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.

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  1. 5d ago

    How Does the BPS Assessment of Equivalence Help You Get GBC?

    What if the biggest obstacle to becoming a psychologist isn't your qualifications, but simply not knowing all your options? This little-known route could save aspiring psychologists years of time, money, and unnecessary setbacks. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Esther Teo to explore the BPS Assessment of Equivalence, how it can provide an alternative route to Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), and why perseverance can make all the difference. Esther shares her personal journey, explains who may be eligible, discusses common application pitfalls, and reveals how one phone call changed the course of her psychology career. Whether you're considering clinical psychology or another HCPC practitioner psychologist pathway, this episode offers valuable guidance for aspiring psychologists. #PsychologyCareers #ClinicalPsychology #BPS #GBC Highlights: 00:00 Introduction00:59 What is the BPS Assessment of Equivalence?02:10 What is GBC and why does it matter?03:59 Why Esther didn't have GBC05:07 Neuroscience to psychology06:36 Discovering the Assessment of Equivalence08:40 Why more psychologists should know about this route09:23 Esther's free GBC guide10:26 What Esther wishes she'd known sooner11:01 Rejection, perseverance and getting GBC15:03 Why giving up could cost you your dream career17:03 Managing the emotional impact of career decisions17:56 Applying for Clinical Psychology training20:30 Why perseverance matters in psychology21:51 Finding the right career path22:52 Connecting with people as a psychologist24:59 Final thoughts 🎓 Download your free BPS GBC Equivalence Guide here: https://gtps.kartra.com/page/BPS-Guide Links: 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  2. 6d ago

    Why You're Looking for Safety (Not Confidence)

    What if the thing you've been searching for isn't confidence or happiness, but a genuine sense of safety? Feeling safe can transform how you think, connect, and experience the world. In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent explores why psychological safety is essential for emotional wellbeing, how our nervous system learns to expect danger, and why finding moments of safety can be the first step towards healing. #PsychologicalSafety #MentalHealth #InnerWork 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! 📩 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

    Why You're Looking for Safety (Not Confidence)
  3. Aug 14

    Knitting, Crochet & Mental Health: The Science Explained

    Could one of the most effective wellbeing tools already be sitting in a knitting bag? Sometimes the simplest habits can have a bigger psychological impact than we expect. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Mia Hobbs and Dr Paula Redmond to explore how knitting and crochet can support mental health, emotional wellbeing and self-care through evidence-informed psychological principles. #MentalHealth #Knitting #Psychology Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Why knitting benefits mental health 04:19 The rise of analogue hobbies 05:00 Why younger people are embracing knitting 09:13 Learning to knit from childhood 11:23 Knitting, safety and self-compassion 15:40 Knitting during grief and psychological distress 16:25 Is knitting an affordable wellbeing tool? 18:18 The evidence for knitting and mental health 20:38 Challenging the "grandma hobby" stereotype 21:58 Can knitting support hand health? 23:36 Creative Restoration and therapeutic knitting 25:54 Knitting, attention and screen time 29:39 Why I Knit podcast 30:43 When Work Hurts podcast 32:10 Where to learn more Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Mia and Dr Paula Redmond here: https://www.instagram.com/knittingistherapeutic/ https://www.instagram.com/drpaularedmond/ Creative Restoration Webpage: https://creativerestoration.org/about-us/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  4. Aug 12

    Why We Numb Our Pain | Trauma, Alcohol & Emotional Avoidance

    Trauma doesn't always look the way people expect. Sometimes it shows up as anxiety, depression, emotional numbness or unhealthy coping strategies instead. In the Episode, Dr Marianne Trent explores why we avoid emotional pain, how trauma affects the brain, and why therapies such as EMDR can help you reconnect with yourself and move towards healing. #Trauma #EMDR #MentalHealth 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! 📩 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

  5. Aug 7

    What Is EMDR Therapy? A Clinical Psychologist Explains

    What if trauma isn't over because your brain still thinks you're in danger? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by clinical psychologist and EMDR trainer Dr Alex Button to explore how EMDR therapy works, why PTSD develops, and how trauma can affect grief, anxiety and everyday life. Discover the three core PTSD symptom groups, the difference between big and small traumas, and why EMDR helps the brain recognise: "That was then; this is now." #EMDR #Trauma #PTSD Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 What is EMDR therapy? 00:43 The history of EMDR 02:00 How trauma affects the brain 03:15 Why trauma feels like it's happening again 05:20 Why EMDR isn't just eye movements 07:15 How bilateral stimulation works 09:12 PTSD symptoms explained 14:56 Trauma and grief 19:06 How EMDR helps people reconnect with life 23:19 A powerful EMDR client story 24:35 Why trauma still feels present 27:31 Is EMDR overwhelming? 31:21 Why proper EMDR training matters 32:56 EMDR qualifications explained 37:04 Dr Alex Button's EMDR training 41:29 Where to learn more Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Alex here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-button-emdr-training-accredited-trainings-and-emdr-workshops-5b9b56180/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbutton.emdrtraining/ Website: https://drbutton-emdrtraining.co.uk/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0 📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97 💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

  6. Aug 6

    Self-Acceptance vs Self-Optimisation: Which Wins?

    Are you always trying to improve yourself or is it time to accept where you are? In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent explores self-acceptance, perfectionism, alcohol, and the pressure to keep optimising ourselves. 💬 Where do you draw the line between growth and acceptance? #InnerWork #SelfAcceptance #MentalHealth 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! 📩 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

    Self-Acceptance vs Self-Optimisation: Which Wins?
  7. Jul 31

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

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

  8. Jul 26

    What If You've Been Wrong About Yourself

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

    What If You've Been Wrong About Yourself

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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