted and affected by clients, their stories touch our hearts’’

Resources


Get in touch with Louise 


www.louisepearson.com.au


Books and other resources Louise recommends https://www.louisepearson.com.au/resources


Join Louise's mailing list https://mailchi.mp/fcda67176cd2/sign-up 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group


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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts! 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>9b68361d-f55e-4acd-93c1-b7d9248c360fMon, 20 Jul 2020 02:20:00 +110039:19falsefull3131Bringing about behavioural change, working in men's behaviour change programs with Blake JohnsBringing about behavioural change, working in men's behaviour change programs with Blake JohnsListen to Blake share some of his experiences working in a men's behaviour change program. 

Blake is an accredited mental health social worker, working across a variety of settings including mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence, sexual offending, child protection, adolescent violence and disabilities. He refined his practice working as Primary Practitioner on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, and has developed an approach he regards as male-positive, pro-feminist, child-centred, intersectional, and trauma-informed.  

https://blakejohnscounselling.com/

https://www.anrows.org.au/

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

 

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

 

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Listen to Blake share some of his experiences working in a men's behaviour change program. 

Blake is an accredited mental health social worker, working across a variety of settings including mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence, sexual offending, child protection, adolescent violence and disabilities. He refined his practice working as Primary Practitioner on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, and has developed an approach he regards as male-positive, pro-feminist, child-centred, intersectional, and trauma-informed.  

https://blakejohnscounselling.com/

https://www.anrows.org.au/

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

 

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

 

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>f07835d3-af06-412a-bb91-b7faf678ce94Mon, 13 Jul 2020 05:17:20 +110041:55falsefull3030EMDR explained, with Caroline Burrows.EMDR explained, with Caroline Burrows.In this week's episode, I talk with Caroline Burrows about EMDR.

Caroline talks us through what EMDR is and what it can be used for. 

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 first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria, Australia. Outside of work Caroline is an animal lover and enjoys walking her dogs, laughing and sharing meals with friends and family.  



Carolines private practice Mindful Living in Croydon, where people can access EMDR therapy (either in-person or online): www.mindfulliving.com.au



Carolines website where people can find out more about her EMDR training, consultation and clinical supervision services: www.carolineburrows.com.au


 

The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/



Connect with Marie


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>In this week's episode, I talk with Caroline Burrows about EMDR.

Caroline talks us through what EMDR is and what it can be used for. 

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 first inpatient hospital EMDR program in Victoria, Australia. Outside of work Caroline is an animal lover and enjoys walking her dogs, laughing and sharing meals with friends and family.  



Carolines private practice Mindful Living in Croydon, where people can access EMDR therapy (either in-person or online): www.mindfulliving.com.au



Carolines website where people can find out more about her EMDR training, consultation and clinical supervision services: www.carolineburrows.com.au


 

The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/



Connect with Marie


https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

https://marievakakis.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>07f4790b-1450-4836-a4af-bda253d6a676Sun, 05 Jul 2020 09:17:00 +110042:08falsefull2929Working with vulnerable kids and families in child protection. Liz Andrew Brake.Working with vulnerable kids and families in child protection. Liz Andrew Brake.Liz Andrew- Brake is a qualified Social Worker that is AASW registered. She has been working in the Child Protection field for the past 12+ years. She’s worked in a variety of roles in New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Australia in both government and non-government organisations (Child Protection Social Worker, Case Worker, Team Leader, and Manager) and currently works with an NGO as a Practice Lead for Child Protection and Early Intervention.

Liz is passionate about good quality practice in the child protection field and also about the professionalisation of Social Workers and Case Workers in Australia. She sees career development, reflective practice, and good quality support as key things that ensure that there are skilled workers in the child protection field which then leads to the most important thing- that we see positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

You come with all that history as a child protection worker when you knock on someone's doors  

What are some of the misconceptions about child protection?

Working with abuse and neglect, some people assume the parents are cruel or bad people

People do things because of their own history and background. Trauma, family, people parent how they were parented.

What are some of the challenges of working in child protection?

Losing social work identity. You can be disconnected from the social worker role.

Time-poor & resource-poor.

Get into survival mode

Get caught up in that 

What are some tools or resources you can recommend?

Being connected to other social workers can prevent burnout 

  • Make sure that you have a social work supervisor 
    • In supervision tell them what you want to get out of it 


  • CP does raise a lot of things for people, system issues, bureaucracy, trauma, and abuse
  • Self-care 
  • Whatever energy you're putting out, put in 
  • Self-care needs to be long term and at the moment 
  • Exercise and eating well 


If there’s one piece of advice you could impart to the audience, what would it be? 

Honing in on your why.

What made you become a social worker and revisiting that.

Course - The practitioner passion project 

For practitioners who have lost their mojo  

Starting 6th July, offering Modules and coaching

Get in touch with Liz

Link to Liz’s website:

http://lizandrewbrake.com/

Practitioner Passion Project

http://lizandrewbrake.com/the-practitioner-passion-project/

People can follow her on Instagram or facebook  @LizandrewBrake.com

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to...]]>Liz Andrew- Brake is a qualified Social Worker that is AASW registered. She has been working in the Child Protection field for the past 12+ years. She’s worked in a variety of roles in New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Australia in both government and non-government organisations (Child Protection Social Worker, Case Worker, Team Leader, and Manager) and currently works with an NGO as a Practice Lead for Child Protection and Early Intervention.

Liz is passionate about good quality practice in the child protection field and also about the professionalisation of Social Workers and Case Workers in Australia. She sees career development, reflective practice, and good quality support as key things that ensure that there are skilled workers in the child protection field which then leads to the most important thing- that we see positive outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

You come with all that history as a child protection worker when you knock on someone's doors  

What are some of the misconceptions about child protection?

Working with abuse and neglect, some people assume the parents are cruel or bad people

People do things because of their own history and background. Trauma, family, people parent how they were parented.

What are some of the challenges of working in child protection?

Losing social work identity. You can be disconnected from the social worker role.

Time-poor & resource-poor.

Get into survival mode

Get caught up in that 

What are some tools or resources you can recommend?

Being connected to other social workers can prevent burnout 

  • Make sure that you have a social work supervisor 
    • In supervision tell them what you want to get out of it 


  • CP does raise a lot of things for people, system issues, bureaucracy, trauma, and abuse
  • Self-care 
  • Whatever energy you're putting out, put in 
  • Self-care needs to be long term and at the moment 
  • Exercise and eating well 


If there’s one piece of advice you could impart to the audience, what would it be? 

Honing in on your why.

What made you become a social worker and revisiting that.

Course - The practitioner passion project 

For practitioners who have lost their mojo  

Starting 6th July, offering Modules and coaching

Get in touch with Liz

Link to Liz’s website:

http://lizandrewbrake.com/

Practitioner Passion Project

http://lizandrewbrake.com/the-practitioner-passion-project/

People can follow her on Instagram or facebook  @LizandrewBrake.com

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>db4d54f0-1e43-499a-88fc-28ae9154a9caSun, 28 Jun 2020 10:19:53 +110043:26falsefull2828Thinking big. Providing counselling in a women's refuge and starting a social enterprise. ‘’Thinking big’’ providing counselling in a women's refuge and starting a social enterprise. ‘’Thinking big’’ providing counselling in a women's refuge and starting a social enterprise.

Jen Wiedman 

Jen has had a very diverse and interesting career. In this interview, she shares with listeners some of her journey and what inspired her to become a social worker. We discuss so much in this episode. We explore some of the frameworks Jen draws on when working in her counselling practice, managing self-care and reducing burnout and connecting with others Jen is an accredited mental health social worker, working in public health, private practice and is the founder of a social enterprise, 4th space. 

Jen has us thinking about 

What's motivating you to be in this space?

Why are you in it? 

Why are you wanting to do this work?

 

Things to consider

Working to reduce the power imbalance

Supervision is important

Feeling powerless and hopeless → at the system

Holding the space and hope 

Trusting your knowledge and instinct 

 

Vicarious trauma

→ It's going to happen

Self-care practices 

Knowing yourself, your triggers, supportive network

 

Find Jen 

https://www.jenwiedman.com/ 

https://www.jenwiedman.com/about-counselling-psychology-services

www.4thspace.com.au 

Resources recommended by Jen 

Ikigai 

See what you made me do. By Jess Hill

 

If you're interested to check out some engagement activities around things like 

  • Your local MHPN
  • Events 
  • National days and events 


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

 

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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> ‘’Thinking big’’ providing counselling in a women's refuge and starting a social enterprise.

Jen Wiedman 

Jen has had a very diverse and interesting career. In this interview, she shares with listeners some of her journey and what inspired her to become a social worker. We discuss so much in this episode. We explore some of the frameworks Jen draws on when working in her counselling practice, managing self-care and reducing burnout and connecting with others Jen is an accredited mental health social worker, working in public health, private practice and is the founder of a social enterprise, 4th space. 

Jen has us thinking about 

What's motivating you to be in this space?

Why are you in it? 

Why are you wanting to do this work?

 

Things to consider

Working to reduce the power imbalance

Supervision is important

Feeling powerless and hopeless → at the system

Holding the space and hope 

Trusting your knowledge and instinct 

 

Vicarious trauma

→ It's going to happen

Self-care practices 

Knowing yourself, your triggers, supportive network

 

Find Jen 

https://www.jenwiedman.com/ 

https://www.jenwiedman.com/about-counselling-psychology-services

www.4thspace.com.au 

Resources recommended by Jen 

Ikigai 

See what you made me do. By Jess Hill

 

If you're interested to check out some engagement activities around things like 

  • Your local MHPN
  • Events 
  • National days and events 


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

 

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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>3cd4232e-146f-49b6-ac6c-c88730f3f89fMon, 22 Jun 2020 05:00:14 +110040:17falsefull2727From Paralegal to Social Worker. Working with children and trauma all while staying passionate about the work you do.From Paralegal to Social Worker. Working with children and trauma all while staying passionate about the work you do.In my interview with Ashton Hayes, she shares her journey starting off as a paralegal working in family law. Her career took on a new trajectory as she discovered she felt she could do more hands-on work as a social worker. 

Ashton Hayes (Bachelor of Social Work (Hons); Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice), is an accredited mental social worker with many years of experience working with children and families. She is passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma and works collaboratively with each client to create a safe and positive therapeutic experience. Ashton utilises a number of different modalities and creative approaches, in consultation with her client, in order to create a supportive environment. Ashton is also a clinical supervisor and leadership coach who uses a trauma-informed approach to support supervisees and leaders in their roles as well as helping them to achieve their career goals.

She talks about how she felt children were being left behind in family law and the legal system. So she made the move from family law to social work. 

Some key parts of this interview

  • You’re allowed to ask for support
  • Don't engage in comparative suffering 
  • Watch the power, clients are inherently powerless in the system
  • Take time to nurture yourself, you can't pour from an empty cup
  • Supervision is VERY important
  • Watch the golden girls for self-care 
  • Joining groups with other social workers
  • Keep a reflective journal


 

https://willowtreewellbeing.com/ 

https://willowtreewellbeing.com/support-for-professionals

link to the therapod mentioned  https://therapyblanket.com.au/products/therapy-pod

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>In my interview with Ashton Hayes, she shares her journey starting off as a paralegal working in family law. Her career took on a new trajectory as she discovered she felt she could do more hands-on work as a social worker. 

Ashton Hayes (Bachelor of Social Work (Hons); Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice), is an accredited mental social worker with many years of experience working with children and families. She is passionate about working with people who have experienced trauma and works collaboratively with each client to create a safe and positive therapeutic experience. Ashton utilises a number of different modalities and creative approaches, in consultation with her client, in order to create a supportive environment. Ashton is also a clinical supervisor and leadership coach who uses a trauma-informed approach to support supervisees and leaders in their roles as well as helping them to achieve their career goals.

She talks about how she felt children were being left behind in family law and the legal system. So she made the move from family law to social work. 

Some key parts of this interview

  • You’re allowed to ask for support
  • Don't engage in comparative suffering 
  • Watch the power, clients are inherently powerless in the system
  • Take time to nurture yourself, you can't pour from an empty cup
  • Supervision is VERY important
  • Watch the golden girls for self-care 
  • Joining groups with other social workers
  • Keep a reflective journal


 

https://willowtreewellbeing.com/ 

https://willowtreewellbeing.com/support-for-professionals

link to the therapod mentioned  https://therapyblanket.com.au/products/therapy-pod

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>4bbf0898-f3d5-47ae-a9ea-6795653989c2Sun, 14 Jun 2020 07:44:29 +110044:23falsefull2626Influencing change and advocating for ourselves with Suzanne Doorakkers.Influencing change and advocating for ourselves with Suzanne Doorakkers.Hear about how Suzanne moved from an interest in science and nursing to becoming a social worker. 

Suzanne is very passionate about the student experience and feels having a good placement can be a great start to your career. 

‘’Because we do it for someone, we assume someone should do it for us. No one does it for us.’’ 

Self-care tips from Suzanne:

  • Only take on clients who she’s passionate about/ enjoys
  • Doing the kind of work you enjoy doing
  • Fierce with her family time and protecting it 


Ways to get involved (and make lifelong friends)

Read the AASW newsletter, there are lots of resources and expressions of interest.

Attend a peer supervision group

Go to a MHPN network meeting

Facebook group the business of social work 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1919283988289631/

 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

https://insidesocialwork.com/episode25/

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

Subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Hear about how Suzanne moved from an interest in science and nursing to becoming a social worker. 

Suzanne is very passionate about the student experience and feels having a good placement can be a great start to your career. 

‘’Because we do it for someone, we assume someone should do it for us. No one does it for us.’’ 

