Best Marie Vakakis Podcasts (2025)

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What makes a fulfilling career in mental health? (with Marie Vakakis) 55:10

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29d ago55:10

55:10

Many of us have been told to 'follow your passion' when it comes to choosing a career, but is that good advice? Bron and Marie look into the research-backed factors that predict whether you'll think your job is a dream or a flop. Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW), and Family & Couples Therapist at The Therapy Hub L…

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Sensory modulation therapy & working as an occupational therapist (with Emma Craske) 37:24

8h ago37:24

37:24

We welcome our first occupational therapist guest, Emma Craske! 🥳 Bron and Emma chat about what it's like working as an OT before turning to Emma's passion topic, sensory modulation therapy. Emma talks about how sensory modulation can help clients with a range of challenges and gets specific about the techniques that might be used in a session. I r…

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Why We Avoid Talking About Sex (And How to Start) 16:29

3h ago16:29

16:29

Why We Avoid Talking About S3x (And How to Start) Conversations about sex often feel awkward, avoidant or emotionally loaded. I talk about what’s happening underneath the surface, how gender myths and pressure shape desire, and what couples can do to reconnect with honesty and care. In this episode, I share : How emotional safety shapes intimacy Wh…

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Intersectionality and finding a BIPOC therapist with Tham Fuyana 34:08

11h ago34:08

34:08

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…

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Family mediation and managing overthinking early in your career (with Rosemary Gattuso) 43:34

8d ago43:34

43:34

Bron is joined by Rosemary Gattuso (Trauma-Informed Family Mediator) to talk about the role of a mediator in the family court and Rosemary's special interest in helping people manage overthinking. We chat about what family mediation is, what it involves (and what it doesn't), and then go on to practical strategies for managing overthinking that ear…

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Navigating Therapy as a BIPOC Client: Stigma, Support & Healing with Tham Fuyana 33:22

14d ago33:22

33:22

What if your therapist just gets it and you don’t have to explain everything from scratch? That’s what this episode is all about. 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 In this episod…

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Imagery rescripting & reprocessing therapy (with Samantha Duroska) 42:34

15d ago42:34

42:34

Bron is joined by Samantha to unpack imagery rescripting and reprocessing therapy (IRRT), a technique well-known in Germany but relatively unknown in Australia. We also talk about Samantha's journey of moving to Australia to practice psychology and interesting differences in how therapy is delivered. Samantha also shares the importance of finding a…

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When a Client Dies by Suicide: Reflections for Mental Health Professionals 34:28

15d ago34:28

34:28

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 practitione…

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Inside Social Work Returns 6:27

15d ago6:27

6:27

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…

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Why You Don’t Feel Good Enough (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right) 37:03

21d ago37:03

37:03

Do you ever feel like you're just not good enough, even when you're doing all the right things? In this conversation with psychologist Belinda Gibson, we explore the roots of that persistent feeling of inadequacy. We unpack how perfectionism, people-pleasing and harsh self-talk can sneak into our lives and affect our relationships, even when we don…

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My reflections on five years of practice 34:56

22d ago34:56

34:56

In this solo ep, Bron reflects on five years of registration as a psychologist. She shares her Top 10 reflections and what she wishes she had known starting out. From shifts in professional identity, changes in approaches to therapy, and thoughts on finding your professional tribe, Bron offers her reflections on her early-career years (which she ho…

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Do you worry? with Dr Lillian Nejad. 40:21

28d ago40:21

40:21

Do you overthink everything? Lie awake, running through worst-case scenarios? Worry can be exhausting. It often shows up as planning, perfectionism, or a loop of “what if” thoughts that are hard to switch off. In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr Lillian Nejad to talk about what worry really is, how it differs from anxiety, and w…

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Are We Failing Young People? 43:42

1M ago43:42

43:42

What happens when society changes faster than young people can adapt? I’m joined by psychologist Jamie Maserow to explore the hidden impacts of lockdowns, remote learning and technology on young people’s wellbeing. We unpack how the disruptions of recent years have shaped mental health, learning, and relationships, and why connection needs to come …

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Creative arts therapy and making the leap to private practice (with Abi Jenkins) 48:24

1M ago48:24

48:24

Bron and creative arts therapist Abi Jenkins chat about her journey from full-time employment to private practice as an early-career dance therapist. Abi shares her insights on balancing creativity with financial sustainability, the importance of setting boundaries, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in aged care and…

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Should psychologists be political? 22:58

