PODCAST · health
Inside Social Work
by Marie Vakakis
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work on the frontlines of social change? Inside Social Work takes you behind the scenes to explore the realities of a profession that’s equal parts rewarding and relentless.Through candid conversations and honest reflections, this podcast examines the challenges, personal growth, and moments that stay with you long after the day is done. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious, this podcast offers a relatable and thought-provoking look at the realities of social work.
Episodes
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Mail Bag
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…
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How to Feel Confident When Working With Parents
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...
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Owning Your Own Sh*t
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...
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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...
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Looking Back at Our Money Stories
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.…
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Untangling money blocks in social work
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...
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We don’t have to work for free
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...
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Saving money starting out and the mistakes we made
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...
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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...
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The hardest parts of social work and what we love about it
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...
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The moments self-doubt almost stopped us
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…
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The careers we built that our younger selves wouldn’t believe
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...
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How our social work practice has grown
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,...
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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...
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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…
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Benefits of Supervision
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...
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Therapy With Teens
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...
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What Bad Therapy Taught Me About Good Therapy
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…
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Very Bad Therapy Encore
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…
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What Just Happened? How to Use ‘Here and Now’ Comments in Therapy
When you’re in a therapy session and something happens right in the moment, a shift in body language, a sudden silence, a flicker of emotion, naming it can change everything. In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work Podcast to talk about using...
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Student Placements in Private Practice with Amy Howell
Student placements in private practice are becoming more common, but they raise a lot of questions for students, supervisors, and clients. In this episode of Inside Social Work, I’m joined by social worker and supervisor Amy Howell to explore what it’s like offering student placements in a…
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Inside the Therapy Room with the Whole Family
What actually happens when the whole family comes to therapy? And how do you even start a conversation when everyone’s at odds? In this special crossover episode with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast, we explore the unique challenges and dynamics of working with whole families in...
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Is Caring Costing You? Money Beliefs and Private Practice
For many social workers and mental health professionals, the tension between caring and charging is real. In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by Dr Bronwyn Milkins, host of the Mental Work podcast, to unpack how unexamined money beliefs can impact your practice, your wellbeing, and...
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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...
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Talk About the Talking: What Really Matters in the First Three Sessions
Do you ever feel like you need to have all the answers in the first few sessions? Maybe you’ve wondered if your client is silently asking themselves, is this going to help? In this episode of Inside Social Work, I chat with Dr Bronwyn Milkins from the Mental Work podcast about the pressures,...
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Intersectionality and finding a BIPOC therapist with Tham Fuyana
What if the therapist you were seeing just got it? What if you didn’t have to explain your cultural background, your lived experience, or the reasons you approach life the way you do? In this episode of Inside Social Work, I sat down with Tham Fuyana, Social Worker, Family Therapist and Educator,...
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When a Client Dies by Suicide: Reflections for Mental Health Professionals
In this episode of Inside Social Work, I am joined by psychologist and researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins for an honest, reflective conversation about the professional and emotional impact of client suicide. We discuss the emotional aftermath, ethical concerns, and the invisible weight carried by...
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Inside Social Work Returns
What does it really mean to work in this space? To support others, hold complex stories, and still show up with care? In this new season of Inside Social Work, I’m having real, honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about life as a social worker and allied health professional. Whether...
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Workplace Bullying, Burnout, and Work-Related Stress
Workplace bullying, burnout, and work-related stress are significant issues that can have detrimental effects on individuals in various professions. It's essential to recognise the signs of workplace bullying, take action early, and prioritise self-care to prevent long-term negative effects on...
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Helping women recover from interpersonal trauma and violence
Helping women recover from interpersonal trauma and violence Liz is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who runs her own private practice called Breathe therapy. She's a mindful trauma therapist and is really passionate about supporting women to heal from childhood and adult experiences of...
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Supporting Social Workers with their accreditation pathway with Ashton Hayes
Ashton talks us through some steps you can take to work towards your accreditation. She shares some of the resources that she's developed, including her accredited Mental Health Social Worker roadmap, which is part of an ebook series, private Facebook group that she has, as well as her…
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Part 2 Implicit bias, we all have it with Lachlan Slade
This is the second episode of a multi-part series examining gender and sexuality. In this episode we look at implicit bias. About your guest Lachlan Slade Lachlan, (he/they) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. He has worked in the space for about 12 years now in various spaces with...
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Part 1: They don't look gay?! Getting language right with Lachlan Slade
This is the first episode of a multi-part series examining gender and sexuality. How we as social workers can be more inclusive in our language and how we can work more emphatically with individuals and families. About your guest Lachlan Slade Lachlan, (he/they) is an Accredited Mental Health...
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I hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-Wright
I hate baths. Reimagining self care with Yasmine McKee-Wright Yasmine McKee- Wright is a social worker and podcaster. She has learned a lot from some of the guests on her podcast, Social Work Spotlight. We talk about her journey, having students on placement and a bit of time on self-care.…
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Destigmatising borderline personality disorder and understanding DBT with Yvette Vardy
Dr Yvette Vardy is a clinical psychologist with twenty years of experience in the treatment of people with borderline personality disorder and those with complex issues and traumatic histories. Dr Yvette Vardy uses evidence-based practices and is passionate about providing treatments that lead to...
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Hello Anxiety with Dr Jodie Richardson
Dr Jodie Richardson is one of Australia's leading lights in managing anxiety. An educational leader, Dr Jodi Richardson supports parents and teachers to change their relationship with anxiety, dial it right down and light the way for their children and students to do the same. Jodi is a...
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9 questions to ask your therapist
Things to ask your therapist during your first therapy session Doing some research and planning before your session can help give you a sense of calm and help you work out if the therapist is going to be a good fit for you and your goals/ needs for therapy. Finding the right professional or...
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Purple Carrots: Inclusive drama programs with Silvina D'Alessandro
In this week's episode, you’ll hear how Silvina started an inclusive drama program in Canada and ran it successfully there for a number of years before moving to Melbourne and starting it all over again. Learn more here https://www.purplecarrots.com.au/ Join the supervision group for school…
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Part 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning Preferences
We all have different ways that we like to learn and engage with content. In this episode, I talk through some of the learning preferences that adult learners may have and how to tailor supervision to meet different needs. If you are a supervisor it's really handy to know what works for your...
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Becoming trained in EMDR Therapy Caroline Burrows
Caroline is an accredited EMDR, trainer and consultant with a background in clinical social work and psychotherapy. She has over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services across community, hospital, medical and tertiary settings. She is the owner and director of Mindful Living, a…
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Supervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group Supervision
Benefits of group supervision Group supervision can provide unique opportunities to grow your skills, feel connected and normalise difficult situations or experiences. Some of the benefits include Peer Feedback Social Networking Hive mind -Having Multiple Listeners, ideas and frames of reference...
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Hospital Social Work with Adham Hammoud
Adam works in tertiary mental health services. He's an accredited mental health social worker. Currently he works as a social Work Discipline lead in a hospital, and part of his role now is as allied health educator, supporting graduate social workers, and other allied health professionals as…
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Supervision PART 1
Supervision is SO important . It provides a forum for reflection and learning, review, reflection, critique and replenishment for professional practitioners. One of the purposes of social work supervision is to enhance the professional skills and competence of the supervisee to achieve positive...
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Being your authentic self with Coby Liew
We chatted about diversity, sexuality, being authentic in therapy, critical reflection, building trust, and sharing parts of your lived experience. About Coby Coby is an experienced mental health practitioner with a passion for life, health, and healing. As an advocate for good mental health, he...
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Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are the limits we set with other people, which indicate what we find acceptable and unacceptable in their behavior towards us. Elements of trust - from the work of Brene Brown. Using the acronym BRAVING Boundaries Reliability Accountability Vault Intergtriy Non-judgement Generosity...
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What can we learn from Very Bad Therapy? With Caroline Wiita & Ben Fineman
We can learn so much from people's experiences of therapy. When someone shares their story of what they have found helpful and harmful, we need to reflect on what we are doing in our practices. I have learned so much from the storied Ben and Carrie share on their podcast, Very Bad Therapy, and it...
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Imposter Syndrome
Impostor syndrome What is imposter syndrome? It’s not the same as having self-doubt. Sometimes when we learn a new skill or we’re trying something new for the first time we might not be confident and feel that we do it well. Impostor syndrome is different it’s more about feeling like you’re going...
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The importance of investing in ourselves with Helen Gray
The importance of investing in ourselves with Helen Gray Website - https://helengray.com.au/ Reset Your Mindset - Free webinar on the 4 steps to change your thoughts and change your future -...
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Understanding anxiety in teens
Anxiety in Teens What is anxiety How to identify anxiety in teens Tips on how to initiate a conversation with your teen about their anxiety Self-help strategies How to know when your child may need professional help and what options are available Piera unpacks some of the signs and symptoms of...
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BONUS episode: Having conversations about mental health
Blog posts https://thetherapyhub.com.au/how-can-i-approach-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety/ https://thetherapyhub.com.au/difficultconversationsteens/ Youth Mental Health First Aid Training https://thetherapyhub.com.au/youth-mental-health-first-aid/ MHFA australia mhfa.com.au/ Here are the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work on the frontlines of social change? Inside Social Work takes you behind the scenes to explore the realities of a profession that’s equal parts rewarding and relentless.Through candid conversations and honest reflections, this podcast examines the challenges, personal growth, and moments that stay with you long after the day is done. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious, this podcast offers a relatable and thought-provoking look at the realities of social work.
HOSTED BY
Marie Vakakis
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Inside Social Work have?
Inside Social Work currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Inside Social Work about?
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work on the frontlines of social change? Inside Social Work takes you behind the scenes to explore the realities of a profession that’s equal parts rewarding and relentless.Through candid conversations and honest reflections, this podcast examines the...
How often does Inside Social Work release new episodes?
Inside Social Work has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Inside Social Work?
You can listen to Inside Social Work on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Inside Social Work?
Inside Social Work is created and hosted by Marie Vakakis.
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