Self-care tips from Suzanne:

  • Only take on clients who she’s passionate about/ enjoys
  • Doing the kind of work you enjoy doing
  • Fierce with her family time and protecting it 


Ways to get involved (and make lifelong friends)

Read the AASW newsletter, there are lots of resources and expressions of interest.

Attend a peer supervision group

Go to a MHPN network meeting

Facebook group the business of social work 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1919283988289631/

 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

https://insidesocialwork.com/episode25/

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

Subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>826be258-2d47-476b-8b81-f5d2c7e05252Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:07:59 +110040:39falsefull2525You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression talking recruitment with Kate TaylorYou don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression talking recruitment with Kate TaylorThis week’s episode takes a look at something a little different, getting a job. Kate Taylor, founder and managing director of Taylor care recruitment, shares with the inside social work listeners a range of tips and advice to land that perfect job.

Kates tips for students on placement (what opportunities should they take up to improve their employability for when they graduate ?)

  • Encourage them to be proactive
  • Use opportunities to network
  • Know people and managers and teams
  • Know the organisation
  • Have a good work ethic
  • Take it seriously like its a job, 
  • Offer to do other roles, like support work, volunteer 
  • Show your teachable
  • I know you’re really busy, when is the best time to talk to you
  • Be proactive 


Tips for new graduates, how they can enhance their resume and make themselves someone stand out?

Kate says it’s very competitive, there are some people with lots of experience.

Her tips include 

  • Be proactive and contact people, follow up with the application. 
  • Show you’re eager, enthusiastic, techable 


Kates tips for your resume

You have about 15 seconds to impress someone so make sure your resume is

  • Clear
  • Formatt it correctly
  • Promote your best self, this is not the time to undersell yourself
  • Make it clear why they should call YOU


Before  sending off your resume, Kate recommends you call and ask the employer more details about the job. Do your homework – check the organisation 

I asked Kate how do you balance being humble in your resume while also highlighting/ showcasing your skills and achievements.

Kate says 

  • Confidence is better then arrogant
  • Confidence is contagious
  • This about what’s the thing  that you bring?
  • Always be teachable  


Kates tips for networking / getting yourself out there 

  • Get into lots of groups /social media
  • Ask for feedback and ideas?
  • Have a linkedin profile 
  • Seek profile – optimised 


In the interview

You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. 

  • Do your homework on the organisation
  • Prepare before the interview – take some deep breaths


Kates self care tips

  • Get a Business coach or supervisor 
    • They help keep you accountable and motivated


  • Professional development  
  • Exercise – move my body everyday 
  • Gratitude practice 
  • Meditation 


If you don’t get the job you want? Remember  ‘’Every no it’s getting you closer to the yes’’

Resources mentioned in this week’s episode 

https://www.taylorcare.com.au/

https://www.taylorcare.com.au/future-proof-your-career

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlklFur8hXsfYyx1Esz2Tw

https://www.taylorcare.com.au/tv

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5...]]>This week’s episode takes a look at something a little different, getting a job. Kate Taylor, founder and managing director of Taylor care recruitment, shares with the inside social work listeners a range of tips and advice to land that perfect job.

Kates tips for students on placement (what opportunities should they take up to improve their employability for when they graduate ?)

  • Encourage them to be proactive
  • Use opportunities to network
  • Know people and managers and teams
  • Know the organisation
  • Have a good work ethic
  • Take it seriously like its a job, 
  • Offer to do other roles, like support work, volunteer 
  • Show your teachable
  • I know you’re really busy, when is the best time to talk to you
  • Be proactive 


Tips for new graduates, how they can enhance their resume and make themselves someone stand out?

Kate says it’s very competitive, there are some people with lots of experience.

Her tips include 

  • Be proactive and contact people, follow up with the application. 
  • Show you’re eager, enthusiastic, techable 


Kates tips for your resume

You have about 15 seconds to impress someone so make sure your resume is

  • Clear
  • Formatt it correctly
  • Promote your best self, this is not the time to undersell yourself
  • Make it clear why they should call YOU


Before  sending off your resume, Kate recommends you call and ask the employer more details about the job. Do your homework – check the organisation 

I asked Kate how do you balance being humble in your resume while also highlighting/ showcasing your skills and achievements.

Kate says 

  • Confidence is better then arrogant
  • Confidence is contagious
  • This about what’s the thing  that you bring?
  • Always be teachable  


Kates tips for networking / getting yourself out there 

  • Get into lots of groups /social media
  • Ask for feedback and ideas?
  • Have a linkedin profile 
  • Seek profile – optimised 


In the interview

You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. 

  • Do your homework on the organisation
  • Prepare before the interview – take some deep breaths


Kates self care tips

  • Get a Business coach or supervisor 
    • They help keep you accountable and motivated


  • Professional development  
  • Exercise – move my body everyday 
  • Gratitude practice 
  • Meditation 


If you don’t get the job you want? Remember  ‘’Every no it’s getting you closer to the yes’’

Resources mentioned in this week’s episode 

https://www.taylorcare.com.au/

https://www.taylorcare.com.au/future-proof-your-career

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlklFur8hXsfYyx1Esz2Tw

https://www.taylorcare.com.au/tv

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast where ever you get your podcasts!

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>a58aa0aa-0378-486e-86b1-71572236aa7cSun, 24 May 2020 12:44:59 +110045:00falsefull2424The balancing act of school social work with Kylie Lloyd.The balancing act of school social work with Kylie Lloyd. This week's episode explores the world of school social work. I talk with Kylie Lloyd, who shares her experiences transitioning into social work as a mature student, while balancing the requirements of the degree and also being a single mother of 2 children.

Kylie shares her experience being a learner as an adult and how she transitioned from HR to volunteering for Lifeline then making the jump into social work. She talks about how hard it can be mentally and financially to study again while also looking at how rewarding it can be. Kylie shares her experiences and the highs and lows that come with working in an environment where you're the minority profession.

We talk about the challenges working with families and Kylie sheds some light into working with young people in a school environment and how she navigates the system, advocating for young people while also balancing the often competing needs of different stakeholders. 

As a family therapist in training Kylie lets us in on some of the ways her thinking has changed and some of the ways she's incorporating systems work and family work into her work with young people. 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>This week's episode explores the world of school social work. I talk with Kylie Lloyd, who shares her experiences transitioning into social work as a mature student, while balancing the requirements of the degree and also being a single mother of 2 children.

Kylie shares her experience being a learner as an adult and how she transitioned from HR to volunteering for Lifeline then making the jump into social work. She talks about how hard it can be mentally and financially to study again while also looking at how rewarding it can be. Kylie shares her experiences and the highs and lows that come with working in an environment where you're the minority profession.

We talk about the challenges working with families and Kylie sheds some light into working with young people in a school environment and how she navigates the system, advocating for young people while also balancing the often competing needs of different stakeholders. 

As a family therapist in training Kylie lets us in on some of the ways her thinking has changed and some of the ways she's incorporating systems work and family work into her work with young people. 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>803ddcd1-5f32-4ccf-9bda-56f1934c6ed8Mon, 18 May 2020 00:17:56 +110047:20falsefull2323Bringing parents and families into the room when working with young people.Bringing parents and families into the room when working with young people. In this week's episode, Katrina shares her experience working with families in a school setting and in a hospital setting. Katrina has written an article looking at family therapy for child and adolescent school refusal which can be found in the show notes. 

Katrina is a clinical family therapist and a full clinical member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).  She is an accredited mental health social worker (AMHSW) with the Australian Association of Social Workers, with more than 13 year's experience in tertiary mental health, in addition to working privately for several years. She has undertaken further training in Gottman Method Marital Therapy, Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (FBT), Narrative Therapy, supervision, and more.

Katrina shares some of her tips, tricks and challenges for working with families in what can be a traditionally one-on-one setting.

We talk about school refusal and how we work with families and the school system to support a young person to get back into school. You talk about the importance of a good relationship between the school parents and the clinician working with that whole system.

We look at the role parents can play in supporting young people through the changes they experience in adolescence. Supporting them in their journey moving from primary school to high school and how the role of parenting can change and adapt to these different stages.

Katrina shares with listeners some of her tips for managing her well-being. She talks about the red flags that she's noticed in her own life that indicate maybe she's not doing so well and what she does to keep herself energised, healthy and able to do the work she loves.

 

https://www.katrinarichardson.com/

Family Therapy for Child and Adolescent School Refusal

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anzf.1188

 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>In this week's episode, Katrina shares her experience working with families in a school setting and in a hospital setting. Katrina has written an article looking at family therapy for child and adolescent school refusal which can be found in the show notes. 

Katrina is a clinical family therapist and a full clinical member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).  She is an accredited mental health social worker (AMHSW) with the Australian Association of Social Workers, with more than 13 year's experience in tertiary mental health, in addition to working privately for several years. She has undertaken further training in Gottman Method Marital Therapy, Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (FBT), Narrative Therapy, supervision, and more.

Katrina shares some of her tips, tricks and challenges for working with families in what can be a traditionally one-on-one setting.

We talk about school refusal and how we work with families and the school system to support a young person to get back into school. You talk about the importance of a good relationship between the school parents and the clinician working with that whole system.

We look at the role parents can play in supporting young people through the changes they experience in adolescence. Supporting them in their journey moving from primary school to high school and how the role of parenting can change and adapt to these different stages.

Katrina shares with listeners some of her tips for managing her well-being. She talks about the red flags that she's noticed in her own life that indicate maybe she's not doing so well and what she does to keep herself energised, healthy and able to do the work she loves.

 

https://www.katrinarichardson.com/

Family Therapy for Child and Adolescent School Refusal

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anzf.1188

 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>2c16f101-d8c4-44d2-bbfc-a1b3b238423aMon, 11 May 2020 23:29:19 +110042:14falsefull2222Working with sexual and gender diverse clients, with Josh Muller.Working with sexual and gender diverse clients, with Josh Muller. This week's episode takes a look at working with diversity, in particular with LGBTQIA+ people. The way we communicate is important, it doesn't just communicate the content of what we're doing, it communicates our beliefs and assumptions about the world.  I hope this episode gives you some ideas and tips on how to be more inclusive in your practice. This is a real area of need and we know the stats are alarming for people especially young people if they don't get the right support when they need it. Stigma, fear, and judgment can prevent someone from getting help. 

 

Josh Muller (they/them) is a registered psychologist passionate about LGBTQIA+ health and well-being. While specialising in gender, sex, and sexuality, they work across the lifespan and a broad range of issues affecting their client’s lives. 

Josh is a great resource and shares some of their tips on how you can be more inclusive, things you can do in your practice, and recommends some resources you can look at if you’d like to learn more.

Josh shares advice on how to be more comfortable talking about sexuality and diversity. 

They encourage you to interrogate your own understanding of things and reflect on your ideas and values of gender and sexuality, 

Resources

https://www.melbournequeerpsychologist.com/ 

https://www.queersexed.org/

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast

 

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>This week's episode takes a look at working with diversity, in particular with LGBTQIA+ people. The way we communicate is important, it doesn't just communicate the content of what we're doing, it communicates our beliefs and assumptions about the world.  I hope this episode gives you some ideas and tips on how to be more inclusive in your practice. This is a real area of need and we know the stats are alarming for people especially young people if they don't get the right support when they need it. Stigma, fear, and judgment can prevent someone from getting help. 

 

Josh Muller (they/them) is a registered psychologist passionate about LGBTQIA+ health and well-being. While specialising in gender, sex, and sexuality, they work across the lifespan and a broad range of issues affecting their client’s lives. 

Josh is a great resource and shares some of their tips on how you can be more inclusive, things you can do in your practice, and recommends some resources you can look at if you’d like to learn more.

Josh shares advice on how to be more comfortable talking about sexuality and diversity. 

They encourage you to interrogate your own understanding of things and reflect on your ideas and values of gender and sexuality, 

Resources

https://www.melbournequeerpsychologist.com/ 

https://www.queersexed.org/

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

Subscribe to the podcast

 

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>0b047f5f-e70e-4b96-b82f-e5cf0b239142Mon, 04 May 2020 09:50:54 +110044:33falsefull2121Working close to home, experiences of a social worker in rural Victoria.Working close to home, experiences of a social worker in rural Victoria. Episode 20: Working close to home, experiences of a social worker in rural Victoria. 

In this episode, Lachlan Slade shares some of his experiences working in rural communities. We talk about some of the challenges of living and working close to your clients and how to have a conversation about appropriate boundaries.  Lachlan shares some of his self-care tips and how he manages to stay energised and enthusiastic about the work he does. 

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 LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics. They now teach Social Work at La Trobe University, Shepparton, and they are a Counsellor Advocate at GVCASA while also trying to raise a 5 year old. Lauchlan big tip?

 ‘’Patting yourself on the back when you have the wins. They can be hard to see.’’

Lachlans tips for getting the most out of supervision

  • Their theoretical background
  • Ask for a one off supervision , to see if it's a good fit
  • See if you click with them
  • Try out different theoretical frameworks


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Episode 20: Working close to home, experiences of a social worker in rural Victoria. 

In this episode, Lachlan Slade shares some of his experiences working in rural communities. We talk about some of the challenges of living and working close to your clients and how to have a conversation about appropriate boundaries.  Lachlan shares some of his self-care tips and how he manages to stay energised and enthusiastic about the work he does. 

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 LGBTIQ+ Community Festival. Lachlan has dabbled in Community Radio, and Politics. They now teach Social Work at La Trobe University, Shepparton, and they are a Counsellor Advocate at GVCASA while also trying to raise a 5 year old. Lauchlan big tip?

 ‘’Patting yourself on the back when you have the wins. They can be hard to see.’’