1M ago22:58

22:58

Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or remain politically neutral. Bron also walks through the AHPRA code of conduct, AHPRA social media guidelines, and other considerations for those who want to advocate for change. Tune in for a thought-pro…

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Discernment Counselling 35:20

1M ago35:20

35:20

What if one partner wants to work on the relationship and the other isn’t sure they want to stay? In this episode, I talk with therapist Anne Carter about discernment counselling, a structured and supportive process for couples where one or both partners are ambivalent about staying together. We explore what makes this approach different from tradi…

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Preventing burnout with reflective practice groups (with Shane Puxley) 47:53

1M ago47:53

47:53

Bron is joined by Shane (Community Psychologist) to chat about reflective practice groups and how they can be a great tool for preventing burnout in early-career clinicians. We chat about what reflective practice groups involve, how they can reduce feelings of isolation (that "I'm the only one experiencing this" feeling), and how you can implement …

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Not Having Enough Sex in Your Relationship? 19:08

2M ago19:08

19:08

Wondering if your relationship should involve more sex or comparing yourself to what you think is normal? You're not alone. Many couples quietly struggle with mismatched desire, emotional disconnection or unclear expectations about what intimacy should look like. In this episode, I talk about what it really means to not be having enough sex, how re…

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Working in the family court system (with Dr Kate Jackowski) 47:02

2M ago47:02

47:02

Bron and Dr. Kate Jackowski (Forensic Psychologist) chat about working within Australia's family court system. We talk about what it's like to write court reports, the intricacies of family court assessments, what Kate finds rewarding about this line of work, and how to maintain objectivity and self-care when working with sensitive subject matter. …

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What Makes Inclusive Relationship Therapy Work 38:12

2M ago38:12

38:12

What happens when love meets change? In this episode we explore the unique challenges and strengths of queer and gender diverse relationships, especially when one partner is transitioning. Therapist Jani Forest Wyatt joins me to unpack the myths, the moments of growth, and the importance of inclusive and affirming couples therapy. Jani shares insig…

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Beyond therapy: Non-clinical creative hustles (with Caitlin Bell) 43:49

2M ago43:49

43:49

Bron is joined by Caitlin Bell (Copywriter and clinical psychologist) to chat about her unique career path. That's right, it's a listener story! 🥳 Caitlin shares her journey from a winding educational path to finding a home in her creative passion for copywriting. We talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, professional identity, and the challenges o…

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Have you considered politics? The Pathways to Politics Program (Solo) 19:13

2M ago19:13

19:13

Last year, Bron participated in a week-long program called "Pathways to Politics", which aims to equip women with the skills and confidence to run for office. Before going in, Bron knew as much about politics as many people, in that it usually involves intense debates, democracy sausages, and a fair bit of drama. She left the program knowing so muc…

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6 Things Emotionally Healthy Couples Don’t Do 13:28

2M ago13:28

13:28

There’s a lot of advice about what to do to build a strong relationship. But what about the things emotionally healthy couples don’t do? Join me, Marie Vakakis, a therapist, mental health, and relationships educator. In this episode, I explore six common habits that can damage trust, connection, and communication—and why avoiding them can make a bi…

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More than rapport: What is the therapeutic relationship? (with Claire Trevitt) 58:08

2M ago58:08

58:08

You've probably heard that the therapeutic relationship involves things like rapport building and empathy, but what else is there, and what IS a 'therapeutic relationship' anyway?? 🧐 Here to chat about these questions and more is experienced psychologist Claire Trevitt! Bron and Claire dig deeper into concepts like genuineness, transference and cou…

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Unspoken Expectations in Relationships Are Hurting You Here’s Why 37:09

2M ago37:09

37:09

Ever caught yourself thinking, "They should just know what I need"? Unspoken expectations are one of the biggest sources of frustration in relationships. When our partners don’t automatically meet our needs, it can leave us feeling unheard, unloved, or even resentful. But here’s the thing—expecting someone to read your mind rarely works. Join me, M…

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How theatre can transform mental health promotion (with Ally Kelly) 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

A lot of the work we do in mental health focuses on helping people who are already unwell, but what if we could stop them getting unwell in the first place? That's what our guest today, Ally, is passionate about. She started a whole organisation called Mind Blank to give people and communities the tools they need to proactively take care of their m…

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Can Laughter Really Be Medicine? 7:44

