Whether you've got a question about family, career, sex, relationships, or friendships, mental Health and Relationship Educator and Therapist Marie Vakakis, is here to help. Welcome to "This Complex Life," a podcast where we delve into the messiness of wellbeing and relationships. Join Marie as she explores the ups and downs of mental health & relationships, and navigates life's complexities.
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Mental Work is the Australian podcast unpacking the challenges faced by early-career psychologists, so they don't have to go it alone. Hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.
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As a parent or guardian, talking to kids and teens about sex, consent, and relationships can feel overwhelming, especially if these topics were never discussed in your own upbringing. In this solo episode, I delve into the common questions I receive from parents about how to navigate these essential conversations. From the basics of when to start tโฆ
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In today's episode, I chat with Dr. Sarah Ashton, a psychologist with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Services (SHIPS). I'm excited about this guest because of her unique approach to addressing sexual health through a psychological lens. I like her work because it doesn't shy away from the topโฆ
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Hey Mental Workers! Just letting you know that the podcast is on break ๐ด๐ and we'll have new episodes for you later in the year. Take it easy and make sure you 'Follow' the podcast on Spotify or in your podcast app so you don't miss new episodes when they drop! Thanks HEAPS for listening! ๐ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.โฆ
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Why Doesnโt My Teen Listen to Me Anymore? Do you ever feel like your teen tunes you out the moment you start talking? Or maybe every conversation seems to end in a heated argument? Itโs frustrating, right? In this episode, Iโm diving deep into the reasons why your teen might not be listening to you anymore and what you can do to change that. As a tโฆ
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In today's episode, I chat with Amal, a dedicated counsellor and passionate advocate for young men's mental health. I'm excited by this guest because Amal has a unique perspective, transitioning from engineering to counselling, which gives him a fascinating approach to understanding and supporting young men's emotional lives. I admire his ability tโฆ
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Hey everyone, itโs Marie Vakakis here, your host of This Complex Life. In todayโs episode, Iโm flying solo to chat about a topic thatโs often a mystery to many โ understanding the whirlwind of changes teens go through. If youโve ever felt bewildered, stressed, or even a little left out by your teenagerโs sudden transformation, youโre not alone. Todโฆ
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Introduction In today's episode, I chat with Michael, a family therapist and accredited mental health social worker, about the crucial topic of men's mental health. We delve into the often uncomfortable but essential discussion around shame and stigma, and how addressing these can lead to healing and stronger connections. I'm excited by this guest โฆ
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Bron and Matt chat about the challenge of maintaining boundaries when family and friends seek therapeutic advice. We explore: ๐๐ฝ differences between professional and personal roles ๐๐ป what to do when you're tempted to give therapy advice ๐ practical boundary-setting strategies ๐๐ฟ how therapist training can change our personal interactions. Matthew'โฆ
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In line with Mental Work's aim to shine a light on the important yet under-discussed aspects of being an early-career psychologist, Bron shares the lessons she has learned from a complaint received two years ago. She outlines key knowledge gaps in the hopes that others can avoid her missteps, including understanding transference and countertransferโฆ
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Bron and Daniela chat about the value of knowing your own stuff when you're a therapist. We explore ๐๐ฟ why therapists need to engage in their own self-reflection ๐ debunk myths around therapists doing inner work ๐๐พ share practical tips for integrating self-awareness and self-care into practice. Daniela is such an insightful and joyful guest so I knโฆ
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In today's solo episode, I'm excited to share a powerful tool that can help transform your relationship in just one hour a weekโthe State of the Union meeting. Created by the renowned John and Julie Gottman, this technique is all about building stronger, more empathetic relationships. In this episode, I discuss how dedicating just one hour a week tโฆ
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LISTENER STORY: Equine therapy, AHPRA complaints, going solo in private practice (with Danielle Rancie)
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Bron chats with Danielle about the ups and downs of her journey towards registration, her passion for equine therapy and holistic approach to healing ๐, and her transition into solo private practice. Danielle also talks what it felt like to receive an AHPRA complaint as a provisional psychologist and what helped her through the process. This was a โฆ
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Bron and Carollyne unpack how complaints about psychologists are managed by AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia. We chat about how notifications are initiated, common complaints, the aims of the complaints process, and how to minimise the risk of receiving a complaint. We round off with some practical tips and emphasise the importance of soโฆ
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Recent studies have found that up to 62% of counselling professionals are receiving harmful supervision... but no-one is talking about it. In this episode, Bron unpacks what harmful supervision is, its impact on supervisee wellbeing and professional development, and what to do if you're receiving harmful supervision. Bron also discusses how to recoโฆ
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In today's episode, I chatted with a leading expert in positive psychology who has dedicated his life to promoting mental health and well-being. I'm excited by this guest because he not only shares valuable insights but also speaks openly about his own experiences with mental illness, aiming to destigmatise these important issues. I like his book bโฆ
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Bron and Marie chat about working well with couples on common issues like sexual desire discrepancies, communication, and conflict. Marie shares her approach to using the Gottman method for assessment and intervention, stressing the need for balancing conflict resolution with positive interactions. They also chat about ๐๐ฝ handling countertransferenโฆ