Lachlans tips for getting the most out of supervision

  • Their theoretical background
  • Ask for a one off supervision , to see if it's a good fit
  • See if you click with them
  • Try out different theoretical frameworks


Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>87bbb008-8f5f-468e-9b37-69daac6a1a3fMon, 27 Apr 2020 04:05:21 +110032:43falsefull2020You cannot tell ACT to clients, you have to experience it with them. Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Louise Hayes.You cannot tell ACT to clients, you have to experience it with them. Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment therapy with Louise Hayes. 

In this week's episode, Louise Hayes explains some of the basic principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT.  

Louise is a clinical psychologist, peer reviewed ACT trainer, an academic, author, speaker and active philanthropist. Louise uses ACT with young people in schools and clinical settings. She is a world expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) for young people and the co-author of the best selling book, Get Out of Your Mind and Into your Life for Teenagers: A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life, and the newly released book, The Thriving Adolescent: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology to Help Teens Manage Emotions, Achieve Goals, and Build Connection.

Resources 

Louise’s books

The Thriving Adolescent Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens : A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life

Website for professional training and more about Louise Hayes - http://www.louisehayes.com.au

Website for working with young people: http://thrivingadolescent.com/

https://www.louisehayes.com.au/publications/

https://www.louisehayes.com.au/workshops-for-professionals/

http://anzact.com/about-us/

 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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/

 

Thank you for listening. Support the show by making a contribution. https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork

Subscribe to the podcast

Subscribe on Android

Player.fm

apple iTunes

Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 

In this week's episode, Louise Hayes explains some of the basic principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT.  

Louise is a clinical psychologist, peer reviewed ACT trainer, an academic, author, speaker and active philanthropist. Louise uses ACT with young people in schools and clinical settings. She is a world expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) for young people and the co-author of the best selling book, Get Out of Your Mind and Into your Life for Teenagers: A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life, and the newly released book, The Thriving Adolescent: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Positive Psychology to Help Teens Manage Emotions, Achieve Goals, and Build Connection.

Resources 

Louise’s books

The Thriving Adolescent Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens : A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life

Website for professional training and more about Louise Hayes - http://www.louisehayes.com.au

Website for working with young people: http://thrivingadolescent.com/

https://www.louisehayes.com.au/publications/

https://www.louisehayes.com.au/workshops-for-professionals/

http://anzact.com/about-us/

 

Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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/

 

Thank you for listening. Support the show by making a contribution. https://www.paypal.me/Insidesocialwork

Subscribe to the podcast

Subscribe on Android

Player.fm

apple iTunes

Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>52eb7e69-2218-4e8c-8df7-5bf501a00da4Sun, 19 Apr 2020 09:12:38 +110039:59falsefull1919''I need my me time’’. Finding space, laughter and other ways to manage anxiety during difficult times, with Dr Lillian Nejad''I need my me time’’. Finding space, laughter and other ways to manage anxiety during difficult times, with Dr Lillian NejadThis week's episode Lillian shares some ways we can manage anxiety during tough times. 

We talk about needing alone time, balancing work-life balance and how to support someone when they share with you when they’re in distress.

Lillian Nejad, PhD, is a registered and endorsed clinical psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with mild to severe psychological issues and disorders. She currently has a private practice in Brighton, Victoria.  

Lillian's mission is to promote accurate and nonjudgmental views on mental health and to provide REAL information and strategies for a variety of psychological problems, issues and disorders based on REAL evidence and REAL experience in an accessible, genuine and engaging manner that fosters positive change for everyone involved.

 

Links to Lillian's resources

Coping with Coronavirus Article (also has other helpful MH  blogs and radio segments)

 https://www.lifeblockers.com/post/10-ways-to-cope-with-coronavirus-related-anxiety

 

Insight Timer: link to three mindfulness/relaxation exercises and two courses

https://insighttimer.com/lnejad

www.omnipsych.com/about 

 Coming soon

www.skillsforlife.courses 

 

Long version of British Family Les Mis

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/01/825232156/u-k-familys-lockdown-themed-rendition-of-les-mis-is-a-delight  

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>This week's episode Lillian shares some ways we can manage anxiety during tough times. 

We talk about needing alone time, balancing work-life balance and how to support someone when they share with you when they’re in distress.

Lillian Nejad, PhD, is a registered and endorsed clinical psychologist and author with over 20 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of individuals with mild to severe psychological issues and disorders. She currently has a private practice in Brighton, Victoria.  

Lillian's mission is to promote accurate and nonjudgmental views on mental health and to provide REAL information and strategies for a variety of psychological problems, issues and disorders based on REAL evidence and REAL experience in an accessible, genuine and engaging manner that fosters positive change for everyone involved.

 

Links to Lillian's resources

Coping with Coronavirus Article (also has other helpful MH  blogs and radio segments)

 https://www.lifeblockers.com/post/10-ways-to-cope-with-coronavirus-related-anxiety

 

Insight Timer: link to three mindfulness/relaxation exercises and two courses

https://insighttimer.com/lnejad

www.omnipsych.com/about 

 Coming soon

www.skillsforlife.courses 

 

Long version of British Family Les Mis

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/01/825232156/u-k-familys-lockdown-themed-rendition-of-les-mis-is-a-delight  

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>6f9277b5-cbff-4224-bfc9-c4299ce6fa36Mon, 13 Apr 2020 09:16:30 +110041:39falsefull1818Finding your area of flow and passion, working in private practice with Cathy LoveFinding your area of flow and passion, working in private practice with Cathy Love 

In my interview with Cathy we talk about the benefits and challenges in running a private practice.  She shares some insights into the fears allied health professionals have in this area.

Cathy Love is an Allied Health Business Coach, Speaker, Author and Occupational Therapist. She is the founding director of Nacre Consulting. She coaches allied health business owners to run powerful businesses that change lives.

In this episode we talk about 

  • Marketing yourself and your brand while maintaining boundaries and ethics.
  • Personal brand , business brand and product brand
  • Choosing / finding a niche and giving up the fear of only ever seeing 1 type of client
  • Internal hurdles - feeling guilty for working in private practice
  • Getting paid for what you’re worth
  • The value you bring to the therapeutic relationship and the impact you have in that person's life
  • Things to consider before going into private practice - risk, finances, energy and personality 
  • Start as you mean to proceed 
  • Wearing too many hats as a business owner 
  • The word admin - (goes in the swear jar)


Contact details

smile@nacre.com.au

www.nacre.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PrivatePracticeMadePerfect

Podcast

 https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/private-practice-made-perfect/id1232035434

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]> 

In my interview with Cathy we talk about the benefits and challenges in running a private practice.  She shares some insights into the fears allied health professionals have in this area.

Cathy Love is an Allied Health Business Coach, Speaker, Author and Occupational Therapist. She is the founding director of Nacre Consulting. She coaches allied health business owners to run powerful businesses that change lives.

In this episode we talk about 

  • Marketing yourself and your brand while maintaining boundaries and ethics.
  • Personal brand , business brand and product brand
  • Choosing / finding a niche and giving up the fear of only ever seeing 1 type of client
  • Internal hurdles - feeling guilty for working in private practice
  • Getting paid for what you’re worth
  • The value you bring to the therapeutic relationship and the impact you have in that person's life
  • Things to consider before going into private practice - risk, finances, energy and personality 
  • Start as you mean to proceed 
  • Wearing too many hats as a business owner 
  • The word admin - (goes in the swear jar)


Contact details

smile@nacre.com.au

www.nacre.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PrivatePracticeMadePerfect

Podcast

 https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/private-practice-made-perfect/id1232035434

 

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>4e2123b5-17ee-4395-a188-c55c87526ab8Sun, 05 Apr 2020 09:34:04 +110039:16falsefull1717Man up, talking men's mental health with Kylie King.Man up, talking men's mental health with Kylie King.Man up, talking men's mental health With Kylie King

In this episode I talk with Kylie King about male suicide. We discuss the language to use when talking about suicide , look at the statistics in Australia and in particular men's mental health.  While unpacking ideas of masculinity we talk about some of the barriers men face seeking help around their mental health. 

Kylie King is a research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne. She is also a psychologist. Her research focuses on male suicide prevention.  She recently led the randomised controlled trial of the impacts of the Man Up documentary, a novel media-based population level television documentary that explored the interplay between masculinity and suicide.

  Resources  

http://manup.org.au/tv-series/study-guide/

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/man-up

Contact Kylie  k.king@unimelb.edu.au 

 Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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/

 Subscribe to the podcast

 

Subscribe on Android

Player.fm

apple iTunes

Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>Man up, talking men's mental health With Kylie King

In this episode I talk with Kylie King about male suicide. We discuss the language to use when talking about suicide , look at the statistics in Australia and in particular men's mental health.  While unpacking ideas of masculinity we talk about some of the barriers men face seeking help around their mental health. 

Kylie King is a research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne. She is also a psychologist. Her research focuses on male suicide prevention.  She recently led the randomised controlled trial of the impacts of the Man Up documentary, a novel media-based population level television documentary that explored the interplay between masculinity and suicide.

  Resources  

http://manup.org.au/tv-series/study-guide/

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/man-up

Contact Kylie  k.king@unimelb.edu.au 

 Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

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/

 Subscribe to the podcast

 

Subscribe on Android

Player.fm

apple iTunes

Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

]]>3eff5772-bd2c-4166-aa7e-97dee24de03dSun, 29 Mar 2020 10:20:33 +110030:19falsefull1616Don’t worry if you make mistakes. Talking business and supervision with Jane Wexler.Don’t worry if you make mistakes. Talking business and supervision with Jane Wexler.In this episode we talk about how to make the most of supervision, how to be a supervisor and some of the issues social workers encounter when running a business. Jane shares her experience working in a range of fields locally and internationally, training, educating and supervising. She shares her top tips for making the most of supervision and empathises with supervisors who are working with passive supervisee’s ,sharing her wisdom and ideas for improving the supervisory relationship

Jane Wexler is the Founding Director of Wex Group Pty Ltd, specialising in leadership development, coaching, supervision and training in Australia, China, Singapore and Asia Pacific. Jane is widely sought after for her expertise as consultant, supervisor, coach and educator, having delivered AASW/ACWA endorsed supervision training and other learning programs to thousands of human services professionals in Australia and abroad. Prior to establishing her own company, she was co-owner/co- publisher of a successful Australian entertainment magazine and taught social work students across Australian universities, and business studies students in China.


Jane combines her qualifications and unique blend of skills in human services, business and education with an interest in eastern philosophy and dissolving some of the boundaries between sectors, disciplines and methods. Her professional life is balanced by a long involvement in the arts and entertainment industries in publishing and as an accomplished singer/songwriter. Jane’s approach reflects her commitment to developing self-mastery, authentic relationships and using effective frameworks and tools creatively, with a spirit of adventure. 


Challenges working as a social worker and starting a business


  • How to reconcile asking for money for your work

  • Have to understand their relationship with money

  • Systems

  • Marketing

  • Communication


Cross over with social enterprise


You have to like taking risks


Jumping in trying something new


How to relinquish control and not take on everything


You don’t know what you don’t know


Janes tip?


Ask people!


The journey to becoming a supervisor and started a business as a trainer and coach


Started in a primary school 


Moved into a wide range of sectors


Started working with an educational college 


Started teaching 


Moved to China


‘’Don’t worry if you make mistakes’’


‘’Back yourself more’’


Tips for supervisors


  • Be transparent
  • How are we going to build trust 

  • How are we going to manage this

  • How can we work well together

  • Be explicit 

  • Let them know they’re not being judged

  • Back yourself more

  • Follow your intuition

  • Don’t criticise yourself 

  • If you have a gap in knowledge do something about it

  • Reflection 

  • Balance it up with action

  • Think about your personal strengths


If the supervisee is passive 


  • Understand what works best

  • Is there an organisational issues

  • Are they struggling with their work

  • Do...]]>In this episode we talk about how to make the most of supervision, how to be a supervisor and some of the issues social workers encounter when running a business. Jane shares her experience working in a range of fields locally and internationally, training, educating and supervising. She shares her top tips for making the most of supervision and empathises with supervisors who are working with passive supervisee’s ,sharing her wisdom and ideas for improving the supervisory relationship

    Jane Wexler is the Founding Director of Wex Group Pty Ltd, specialising in leadership development, coaching, supervision and training in Australia, China, Singapore and Asia Pacific. Jane is widely sought after for her expertise as consultant, supervisor, coach and educator, having delivered AASW/ACWA endorsed supervision training and other learning programs to thousands of human services professionals in Australia and abroad. Prior to establishing her own company, she was co-owner/co- publisher of a successful Australian entertainment magazine and taught social work students across Australian universities, and business studies students in China.


    Jane combines her qualifications and unique blend of skills in human services, business and education with an interest in eastern philosophy and dissolving some of the boundaries between sectors, disciplines and methods. Her professional life is balanced by a long involvement in the arts and entertainment industries in publishing and as an accomplished singer/songwriter. Jane’s approach reflects her commitment to developing self-mastery, authentic relationships and using effective frameworks and tools creatively, with a spirit of adventure. 


    Challenges working as a social worker and starting a business


    • How to reconcile asking for money for your work

    • Have to understand their relationship with money

    • Systems

    • Marketing

    • Communication


    Cross over with social enterprise


    You have to like taking risks


    Jumping in trying something new


    How to relinquish control and not take on everything


    You don’t know what you don’t know


    Janes tip?


    Ask people!


