Psychology, Actually

Episoder

• Stop Waiting To Be Chosen | The Psychology of Taking Control - Inner Work 12.07.2026 5min

  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⚠️ DisclaimerThis 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
• Why Soft Skills Matter More Than Qualifications 10.07.2026 25min

  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.⏱️ Highlights00:00 Why soft skills might matter more than qualifications00:45 Meet Clinical Psychologist Cliff Hawkins01:45 Why trainees and assistants bring fresh thinking to teams03:18 Feeling like "just the trainee"04:44 Why your value isn't defined by your job title06:04 When soft skills become your greatest strength06:47 Why "soft skills" aren't soft at all08:19 Reliability, respect and professional relationships09:43 Marianne reflects on breaking cycles around punctuality11:37 Seizing opportunities and building confidence13:21 Creating your own opportunities in psychology15:24 Why being yourself matters more than sounding perfect16:34 Keeping promises and building trust18:23 The McKinsey 7S Model explained20:49 Using soft skills to strengthen psychology interviews21:31 Where to find Cliff Hawkins22:00 Marianne's reflections and resources for aspiring psychologistsLinks:📲 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #softskills #psychologycareer #psychologygraduate⚠️ DisclaimerThis 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
• It's Okay To Mourn What You Missed Out On - Inner Work 05.07.2026 7min

  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 MeLinks:🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.⚠️ DisclaimerThis 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
• Why You Feel Responsible for Everyone | The Psychology of People Pleasing 03.07.2026 20min

  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 explained01:23 Why Dr Nicole Harvey became interested in people pleasing02:36 Carrying emotions that don't belong to you03:29 How resentment quietly builds04:28 Early signs you may be a people pleaser05:46 Saying yes when you really mean no06:45 How people pleasing shows up at work07:56 Power dynamics, managers and authority figures08:20 Why saying no can feel genuinely frightening09:20 Anger, boundaries and complex trauma10:07 Losing yourself in relationships11:15 Parenting, autonomy and enmeshment12:40 How people pleasing develops in childhood13:45 The impact on physical and emotional health14:26 Recovery as a lifelong process15:40 The Dog Poo Bag Test16:36 Final reflections and next stepsLinks: 📲 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #peoplepleaser #peoplepleaserrecovery #sayingno
• The Hidden Cost of Dismissing Your Feelings - Inner Work 28.06.2026 5min

  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.Highlights00:00 Your nervous system is always listening00:32 The cost of invalidating yourself01:01 Self-advocacy and safe relationships02:06 Doomscrolling and protecting your nervous system02:38 Retraining your algorithm03:11 Final reflectionsMy 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
• The Psychology Behind Chronic Pain, Fatigue & Nervous System Overload - Dr Sula Windgassen 26.06.2026 44min

  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.Highlights00:00 Why "it's all in your head" misses the point01:06 Dr Sula's personal journey with chronic illness02:51 Why the book is called It's All In Your Body04:09 The problem with normal test results06:36 Chronic illness, fibromyalgia and feeling blamed10:36 Periods, pain and adenomyosis13:33 Why women often normalise suffering14:39 Chronic illness and trauma responses16:33 Why we need better conversations about periods18:00 Psychobiological loops explained21:23 Biology-balanced behaviour and allostatic load25:47 Migraines, sleep and routine27:15 Glutamate, decision fatigue and modern life29:26 The Default Mode Network and creativity33:19 Chronic illness, fear and nervous system responses36:11 How breathing changes physiology39:13 Hope, healing and taking back controlLinks:📚 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #chronicpain #chronicillness #healthpsychology
• The Hidden Cost of Seeking Reassurance - Inner Work 21.06.2026 9min

  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 prioritiesrelational growth and self-reflectioncompassion for former versions of ourselvesgrief for what could have beenemotional reactions to photos, memories and relationships from the pasthealing old emotional woundshow therapy can help memories feel less emotionally jaggedThis 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
• Ghosting, Phobias & Anxiety? The Psychology of Extinction Learning 19.06.2026 48min

  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.Highlights00:00 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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
• Looking Back At Old Relationships With New Eyes - Inner Work 14.06.2026 8min

  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 prioritiesrelational growth and self-reflectioncompassion for former versions of ourselvesgrief for what could have beenemotional reactions to photos, memories and relationships from the pasthealing old emotional woundshow therapy can help memories feel less emotionally jaggedThis 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
• The Psychology of Attachment, Dating & Relational Patterns 12.06.2026 36min

