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The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

Dr Marianne Trent
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

🎙️ Essential listening for psychology students, trainees, and early-career professionals who want to build confidence, gain insight, and thrive in their psychology journey. If you're striving to become a Clinical, Counselling, Forensic, Health, Educational, or Occupational Psychologist - or you’re already qualified and looking for guidance in novel areas - this podcast is for you! I’m Dr. Marianne Trent, a qualified Clinical Psychologist, author, and creator of The Aspiring Psychologist Membership. When I was working towards my career goals, I longed for insider knowledge, clarity, and reassurance - so I created the podcast I wish I’d had. Every week, I bring you honest, actionable insights through a mix of solo episodes and expert interviews, covering the topics that matter most: ✅ Building the right experience to stand out in applications ✅ Navigating challenges like imposter syndrome and burnout ✅ Developing clinical skills and understanding different psychology roles ✅ Applying for training courses and succeeding in interviews ✅ Exploring real stories from psychologists at different career stages This isn’t just a podcast - it’s a support system for anyone pursuing a career in psychology. 💡 Subscribe now and start making your psychology career ambitions a reality. 📚 Explore my books, membership, and more: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

  1. 8H AGO

    What Is It Really Like Working as a UK Clinical Psychologist in the UAE?

    In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore what it’s really like working as a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist in the UAE. If you’ve ever wondered about relocating abroad, practising outside the NHS, navigating private healthcare systems, or balancing career progression with lifestyle changes, this conversation offers a realistic and informed perspective. I’m joined by Dr Jack Nejand, a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist who moved from South London to Abu Dhabi. We discuss visas, licensing, tax differences, CAMHS-style work in the UAE, insurance-based healthcare models, relocation logistics, career development abroad, service development opportunities, and what life actually feels like on the ground.Whether you’re considering working as a psychologist overseas, exploring expat life, or simply curious about international career pathways in clinical psychology, this episode provides clarity without selling a fantasy. This conversation is especially relevant for: UK Clinical Psychologists considering relocationDClinPsy applicants thinking long-term about career optionsPsychologists navigating burnout or financial pressuresAnyone curious about working in private healthcare abroad Timestamps: 00:00 – Why psychologists are considering working abroad04:03 – How the opportunity to move to the UAE emerged06:51 – Telling family and friends about relocating08:27 – Why more young professionals are leaving the UK10:00 – The lifestyle reality of living in Abu Dhabi15:39 – Cohabitation laws and cultural considerations17:00 – What CAMHS looks like in the UAE21:02 – Insurance-based healthcare explained25:15 – Clinical severity and thresholds compared to the NHS27:27 – CPD, conferences and career development abroad28:48 – Visas, licensing and Emirates ID31:13 – Pension, leave and employment differences34:52 – Bringing UK service models into UAE schools38:37 – Assistant Psychologist roles and early-career pathways 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: a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    47 min

  2. 2D AGO · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    From the UK to UAE - Members Only Inside Scoop

    Behind the scenes and Marianne's reflections on moving from the UK to the UAE. ⚠️ 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

    7 min

  3. FEB 9

    Has ‘Let Them’ Theory Gone Too Far? A Clinical Psychology Perspective

    In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore whether the popular “Let Them” mindset is always as healthy as it appears.I’m joined by Dr Rana Pishva, Clinical Psychologist, to unpack how ideas intended to support empowerment and boundary-setting can sometimes slip into emotional avoidance, disconnection, and relational rupture – particularly when applied rigidly or without reflection.Together, we discuss boundaries versus avoidance, curiosity versus control, and what happens when self-focused wellness messages are used to shut down difficult conversations rather than deepen understanding. We explore real clinical examples involving family relationships, holidays, romantic partners, and unmet emotional needs, alongside a thoughtful discussion about AI, validation, and why human connection still matters.This episode invites a more nuanced, compassionate approach to boundaries – one that balances self-respect with empathy, accountability, and relational repair. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the “Let Them” movement feels empowering but may hide avoidance03:19 – When self-focused wellness becomes relational disconnection04:24 – A clinical example: family holidays, boundaries, and disappointment06:37 – Why boundaries aren’t about dropping emotional hand grenades08:32 – The importance of curiosity in relationships09:25 – AI, validation, and emotional outsourcing11:51 – Why human understanding matters more than generic reassurance15:12 – How “Let Them” can quietly erode emotional intimacy18:51 – Avoidance, anxiety, and the cost of protecting peace at all costs22:05 – Grief, unmet needs, and what we lose when we disengage28:13 – Using “Let Them” after reflection, not before31:12 – When “Let Them” does help – and why context matters Links: 📚 📲 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses ✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping...