    The journey to becoming a supervisor and started a business as a trainer and coach


    Started in a primary school 


    Moved into a wide range of sectors


    Started working with an educational college 


    Started teaching 


    Moved to China


    ‘’Don’t worry if you make mistakes’’


    ‘’Back yourself more’’


    Tips for supervisors


    • Be transparent
    • How are we going to build trust 

    • How are we going to manage this

    • How can we work well together

    • Be explicit 

    • Let them know they’re not being judged

    • Back yourself more

    • Follow your intuition

    • Don’t criticise yourself 

    • If you have a gap in knowledge do something about it

    • Reflection 

    • Balance it up with action

    • Think about your personal strengths


    If the supervisee is passive 


    • Understand what works best

    • Is there an organisational issues

    • Are they struggling with their work

    • Do they know what supervision is

    • Can be culturally different 

    • Can be intimidating 


    Ask them directly - if you suspect something don't wonder


    Ask them


    Supervision


    Different ideas and experiences of what it is


    Organisation can have pressure to use it as a management tool  while its an aspect of supervision ,we want supervision to be focused on deep thinking, reflection, professional growth.


    Collaborative trusting relationship. There may always be that power difference if your supervisor is your line manager. 


    Tips for supervisees


    • Prepare for supervision
    • What do i want

    • What am I likely to get

    • What's the best way I can get that

    • Take responsibility for what happens in supervision

    • What outcome do you want?

    • Ask others what works well, what do they do?


    https://janewexler.com/


    Face to face training - open to the public


    Onsite training


    Elearning course - online at https://janewexler.com/online-learning


    AASW interview https://www.aasw.asn.au/events/event/Becoming-a-social-work-supervisor-An-interview-with-Jane-Wexler


    Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources.


    https://insidesocialwork.com/


    Listen to the podcast


    Subscribe on Android


    Player.fm


    apple iTunes


    Spotify

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>    a3013f82-d9a7-4017-a45d-2be7908cc9c5Tue, 10 Mar 2020 10:33:00 +110045:25falsefull1515Loneliness doesn't discriminate. Addressing the stigma around loneliness with friends for good. Loneliness doesn't discriminate. Addressing the stigma around loneliness with friends for good.  

    Laura Rouhan is the co-founder and general manager of friends for good. She has a background community development which spans over 15 years. Laura also manages a local neighbourhood house in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

     

    Throughout Laura's work with people she heard a lot of people talking about being lonely

    Some were well connected and well resourced individuals that they were not getting enough social connection. This sparked an idea.

    She thought hey ‘’Let’s do something about this! '' Why not us!?”

    Friends for Good was Established in 2016. Its mission is to  ‘’Free people from loneliness’’

     

    In this episode, we talked about the ...

    Stigma around loneliness

    What are the causes of loneliness?

    • Getting a picture of it is difficult
    • Poses a risk to long term health  
    • Immensely detrimental to our health
    • Layers of difficulty
    • Chronic physical health
    • Chronic mental health 
    • Limited finances
    • Speaking to more men than women 


    How to get involved

    ‘’Say hello’’

    Check out the website

    Print a flier and put somewhere 

    Talk to people about loneliness

    Volunteer

    Donate

    1.  


    Self-care tips:

    ‘Saying no’

    Communities of practice

    Photography

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>     

    Laura Rouhan is the co-founder and general manager of friends for good. She has a background community development which spans over 15 years. Laura also manages a local neighbourhood house in the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

     

    Throughout Laura's work with people she heard a lot of people talking about being lonely

    Some were well connected and well resourced individuals that they were not getting enough social connection. This sparked an idea.

    She thought hey ‘’Let’s do something about this! '' Why not us!?”

    Friends for Good was Established in 2016. Its mission is to  ‘’Free people from loneliness’’

     

    In this episode, we talked about the ...

    Stigma around loneliness

    What are the causes of loneliness?

    • Getting a picture of it is difficult
    • Poses a risk to long term health  
    • Immensely detrimental to our health
    • Layers of difficulty
    • Chronic physical health
    • Chronic mental health 
    • Limited finances
    • Speaking to more men than women 


    How to get involved

    ‘’Say hello’’

    Check out the website

    Print a flier and put somewhere 

    Talk to people about loneliness

    Volunteer

    Donate

    1.  


    Self-care tips:

    ‘Saying no’

    Communities of practice

    Photography

     

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>    78db0190-a485-42b1-9201-ec19519d0fb7Sun, 23 Feb 2020 09:05:16 +110046:29falsefull1414    Going from student to professional and starting a social work newsletter with Joanne Young and Alice CairnGoing from student to professional and starting a social work newsletter with Joanne Young and Alice CairnGoing from student to professional and starting a social work newsletter with Joanne Young and Alice Cairn

    Jo is doing her final year of a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying), and is currently supporting caseworkers working with vulnerable families and children. Alice is a social worker in a residential educational setting and recently graduated from a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying). Alice and Jo produce a periodical that centres around social workers, the field and the various challenges that people are addressing in their area of expertise. 

    It all started with a video essay... 

    Jo and Alice wanted to showcase the incredible diversity and skills of their peers. There were students in their course who had already accomplished so much in a variety of setting, locally and overseas.  The idea built momentum, Jo and Alice teamed up and Social Work Talk was born.

    Find them on their Facebook page @Social Work Talk Quarterly  

    In this episode listen to Jo and Alice share their experiences moving from students to professionals

    Some of the things we talk about

    • Challenges doing research on placement
    • Having difficult conversations with your onsite supervisor or manager while on placement
    • Being prepared for the expenses of the profession
      • Professional development
      • Supervision
      • Memberships and associations




    Find Jo and Alice 

    https://www.facebook.com/socialworktalkquarterly/

    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

    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/

      

    Subscribe to the podcast

     Subscribe on Android

    Player.fm

    apple iTunes

     Spotify

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>    Going from student to professional and starting a social work newsletter with Joanne Young and Alice Cairn

    Jo is doing her final year of a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying), and is currently supporting caseworkers working with vulnerable families and children. Alice is a social worker in a residential educational setting and recently graduated from a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying). Alice and Jo produce a periodical that centres around social workers, the field and the various challenges that people are addressing in their area of expertise. 

    It all started with a video essay... 

    Jo and Alice wanted to showcase the incredible diversity and skills of their peers. There were students in their course who had already accomplished so much in a variety of setting, locally and overseas.  The idea built momentum, Jo and Alice teamed up and Social Work Talk was born.

    Find them on their Facebook page @Social Work Talk Quarterly  

    In this episode listen to Jo and Alice share their experiences moving from students to professionals

    Some of the things we talk about

    • Challenges doing research on placement
    • Having difficult conversations with your onsite supervisor or manager while on placement
    • Being prepared for the expenses of the profession
      • Professional development
      • Supervision
      • Memberships and associations




    Find Jo and Alice 

    https://www.facebook.com/socialworktalkquarterly/

    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

    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/

      

    Subscribe to the podcast

     Subscribe on Android

    Player.fm

    apple iTunes

     Spotify

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>    bc944e25-6da2-4b51-8e94-ba4c0983a1daSun, 15 Dec 2019 10:43:14 +110045:15falsefull1313    Working with Young People. Talking school refusal and balancing teachers, parents and young people's differing needs.Working with Young People. Talking school refusal and balancing teachers, parents and young people's differing needs.In this episode, Sarah and I talk about the challenges of working with schools and balancing wellbeing and student academic outcomes. Sarah shares some of the various programs, some schools are implementing to support students with their wellbeing and mental health. We discuss the impact of being in a caring role and supporting those around us, Sarah shares her self care tips and how to set boundaries with those around you, so you’re not a ‘social worker’ 24 hours a day. 

    Sarah completed her Bachelor of SW in 2006, and has worked in the community sector over the last 13 years. Sarah has worked mostly with children and adolescents, starting her career working with youth at risk of homelessness and going on to fulfil a range of different roles at various not-for-profit organisations, community health services and tertiary education providers.

    Sarah has experience in case management, counselling, group work, and delivering school-based programs. One of my most rewarding roles was providing counselling to children and adolescents impacted by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. Sarah is currently working in a community health setting where she supports schools to help students remain engaged in their education. She is particularly interested in early intervention approaches to working with children and adolescents.

    Some of the things we talked about in this episode

    • Some reasons for disengagement  from school
      • Carer responsibilities for students




    • Working with students and anxiety


    • Supporting teachers in professional development - Youth MHFA
    • Animal-assisted therapy
    • Working with key stakeholders
      • challenging to balance the needs of all the individual students, their needs etc




    • Things Sarah wishes she knew then that she knows now
      • That she sought out 




    • Mentors 
    • Asking yourself can I learn from this person, can they be a positive mentor to me


      • Peers 
      • Good supervisors 


    • Setting boundaries - being a social worker 
      • Don't have to be a social worker 24hrs a day




    • How to upskill when working in schools or with young people
      • Understanding trauma and trauma-informed practice
      • Secondary consultation




    • Mental health service provider
    • Local CASA etc


    • Linking in with external services in your area


    • The importance of self-care - do what you need to look after yourself 


    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career...]]>In this episode, Sarah and I talk about the challenges of working with schools and balancing wellbeing and student academic outcomes. Sarah shares some of the various programs, some schools are implementing to support students with their wellbeing and mental health. We discuss the impact of being in a caring role and supporting those around us, Sarah shares her self care tips and how to set boundaries with those around you, so you’re not a ‘social worker’ 24 hours a day. 

    Sarah completed her Bachelor of SW in 2006, and has worked in the community sector over the last 13 years. Sarah has worked mostly with children and adolescents, starting her career working with youth at risk of homelessness and going on to fulfil a range of different roles at various not-for-profit organisations, community health services and tertiary education providers.

    Sarah has experience in case management, counselling, group work, and delivering school-based programs. One of my most rewarding roles was providing counselling to children and adolescents impacted by the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. Sarah is currently working in a community health setting where she supports schools to help students remain engaged in their education. She is particularly interested in early intervention approaches to working with children and adolescents.

    Some of the things we talked about in this episode

    • Some reasons for disengagement  from school
      • Carer responsibilities for students




    • Working with students and anxiety


    • Supporting teachers in professional development - Youth MHFA
    • Animal-assisted therapy
    • Working with key stakeholders
      • challenging to balance the needs of all the individual students, their needs etc




    • Things Sarah wishes she knew then that she knows now
      • That she sought out 




    • Mentors 
    • Asking yourself can I learn from this person, can they be a positive mentor to me


      • Peers 
      • Good supervisors 


    • Setting boundaries - being a social worker 
      • Don't have to be a social worker 24hrs a day




    • How to upskill when working in schools or with young people
      • Understanding trauma and trauma-informed practice
      • Secondary consultation




    • Mental health service provider
    • Local CASA etc


    • Linking in with external services in your area


    • The importance of self-care - do what you need to look after yourself 


    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>77921954-f215-4e76-9a5a-7d4214a4462bSun, 01 Dec 2019 07:14:00 +110045:36falsefull1212    Trauma sensitive yoga practice: Creating a safe space in a yoga studio for survivors of sexual assault. Trauma sensitive yoga practice: Creating a safe space in a yoga studio for survivors of sexual assault.Today's show looks at a different way working with survivors of sexual assault. In this episode, you’ll hear how Clare uses trauma-sensitive yoga to support survivors of sexual assault. Clare Pritchard has been practising yoga since 1995.  She is a Certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Facilitator, a Certifed Iyengar Yoga teacher, and has completed a number of certificates in yoga programs for children.

    In this episode, we talk about hows yoga help survivors of trauma and how it can be integrated with a range of other traditional therapies and medication.

    We discussed burn out and self-care when working in an industry and with individuals that have experienced trauma.

    Clare has been involved in working at Centres Against Sexual Assault since 2000. She began this association working as a Counsellor/Advocate at CASA House but her role in the field has now transformed into a role which provides support and healing to victim/survivors of trauma through yoga. Clare has delivered the yoga component of the Body Based Therapy Program at WestCASA (Centre Against Sexual Assault) since 2011, and at CASA House since 2017.  She has also delivered programs in the Northern and SouthEastern CASA’s, and Counterpoint Young Women’s Refuge. In a voluntary capacity, Clare has provided yoga classes within the Maribyrnong Detention Centre, the Asylum Centre Resource Centre and the YWCA Girl Storey program for marginalised young women

    Clare talks about how trauma-sensitive yoga is different from other styles of yoga. When she started running it she brought into yoga  her knowledge of impacts of trauma to make it safe and appropriate 

    Some key points of trauma-sensitive yoga

    • It’s invitational
    • All efforts are made to minimise triggers in the session
    • experience of being able to make a choice
    • when we think about trauma is generally an experience where people have had all choice and control taken away. 
    • choice in where you move, how you move and what you do. Guided choice.
    • there’s an intentional language of ownership - eg move your arm if you’d like to


    It may not be suitable for

    • People who are suicidal
    • Who’ve had recent inpatient admissions


    As a clinician its good to look at the credentials of the person running the yoga and if they have knowledge and experience in working with trauma. 

    Listen out for them mentioning 

    • Safety
    • Minimising triggers
    • No-touch in session


    Some tools and resources recommended by Clare

    You can find Clare at

    www.yarrarangesyoga.com.au

    David Emerson, E-RYT, founder and director of yoga services at the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute in Brooklin, is one of the major contributors to this field. 

    Body keeps score by Bessel van der Kolk

    Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. Author Laura van Dernoot Lipsky

    tps://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2017-03-29/how-yoga-helps-survivors-of-trauma

    ...]]>Today's show looks at a different way working with survivors of sexual assault. In this episode, you’ll hear how Clare uses trauma-sensitive yoga to support survivors of sexual assault. Clare Pritchard has been practising yoga since 1995.  She is a Certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Facilitator, a Certifed Iyengar Yoga teacher, and has completed a number of certificates in yoga programs for children.

