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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.

  1. The Hidden Cost of Seeking Reassurance - Inner Work

    3d ago

    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 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 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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    10 min
  2. 6d ago

    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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    50 min
  3. Looking Back At Old Relationships With New Eyes - Inner Work

    Jun 14

    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 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 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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    8 min
  4. Jun 12

    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 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-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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    38 min
  5. Jun 5

    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 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 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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    37 min
  6. May 29

    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 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-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. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    43 min
  7. May 22

    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/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 #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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    44 min
  8. May 15

    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/4tAA93fRead Dave Pelzer Books: https://amzn.to/49bM5jE ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 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 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 Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336 Sponsored by WriteUpp I've used WriteUpp in my own clinical practice for more than six years and am delighted to partner with them. WriteUpp brings together appointments, records, notes, invoicing and secure messaging in one UK-built, GDPR-compliant platform. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336

    19 min

Trailer

About

🎙️ 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.

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