Sign inOpen the app
Artwork for Psychology, Actually
Science

Psychology, Actually

Dr Marianne Trent

🎙️ Psychology, Actually with Dr Marianne Trent is a podcast about what’s really going on beneath the surface of our lives.

Through conversations with psychologists, professionals, and inspiring guests, we explore the psychology shaping our work, our relationships, and our inner worlds bringing together clinical insight with genuine human understanding.

This show was previously known as The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, and while it continues to support aspiring and qualified psychologists, it has grown into something broader. Because psychology doesn’t just shape our careers, it influences how we parent, how we grieve, how we connect, and how we cope when life doesn’t go to plan.

Alongside expert interviews, Dr Marianne Trent shares reflective solo episodes - making sense of complex human experiences with compassion, curiosity, and clarity.

Featuring conversations with leading voices in psychology including Professor Paul Gilbert, Dr Lucy Johnstone, and Dr Martha Deiros Collado - the podcast brings together a range of perspectives on what it means to live, work, and think psychologically.
New episodes are released every Monday at 6am (UK time).

Whether you’re an aspiring psychologist, a qualified practitioner, or simply someone interested in understanding yourself and others more deeply, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations that stay with you.

If you value the show please rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

SubscribeListen in podnodRSS feedShow website
  • 21 episodes
  • Updated Friday

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes21

Newest first
  • Friday · 42 min

    What Is Tourette's Syndrome Really Like? A Clinical Psychologist Explains

    Most people think Tourette's is just swearing, but that's one of the biggest myths. In this episode, Dr Marianne Trent and clinical psychologist Dr Jason Codner explore what Tourette's syndrome is really like, how it affects everyday life, common misconceptions, diagnosis, treatment, and the support available. #tourettesyndrome #MentalHealth #psychology #tourettes Highlights 00:00 Introduction 00:50 What Is Tourette's Syndrome? 02:01 Why Tourette's Is Now Called a Neurodevelopmental Condition 02:44 How Tourette's Affects Everyday Life 05:01 The BBC Awards Incident & Common Misunderstandings 08:43 Media Portrayals & Public Perception 11:35 Can Tourette's Be Funny? 13:34 Living, Working & Thriving with Tourette's 16:11 Inclusion in Psychology & Healthcare 17:40 Can Tourette's Be Treated? 22:51 Who Is More Likely to Develop Tourette's? 24:36 How Is Tourette's Diagnosed? 27:49 Relationships, Parenthood & Tourette's 30:13 Conditions That Can Look Like Tourette's 31:39 Managing Severe Tics & Self-Injury 34:05 New Treatments & Wearable Technology 36:35 The Biggest Myths About Tourette's 38:20 Final Thoughts & Resources Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Jason Codner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jason-codner-32a12b15a/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 26 · 6 min

    What If You've Been Wrong About Yourself

    What if the story you've been telling yourself isn't true? In this episode, Dr Marianne Trent explores why change is possible, how curiosity can transform your life, and why seeking the right support could change everything. 💬 What would you change if you could? #psychology #MentalHealth #selfgrowth 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! #psychologypodcast #chooseyourself 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 24 · 38 min

    What Is Neurofeedback The Mental Health Treatment Everyone Is Talking About

    Thanks to Bee Medic for sponsoring this video. To grab an exclusive 20% off discount on all basic courses in the UK, valid until November 1, 2026. 🏷️ Use code: ACTUALLY20 at: https://beemedic.com/en/courses Neurofeedback Research FMRI Study: https://beemedic.com/en/new-neuroimage-study-provides-mechanistic-foundation-ilf-neurofeedback Can your brain learn to regulate itself? 🧠 Discover how neurofeedback works, what the latest research says, and why it's becoming one of the most talked-about approaches in mental health. In this episode, Dr Marianne Trent speaks with Dr Madeleine Roantree about anxiety, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, sleep, brain regulation, and the future of neurofeedback. #Neurofeedback #MentalHealth #psychology Highlights 00:00 Introduction 00:47 What is Neurofeedback? 01:20 How Neurofeedback Works 04:38 Broken Hand, Pain & The Nervous System 07:54 What Conditions Can Neurofeedback Help? 11:32 Trauma, PTSD & Nervous System Regulation 14:44 What Happens During a Neurofeedback Session? 18:23 ADHD, Autism & Real-Life Results 21:42 What Does the Research Say? 24:58 Risks, Side Effects & Safety 26:53 Migraines, Cost & Access 28:37 Personal Experiences with Neurofeedback 31:09 Final Thoughts 31:48 Where to Learn More Links: 📲 Follow Bee Medic Here: LinkedIn: https://de.linkedin.com/company/bee-medic-gmbh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beemedic.gmbh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bee.medic/ Connect with Dr Madeleine Roantree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleinemasonpsychologist/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 19 · 7 min