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In todayโs episode, I chat with Shannon Molloy, a journalist and author whose latest book, You Made Me This Way, delves into the impact of childhood trauma and the resilience needed to overcome it. I'm excited by this guest because Shannon's insights into trauma and resilience are both profound and relatable. I like his book because it provides a rโฆ
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Bron and Daniela chat about the pressure๐ฅ and process to become certified or accredited in a particular therapy like Schema, IFS, or EMDR. Daniela shares her experiences with schema therapy certification, including the benefits as well as the time and financial commitments. We also chat about how to decide if certification is right for you and someโฆ
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Navigating Conflict and Embracing Vulnerability In this special Mens Health Month episode, Iโm joined by John Flanagan, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and certified Gottman therapist. Today, weโre focusing on important aspects of men's mental health. We break down myths about men and emotional expression, explore the importance of creatiโฆ
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Bron and Amy discuss Amy's career journey as a forensic psychologist. We chat about ๐๐ฝ What forensic psychology is and how to become a forensic psychologist ๐๐ป Motivations behind criminal behaviour ๐ Challenges and rewards of working with clients who have committed a crime ๐๐ฟ Misconceptions about forensic psychology and criminal populations. Guest:โฆ
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Bron and Matthew chat about career opportunities in psychology beyond the therapy chair and, if you're already a qualified psychologist, beyond completing the Registrar program. We refer to โจshinyโจ new research from researchers at the University of Canberra and the Australian National University showing that the skills gained during a psychology deโฆ
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In this episode of This Complex Life, I chat with Simon Rinne, a lived experience therapist who specialises in men's mental health. Simon shares his personal story with obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and burnout, offering a unique perspective on the challenges men face when dealing with mental health issues. Simon and I exploreโฆ
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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/Di Marie Vakakis
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Bron and Phoebe chat about how to help clients have healthy romantic relationships and develop a secure attachment style. Phoebe tells us about her additional postgrad training in relationship counselling, how therapy has been essential to her personal growth, and how she went about setting up an online group therapy program. Guest: Phoebe Rogers, โฆ
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If you've ever wondered about the real reasons behind addiction or how to navigate social pressures around alcohol, this episode is for you. In this episode, I chat with Tara Herster, a psychologist specialising in addiction and substance use. Tara breaks down common myths about addiction and offers practical strategies for managing substance use, โฆ
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Bron and Jordan chat about how to know if private practice is for you, and if you are ready for this big step! We discuss the financial aspects, practical skills needed, and the importance of good work-life boundaries. Jordan shares her recent journey of moving from group to solo practice, and Bron offers her perspective from the past three years oโฆ
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Bron and Kate chat about the challenges and rewards of working therapeutically with children under the age of 10. ๐๐ผ Kate shares her journey into child psychology ๐๐พ Innovative therapeutic techniques such as Lego therapy ๐๐ฟ How to maintain boundaries and confidentiality in sensitive family situations ๐ The importance of liking and understanding chiโฆ
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In this episode, I address a heartfelt question from a listener, a 62-year-old father who feels disconnected from his teenage daughters. He is eager to understand their changing interests and how to maintain a meaningful relationship despite feeling sidelined. I provide insights into adolescent development, effective communication strategies withouโฆ
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Bron and Brede chat about MUSIC THERAPY! ๐ถ We discuss ๐๐ฝ Who music therapy can help ๐๐ป How creativity is therapeutic ๐ How to become a Registered Music Therapist ๐๐ฟ Common misconceptions about music therapy aaand ๐๐พ Practical advice for psychologists interested in incorporating music into their therapeutic practices. Guest: Brede Davis, Registered โฆ
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Bron and Marie explore how to work effectively with teenage clients. We cover ๐๐ฝ The importance of getting to the root cause of behaviours like vaping or excessive phone-use ๐๐ป Managing parents' expectations ๐ Ethical complexities when working with young people ๐๐ฟ TikTok self-diagnosis ๐๐พ Ways to build rapport with teens. I learned HEAPS when recorโฆ
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Bron and Rebecca explore all things joy, play, and fun! They chat about the importance of joy for sustainability in our careers, the common challenges of therapist schemas like self-sacrifice and unrelenting standards, and practical ways that therapists can bring joy into their work to keep burnout at bay. This was a delightful chat and I definitelโฆ
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Rethinking Borderline Personality Disorder and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
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Bron chats with Matthew about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and its application for folks diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We dive into the stigma surrounding BPD and discuss how reframing BPD as a trauma response can help us to be more compassionate practitioners. Matthew explains the core components of DBT, the importanโฆ
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Come celebrate our 100th episode with us! ๐ฅณ๐ฅณ๐ฅณ Bron is joined by editor of the podcast, Dr Michael English, to reflect on this huge milestone and listen to clips from our favourite episodes. What was the most requested episode? The most fun episode? The most listened to episode? You'll have to listen in to find out! (PS: I say it in the episode, butโฆ