2M ago7:44

7:44

In tough times, joy can feel out of reach. But sometimes, a single shared laugh has the power to lift the weight of the world—even in a hospital room, a funeral, or a difficult conversation. In this special episode, I’m adding my voice to Podcasthon , a global movement of over 1,600 shows across 47 countries. Instead of just mentioning a charity at…

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Feeling More Like Housemates Than Partners? How to Rebuild Friendship in Your Relationship 21:43

3M ago21:43

21:43

Ever feel like you and your partner are just co-existing rather than truly connecting? Maybe your conversations revolve around schedules, bills, and logistics, rather than shared experiences and meaningful moments. Join me, Marie Vakakis, therapist, mental health and relationships educator, as I share why friendship is the foundation of a strong re…

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Are your money beliefs holding you back? (with Marie Vakakis) 47:14

3M ago47:14

47:14

Bron and Marie unpack the money beliefs that unconsciously shape how much we earn and what we charge as mental health professionals. We talk about the unspoken anxiety around money shared by many of us, and practical strategies for managing discomfort around adequately charging for services. Bron also wonders, just how much is therapy "worth" and i…

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How Couples Therapy Can Improve Mental Health with Trish Purnell-Webb 31:33

3M ago31:33

31:33

Couples therapy isn’t just about fixing relationship problems—it can also play a huge role in improving mental health. Many people think of therapy as a last resort when things are falling apart, but research shows that relationship support can also help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional regulation. I’m joined by Trish Purnell-Webb, a…

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How to make effective 'here and now' comments in therapy (with Marie Vakakis) 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

Bron and Marie chat about the comments that therapists make when they want to talk about what's happening right here and now in the therapy room -- you might know them as 'here and now' comments, process comments, or immediacy comments. They can be tricky to use and master, particularly early in our career! Marie takes us through some ways to build…

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Big Fights Over Small Things? 15:12

3M ago15:12

15:12

Ever had a small disagreement spiral into a huge argument? Maybe it started with an eye-roll, a forgotten text, or a messy kitchen bench. Suddenly, it’s not about the dishes—it’s about feeling unheard, unappreciated, or disconnected. Join me, Marie Vakakis, a therapist, mental health, and relationships educator. In this episode, I unpack why small …

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Everything about being a registrar psychologist (with Jordan Turner) 41:33

3M ago41:33

41:33

Bron and Jordan do a deep-dive on the registrar program for psychologists -- this is the massive training program that psychologists undertake when they want to gain endorsement in an area such as clinical, counselling, or educational & developmental psychology. Jordan shares her personal experience completing the Ed & Dev Registrar program, coveri…

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Why Waiting Too Long for Couples Therapy Can Make Things Worse 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

Many couples only seek therapy when their relationship is already in serious trouble. But by the time they reach out, years of unresolved issues, built-up resentment, and unhealthy patterns can make it harder to repair their connection. So, what happens when couples wait too long to get support, and why is early intervention so important? Join me M…

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How to respond well to a subpoena as a psychologist (with Dr Carollyne Youssef) 52:03

3M ago52:03

52:03

Bron is joined by Dr Carollyne Youssef, Forensic Psychologist, to chat about how to respond well when a subpoena comes. We cover legal obligations, maintaining client confidentiality, practical tips for navigating subpoenas, common mistakes psychologists can make, and the importance of seeking legal advice and support through supervision. This is s…

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It’s Not About the Fight—It’s How You Fight 13:27

4M ago13:27

13:27

Why do we keep having the same fight? It can feel frustrating when the same arguments keep coming up. But conflict is not the problem. It is how we handle it that makes the difference. Research shows that most relationship conflicts are ongoing, yet avoiding them only builds resentment. The good news is that conflict, when managed well, can actuall…

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How Couples Therapy Works (And When to Start) 1:07:05

4M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Have you ever wondered when the right time is to try couples therapy? Or if you even need a major issue to start? Many people hesitate to seek support for their relationship, often waiting years before getting help—sometimes even separating without exploring their options. Today, we’re tackling the most common questions about couples therapy, from …

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Burnout: Coming out the other side (with Matthew Jackson) (Part 2) 54:15

4M ago54:15

54:15

Initially overwhelmed by the severest phase of burnout, in this Part 2 episode Matthew discusses his journey of self-reflection, acceptance, and gradual recovery. Bron and Matt delve into the stages of burnout, and the transformational shift Matthew undertook to cope and regain his sense of self. We again thank Matthew for his courage and vulnerabi…

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Burnout: In the thick of it (with Matthew Jackson) (Part 1) 57:56