    In this episode, we talk about hows yoga help survivors of trauma and how it can be integrated with a range of other traditional therapies and medication.

    We discussed burn out and self-care when working in an industry and with individuals that have experienced trauma.

    Clare has been involved in working at Centres Against Sexual Assault since 2000. She began this association working as a Counsellor/Advocate at CASA House but her role in the field has now transformed into a role which provides support and healing to victim/survivors of trauma through yoga. Clare has delivered the yoga component of the Body Based Therapy Program at WestCASA (Centre Against Sexual Assault) since 2011, and at CASA House since 2017.  She has also delivered programs in the Northern and SouthEastern CASA’s, and Counterpoint Young Women’s Refuge. In a voluntary capacity, Clare has provided yoga classes within the Maribyrnong Detention Centre, the Asylum Centre Resource Centre and the YWCA Girl Storey program for marginalised young women

    Clare talks about how trauma-sensitive yoga is different from other styles of yoga. When she started running it she brought into yoga  her knowledge of impacts of trauma to make it safe and appropriate 

    Some key points of trauma-sensitive yoga

    • It’s invitational
    • All efforts are made to minimise triggers in the session
    • experience of being able to make a choice
    • when we think about trauma is generally an experience where people have had all choice and control taken away. 
    • choice in where you move, how you move and what you do. Guided choice.
    • there’s an intentional language of ownership - eg move your arm if you’d like to


    It may not be suitable for

    • People who are suicidal
    • Who’ve had recent inpatient admissions


    As a clinician its good to look at the credentials of the person running the yoga and if they have knowledge and experience in working with trauma. 

    Listen out for them mentioning 

    • Safety
    • Minimising triggers
    • No-touch in session


    Some tools and resources recommended by Clare

    You can find Clare at

    www.yarrarangesyoga.com.au

    David Emerson, E-RYT, founder and director of yoga services at the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute in Brooklin, is one of the major contributors to this field. 

    Body keeps score by Bessel van der Kolk

    Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. Author Laura van Dernoot Lipsky

    tps://health.usnews.com/wellness/mind/articles/2017-03-29/how-yoga-helps-survivors-of-trauma

    https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/health/article/Trauma-centered-yoga-helps-patients-with-PTSD-6717475.php?t=7f53ff22de&cmpid=email-premium

    https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/111714p8.shtml

    https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/uploads/3/1/6/6/31663259/fostermagimg20181005_11042983.pdf

    http://www.traumacenter.org/products/pdf_files/Peaceful_Embodiment_Through_Yoga_R0002.pdf

    http://www.traumacenter.org/products/pdf_files/Yoga_Complementary%20Treatment_PTSD_West_W0002.pdf

    https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/ :  info about TCTSY and the Center for Trauma & Embodiment (formerly Trauma Center)

    https://www.traumasensitiveyoga.com/resources.html : link to articles, publications and research (there are TCTSY-specific ones) 

    https://www.aap.org/en-us/documents/ttb_aces_consequences.pdf : general info about the impact of childhood trauma. might not be relevant! 

    www.yarrarangesyoga.com.au

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>f22951221a65475092d75cb8cd70a024Sat, 02 Nov 2019 09:55:15 +110042:23falsefull1111    What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Tapping ? With Khadine AharonWhat is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Tapping ? With Khadine AharonKhadine Aharon is an Accredited Social Worker who specialises in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).  She has more than 25 years of combined experience in Community Services and Natural therapies industries.  Khadine has worked with hundreds of people in individual, group and community settings.

    EFT has become one of her favourite transformational tools and she is passionate about sharing this technique with others. Khadine combines her knowledge and skills to provide an interactive, practical and safe space for students to learn EFT Tapping. 

    Listeners can receive $50 off Khadines training when mentioning the inside social work podcast.

    What is EFT Tapping?

    Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It's also referred to as tapping. It can be a stress-reduction technique and has a wide range of applications. There is a growing research base for this technique. 

    Can be good for 

    • Memories of events 
    • Traumas 
    • Pain relief
    • PTSD
    • Cravings/ dieting
    • Getting on top of finances
    • Improve health conditions 


    We talk about the use of set up statements and example might be “even though I’m hurt I am still open to love”

    Details of Khadines EFT training

    Can be found here https://embraceempowerment.com/events/eft-tapping-training/

     

    Resources discussed in the show

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKDhRohzSdU

     

    Get in contact with Khadine

    https://embraceempowerment.com/

    Sign up to Khadines mailing list to get your free 15 Minute and Under Self-Healing Techniques by Khadine Aharon

    Phone: 1300 037 778

    facebook.com/EmbraceEmpowermentWithKhadine

    https://au.linkedin.com/in/khadineaharon

    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

    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/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>    Khadine Aharon is an Accredited Social Worker who specialises in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).  She has more than 25 years of combined experience in Community Services and Natural therapies industries.  Khadine has worked with hundreds of people in individual, group and community settings.

    EFT has become one of her favourite transformational tools and she is passionate about sharing this technique with others. Khadine combines her knowledge and skills to provide an interactive, practical and safe space for students to learn EFT Tapping. 

    Listeners can receive $50 off Khadines training when mentioning the inside social work podcast.

    What is EFT Tapping?

    Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It's also referred to as tapping. It can be a stress-reduction technique and has a wide range of applications. There is a growing research base for this technique. 

    Can be good for 

    • Memories of events 
    • Traumas 
    • Pain relief
    • PTSD
    • Cravings/ dieting
    • Getting on top of finances
    • Improve health conditions 


    We talk about the use of set up statements and example might be “even though I’m hurt I am still open to love”

    Details of Khadines EFT training

    Can be found here https://embraceempowerment.com/events/eft-tapping-training/

     

    Resources discussed in the show

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKDhRohzSdU

     

    Get in contact with Khadine

    https://embraceempowerment.com/

    Sign up to Khadines mailing list to get your free 15 Minute and Under Self-Healing Techniques by Khadine Aharon

    Phone: 1300 037 778

    facebook.com/EmbraceEmpowermentWithKhadine

    https://au.linkedin.com/in/khadineaharon

    Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

    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/

    Mentioned in this episode:

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

    Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

    ]]>    5ad922fb2afc4dd49e4927df53be8548Tue, 08 Oct 2019 06:22:13 +110042:30falsefull1010    Doing the work we love shouldn't make us ill. Talking burnout and self care with Helen Gray.Doing the work we love shouldn't make us ill. Talking burnout and self care with Helen Gray. 

    In this episode, we talk about burn out and why self-care is crucial to prevent burnout. Helen shares her personal journey in the social work profession and how she experienced burnout while managing a team. This led Helen to develop her own burnout course and resources to support social workers. 

     

    Originally from the UK Helen studied Social Policy and Politics at The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and has a Masters of Social Work from Queens University Belfast, in Northern Ireland. Helen’s career has mainly been in the Family and childcare arena including Statutory child protection in the heart of Belfast, work with youth at risk of homelessness in Northern Ireland and Sydney and managerial role in an NGO family support and risk prevention program with families that had ROSH reports made.

     

    In 2015 Helen experienced a psychological breakdown as a result of burnout and the impact of vicarious trauma and left her practicing social work career in mid 2016. Helen now has an emerging startup business with a focus on supporting practicing social workers to gain awareness, knowledge and skills to reduce the impact of vicarious trauma and burnout on their health and profession.

     

    Helen has a growing interest in the role of Moral Resiliency, Moral Distress and Moral residue play in a Social Worker’s career and wellbeing.

     

    Helen is launching a pilot of her specialised program, Because You Care - SOS (stands for save our social workers) in August providing online training and support to enable social workers to explore their wellbeing and the impact of their work.

    Burn out is such a popular phrase at the moment. 

    Now considered and occupational phenomenon - changing what it means and how it impacts people's working lives 

    Sometimes we don't understand the signs and symptoms of burn out, often thinking its something wrong with us and some kind of deficits we have.

    Syndrome from chronic workplace stress that hasn't been successfully managed. Easy to start associating blame, it’s not being managed by the individual, or by the organisation. 

    We need to neutralise the idea of where the challenges have come, and not assign blame. We need to work together to prevent outcomes of burnout. 

    Signs and symptoms of burn out

    Physical signs

     

    • Feeling tired, lacking energy, lethargic


    • Changes in sleep - too little or too much


    • Changes in appetite


     

    Emotional signs  

     

    • Increasing irritability


    • Self doubt


    • Feeling unable to do the things you normally do


    • Sense of failure


    • Feeling helpless and hopeless


    • Feeling detached 


    • Loss of motivation 


    • Being cynical and negative 


    • Decreased satisfaction 


     

    Behavioural 

     

    • Withdrawing from responsibilities


    • Isolating yourself


    • Coping with alcohol or other drugs


    • Being late to work


    • Missing work all together 


    • Worker harder than...]]> 

      In this episode, we talk about burn out and why self-care is crucial to prevent burnout. Helen shares her personal journey in the social work profession and how she experienced burnout while managing a team. This led Helen to develop her own burnout course and resources to support social workers. 

       

      Originally from the UK Helen studied Social Policy and Politics at The University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and has a Masters of Social Work from Queens University Belfast, in Northern Ireland. Helen’s career has mainly been in the Family and childcare arena including Statutory child protection in the heart of Belfast, work with youth at risk of homelessness in Northern Ireland and Sydney and managerial role in an NGO family support and risk prevention program with families that had ROSH reports made.

       

      In 2015 Helen experienced a psychological breakdown as a result of burnout and the impact of vicarious trauma and left her practicing social work career in mid 2016. Helen now has an emerging startup business with a focus on supporting practicing social workers to gain awareness, knowledge and skills to reduce the impact of vicarious trauma and burnout on their health and profession.

       

      Helen has a growing interest in the role of Moral Resiliency, Moral Distress and Moral residue play in a Social Worker’s career and wellbeing.

       

      Helen is launching a pilot of her specialised program, Because You Care - SOS (stands for save our social workers) in August providing online training and support to enable social workers to explore their wellbeing and the impact of their work.

      Burn out is such a popular phrase at the moment. 

      Now considered and occupational phenomenon - changing what it means and how it impacts people's working lives 

      Sometimes we don't understand the signs and symptoms of burn out, often thinking its something wrong with us and some kind of deficits we have.

      Syndrome from chronic workplace stress that hasn't been successfully managed. Easy to start associating blame, it’s not being managed by the individual, or by the organisation. 

      We need to neutralise the idea of where the challenges have come, and not assign blame. We need to work together to prevent outcomes of burnout. 

      Signs and symptoms of burn out

      Physical signs

       

      • Feeling tired, lacking energy, lethargic


      • Changes in sleep - too little or too much


      • Changes in appetite


       

      Emotional signs  

       

      • Increasing irritability


      • Self doubt


      • Feeling unable to do the things you normally do


      • Sense of failure


      • Feeling helpless and hopeless


      • Feeling detached 


      • Loss of motivation 


      • Being cynical and negative 


      • Decreased satisfaction 


       

      Behavioural 

       

      • Withdrawing from responsibilities


      • Isolating yourself


      • Coping with alcohol or other drugs


      • Being late to work


      • Missing work all together 


      • Worker harder than normal


      • Not taking leave


      • Working additional hours


       

      Vicarious trauma

      Impact on ourselves from the repeated exposure of the traumatic material shared with us from our clients. Being alongside them as they handle/ go through those traumatic experiences. It starts to have an impact on the internal psyche and the external world view, the cognitive schema of the social worker.  As a professional, your self of self, your identity, worldviews and norms starts to shift. Very subtle, your sense of reality may be vastly different from that of others. 

      Moral distress

      We train ourselves to look at situations from different angles and assess what's happening. 

       

      Where you know what the right thing is to do, but you’re prevented from taking that action due to constraints - organisation, budget, time etc

      Then there is a consequence to that. You then have a physical or physiological response to that. 

      It’s vitally important to take responsibility to do what is needed. 

      You need to be given the time or you need to take the time. 

      We need to look at our self-care as a seatbelt, we need to have them there as our daily support. 

      The Because You Care - SOS (stands for save our social workers) program. 

      8 week program broken up into 4 Modules to support you through the process of understanding Moral Distress,  Vicarious Trauma and Burnout and strategies to prevent it.

       

      Module 1 - Reset your moral compass

      Module 2 -mindset and context

      Module 3 -mind body connection

      Module 4 -professional sustainability

       

      Interested in the At What Cost? Webinar.. Check it out here. 

       

      Tips for a new social worker

      Put self-care in the same bracket as other principals.  It's not an afterthought. Like a seatbelt, You don't put it on after a car crash

      Be the caretaker of your own well-being. 

       

      Resources

      https://helengray.com.au/

      https://members.helengray.com.au/because-you-care/

      https://helengray.com.au/moral-distress

      https://helengray.com.au/vicarious-trauma 

      https://helengray.com.au/burnout

       

      https://aifs.gov.au/publications/feeling-heavy/what-vicarious-trauma

       

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>      d9491bbc1b494adba2db6ab1359d9cf4Sun, 08 Sep 2019 12:47:37 +110054:29falsefull99Dr Laura Hart talks teen Mental Health First AidDr Laura Hart talks teen Mental Health First AidEpisode 8

      Teen Mental Health First Aid

       Dr. Laura Hart is a Senior Research Fellow in the Engaging Minds in Body Image and Eating Disorders (EMBodIED) Research Team at La Trobe University’s School of Psychology and Public Health, and in the Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, at the University of Melbourne.  

      Dr. Hart has been working in population mental health for over a decade. Her research focuses on developing, evaluating and disseminating training programs for the public to improve prevention, awareness and help-seeking for mental illness. Her research has been recognized with multiple awards, including a 2016 Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science, and a 2017 Australia Endeavour Award to spend 6-months working with Harvard University’s Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders in Boston, USA. 

