From client work to policy change: How psychologists can advocate for systemic change (with Anastasia Sagris-Desmond)

Bron is joined by Anastasia Sagris-Desmond (psychologist and graduate of the Pathways to Politics Program) about advocacy beyond the therapy room. Anastasia shares how three decades working in gambling harm and family violence led her into politics, union leadership, and co-authoring a book on coercive control and financial abuse.

They chat about:
👉🏽 Why early-career psychologists often feel pressure to "stay small" and avoid advocacy
👉🏻 How gambling harm is treated as a mitigating factor in the justice system
👉 What coercive control and financial abuse actually look like
👉🏿 Practical first steps for psychologists who want to get involved in advocacy or policy

Guest: Anastasia Sagris-Desmond, Psychologist and AHPRA-Approved Supervisor

LINKS

• Book authored by Tammy Casselson on surviving domestic violence: The Grimmest of Fairy Tales: A Lived Experience Voice That Offers Hope, Exposes Red Flags and Empowers Allies
• Pathways to Politics program (active in every Australian state and territory)
• Centre for Women's Economic Safety
• "Compulsion, convergence or crime?" A report from the Centre for Innovative Justice on contact with the criminal justice system as a form of gambling harm.
• Medical Scientists Association of Victoria (MSAV)
• The Adolescent Man Box Report

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

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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

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CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour 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 boodja.

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic 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 employer, service, or organisation past or present. 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.

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