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:

• Reflective Questions for Getting the Most Out of Supervision
• Supervision PART 1
• Supervision PART 2: The Benefits of Group Supervision
• Part 3 Supervision- Understanding Learning Preferences

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

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:

• Inside Social Work Podcast
• The Therapy Hub
• Headspace Postvention Toolkit
• Be You: Suicide Prevention and Response
• http://marievakakis.com.au/courses/working-therapeutically-with-teens/
• https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/
• https://marievakakis.com.au/courses/introduction-to-mental-health-support-and-interventions-for-teens/
• Get Ready for Therapy Guide

Trainings:

• https://marievakakis.com.au/professionals-training-and-supervision/

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

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