4M ago57:56

57:56

In this deeply personal episode, Matthew shares his experience of hitting the depths of burnout and making the difficult decision to leave his career as a therapist. We discuss the warning signs of burnout, the importance of recognising when therapy work no longer aligns with you, and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. We also explore t…

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Why does grief feel so lonely? 38:58

4M ago38:58

38:58

Have you ever wondered why grief feels so isolating? Many people expect grief to follow a straight path, something to "move on" from after a set amount of time. The reality is far more complex. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and grief researcher Liam Spicer to explore what grief is, the myths that surround it, and how we can better s…

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Navigating the psychology pathway while managing a disability (with Courtney McKee & Karen Knight) 48:02

4M ago48:02

48:02

Bron is joined by Karen Knight and Courtney McKee, two experienced psychologists with lived experience of blindness. We dive into 👉 their personal journey with psychology, including their passions, the challenges, and the opportunities for psychologists living with disability 👉🏽 accessibility, technology, and advocacy 👉🏿 the strengths and unique pe…

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Understanding Trauma and Its Impact with Kathryn Eberly 37:30

4M ago37:30

37:30

How Past Experiences Shape Our Lives Why do certain situations trigger such strong emotions? Katheryn Eberly, a mental health social worker and family therapist, joins me to explore how early experiences shape our beliefs, why past wounds still affect us, and how we can start to shift unhelpful patterns. Key Takeaways Trauma affects how we see ours…

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LISTENER STORY: Moving from Australia to the UK as a psychologist (with Georgina Lennard) 48:40

4M ago48:40

48:40

Bron chats with Georgina about her journey of gaining her psychologist registration in Australia before moving to the UK. We chat about the differences between healthcare systems in Aus and the UK, the challenges and rewards of working internationally, managing imposter syndrome, and the benefits of diverse career experiences. This was a fantastic …

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How to Align Your Life with Your Values 38:33

4M ago38:33

38:33

Have you ever wondered if your goals truly reflect what’s most important to you? In this episode, clinical psychologist Patch Callahan joins me to break down the difference between values and goals and why living by your values is the key to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. We explore how to uncover your core values, navigate challenges in de…

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Animal assisted therapy (with Danielle Graber) 44:39

4M ago44:39

44:39

Bron and Danielle dive into animal assisted therapy! Danielle tells us how animals, especially dogs, can be integrated into therapy to support psychological treatment. Danielle shares her journey into animal assisted therapy, the science behind it, and its benefits for both children and adults, especially those with trauma histories. We also cover …

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Is It Time to Rethink Your Relationship with Booze? 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

Have you ever found yourself questioning your drinking habits or wondering why alcohol feels so deeply woven into our social lives? This episode will inspire you to take a closer look at addiction, coping strategies, and the pressures around drinking. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Tara Hurster, an expert in addiction and substance u…

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Maintaining physical health as a mental health worker (with exercise physiologist Jamie Hart) 56:46

5M ago56:46

56:46

As mental health workers, we are so used to giving to others that our own needs can be neglected, especially our physical health. In this episode, exercise physiologist Jamie tells us about how to keep physically healthy, including 👉 myths around 'correct' posture 👉🏿 the role of incidental exercise 👉🏽 integrating movement into a busy workday 👉🏼 and…

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Working effectively with religious trauma (with Sam Sellers) 50:58

5M ago50:58

50:58

Bron and Sam chat about how to work well with clients who come to therapy with religious trauma. They chat about 👉🏽 Sam's experience and passion for this area 👉 Therapeutic approaches for religious trauma 👉🏿 Balancing respecting clients' beliefs and addressing harm 👉🏾 Misconceptions and biases therapists may have 👉🏻 supporting LGBTQIA+ people. This…

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What does a community psychologist do? (with Shane Puxley) 49:00

5M ago49:00

49:00

Bron and Shane (Community Psychologist) dive into Community Psychology! We talk about 👉🏽 the role and functions of community psychologists 👉🏻 the discipline's focus on addressing societal and systemic issues 👉 Shane's personal journey and experiences within the profession 👉🏿 the decreasing number of community psychologists in Australia 👉🏾 the integ…

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What does an organisational psychologist do? (with James Cowan) 46:38

5M ago46:38

46:38

Bron and James talk about organisational psychology! We cover how org psychs apply psychological principles in the workplace, the differences between org psychs and HR managers, and what jobs are available in org psych. We also touch on portfolio careers, psychosocial hazards, and how to get involved in org psych. Thanks for the very interesting in…