    Watching Someone You Love Struggle (And Not Being Able to Fix It)

    What do you do when someone you love is struggling, but you can’t fix what they’re going through? In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent explores the importance of holding hope, focusing on what we can control and responding to distress with compassion rather than shame. Drawing on psychology, systemic therapy and personal reflections, Marianne discusses how curiosity, understanding and compassion can help us support others while accepting the limits of what we can change. #innerwork #compassionovershame #supportingsomeoneyoulove 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! #psychologypodcast #chooseyourself 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 17 · 35 min

    I Had Anorexia for Years. Here's What Actually Helped Me Recover

    What actually helps someone recover from anorexia? After developing anorexia as a teenager, Tiffany Luxford spent approximately two years receiving inpatient treatment. Today, she is fully recovered and using her lived experience to improve how eating disorders are understood and supported. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Tiffany joins Dr Marianne Trent to share what genuinely helped her recover, what she wishes had been different during treatment, and why compassion, connection and feeling understood matter. Together, they explore the emotional distress behind eating disorders, the role of trauma, control and self-criticism, and why separating the person from the eating disorder can help reduce shame and blame. Whether you have experienced an eating disorder, are supporting someone through recovery or work within mental health services, this conversation offers valuable insight and hope. #AnorexiaRecovery #EatingDisorderRecovery #PsychologyActually Highlights 00:00 Understanding the person behind the eating disorder 01:02 Avoiding triggering imagery and numbers 02:43 Eating disorders are more than physical symptoms 03:31 Understanding distress and control 05:03 Loving food while living with anorexia 06:19 Tiffany’s experience of anorexia and inpatient treatment 08:59 How compassion can support recovery 09:14 Separating the person from the eating disorder 10:36 What Tiffany needed during treatment 12:35 The role of trauma 13:33 What full recovery feels like 14:53 Can eating disorder thoughts return? 16:16 Rebuilding a healthier relationship with exercise 17:14 Moving beyond comparison 19:38 Externalising the eating disorder 22:35 Reducing shame and self-blame 23:41 The value of lived experience 25:45 Why recovery stories matter 28:21 Tiffany’s TEDx talk and The Recovery Wave 30:07 Final thoughts Links: 📲 Connect with Tiffany Luxford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-luxford-505013179/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 12 · 5 min

    Stop Waiting To Be Chosen | The Psychology of Taking Control - Inner Work

    Are you waiting to be chosen… or are you choosing yourself? How often do we wait for permission before pursuing the life we really want? Whether it's applying for a new job, reaching out to someone we admire, asking for help or taking the first step towards a goal, it can feel safer to wait for someone else to notice us. In this episode of Inner Work, I reflect on one of the biggest ideas to emerge from my conversation with Clinical Psychologist Cliff Hawkins: the importance of agency, self-belief and learning to raise your hand rather than waiting to be picked.Together, we explore why confidence often follows action, how small acts of courage can change the direction of our lives, and why nobody is coming to rescue us—but that might actually be empowering rather than frightening. If you've ever wondered whether you're holding yourself back, this gentle reflection is for you. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! #psychologypodcast #chooseyourself 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 10 · 25 min

    Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Qualifications

    Are soft skills more important than qualifications? When people think about building a successful psychology career, it's easy to focus on degrees, experience and technical expertise. But what if the qualities that matter most are the ones we don't always put on our CV? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I'm joined by Clinical Psychologist Cliff Hawkins to explore why reliability, curiosity, communication, professionalism and emotional intelligence may be the real ingredients of a successful psychology career. Whether you're an aspiring psychologist hoping to secure your first Assistant Psychologist post, a trainee navigating placements, or an experienced clinician wanting to reflect on what makes teams truly thrive, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections. We explore why fresh perspectives matter, how transferable skills can become your biggest strength, why confidence sometimes grows through taking opportunities rather than waiting for them, and why being dependable may be one of the most underrated professional skills of all. If you've ever wondered whether you're "enough", questioned what you really bring to a team, or worried that everyone else knows more than you do, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Highlights 00:00 Why soft skills might matter more than qualifications 00:45 Meet Clinical Psychologist Cliff Hawkins 01:45 Why trainees and assistants bring fresh thinking to teams 03:18 Feeling like "just the trainee" 04:44 Why your value isn't defined by your job title 06:04 When soft skills become your greatest strength 06:47 Why "soft skills" aren't soft at all 08:19 Reliability, respect and professional relationships 09:43 Marianne reflects on breaking cycles around punctuality 11:37 Seizing opportunities and building confidence 13:21 Creating your own opportunities in psychology 15:24 Why being yourself matters more than sounding perfect 16:34 Keeping promises and building trust 18:23 The McKinsey 7S Model explained 20:49 Using soft skills to strengthen psychology interviews 21:31 Where to find Cliff Hawkins 22:00 Marianne's reflections and resources for aspiring psychologists Links: 📲 Click to Follow Cliff Hawkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-hawkins-1b2ba530/ Check out Cliff's Website: www.Cliffhawkinspsychology.com 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #softskills #psychologycareer #psychologygraduate ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 5 · 7 min

    It's Okay To Mourn What You Missed Out On - Inner Work

    In this week's Inner Work, I reflect on the surprising grief that can emerge when we begin to understand our patterns more clearly. Sometimes the sadness isn't about what happened. It's about what didn't happen.The support, safety, consistency or care that might have changed everything.We explore grief, boundaries, childhood experiences and what happens when we begin to realise that our needs were valid all along. These Inner Work videos were previously members only but I have decided to share them with you so thanks for being here. 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me Links: 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  • July 3 · 20 min

    Why You Feel Responsible for Everyone | The Psychology of People Pleasing

    Why do so many of us feel responsible for everyone else's emotions?Have you ever found yourself saying yes when you wanted to say no? Feeling guilty for setting boundaries? Or carrying the weight of other people's feelings long after the conversation has ended? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I am joined by forensic psychologist Dr Nicole Harvey to explore the psychology of people pleasing, emotional responsibility, boundaries and the surprisingly powerful "dog poo bag" analogy. We discuss why people pleasers often become exhausted, overwhelmed and resentful, how childhood experiences can shape our relationship patterns, and why saying no can feel genuinely frightening for some people. We also explore complex trauma, coercive control, workplace dynamics, anger, self-worth and the process of learning to put down emotional baggage that was never yours to carry in the first place. Whether you're a recovering people pleaser, someone who struggles with boundaries, or simply curious about relationship psychology, this episode offers practical insights and plenty of moments that may feel uncomfortably familiar. Timestamps: 00:00 The dog poo bag analogy explained 01:23 Why Dr Nicole Harvey became interested in people pleasing 02:36 Carrying emotions that don't belong to you 03:29 How resentment quietly builds 04:28 Early signs you may be a people pleaser 05:46 Saying yes when you really mean no 06:45 How people pleasing shows up at work 07:56 Power dynamics, managers and authority figures 08:20 Why saying no can feel genuinely frightening 09:20 Anger, boundaries and complex trauma 10:07 Losing yourself in relationships 11:15 Parenting, autonomy and enmeshment 12:40 How people pleasing develops in childhood 13:45 The impact on physical and emotional health 14:26 Recovery as a lifelong process 15:40 The Dog Poo Bag Test 16:36 Final reflections and next steps Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Nicole Harvey: https://www.instagram.com/dogpoobagtest/ Get your FREE dog poo bag test score here: https://dogpoobagtest.com 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #peoplepleaser #peoplepleaserrecovery #sayingno