  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.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why relationship problems often begin long before dating01:14 What are relational patterns?02:46 Burnout and old emotional patterns05:30 Formulation and understanding your “user manual”07:09 Protector patterns and emotional self-reliance09:14 Supervision, attachment and criticism sensitivity11:10 Why praise sometimes doesn’t go in14:49 Building healthier self-esteem16:30 Dating, consistency and emotional safety17:25 Attachment theory and dating patterns20:04 Dating “icks”, red flags and emotional catnip22:29 Love bombing and unhealthy intensity23:34 People-pleasing in relationships26:27 What does a healthy relationship actually look like?28:46 Deal breakers, values and emotional safety30:51 Why emotional catnip can keep you stuck33:36 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #datingpsychology #attachmentstyles #attachment #relationalpatterns
• Why You’re Always Overwhelmed | The Psychology of Priorities & Procrastination 05.06.2026 36min

  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.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Netflix says sleep is the competition01:07 Why prioritising matters psychologically01:59 A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention03:10 Even the Romans felt overwhelmed04:32 Why modern companies compete for your focus05:55 The psychology of procrastination08:30 Emotional avoidance and fear of failure09:59 Why “future you” won’t magically change11:47 Breaking tasks down and body doubling15:02 The Eisenhower Matrix explained17:22 Why small tasks feel addictive18:03 Other people’s urgency isn’t always yours19:20 Boundaries, parenting and workload pressure22:10 Comparison, social media and self-worth24:23 When social media becomes self-harm25:21 “Do you actually want their whole life?”28:13 Resetting your algorithm and protecting wellbeing29:28 The Wellbeing Cups exercise31:01 Why Lily wrote Prioritise This33:33 Inner Work and deeper reflectionsLinks:📚 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #overwhelm #procrastination #priorities
• Why So Many Employees Are Burning Out | Psychology of Workplace Wellbeing 29.05.2026 42min

  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.Timestamps00:00 Why employees are burning out01:47 Workplace wellbeing and organisations04:09 Communities of practise and identity06:52 Whistleblowing and organisational culture10:54 Burnout in healthcare roles13:40 Autonomy, competency and wellbeing17:09 Why informal support matters20:39 The pressure of performance metrics24:39 Learning leadership safely27:26 Mentorship and onboarding29:46 Emotional collection and mattering31:41 Identity, roles and belonging35:52 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.
• What Is Narrative Therapy? Psychologists Explain (And Why It Changes Everything) 22.05.2026 43min

  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/3PFW8qNTimestamps 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 #ClinicalPsychologyLinks:📚 📲🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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
• The Psychology Behind “Nobody’s Child” Trauma, Power & Why It’s Not That Simple 15.05.2026 18min

  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/4tAA93fRead Dave Pelzer Books: https://amzn.to/49bM5jE⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why “Why didn’t she leave?” is the wrong question01:58 The trauma, grooming and abuse at the centre of the story03:09 Why we’re drawn to stories like this05:19 Trauma and the need to make meaning06:29 What stories like this teach us about prevention07:54 Compassionate curiosity in mental health work08:57 Trauma, parenting and keeping children safe10:04 Why survivors may reconnect with harmful people11:04 Attachment, longing and early wounds12:16 Why she stayed – trauma, coercion and threat13:38 Grooming, dissociation and distorted self-worth14:41 Why fear and loyalty can override escape15:40 Why this story still mattersIf 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_x3sPfAKBsUIhIoi8YcrjLinks:🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #VirginiaGiuffre #princeandrew #epsteinfiles
• My Child Won’t Go to School… What’s Really Going On? (EBSNA Explained) 08.05.2026 36min

  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. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why “school refusal” might be the wrong term01:36 What is EBSA / EBSNA?04:09 Changing attitudes to education06:12 Attendance pressure and parental stress08:52 Why support becomes harder over time15:04 The most common age for school avoidance16:42 Secondary school transitions explained17:38 The power of one teacher relationship19:01 School attendance pressures and systems21:27 What parents can do to support their child22:22 What good pastoral care actually looks like23:45 Relational vs behavioural approaches24:41 Supporting children without blame27:11 Real-life parenting reflections30:08 Why emotional validation mattersLinks:📲 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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
• The Psychology of Fame, Addiction and Recovery with 90s Pop Star Kavana 01.05.2026 54min