    36 min

  4. FEB 2 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Let them - Marianne's Inside Scoop Members Only

    Behind the scenes and Marianne's reflections on what The Let Them Theory Episode and whether it has gone too far. ⚠️ 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 min

  5. FEB 1 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Growing up in Care - Members Only Inside Scoop

    Behind the scenes and Marianne's reflections on what it's really like growing up in care. ⚠️ 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. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! © Dr Marianne Trent

    13 min

  6. JAN 30

    What It Really Takes to Succeed After Growing Up in Care

    In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore what it really means to be care experienced and how early experiences of foster care and the care system can shape identity, relationships, and career journeys into clinical psychology.I’m joined by Jacob Maspero Bottaio, one of the youngest trainee clinical psychologists in the UK, who shares his experience of entering the care system at a young age, moving between foster placements, experiencing a failed adoption, and navigating the emotional and systemic barriers on the path to clinical psychology training.Together, we discuss care experience, hyper-independence, attachment, supervision dynamics, readiness for training, and what compassionate inclusion in psychology genuinely looks like. This is a thoughtful, emotionally rich conversation about resilience, systems, safety, and what it takes to feel able to lean on others after a lifetime of survival.This episode is especially relevant for aspiring psychologists, trainee clinical psychologists, supervisors, and anyone interested in widening access to clinical psychology with compassion rather than tokenism.Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Jacob’s early life in the care system and why his story matters01:50 – Defining “care experienced” and why it’s broader than people think03:26 – Why care experience can make psychology careers harder to access05:29 – Disclosure, stigma, and fear of how lived experience will be received07:26 – Financial and systemic barriers before training even begins10:53 – Hyper-independence, driving, and needing control over your future15:06 – Growing up fast and being “older than your years”18:27 – Forever people, attachment, and learning to exhale22:59 – Safety, the amygdala, and relearning trust27:15 – Adoption, systems, and not being asked what you want32:35 – Supervision styles, boundaries, and relational triggers39:46 – Readiness for training and compassion toward yourself47:35 – Repair, relationships, and what Jacob hopes for others Links: 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand...

    55 min

  7. JAN 24 · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    What's the job hunt like as a newly qualified clinical psychologist? Members Only Inside Scoop

    Behind the scenes and Marianne's reflections on what it's really like being a qualified Clinical Psychologist and looking for a job. ⚠️ 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. 💡 Want to support the podcast? Like, comment, and share about it on your socials. © Dr Marianne Trent

    6 min

  8. JAN 23

    Life After the DClinPsy: Job Uncertainty, Anxiety & Real Choices

    In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore the realities of life after qualifying as a clinical psychologist. I’m joined by trainee clinical psychologist Taniya Wellmillage, and together we discuss job uncertainty, unemployment after qualification, fixed-term contracts, stigma, and the emotional impact of moving from trainee security into an unpredictable job market. I share my own experience of signing on after qualifying, and we explore NHS versus private practice, moral injury, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to appear successful. This episode is essential listening for trainee and newly qualified clinical psychologists, and for anyone wanting an honest, compassionate insight into post-DClinPsy life. Timestamps 00:00 – The myth that qualification guarantees a job01:41 – The bittersweet reality of finishing training03:18 – Being unemployed and signing on after qualifying04:42 – Stigma, shame, and fear around not having work05:31 – Fixed-term contracts and the shock of losing security06:14 – Course expansion, funding, and job availability07:23 – The false promise of the training “ladder”08:06 – Competing roles and widening applicant pools09:09 – Part-time posts and juggling multiple jobs10:25 – Private practice as necessity, not choice11:38 – Anxiety about going independent too soon12:10 – First qualified posts and clinical responsibility14:09 – Why support matters after qualification21:03 – Reclaiming identity, interests, and values post-training Links: 📲 Connect with Taniya Wellmillage here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniya-w-8a010a169/ 🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support 📚 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.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested 🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: a href="https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    27 min
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About

🎙️ Essential listening for psychology students, trainees, and early-career professionals who want to build confidence, gain insight, and thrive in their psychology journey. If you're striving to become a Clinical, Counselling, Forensic, Health, Educational, or Occupational Psychologist - or you’re already qualified and looking for guidance in novel areas - this podcast is for you! I’m Dr. Marianne Trent, a qualified Clinical Psychologist, author, and creator of The Aspiring Psychologist Membership. When I was working towards my career goals, I longed for insider knowledge, clarity, and reassurance - so I created the podcast I wish I’d had. Every week, I bring you honest, actionable insights through a mix of solo episodes and expert interviews, covering the topics that matter most: ✅ Building the right experience to stand out in applications ✅ Navigating challenges like imposter syndrome and burnout ✅ Developing clinical skills and understanding different psychology roles ✅ Applying for training courses and succeeding in interviews ✅ Exploring real stories from psychologists at different career stages This isn’t just a podcast - it’s a support system for anyone pursuing a career in psychology. 💡 Subscribe now and start making your psychology career ambitions a reality. 📚 Explore my books, membership, and more: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Marianne Trent
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr Marianne Trent
  • Show Website
    The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast
  • Provider
    Marianne Trent

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