  • June 28 · 5 min

    The Hidden Cost of Dismissing Your Feelings - Inner Work

    What if your nervous system is paying attention to far more than you realise? In this week's Inner Work, I reflect on my conversation with Health Psychologist Dr Sula Windgassen and explore the idea that our bodies are constantly taking in messages about safety, worth and belonging. We consider what happens when we repeatedly dismiss our own feelings, stay silent when something doesn't sit right, or fill our environments with content that leaves us feeling "less than". This isn't about dramatic life changes. It's about the small moments of self-advocacy, self-respect and self-compassion that can quietly reshape how we experience ourselves and the world around us. Highlights 00:00 Your nervous system is always listening 00:32 The cost of invalidating yourself 01:01 Self-advocacy and safe relationships 02:06 Doomscrolling and protecting your nervous system 02:38 Retraining your algorithm 03:11 Final reflections My Inner Work series is a space to pause and think more deeply about yourself. I explore where those roles come from… and whether they’re still serving you now. These videos were previously members only but I have decided to share them with you so thanks for being here. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent #psychologypodcast

  • June 26 · 44 min

    The Psychology Behind Chronic Pain, Fatigue & Nervous System Overload - Dr Sula Windgassen

    When doctors tell us our tests are normal, many people hear a very different message: "It's all in your head." But what if that phrase is based on a complete misunderstanding of how the mind and body actually work together? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I am joined by Health Psychologist Dr Sula Windgassen, author of It's All In Your Body, to explore chronic illness, pain, recurrent UTIs, adenomyosis, periods, stress, nervous system regulation and the powerful relationship between physical and psychological health. We discuss why so many people feel dismissed when living with chronic symptoms, how medical uncertainty can become psychologically overwhelming, and why understanding the mind-body connection can be deeply validating rather than blaming.Whether you're living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how psychology and physical health interact, this episode offers practical insights and hope. Highlights 00:00 Why "it's all in your head" misses the point 01:06 Dr Sula's personal journey with chronic illness 02:51 Why the book is called It's All In Your Body 04:09 The problem with normal test results 06:36 Chronic illness, fibromyalgia and feeling blamed 10:36 Periods, pain and adenomyosis 13:33 Why women often normalise suffering 14:39 Chronic illness and trauma responses 16:33 Why we need better conversations about periods 18:00 Psychobiological loops explained 21:23 Biology-balanced behaviour and allostatic load 25:47 Migraines, sleep and routine 27:15 Glutamate, decision fatigue and modern life 29:26 The Default Mode Network and creativity 33:19 Chronic illness, fear and nervous system responses 36:11 How breathing changes physiology 39:13 Hope, healing and taking back control Links: 📚 Grab Sula Windgassen's Book It's All in Your Body: A Practical Roadmap to Healing Through Mind-Body Connection here: https://amzn.to/4oE9mBG 📲 Connect with Dr Sula Windgassen here: https://www.instagram.com/the_health_psychologist_/ Sula's Website: https://www.healthpsychologist.co.uk 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #chronicpain #chronicillness #healthpsychology

  • June 21 · 9 min

    The Hidden Cost of Seeking Reassurance - Inner Work

    What happens when you begin recognising old relational patterns… and start looking back at past relationships differently? In this week’s Inner Work episode, I reflect on grief, hindsight, growth, emotional memory and the complicated feelings that can emerge when we realise we might make very different choices now than we once did. We explore: changing values and priorities relational growth and self-reflection compassion for former versions of ourselves grief for what could have been emotional reactions to photos, memories and relationships from the past healing old emotional wounds how therapy can help memories feel less emotionally jagged This is a reflective, compassionate episode about growth, hindsight and learning to hold both sadness and fondness at the same time. My Inner Work series is a space to pause and think more deeply about yourself. I explore where those roles come from… and whether they’re still serving you now. These videos were previously members only but I have decided to share them with you so thanks for being here. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent #psychologypodcast