  What happens when fame arrives before you know who you are… and then disappears? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I’m joined by 90s pop star Kavana (Anthony Kavanagh) to explore the psychology of fame, addiction, identity and recovery.We talk openly about the reality behind the spotlight - from chart success and public adoration to addiction, shame, and rebuilding a life when everything changes.Anthony shares his journey into sobriety, what recovery really looks like day-to-day, and how writing his memoir became part of that healing process.If you’ve ever wondered about the emotional cost of success, or what it takes to come back from rock bottom, this is a powerful and honest conversation.Check out Anthony Kavanagh's brilliant book, Pop Scars, a memoir on fame, addiction and the darker side of 90's pop: https://amzn.to/3O2R8fhThis episode is sponsored by WriteUpp the online practice management software I use in my own practice. To grab a 30 day free trial & 30% off for 60 months for up to 6 users use code Marianne30 here: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Fame vs reality – what we don’t see01:42 Writing a memoir during recovery03:23 Pain vs humour in storytelling05:23 Early life and first job08:13 Getting discovered and becoming Kavana10:38 First experiences of fame13:04 Identity, sexuality and performance15:45 Pressure of maintaining a persona20:54 When things started to shift24:39 Losing momentum and public attention26:14 Alcohol as coping29:01 Hollywood years and escape31:06 Addiction, denial and rock bottom33:41 Loss of control and blackouts37:17 Loose Women interview experience39:01 4 years sober – what recovery looks like41:00 Daily practices and staying well42:42 Being sober in social spaces44:30 Rebuilding identity without alcohol47:39 Life now, creativity and future plansLinks:📲 Connect with Anthony Kavanagh here: https://www.instagram.com/kavana_real/🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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
• Is It Too Late to Become a Clinical Psychologist? Retraining at 40+ Explained 24.04.2026 39min

  Is it too late to become a clinical psychologist?In this episode of Psychology, Actually, I’m joined by trainee clinical psychologist Claire Dunn, who started her journey at 40 and secured a place on the doctorate at 47.Together, we break down what retraining in psychology actually looks like practically, emotionally, and strategically. Using real-life style examples of older applicants navigating career change, family life, and self-doubt.We explore pathways into clinical psychology, including conversion courses, assistant psychologist roles, NHS experience, and how to stay competitive when you feel “behind”.If you’re an aspiring psychologist wondering whether you’ve left it too late - this episode offers a grounded, honest roadmap.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Is it too late to retrain in psychology?01:13 Claire’s journey to training at 4702:23 Case study: Sarah (career change from teaching)04:30 Transferable skills and real-world experience05:41 How much do you need to want this?06:39 Studying later in life (Open University + flexibility)08:56 Balancing study, work and parenting10:35 When is the “right” time to retrain?12:20 Should you focus on study or experience first?14:32 Testing whether psychology is right for you15:25 Making the most of academic support16:19 Case study: Mark (NHS admin to psychology)18:10 Feeling “behind” and imposter syndrome19:05 Does a 2:2 limit your chances?20:31 Strengthening applications with a master’s21:51 Assistant psychologist vs further study23:02 Why academic references matter24:06 Staying connected with referees25:27 Avoiding generic references26:35 Gaining relevant clinical experience28:21 Alternative pathways (CAP / PWP roles)30:18 Is it really too late? Final thoughtsLinks:📲 Connect with Claire Dunn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dunn-037480244/🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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
• Fatty Liver Disease Explained: Symptoms, Causes & Can It Be Reversed? 17.04.2026 29min

  Most people think liver disease is only caused by alcohol. It isn’t. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, we explore fatty liver disease (now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), a common but often silent condition affecting 1 in 5 people in the UK.I’m joined by NHS health coach Sharan Verma, who shares both professional insight and her personal experience of losing her father to the disease. We discuss symptoms, diagnosis, reversibility, and why so many people are unaware they have it until it’s progressed.This episode also explores the psychological impact of illness, caregiving, and grief including how difficult it can be to witness physical decline in someone you love.If you’re interested in health psychology, prevention, or understanding how physical and emotional wellbeing connect, this episode offers an important and eye-opening perspective.Highlights00:00 Why liver disease isn’t just about alcohol01:22 What fatty liver disease actually is02:15 Early symptoms and why it’s often missed03:04 Stages of liver disease and reversibility04:47 Why awareness needs to change06:48 Sharan’s father’s diagnosis and missed opportunities08:59 Rapid deterioration and hospitalisation09:49 Losing a parent to liver disease10:30 Guilt, hindsight and what we didn’t know11:29 Stigma and misunderstanding around liver disease12:44 Genetics and family patterns14:01 Living with increased health risk15:12 The emotional impact of watching someone decline15:39 Physical changes at end of life16:18 Trauma, memory and grief17:36 Where the liver is and what it does18:46 Diet, lifestyle and prevention21:47 Barriers to healthy eating22:03 Risk factors and population differences22:42 Where to learn more Links:📲 Connect with Sharan: https://www.instagram.com/renourishwithsharan/ https://sharanverma.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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #fattyliver #fattyliverdisease #liverdisease
• Why Psychology Graduates Struggle to Get Assistant Psychologist Jobs (And What To Do Instead) 10.04.2026 35min

  Becoming an Assistant Psychologist in the UK can feel frustrating, competitive, and at times deeply personal – especially when applications don’t lead to interviews or offers. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, we explore why Assistant Psychologist roles are so difficult to secure, what experience is actually needed before applying, and how to navigate rejection without burning out or losing confidence.We discuss the reality of psychology career pathways in the UK, including why many successful applicants have prior relevant roles, how to build experience strategically, and how to approach interviews as a two-way process – including checking whether a role truly fits you and whether employers can support reasonable adjustments.If you’re an aspiring psychologist feeling stuck, overlooked, or questioning your path, this episode will help you reframe your journey and take your next steps with clarity and compassion.Timestamps: 00:00 Why psychology graduates feel “behind” after uni01:02 What university careers services actually do02:13 Support available after graduation (and why it matters)03:06 Why psychology careers feel confusing compared to others04:26 Different mental health career pathways explained05:40 Low pay early on and managing expectations06:06 Understanding your career values07:18 Why experience matters more than income early on08:20 Building experience during university09:18 Real example of paid student support work10:35 Why your effort might go unnoticed (but still matters)11:25 Creative ways to gain relevant experience12:05 Mental health roles within universities13:11 Building relationships for references14:14 Why tutors need to actually know you15:11 The long-term impact of mentors and lecturers16:06 Mock interviews and building confidence\16:52 Practising interviews and finding your voice17:52 Interviews are human – not designed to catch you out18:59 Interviews are a two-way process20:02 Checking job fit and reasonable adjustments21:17 Diversity and inclusion in psychology pathways22:17 Internship opportunities and widening access22:57 Celebrating first Assistant Psychologist roles23:55 Why AP roles aren’t entry-level24:37 Managing expectations around experience25:59 Discouragement and proving people wrong26:40 Choosing your own career path (not others’)27:49 Backup plans and flexibility in goals28:30 Burnout, pacing yourself and taking breaks29:25 Noticing when you’re ready for the next step30:19 Following your natural interests and curiosityLinks:🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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
• Girls, Sport & Confidence: The Psychology Schools Need to Understand 03.04.2026 37min

  What if one of the most powerful tools for girls’ confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing was already on the school timetable? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, we explore why girls in sport is about so much more than physical fitness. Joined by educational psychologist Dr Mel Morrison (The Sporty Ed Psych), we discuss how sport supports emotional regulation, identity development, belonging, and confidence in girls and young women.We also unpack the barriers that still exist – including gender stereotypes, access, cost, and school culture – and how we can create more inclusive opportunities so all girls can thrive, both in education and beyond.If you’re a parent, educator, or aspiring psychologist, this episode offers a powerful, systemic perspective on how sport can transform not just physical health, but psychological wellbeing and engagement in learning.Highlights00:00 Why girls’ confidence might be hiding in sport01:13 Emotional regulation through sport02:21 Belonging, connection and social development03:25 Identity, body image and confidence in adolescence04:39 Resilience, discomfort and mental strength05:01 Missed opportunities and changing narratives06:29 Why sport isn’t just for the “naturally sporty”07:24 Adult rediscovery of sport and identity08:43 From punishment to joy – changing your relationship with movement10:30 Sport as emotional regulation for psychologists11:34 Strength training, femininity and breaking stereotypes12:57 “Sporty Spice was right” – cultural shifts in women’s sport13:38 Strong is sexy – reframing strength and identity14:15 Denise Lewis and the power of role models15:20 Barriers for girls – body image, visibility and fear16:33 Using sport to support education and engagement18:01 Sport as intervention for disengaged pupils19:02 Motivation, behaviour and classroom impact20:14 Making PE inclusive and meaningful21:31 Supporting neurodiverse young people through sport22:53 Sensory needs, structure and safe environments24:37 Cost, access and inequality in sport26:10 Dr Mel Morrison’s work and The Sporty Ed Psych28:59 Applying sports psychology to educationLinks: 📲 Connect with Dr Mel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-mel-morrison-6a330691/ 🫶 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-coursesAsk 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/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, 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