      She is currently working on two programs. Confident Body, Confident Child is a parenting program to promote body satisfaction, balanced eating patterns and physical activity in children aged 2-6 years. The teen Mental Health First Aid program is training course for secondary school students to learn how to assist a peer who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. 

      What is mental health first aid?

      An organisation started by Betty Kitchener and Prof Tony Jorm in 2000

      Started the Youth MHFA program

      To support young people with their mental health.

      While this increased teachers knowledge and increased teachers confidence.

      Just training adults wasn't enough to prompt young people to get help.

      Research showed teens more likely to seek help for mental health problems from their friends.

      How to teach young people the tools and skills they need and the appropriate level of responsibility that they can have. 

      • not burden them
      • not have them develop a disorder or problem
      • not to be a counsellor or clinician to a friend. 


      Just enough to teach them to provide that initial first aid. The emphasis is on getting an appropriate trusted adult involved.

      When young people are establishing help-seeking behaviour have negative experiences of reaching out to adults, if they feel they are being rejected or stigmatised or well supported, they’re not as likely again in the future to reach out for help. 

      What do teens learn in teen MHFA?

      Breaks down concerns about confidentiality. Teaches them at what point the young person can break that confidentiality and go to an adult. 

       

      Tips for adults

      Listen non judgmentally

      Understand the context that a young person is struggling with

      Who are the appropriate supports for that person

      It’s ok to say you’re not the right person

      Sometimes the best thing you can do is to find the next person who will be the best support. 

      Encourage other supports 

      • Self help
      • Linking in with friends
      • Telephone help/ online counselling


      Some symptoms can be misunderstood and seen as ‘moody’ or ‘difficult’

      If you're feeling isolated and low, sad, or overwhelmed you my think peoples reactions may be negative. 

      How to teach the difference between feeling stressed or sad and having a mental illness?

      Change to a person's feelings, thoughts or behaviours that do go away and impact how they function day to day. 

      Are mental health problems getting worse or are we talking about it more?

      The simple answer is we don't know.

      It’s really hard to say, we are talking about it more, 

      The way we measure mental health problems has changed over]]>Episode 8

      Teen Mental Health First Aid

       Dr. Laura Hart is a Senior Research Fellow in the Engaging Minds in Body Image and Eating Disorders (EMBodIED) Research Team at La Trobe University’s School of Psychology and Public Health, and in the Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, at the University of Melbourne.  

      Dr. Hart has been working in population mental health for over a decade. Her research focuses on developing, evaluating and disseminating training programs for the public to improve prevention, awareness and help-seeking for mental illness. Her research has been recognized with multiple awards, including a 2016 Rising Star Award from the Association for Psychological Science, and a 2017 Australia Endeavour Award to spend 6-months working with Harvard University’s Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders in Boston, USA. 

      She is currently working on two programs. Confident Body, Confident Child is a parenting program to promote body satisfaction, balanced eating patterns and physical activity in children aged 2-6 years. The teen Mental Health First Aid program is training course for secondary school students to learn how to assist a peer who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. 

      What is mental health first aid?

      An organisation started by Betty Kitchener and Prof Tony Jorm in 2000

      Started the Youth MHFA program

      To support young people with their mental health.

      While this increased teachers knowledge and increased teachers confidence.

      Just training adults wasn't enough to prompt young people to get help.

      Research showed teens more likely to seek help for mental health problems from their friends.

      How to teach young people the tools and skills they need and the appropriate level of responsibility that they can have. 

      • not burden them
      • not have them develop a disorder or problem
      • not to be a counsellor or clinician to a friend. 


      Just enough to teach them to provide that initial first aid. The emphasis is on getting an appropriate trusted adult involved.

      When young people are establishing help-seeking behaviour have negative experiences of reaching out to adults, if they feel they are being rejected or stigmatised or well supported, they’re not as likely again in the future to reach out for help. 

      What do teens learn in teen MHFA?

      Breaks down concerns about confidentiality. Teaches them at what point the young person can break that confidentiality and go to an adult. 

       

      Tips for adults

      Listen non judgmentally

      Understand the context that a young person is struggling with

      Who are the appropriate supports for that person

      It’s ok to say you’re not the right person

      Sometimes the best thing you can do is to find the next person who will be the best support. 

      Encourage other supports 

      • Self help
      • Linking in with friends
      • Telephone help/ online counselling


      Some symptoms can be misunderstood and seen as ‘moody’ or ‘difficult’

      If you're feeling isolated and low, sad, or overwhelmed you my think peoples reactions may be negative. 

      How to teach the difference between feeling stressed or sad and having a mental illness?

      Change to a person's feelings, thoughts or behaviours that do go away and impact how they function day to day. 

      Are mental health problems getting worse or are we talking about it more?

      The simple answer is we don't know.

      It’s really hard to say, we are talking about it more, 

      The way we measure mental health problems has changed over time.

      Despite us getting more treatment and talking about it more

      We don’t seem to be getting happier

      We have a higher quality of life than ever before but not happier.

      Some psychological distress that's not alleviated by new advances in health, wealth and lifestyles.

      Laura's tips for her wellbeing.

      • Taking time out
      • Supporting partner
      • Getting out and meeting friends


      To find out more about mental health first aid check out the MHFA website

      https://mhfa.com.au 

       

      Join the Inside Social Work Facebook Group

      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/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>8fbd2b47fca641bb8bafbc6158e58dc8Sun, 18 Aug 2019 11:08:46 +110044:11falsefull88      Dr Claire Kelly is talking mental health and becoming a Mental Health First AiderDr Claire Kelly talking Youth Mental Health First AidShow notes 

      In this episode, I chat with Dr. Claire Kelly, the Manager of Research and Evaluation at Mental Health First Aid Australia. 

      We chat about the distinctions between mental health and mental illness, barriers to help-seeking, and the impacts of not getting treatment early. Dr. Kelly shares insights on mental health literacy, the importance of early intervention, and how Mental Health First Aid training equips people with the skills to support others.

      Themes:

      1. Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness:


      • Mental health, much like physical health, exists on a continuum. You can have good or poor health, and it's possible to manage a mental illness effectively while maintaining overall good health.


      1. Barriers to Help-Seeking:


      • Help-seeking is generally low across all age groups, with young people being particularly hesitant. They often experience low levels of stigma towards others but higher self-stigma, feeling they should manage on their own. Additionally, the normal changes during adolescence—such as shifts in focus, mood, and physical and behavioural changes—can make it hard to recognise when someone is struggling.


      1. Impact of Not Getting Early Treatment:


      • Not seeking help early can negatively impact educational outcomes, physical development, and social relationships. Withdrawal due to mental health issues can lead to loneliness, making it even harder to reach out for help.


      Key Takeaways:

      1. Recognising Symptoms:


      • Look for major negative changes in someone’s feelings, thinking, and behaviour that impact their ability to function and enjoy relationships. If these changes last more than a couple of weeks, they likely need help.


      1. Help-Seeking Behaviour:


      • Encourage open conversations about mental health. People are often afraid of making things worse or being seen as nosy, but it’s important to reach out and offer support.


      1. Mental Health First Aid Training:


      • Mental Health First Aid training provides education on recognising symptoms and identifying if someone is in crisis. It doesn’t teach counselling or diagnosis but offers a plan for connecting someone with the help they need.


      Featured Quotes:

      1. "Mental health is like health – it’s a continuum. You can have good health or poor health, and it's the same with mental health." – Dr. Claire Kelly
      2. "It's okay to have these conversations. I think so often people really care, but they don't take that next step because they're afraid they'll make things worse." – Dr. Claire Kelly
      3. "Every single person should attend a mental health first aid course in the same way that I think every single person should attend a first aid course." – Dr. Claire Kelly


      Mentioned Links and Resources:

      1. Mental Health First Aid Australia – Find resources and instructors in your area.


      Submit a question to the Podcast

      https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

      Read the full transcript here https://marievakakis.com.au/having-conversations-about-mental-health-and-becoming-a-mental-health-first-aider/

      Connect with Marie

      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

      https://marievakakis.com.au/

      https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to...]]>Show notes 

      In this episode, I chat with Dr. Claire Kelly, the Manager of Research and Evaluation at Mental Health First Aid Australia. 

      We chat about the distinctions between mental health and mental illness, barriers to help-seeking, and the impacts of not getting treatment early. Dr. Kelly shares insights on mental health literacy, the importance of early intervention, and how Mental Health First Aid training equips people with the skills to support others.

      Themes:

      1. Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness:


      • Mental health, much like physical health, exists on a continuum. You can have good or poor health, and it's possible to manage a mental illness effectively while maintaining overall good health.


      1. Barriers to Help-Seeking:


      • Help-seeking is generally low across all age groups, with young people being particularly hesitant. They often experience low levels of stigma towards others but higher self-stigma, feeling they should manage on their own. Additionally, the normal changes during adolescence—such as shifts in focus, mood, and physical and behavioural changes—can make it hard to recognise when someone is struggling.


      1. Impact of Not Getting Early Treatment:


      • Not seeking help early can negatively impact educational outcomes, physical development, and social relationships. Withdrawal due to mental health issues can lead to loneliness, making it even harder to reach out for help.


      Key Takeaways:

      1. Recognising Symptoms:


      • Look for major negative changes in someone’s feelings, thinking, and behaviour that impact their ability to function and enjoy relationships. If these changes last more than a couple of weeks, they likely need help.


      1. Help-Seeking Behaviour:


      • Encourage open conversations about mental health. People are often afraid of making things worse or being seen as nosy, but it’s important to reach out and offer support.


      1. Mental Health First Aid Training:


      • Mental Health First Aid training provides education on recognising symptoms and identifying if someone is in crisis. It doesn’t teach counselling or diagnosis but offers a plan for connecting someone with the help they need.


      Featured Quotes:

      1. "Mental health is like health – it’s a continuum. You can have good health or poor health, and it's the same with mental health." – Dr. Claire Kelly
      2. "It's okay to have these conversations. I think so often people really care, but they don't take that next step because they're afraid they'll make things worse." – Dr. Claire Kelly
      3. "Every single person should attend a mental health first aid course in the same way that I think every single person should attend a first aid course." – Dr. Claire Kelly


      Mentioned Links and Resources:

      1. Mental Health First Aid Australia – Find resources and instructors in your area.


      Submit a question to the Podcast

      https://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

      Read the full transcript here https://marievakakis.com.au/having-conversations-about-mental-health-and-becoming-a-mental-health-first-aider/

      Connect with Marie

      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

      https://marievakakis.com.au/

      https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>c5e528d4af31406e903be90b6bbd17a5Sun, 04 Aug 2019 09:39:00 +110053:26falsefull77      How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. 

      What are professional boundaries?

       

      While thinking about this topic I went through some of my old textbooks and none of them had anything about boundaries. I found it interesting that something so fundamental to our work it not explicitly taught or often discussed in depth. We talk about needing boundaries but rarely about what they are and how to develop and implement them.

      “Why did you go into social work?” 

      The answer usually centers on an interest in wanting to help or improve the lives of others

      Key things to consider 

      • boundaries are a cornerstone of social work
      • There is often a power differential between client and professional
      • you are in a position of power with respect to your clients
      • thought of  & seen as the ‘expert’ have authority
      • management of transference and countertransference are factors that cannot be ignored in this discussion
      • safe, open and transparent relationship
      • being clear to the client what will happen in a situation or circumstance, 


      Being good at your job & acting in within the expectations placed on you. It's more than how you work with clients, it’s also how you manage and conduct yourself and your emotions. 

      As social workers, we are often seen as the ‘expert’ have authority. You have a position and title, an employer and workplace, in many cases, you have the ability to deny or refuse the client access to the service or support. The power imbalance in relation to you and your relationship with them, even if they are not vulnerable in any other setting.  

      This comes with a number of responsibilities

      • Respect the client
      • Ensure what you do doesn't harm them
      • Actions based on the needs of the clients
      • Trustworthy and responsible
      • Truthful and honest


      Every situation needs to be taken on its own merits. There's no book, podcast or guide that can cover all possible situations. It’s good to have a supervisor and/ or group supervision that you can discuss specific cases.

      Boundaries- sharing with clients

      In practice, boundaries require ongoing reflection, thought and readjustment 

      Situations that may be blurring boundaries

      • special treatment and urge to provide it 
      • spending more time with one client more than others
      • paying for things out of workers own pocket
      • seeing the client outside work hours 
      • sharing too much information or details about personal life 


      The kinds of situations you can consider and reflect on.

      If you bump into a client out in public while out shopping with your partner. 

      What do you do? What do you say?

      In a residential setting, a client comes to you after hours when you're off the shift.

      Clients asking you about your personal life, if you have a partner or children.

      A client hugs you at the end of a session. How do you explain that it is inappropriate to hug and you need to keep the relationship professional?

       

      Sharing stories

      Keep the story positive, de-identify details, prepare stories prior about things you’re happy to share and what is the message.

       

      Have a message of hope and recovery.

       

      Boundaries with workload and home

       

      How can you set...]]>How to build a close and trusting relationship with clients while maintaining professional boundaries. 

      What are professional boundaries?

       

      While thinking about this topic I went through some of my old textbooks and none of them had anything about boundaries. I found it interesting that something so fundamental to our work it not explicitly taught or often discussed in depth. We talk about needing boundaries but rarely about what they are and how to develop and implement them.

      “Why did you go into social work?” 