  • June 19 · 48 min

    Ghosting, Phobias & Anxiety? The Psychology of Extinction Learning

    Why do some fears disappear whilst others seem to stay with us for years? Why can one bad experience shape the way we think, feel and behave long after the danger has passed? And why do humans keep expecting the worst, even when things are actually okay? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I’m joined by Dr Martyn Quigley, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Swansea University, to explore the fascinating psychology of extinction learning, phobias, anxiety, exposure therapy, conditioning and habit change. We discuss why fear responses develop, why they can be so difficult to shift, and how our brains learn safety through experience. Along the way we also explore the surprising psychology behind ghosting, positive reinforcement, expectancy violations and why noticing when things go right might be one of the most powerful psychological tools we have. Whether you're interested in anxiety, phobias, psychology, mental health, behaviour change, exposure therapy or simply understanding why humans think and act the way they do, this episode is packed with practical insights. Highlights 00:00 Why fears can last for years00:57 Meet Dr Martyn Quigley01:53 What is extinction learning?02:55 The psychology of ghosting05:29 Breaking habits through extinction learning07:10 Parenting, behaviour and reinforcement07:50 Habituation explained11:18 Why some sounds drive us mad12:01 Extinction learning vs errorless learning14:33 Positive reinforcement at home18:12 Why we notice complaints more than praise21:53 From ghosting to phobias22:53 What actually is a phobia?24:52 The Little Albert experiment25:56 How extinction learning helps treat phobias27:01 Why fear can come back29:01 Dogs, anxiety and context-dependent learning30:58 Exposure therapy and systematic desensitisation35:19 Virtual reality treatments for phobias37:43 Shark phobias and everyday anxiety39:54 Expectancy violations and anxiety41:46 Learning to notice when things go right44:12 Future psychology topics and closing reflections Interested in working in research? I think you'll love this episode with my guest Jess: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fb1c8b18-620d-474e-bcc8-d7224e4b449f/ Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Martyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-martyn-quigley-a6381936/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing

  • June 14 · 8 min

    Looking Back At Old Relationships With New Eyes - Inner Work

    What happens when you begin recognising old relational patterns… and start looking back at past relationships differently? In this week’s Inner Work episode, I reflect on grief, hindsight, growth, emotional memory and the complicated feelings that can emerge when we realise we might make very different choices now than we once did. We explore: changing values and priorities relational growth and self-reflection compassion for former versions of ourselves grief for what could have been emotional reactions to photos, memories and relationships from the past healing old emotional wounds how therapy can help memories feel less emotionally jagged This is a reflective, compassionate episode about growth, hindsight and learning to hold both sadness and fondness at the same time. My Inner Work series is a space to pause and think more deeply about yourself. I explore where those roles come from… and whether they’re still serving you now. These videos were previously members only but I have decided to share them with you so thanks for being here. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent #psychologypodcast

  • June 12 · 36 min

    The Psychology of Attachment, Dating & Relational Patterns

    Why do we keep repeating relationship patterns that no longer serve us? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by fellow Clinical Psychologist Dr Kate Sherratt to explore attachment, relational patterns, dating psychology, burnout, self-esteem and why our earliest relationships can quietly shape the way we navigate adult life.From people-pleasing and emotional shutdown… to burnout at work, dating “catnip”, anxious attachment and struggling to ask for needs to be met - this conversation explores the hidden relational patterns that often sit underneath our everyday struggles. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why relationship problems often begin long before dating 01:14 What are relational patterns? 02:46 Burnout and old emotional patterns 05:30 Formulation and understanding your “user manual” 07:09 Protector patterns and emotional self-reliance 09:14 Supervision, attachment and criticism sensitivity 11:10 Why praise sometimes doesn’t go in 14:49 Building healthier self-esteem 16:30 Dating, consistency and emotional safety 17:25 Attachment theory and dating patterns 20:04 Dating “icks”, red flags and emotional catnip 22:29 Love bombing and unhealthy intensity 23:34 People-pleasing in relationships 26:27 What does a healthy relationship actually look like? 28:46 Deal breakers, values and emotional safety 30:51 Why emotional catnip can keep you stuck 33:36 Inner Work and deeper reflections Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Kate Sherratt here: https://www.instagram.com/drkate.psychologist https://www.drkatesherratt.com 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #datingpsychology #attachmentstyles #attachment #relationalpatterns