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Bron chats with Betty about her experiences of failing the National Psychology Exam. Betty shares the emotional toll of failing, the financial implications, and the struggle with shame and self-doubt it brought. We highlight the need for more open discussions about setbacks in the psychology profession and stress that failing an exam does NOT definโฆ
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Bron chats with Jordan about why she chose to work as a contractor and how she knew it was time to open her own private practice. We also unpack what you need to know if you're considering contract work, including ๐๐ผ What's a fair split arrangement? ๐ How do I know if I'm a contractor or an employee? ๐๐ฟ The importance of understanding the financialโฆ
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In this episode of "This Complex Life," I speak with Dr Lucy, We delve into the profound relationship between our mindset, eating habits, and overall well-being. Dr. Lucy, a dedicated medical practitioner and co-founder of Real Life Medicine, sheds light on the importance of understanding the psychology behind our eating patterns and moving beyond โฆ
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Bron and Sherry-Lee explore the application of trauma-informed approaches, particularly Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, to eating disorders. We dive into ๐๐ฟ trauma-informed care ๐๐ฝ adapting trauma therapy for clients with eating disorders ๐ What EMDR is and how it can be used to help clients with eating disorders. Guesโฆ
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In this episode, I address a listener's question on how to support a daughter through the trauma of sexual assault with sensitivity and without adding to her burden. Themes: Responding to Sexual Assault: Understanding the significance of a supportive response and how it can influence a survivor's recovery journey. Practical Tips for Support: I discโฆ
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Eating disorders are complex but don't stress, we're here to help. Bron and Harriet chat about ๐๐ฟ The critical roles that body dissatisfaction, shame, and perfectionism play in eating disorders ๐๐พ Treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) and Maudsley Family Therapy ๐๐ป The importance of being aware of your own attโฆ
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In todayโs episode, I dive deep into the heart of self-growth and relationships with the return of esteemed guest, Dr. Jenny Brown. Join us as we explore her work on emotional maturity, based on her book, "Growing Yourself Up. How to Bring Your Best to All of Life's Relationships" Together, we uncover the nuanced ways our personal development influโฆ
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Bron and Daniela talk about how to ensure that therapy is culturally responsive, particularly for clients of Asian heritage. They chat about ๐๐ฝ Daniela's lived experience as a person of the Asian diaspora ๐๐ป How culture shows up in therapy (even if we're not aware of it) ๐ Strategies for building rapport and retaining clients who are culturally-divโฆ
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You might have heard that professional associations exist for psychologists -- but what exactly do they do, and what are the benefits of joining one? Bron is joined by two Directors of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) to chat about what professional associations do for their members, how professional associations collaborate wโฆ
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Clients often share information that hits us right in the feels: Things that are sad, traumatic, angering, devastating, and everything in between. Bron and Matthew explore how to go about actually processing the emotional impact of therapy sessions. They chat about ๐๐ฝ Ways to lessen the risk of vicarious trauma ๐๐ป Managing the challenge of not beinโฆ
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Bron and Dr Aaron Frost discuss the importance of deliberate practice in the development of psychologists. They highlight that psychologists can reliably improve their skills by collecting client data and working on the areas that are difficult (like client retention), instead of learning therapy after therapy. We talk about ๐ What role plays shoulโฆ
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Bron chats with her brother, Cameron, who is an NDIS participant and lives with cerebral palsy. They discuss his experiences, his preferences when working with psychologists, his likes and dislikes in the way people approach his disability, and how the NDIS could improve. Listen in for an insightful chat! THE END BITS Mental Work is your companion โฆ
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Bron and Katherine demystify the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and working effectively with people with a disability. They chat about ๐๐ฝ Katherine's insights as a Behaviour Support Practitioner ๐๐ป The importance of understanding the functional behaviour of people living with disabilities ๐ Katherine's advocacy work within the disabiliโฆ
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Dr Bron and Dr Michael deep dive into the world of PhDs. They chat about ๐๐ฝ their very different experiences of doing a PhD ๐๐ป How doing a PhD has helped Bron to be a better therapist ๐ How Michael has used his PhD as a postdoctoral researcher & PhD supervisor ๐๐ฟ Tips, tricks, and considerations if you're thinking of studying a PhD. Guest: Dr Michaโฆ
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"You can define your own pathway": Coming to psychology from a corporate career (with Nick Gotsis)
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Bron is joined by listener Nick to chat about his unique transition into psychology at a later stage of life and while he was a full-time Executive Director of HR. They chat about ๐๐ฝ The challenges he faced and sacrifices Nick made to study psychology ๐๐ป The importance of having a solid support system and being patient in your psychology career jouโฆ
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Bron and Marie unpack family therapy using the hypothetical case study of the Wilson family, who are finding it hard to be in the same room without arguing, all while navigating work stress and teenage development. They chat about ๐๐ฝ When family therapy is appropriate ๐๐ป How to conceptualise presenting concerns in family therapy ๐ Common family theโฆ
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Happy New Year Mental Workers, and welcome back a new season of the Mental Work podcast - it's great to be back! ๐ฅณโญ In this ep, Bron and Matthew chat about how to reclaim the joy of being a psychologist if you've lost it. They discuss ๐๐ฝ The factors that can lead to disillusionment for early-career psychs ๐๐ป What gives us joy in our work ๐ Matthew'โฆ
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