      The answer usually centers on an interest in wanting to help or improve the lives of others

      Key things to consider 

      • boundaries are a cornerstone of social work
      • There is often a power differential between client and professional
      • you are in a position of power with respect to your clients
      • thought of  & seen as the ‘expert’ have authority
      • management of transference and countertransference are factors that cannot be ignored in this discussion
      • safe, open and transparent relationship
      • being clear to the client what will happen in a situation or circumstance, 


      Being good at your job & acting in within the expectations placed on you. It's more than how you work with clients, it’s also how you manage and conduct yourself and your emotions. 

      As social workers, we are often seen as the ‘expert’ have authority. You have a position and title, an employer and workplace, in many cases, you have the ability to deny or refuse the client access to the service or support. The power imbalance in relation to you and your relationship with them, even if they are not vulnerable in any other setting.  

      This comes with a number of responsibilities

      • Respect the client
      • Ensure what you do doesn't harm them
      • Actions based on the needs of the clients
      • Trustworthy and responsible
      • Truthful and honest


      Every situation needs to be taken on its own merits. There's no book, podcast or guide that can cover all possible situations. It’s good to have a supervisor and/ or group supervision that you can discuss specific cases.

      Boundaries- sharing with clients

      In practice, boundaries require ongoing reflection, thought and readjustment 

      Situations that may be blurring boundaries

      • special treatment and urge to provide it 
      • spending more time with one client more than others
      • paying for things out of workers own pocket
      • seeing the client outside work hours 
      • sharing too much information or details about personal life 


      The kinds of situations you can consider and reflect on.

      If you bump into a client out in public while out shopping with your partner. 

      What do you do? What do you say?

      In a residential setting, a client comes to you after hours when you're off the shift.

      Clients asking you about your personal life, if you have a partner or children.

      A client hugs you at the end of a session. How do you explain that it is inappropriate to hug and you need to keep the relationship professional?

       

      Sharing stories

      Keep the story positive, de-identify details, prepare stories prior about things you’re happy to share and what is the message.

       

      Have a message of hope and recovery.

       

      Boundaries with workload and home

       

      How can you set boundaries around what you can take on. 

      Reflect on how you’re traveling and what your mood/ frame of mind is.

      Telling people you can’t take on any more at the moment. 

      Reducing caseloads, or taking more breaks.

      A few resources I recommend

      This is not an exhaustive list and you should familiarise yourself with your registering body’s code of ethics and consult with your team, manager and supervisor to discuss specific cases and situations. 

       

      AASW code of ethics  

      APS code of ethics

      ACA code of ethics

       

      Professional Boundaries in Social Work and Social Care

      By Frank Cooper

       

      Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources.

      https://insidesocialwork.com/

      Listen to the podcast

      Subscribe on Android

      Player.fm

      apple iTunes

      Spotify

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>f813324283ca4ba4807b74f722db207cSun, 21 Jul 2019 08:22:36 +110027:52falsefull66      Becoming a social worker, the joys, challenges and struggles .Becoming a social worker, the joys, challenges and struggles . Vittorio and I share stories of why we got into social work, sharing some of our challenges, struggles and memorable moments. Vittorio has been a social worker for over 40 years, with experience in health care, teaching and private practice. He is the host of a podcast called ‘just another do-gooder’. He shares some of the things that drew him to social work as a career and why he got into podcasting.

      We discuss the importance of supervision to promote professional development and reduce the risk of burnout.

      We discussed how we got into podcasts and share some of our journey and social work careers. We share some stories that have shaped how we work.

      Vittorio's tips for social workers when applying for a job

      • Prepare well for an interview
        • Do your homework, who is the client group, learn about the organisation
        • Call them and ask some questions - get a feel for the place do you want to work there


      • Understand the transferability of other roles and jobs
        • Your skills and knowledge can be transferable


      • Understanding the importance of reflective practice - you’re never able to know everything. Be prepared to answer questions about this.


      Books and resources

      Vittorio’s website http://vittoriocintio.com/

      The New Psychology of Health : Unlocking the Social Cure. By (author)  Catherine Haslam , By (author)  Jolanda Jetten , By (author)  Tegan Cruwys , By (author)  Genevieve Dingle , By (author)  S. Alexander Haslam

      Being Mortal : Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End By (author)  Atul Gawande

      Lost Connections : Why You're Depressed and How to Find Hope. By (author)  Johann Hari

      Who moved my cheese. By (author)  Spencer Johnson

      The Power of Attachment : How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. By (author)  Diane Poole Heller

      Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources.

      https://insidesocialwork.com/

      Listen to the podcast

      Subscribe on Android

      Player.fm

      apple iTunes

      Spotify

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to...]]>Vittorio and I share stories of why we got into social work, sharing some of our challenges, struggles and memorable moments. Vittorio has been a social worker for over 40 years, with experience in health care, teaching and private practice. He is the host of a podcast called ‘just another do-gooder’. He shares some of the things that drew him to social work as a career and why he got into podcasting.

      We discuss the importance of supervision to promote professional development and reduce the risk of burnout.

      We discussed how we got into podcasts and share some of our journey and social work careers. We share some stories that have shaped how we work.

      Vittorio's tips for social workers when applying for a job

      • Prepare well for an interview
        • Do your homework, who is the client group, learn about the organisation
        • Call them and ask some questions - get a feel for the place do you want to work there


      • Understand the transferability of other roles and jobs
        • Your skills and knowledge can be transferable


      • Understanding the importance of reflective practice - you’re never able to know everything. Be prepared to answer questions about this.


      Books and resources

      Vittorio’s website http://vittoriocintio.com/

      The New Psychology of Health : Unlocking the Social Cure. By (author)  Catherine Haslam , By (author)  Jolanda Jetten , By (author)  Tegan Cruwys , By (author)  Genevieve Dingle , By (author)  S. Alexander Haslam

      Being Mortal : Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End By (author)  Atul Gawande

      Lost Connections : Why You're Depressed and How to Find Hope. By (author)  Johann Hari

      Who moved my cheese. By (author)  Spencer Johnson

      The Power of Attachment : How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships. By (author)  Diane Poole Heller

      Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Work mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources.

      https://insidesocialwork.com/

      Listen to the podcast

      Subscribe on Android

      Player.fm

      apple iTunes

      Spotify

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>9791bb981d2d460c9ae1dee87fcabf7eSun, 23 Jun 2019 11:17:59 +110001:01:01falsefull55      Counselling children affected by family breakdown. Interview with Verity Best and Josette Gardiner.Counselling children affected by family breakdown. Interview with Verity Best and Josette Gardiner. In this interview with Verity and Josette, co-directors of focus counselling service, we talk about how to work with children who are experiencing family breakdown or conflict. Verity and Josette's share some of their tops for telling children parents are separating and what to look out for in the behaviour, that may indicate the need some additional support.

      Josette Gardiner BAppSocSci(Couns), Member ACA, ACA-Recognised Supervisor

      Josette provides counselling to adults, children and adolescents. Josette works with children using a variety of modalities and has a special interest in trauma and its effects on the brain and behaviour. Because of this, she provides effective and nurturing therapy to children where family violence has been part of their story. She has also worked extensively with a range of other issues such as self-harm, grief and loss, parental conflict and trauma recovery. Josette uses a range of tools, games and activities to help children untangle their inner world in a way that helps them make sense of it. She helps them master the skills they need to manage their emotions in an often-complicated world. All this is done with a sense of hope for the future, and a belief that the child is capable of any change they hope to achieve and the ability to heal from past hurts. In all her work, Josette uses a trauma-informed approach. Josette also holds a Certificate in Supervision and is an ACA recognised supervisor.

      Verity Best BAppSocSci(Couns), Grad Dip Family Dispute Resolution, Member ACA.

      Verity provides counselling and mediation services to adults. She has had a range of experience in the mental health sector, such as family violence counselling, crisis and trauma counselling, and counselling for addictions, in particular gambling, alcohol and drugs. In addition to this, Verity is accredited by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide mediation services to separated parents in relation to children’s matters. As a mediator, Verity provides a safe platform for separated parents to discuss their children’s needs and develop a mutually agreeable parenting plan. In this service, as in her counselling practice, Verity provides a non-judgemental approach and a belief that her clients have the ability to change their lives in a positive way. In both counselling and mediation, Verity aims above all to empower her clients, and support them to find ways to make meaningful change. Verity also holds a Certificate in Supervision and provides bimonthly group supervision to Applicant Practitioners (IVO’s) in the Victorian Magistrates Court.

      How do you tell your children that you’re separating?

      1. Non-blaming of the other parent
      2. Keeping it developmentally focused
      3. Don’t need to tell them the reasons why
      4. Tell the children it’s not their fault it


      Things not to say

      • Playing blame
      • mum/dads had an affair


      When talking to children about family separation or divorce.

      Advocating for the child and being child focused is a priority for Verity and Josette

      Children may have different ideas to why parents separated and may blame themselves

      It’s important to tell the children it's not their fault – even if they haven’t verbalised it. You may need to say this a few times.

      They may not mention it because it’s a shameful feeling – so they will keep it very well hidden

      Some may be very well behaved because they don’t want to upset the parents

      Parents might think they’re doing really well,  They’re trying to protect each parent and internalise the pain

      Question:

      So what are some of the tips you have for parents or practitioners...]]>In this interview with Verity and Josette, co-directors of focus counselling service, we talk about how to work with children who are experiencing family breakdown or conflict. Verity and Josette's share some of their tops for telling children parents are separating and what to look out for in the behaviour, that may indicate the need some additional support.

      Josette Gardiner BAppSocSci(Couns), Member ACA, ACA-Recognised Supervisor

      Josette provides counselling to adults, children and adolescents. Josette works with children using a variety of modalities and has a special interest in trauma and its effects on the brain and behaviour. Because of this, she provides effective and nurturing therapy to children where family violence has been part of their story. She has also worked extensively with a range of other issues such as self-harm, grief and loss, parental conflict and trauma recovery. Josette uses a range of tools, games and activities to help children untangle their inner world in a way that helps them make sense of it. She helps them master the skills they need to manage their emotions in an often-complicated world. All this is done with a sense of hope for the future, and a belief that the child is capable of any change they hope to achieve and the ability to heal from past hurts. In all her work, Josette uses a trauma-informed approach. Josette also holds a Certificate in Supervision and is an ACA recognised supervisor.

      Verity Best BAppSocSci(Couns), Grad Dip Family Dispute Resolution, Member ACA.

      Verity provides counselling and mediation services to adults. She has had a range of experience in the mental health sector, such as family violence counselling, crisis and trauma counselling, and counselling for addictions, in particular gambling, alcohol and drugs. In addition to this, Verity is accredited by the Attorney-General’s Department to provide mediation services to separated parents in relation to children’s matters. As a mediator, Verity provides a safe platform for separated parents to discuss their children’s needs and develop a mutually agreeable parenting plan. In this service, as in her counselling practice, Verity provides a non-judgemental approach and a belief that her clients have the ability to change their lives in a positive way. In both counselling and mediation, Verity aims above all to empower her clients, and support them to find ways to make meaningful change. Verity also holds a Certificate in Supervision and provides bimonthly group supervision to Applicant Practitioners (IVO’s) in the Victorian Magistrates Court.

      How do you tell your children that you’re separating?

      1. Non-blaming of the other parent
      2. Keeping it developmentally focused
      3. Don’t need to tell them the reasons why
      4. Tell the children it’s not their fault it


      Things not to say

      • Playing blame
      • mum/dads had an affair


      When talking to children about family separation or divorce.

      Advocating for the child and being child focused is a priority for Verity and Josette

      Children may have different ideas to why parents separated and may blame themselves

      It’s important to tell the children it's not their fault – even if they haven’t verbalised it. You may need to say this a few times.

      They may not mention it because it’s a shameful feeling – so they will keep it very well hidden

      Some may be very well behaved because they don’t want to upset the parents

      Parents might think they’re doing really well,  They’re trying to protect each parent and internalise the pain

      Question:

      So what are some of the tips you have for parents or practitioners on how to guide that conversation , not to blame, and not tell them things they don’t need to know, but to find that balance on how to give them enough information so they don’t fill in the blanks with feeling that it’s their fault?

      3 points that are essential for telling children about parents separating

      1. Keeping the language unified – mummy and daddy both still love you
      2. Telling them that even though mummy and daddy may not love each other any more , we can never stop loving you
      3. It's not your fault


      Say these as often as you need.

      If they come to you with questions, you can say simple things like ‘ mummy and daddy are working on it’  take the pressure and responsibility off them.

      If they come to you to say something happened at the other parents house you can empathise with the child without blaming the other parent

      That sounds like you’re feeling XYZ

      That sounds very confusing ….. do you want to talk about it

      Children can find it difficult to name their feelings – so giving them that open-ended question so they are invited to talk about it

      As parents it’s ok to say we’re finding it very confusing too but we’re working on it

      Question:

      What are your tips for working with families who live in a high conflict home.

      Josette

      • they may be very compliant
      • they could go the other way and be compliant at school and behave differently at school or vice versa
      • depends on the family and the extent of the conflict
      • your first thought doesn't have to be the only one
      • you can have different strategies


      Watching for when children are acting out, sometimes the children can act out with one parent, it may be the parent / house that they feel safest and most comfortable at

      ‘’the dysfunction of the home is often played out in the children's behaviour’’

      Sometimes a family comes to counselling with the family labelling the problem as being one particular ‘child’.

      Josette's tips,

      Do a genogram and look at intergenerational patterns of behaviour, gently pointing out relationships that may be strained or that may be indirectly promoting that strain in their child.

      Working with a family strengths and promoting what they’re doing well.

      Parenting a child who may be struggling

      Referring to other services as a clinician?