  • June 5 · 36 min

    Why You’re Always Overwhelmed | The Psychology of Priorities & Procrastination

    What if the problem isn’t that you’re lazy… but that modern life is designed to overwhelm you? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by author Lily Silverton to explore the psychology of procrastination, overwhelm, attention, comparison and why so many people struggle to prioritise what actually matters.If you constantly feel behind, overstimulated or exhausted by competing demands, this conversation may really resonate. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Netflix says sleep is the competition 01:07 Why prioritising matters psychologically 01:59 A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention 03:10 Even the Romans felt overwhelmed 04:32 Why modern companies compete for your focus 05:55 The psychology of procrastination 08:30 Emotional avoidance and fear of failure 09:59 Why “future you” won’t magically change 11:47 Breaking tasks down and body doubling 15:02 The Eisenhower Matrix explained 17:22 Why small tasks feel addictive 18:03 Other people’s urgency isn’t always yours 19:20 Boundaries, parenting and workload pressure 22:10 Comparison, social media and self-worth 24:23 When social media becomes self-harm 25:21 “Do you actually want their whole life?” 28:13 Resetting your algorithm and protecting wellbeing 29:28 The Wellbeing Cups exercise 31:01 Why Lily wrote Prioritise This 33:33 Inner Work and deeper reflections Links: 📚 Check out Lily's Book, Prioritise This: https://amzn.to/432A2Su 📲 Follow Lily on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lily_silverton/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #overwhelm #procrastination #priorities

  • May 29 · 42 min

    Why So Many Employees Are Burning Out | Psychology of Workplace Wellbeing

    Why are so many employees burning out sometimes before their careers have even properly begun? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined once again by educational psychologist Dr Adam McCartney to explore the psychology of workplace wellbeing, burnout, leadership, identity, organisational culture and the growing impact of AI on confidence and autonomy at work. We discuss how modern workplaces often prioritise productivity and metrics over human wellbeing, why early career professionals are struggling, and how organisational systems can either support or damage psychological safety. The conversation explores mentorship, identity, communities of practise, whistleblowing, emotional labour, compassion fatigue, autonomy, burnout in healthcare and education, and why people thrive when they feel like they matter. Timestamps 00:00 Why employees are burning out 01:47 Workplace wellbeing and organisations 04:09 Communities of practise and identity 06:52 Whistleblowing and organisational culture 10:54 Burnout in healthcare roles 13:40 Autonomy, competency and wellbeing 17:09 Why informal support matters 20:39 The pressure of performance metrics 24:39 Learning leadership safely 27:26 Mentorship and onboarding 29:46 Emotional collection and mattering 31:41 Identity, roles and belonging 35:52 Is AI reducing confidence and autonomy? 38:07 Adam’s podcast and final reflections #PsychologyActually #Burnout #WorkplaceWellbeing Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Adam McCartney: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-mccartney-afbpss-647ab1221/ Listen to his Podcast, between 2 Psychs: https://www.dradammccartney.com/betweentwopsychs 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.

  • May 22 · 43 min

    What Is Narrative Therapy? Psychologists Explain (And Why It Changes Everything)

    Most therapy tries to understand what’s “wrong” with someone. But what if the person isn’t the problem at all? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by clinical psychologists Rosslyn Offord, Elizabeth Field and Polly Kaiser to explore narrative therapy a therapeutic approach that helps people separate themselves from problems, reconnect with identity, and rewrite the stories they hold about themselves. We discuss trauma, grief, dementia, migration, stigma, ageing, burnout, community work, and how narrative therapy can support people across cultures and across the lifespan. The conversation also explores externalising problems, Tree of Life work, systemic therapy ideas, narrative approaches to dementia care, and how stories can shape both distress and recovery. This episode will be especially valuable for psychologists, therapists, counselling trainees, mental health professionals, systemic practitioners, and anyone curious about identity, therapy, and human stories. Check out the book, Narrative Therapy and Older People: Challenging Stigma, Supporting Connection and Building Hope https://amzn.to/3PFW8qN Timestamps 00:00 You are not the problem 01:00 What is narrative therapy? 04:28 How Rosslyn discovered narrative therapy 06:18 Narrative therapy in CAMHS and “Sneaky Poo” 08:29 Working with dementia and cognitive difficulties 11:38 Grief, remembering and storytelling 15:29 Why language matters in therapy 16:02 Narrative therapy, migration and trauma 18:01 Using a person’s own language in therapy 19:11 Tree of Life and cross-cultural work 20:32 Is narrative therapy evidence-based? 24:20 Life story work and dementia care 26:35 Is it ever too late to learn narrative therapy? 28:39 Dementia stigma and community connection 31:29 Who might benefit from narrative therapy? 34:27 The new narrative therapy book 38:41 Final reflections and resources #PsychologyActually #NarrativeTherapy #ClinicalPsychology Links: 📚 📲 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing

  • May 15 · 17 min

    The Psychology Behind “Nobody’s Child” Trauma, Power & Why It’s Not That Simple

    Why do people stay in abusive relationships?It’s one of the most common questions people ask after stories of trauma, coercion and abuse. But it’s often the wrong one. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I explore the psychology behind the question “Why didn’t she leave?” through the lens of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir Nobody’s Girl https://amzn.to/4tAA93f - unpacking trauma, grooming, coercive control, attachment, dissociation, threat, and why survival can look deeply misunderstood from the outside. We explore what keeps people in harmful situations, why trauma reshapes choice, and how compassion helps us ask better questions.If you work in mental health, support survivors, or want to understand trauma more deeply, this is an important conversation. Read Nobody's Girl, by Virginia Roberts Giuffre here: https://amzn.to/4tAA93f Read Dave Pelzer Books: https://amzn.to/49bM5jE ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why “Why didn’t she leave?” is the wrong question 01:58 The trauma, grooming and abuse at the centre of the story 03:09 Why we’re drawn to stories like this 05:19 Trauma and the need to make meaning 06:29 What stories like this teach us about prevention 07:54 Compassionate curiosity in mental health work 08:57 Trauma, parenting and keeping children safe 10:04 Why survivors may reconnect with harmful people 11:04 Attachment, longing and early wounds 12:16 Why she stayed – trauma, coercion and threat 13:38 Grooming, dissociation and distorted self-worth 14:41 Why fear and loyalty can override escape 15:40 Why this story still matters If you find this video helpful you might also like my other videos in the psychology behind the story. There's Lily Allen, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Johanes Radebe & Kieron Dyer. You can find the playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLatjYNXFAzGc_x3sPfAKBsUIhIoi8Ycrj Links: 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #VirginiaGiuffre #princeandrew #epsteinfiles

  • May 8 · 36 min

    My Child Won’t Go to School… What’s Really Going On? (EBSNA Explained)

    What do you do when your child won’t go to school… and it doesn’t feel like defiance? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, we explore emotional based school avoidance (EBSA / EBSNA) – why it happens, when it’s most likely to start, and what actually helps children feel able to return to education.I’m joined by Educational Psychologist ⁨@Dr.AdamMcCartney⁩ and we discuss the psychology behind school refusal, the pressure on families and schools, and why one trusted teacher can sometimes make all the difference.If you’re a parent, professional, or aspiring psychologist trying to understand school anxiety, attendance difficulties, or child mental health, this episode will help you think about it differently. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why “school refusal” might be the wrong term 01:36 What is EBSA / EBSNA? 04:09 Changing attitudes to education 06:12 Attendance pressure and parental stress 08:52 Why support becomes harder over time 15:04 The most common age for school avoidance 16:42 Secondary school transitions explained 17:38 The power of one teacher relationship 19:01 School attendance pressures and systems 21:27 What parents can do to support their child 22:22 What good pastoral care actually looks like 23:45 Relational vs behavioural approaches 24:41 Supporting children without blame 27:11 Real-life parenting reflections 30:08 Why emotional validation matters Links: 📲 Listen to Adam's Podcast, Between Two Psychs: https://www.dradammccartney.com/betweentwopsychs Connect with Dr Adam McCartney here: https://www.dradammccartney.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-mccartney-afbpss-647ab1221/ https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing