Aug. 6, 2025

Mailbag: Tips for first client/fair pay for first job/finding a niche (with Marie Vakakis)

Mailbag: Tips for first client/fair pay for first job/finding a niche (with Marie Vakakis)

It's our first MAILBAG episode, woo hoo! 🥳 In this ep, Marie (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) and Bron (Psychologist) answer listener questions: How should I prepare for my first ever client? When should I niche? What pay should I expect for my first job in mental health? How do I protect my mental health when working in private practice? We share a whole bunch of practical info in bite-sized responses. This was a really fun conversation and we covered A LOT! Thanks to all the listeners who sent in questions! 🥰

If you would like to submit a question to be answered on a future mailbag ep, submit a question here.

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵

Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land.

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.