      • refer the parent on for some counselling - acknowledge the need for self care the parents are probably scared and anxious in a space they may never have imagined themselves in
      • family violence service if needed
      • family therapy
        • if there's high conflict this may not be appropriate needs a thorough assessments




      Clinician self-care tips

      • supervision
      • be aware of your own family of origin and any triggers
      • peer supervision
      • debriefing


      Take-home tips

      Look after yourself

      it's hard to look after others if we don't look after ourselves

      Josette's enjoys reading to escape the clinical work, fantasy books

      Recommended resources

      The whole brainchild

      Dan Siegel

      Brainstorm

      Dan Siege

      Why do I do that? Psychological defense mechanism and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our Lives

      Joseph Burgo Ph D 

      Dan Siegal’s flipping your lid.

      • The flipping your lid model is about regulating your emotions and understanding how your brain works when it's triggered by something


      Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 -

      Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention

      Kids Helpline

      Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

      https://mensline.org.au/  Call 1300 78 99 78

      MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns.

      https://www.panda.org.au/  Call 1300 726 306

      PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood.

      For referrals, supervision or secondary consulting

      Contact Focus Counselling

      Web: Focuscounselling.co

      Facebook:  Focus counselling service

      Join the focus counselling mailing list to get your free guide on ‘talking to children about separation.’

      Don’t forget to sign up to the Inside Social Works mailing list to get your free social work career guide and get notified of new episodes and resources.

      Listen to the podcast

      Subscribe on Android

      Player.fm

      apple iTunes

      Spotify

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>7d8bf3a168d0404185085dbfde6b694dTue, 11 Jun 2019 11:42:13 +110032:49falsefull44      Growing a social worker, talking student placements and the importance of supervision with Ronnie Egan.Growing a social worker, talking student placements and the importance of supervision with Ronnie Egan.With Associate Professor Ronnie Egan, we explore the need for quality student placements, what stops people from taking on a student and the unexpected learnings and rewards. We discuss some of the support and training options available to those interested in having a student.  As well as, how to get in touch with the university about offering student placements.

       

      Dr Ronnie Egan is Associate Professor of Field Education in Social Work at RMIT University. She has specialised in research about supervision and practice for social workers and students, published widely in these areas and has extensive and active networks in  the human service sector. Her relationships with the field span her career as a practitioner and academic and this has enabled the development of innovative ways of understanding and facilitating the nexus between universities and the community. She chairs the National Field Education Network.

       

      Ronnies tips

       

      As a student when you go for an interview be sure to ask about the supervision options and policies that organisation has in place.

      WHile it can be tough she talks about the importance of being assertive enough in a job interview to ask about the organisation's policies and offerings for supervision.

      Making sure you are setting up the expectations from the start when it comes to supervision.

       

      • What is the purpose of supervision within this organisation and what will you discuss?


      • When & How often


      • Work plan - Does supervision help you develop new skills and look at career progression?


      • Job specifications - What’s needed for specific roles and industries and how can you use supervision to transfer skills  


       

       

      If you’re not getting what you need , time to think about how am I going to get it , you may need to think about getting external supervision.

       

      Hiring an external supervisor

      Work out why you want external supervisions and what your workplace offers. DO you need someone to help you transition into a new role? Is it for case discussion? Is it to meet a professional development goal or learn a new technique?

       

      If you’re paying for the service of supervision be very clear about what you want.

      Do your research when hiring an external supervisors and see that they can meet your needs.

       

      Taking a student on placement

      Taking a student on placement can be very rewarding RMIT students placement have a model that involved a lot of professional development opportunities for not only the students but the supervisors too,.

      Some of the reasons people take on students include

       

      • Requirement of promotion in some industries
      • Can be a first step in a leadership position
      • Give back to the profession, sharing a good experience or making up for a bad one they had.
      • Having a student can keep you updated on current industry standards and research.


       

      Articles

      Supporting quality supervision: Insights for organizational practice

      Who Is Watching Whom? Surveillance in Australian Social Work Supervision

      Australian Social Work Supervision Practice in 2007

      There are some resources below for those wanting to learn more about supervision.

      Don’t forget to With Associate Professor Ronnie Egan, we explore the need for quality student placements, what stops people from taking on a student and the unexpected learnings and rewards. We discuss some of the support and training options available to those interested in having a student.  As well as, how to get in touch with the university about offering student placements.

       

      Dr Ronnie Egan is Associate Professor of Field Education in Social Work at RMIT University. She has specialised in research about supervision and practice for social workers and students, published widely in these areas and has extensive and active networks in  the human service sector. Her relationships with the field span her career as a practitioner and academic and this has enabled the development of innovative ways of understanding and facilitating the nexus between universities and the community. She chairs the National Field Education Network.

       

      Ronnies tips

       

      As a student when you go for an interview be sure to ask about the supervision options and policies that organisation has in place.

      WHile it can be tough she talks about the importance of being assertive enough in a job interview to ask about the organisation's policies and offerings for supervision.

      Making sure you are setting up the expectations from the start when it comes to supervision.

       

      • What is the purpose of supervision within this organisation and what will you discuss?


      • When & How often


      • Work plan - Does supervision help you develop new skills and look at career progression?


      • Job specifications - What’s needed for specific roles and industries and how can you use supervision to transfer skills  


       

       

      If you’re not getting what you need , time to think about how am I going to get it , you may need to think about getting external supervision.

       

      Hiring an external supervisor

      Work out why you want external supervisions and what your workplace offers. DO you need someone to help you transition into a new role? Is it for case discussion? Is it to meet a professional development goal or learn a new technique?

       

      If you’re paying for the service of supervision be very clear about what you want.

      Do your research when hiring an external supervisors and see that they can meet your needs.

       

      Taking a student on placement

      Taking a student on placement can be very rewarding RMIT students placement have a model that involved a lot of professional development opportunities for not only the students but the supervisors too,.

      Some of the reasons people take on students include

       

      • Requirement of promotion in some industries
      • Can be a first step in a leadership position
      • Give back to the profession, sharing a good experience or making up for a bad one they had.
      • Having a student can keep you updated on current industry standards and research.


       

      Articles

      Supporting quality supervision: Insights for organizational practice

      Who Is Watching Whom? Surveillance in Australian Social Work Supervision

      Australian Social Work Supervision Practice in 2007

      There are some resources below for those wanting to learn more about supervision.

      Don’t forget to sign up to the mailing list to get your free social work career guide

      https://insidesocialwork.com/

       

       

      Recommended resources from todays episode

      Best Practice in Professional Supervision A Guide for the Helping Professions

      https://www.jkp.com/uk/best-practice-in-professional-supervision-2.html

      AASW supervision standards

      https://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner-resources/supervision-standards

      A guide to supervision in social work field education

      http://socialworksupervision.csu.edu.au/resources/docs/CSU-guide-social-work-field-education.pdf

      Online supervision course for supervisors https://www.aasw.asn.au/events/event/online-field-education-supervision-training

       

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>5021f2f68d5d43e5a315d1bd71ca5743Sun, 26 May 2019 03:33:42 +110035:22falsefull33      Social Change Through an Employment Training Program, with Grant Holland.Social Change Through an Employment Training Program, with Grant Holland.In this interview with CEO Grant Holland, we discuss his journey from working with cars to becoming a Social Worker and Family Therapist. We take a look at some of the various roles he’s had and how his career led him to establish the creative and innovative employment training program at the Holland Foundation, which has helped 506 people get jobs in the last 6 years.


      The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/



      Connect with Marie


      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

      https://marievakakis.com.au/

      https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>      In this interview with CEO Grant Holland, we discuss his journey from working with cars to becoming a Social Worker and Family Therapist. We take a look at some of the various roles he’s had and how his career led him to establish the creative and innovative employment training program at the Holland Foundation, which has helped 506 people get jobs in the last 6 years.


      The Get Ready for Therapy Journal Here https://thetherapyhub.com.au/the-journal-pdf/



      Connect with Marie


      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

      https://marievakakis.com.au/

      https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>      4a0f9358e84949d0ad0c809ba997eb99Sun, 28 Apr 2019 22:00:00 +110048:13falsefull22      Where Social Work and the Law Meet, Developing a Social Work Service in a Private Law Firm with Olga Gountras.Where Social Work and the Law Meet, Developing a Social Work Service in a Private Law Firm with Olga Gountras.Hear about how Slater and Gordon’s free Social Work service exists to support their clients Australia-wide who are facing a wide range of emotional and practical concerns as they move through the process of claiming compensation. We discuss a range of issues relating to social workers and their understanding of the law and the ongoing training and workshops the social work service runs to educate social workers on a range of topics.


      About your guest

      Olga has been a social worker for more than 30 years and is the National Manager of Social Work Services at Slater and Gordon. Slater and Gordon’s free Social Work service exists to support our clients Australia-wide who are facing a wide range of emotional and practical concerns as they move through the process of claiming compensation. Olga provides short-term telephone counselling, casework and referral to local or specialised services, assisting clients to build their network of support in the community.

      Before joining Slater and Gordon in 2009 Olga worked across public and private hospitals in Melbourne for 21 years, counselling and supporting people with traumatic injuries and serious illness. This experience showed her firsthand how devastating injury or illness can be on all aspects of a person’s life. That's why she has focused on growing our Social Work team and developing our service to assist clients to access appropriate care and treatment, build their own support network and move on with their lives.

      Key Topics Discussed:

      Olga’s Career Journey:

      • Transition from psychology to social work.
      • Early career in hospitals, focusing on traumatic injuries.


      Social Work Services at Slater and Gordon Lawyers:

      • Establishing a free social work service.
      • Expanding the service nationally.


      Common Client Issues:

      • Financial distress, housing, homelessness, and mental health.
      • Linking clients with appropriate services.


      Legal Education for Social Workers:

      • Developing a program to help social workers understand clients' entitlements.
      • Topics include privacy, capacity, and court documentation.


      Professional Development and Support:

      • Importance of peer supervision and ongoing learning.
      • Olga’s involvement in various social work committees.


      Addressing Capacity:

      • Understanding capacity as a legal construct.
      • Navigating conflicts between legal definitions and clients’ best interests.


      Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care:

      • Impact of working with traumatic material.
      • Importance of self-care and mental health support within legal teams.


      Books and Resources Mentioned:

      • Social Work in the Shadow of the Law
      • Health Law: Frameworks and Context



      Get the transcript and full show notes here

      connect with Marie

      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

      https://marievakakis.com.au/

      https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>      Hear about how Slater and Gordon’s free Social Work service exists to support their clients Australia-wide who are facing a wide range of emotional and practical concerns as they move through the process of claiming compensation. We discuss a range of issues relating to social workers and their understanding of the law and the ongoing training and workshops the social work service runs to educate social workers on a range of topics.


      About your guest

      Olga has been a social worker for more than 30 years and is the National Manager of Social Work Services at Slater and Gordon. Slater and Gordon’s free Social Work service exists to support our clients Australia-wide who are facing a wide range of emotional and practical concerns as they move through the process of claiming compensation. Olga provides short-term telephone counselling, casework and referral to local or specialised services, assisting clients to build their network of support in the community.

      Before joining Slater and Gordon in 2009 Olga worked across public and private hospitals in Melbourne for 21 years, counselling and supporting people with traumatic injuries and serious illness. This experience showed her firsthand how devastating injury or illness can be on all aspects of a person’s life. That's why she has focused on growing our Social Work team and developing our service to assist clients to access appropriate care and treatment, build their own support network and move on with their lives.

      Key Topics Discussed:

      Olga’s Career Journey:

      • Transition from psychology to social work.
      • Early career in hospitals, focusing on traumatic injuries.


      Social Work Services at Slater and Gordon Lawyers:

      • Establishing a free social work service.
      • Expanding the service nationally.


      Common Client Issues:

      • Financial distress, housing, homelessness, and mental health.
      • Linking clients with appropriate services.


      Legal Education for Social Workers:

      • Developing a program to help social workers understand clients' entitlements.
      • Topics include privacy, capacity, and court documentation.


      Professional Development and Support:

      • Importance of peer supervision and ongoing learning.
      • Olga’s involvement in various social work committees.


      Addressing Capacity:

      • Understanding capacity as a legal construct.
      • Navigating conflicts between legal definitions and clients’ best interests.


      Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care:

      • Impact of working with traumatic material.
      • Importance of self-care and mental health support within legal teams.


      Books and Resources Mentioned:

      • Social Work in the Shadow of the Law
      • Health Law: Frameworks and Context



      Get the transcript and full show notes here

      connect with Marie

      https://thetherapyhub.com.au/

      https://marievakakis.com.au/

      https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>      8fbf2e78474c4bcba3de03e6394e99f7Sun, 07 Apr 2019 08:07:00 +110040:47falsefull11      Episode 0: Introduction to Inside Social workIntroduction to Inside Social work

      This podcast episode will look a little different to future episodes. Its a chance for you to get to know the host Marie Vakakis  and hear about her motivations for the podcast.

      The Inside Social Work podcast is a podcast interview series that aims to entertain and inspire Social workers  illustrating the diverse world of social work through conversations with industry leaders, colleagues, peers, new graduates and mentors.

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>

      This podcast episode will look a little different to future episodes. Its a chance for you to get to know the host Marie Vakakis  and hear about her motivations for the podcast.

      The Inside Social Work podcast is a podcast interview series that aims to entertain and inspire Social workers  illustrating the diverse world of social work through conversations with industry leaders, colleagues, peers, new graduates and mentors.

      Mentioned in this episode:

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      5 Days to Career Clarity in Social Work

      Reflect, plan, and take your next step with confidence. Feeling stuck or unsure about your next move? https://mailchi.mp/marievakakis/days-to-career-clarity-in-social-work

      ]]>      b331d2a4bcc2437a8386ec774779a9f9Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:19:04 +110006:14falsetrailer11