Psychology, Actually

When your world turns upside down whether from a breakup, job loss, or sudden life-changing news it can feel impossible to cope. In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent shares essential emotional first aid strategies for managing grief, trauma, and distress after unexpected events. You’ll learn evidence-based techniques to help with overwhelm,...

Is it too late to become a clinical psychologist in your 40s or 50s? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Claire, a former police officer who medically retired, studied psychology with the Open University, and secured her first NHS Assistant Psychologist role at age 45. At 47, she was offered a place on the Doctorate in Clinical...

Worried you're falling behind because you haven’t secured an assistant psychologist (AP) role yet? You’re not alone - but don’t panic. In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent explores how job crafting can help you shape a successful psychology career even without a formal AP title. Learn how to adapt your current or future roles to gain relevan...

Should assisted dying be legal in the UK and what role can psychologists play in this deeply personal, ethical debate? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent shares reflections on end-of-life care, personal experiences of witnessing suffering, and the psychological complexities surrounding assisted dying. You’ll learn about the current legal stance in the UK, the r...

Are you struggling with a fear of death or constantly thinking about your own mortality? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent explores death anxiety also known as thanatophobia and why some people experience an intense fear of dying or non-existence. We discuss how childhood experiences, trauma, attachment, and even parenting styles can cont...

Could you be autistic and not know it? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by clinical psychologist and autism specialist Dr Katie Adolphus to unpack what adult autism diagnosis really involves. They explore the signs that may be missed in childhood, why women and marginalised groups often go undiagnosed, and what the formal assessment process looks li...

Could your distractibility, overwhelm, or forgetfulness be signs of ADHD — even in adulthood? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Kara Davey, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD assessor and coach to explore what ADHD can look like in adults, especially those missed in childhood. They discuss common adult ADHD symptoms, how late diagnoses are made, an...

What happens during an HCPC CPD audit and how do you pass it with confidence? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr Carly Pointon joins Dr Marianne Trent to explain the CPD audit process for psychologists regulated by the HCPC. Learn what documents to include in your portfolio, how long you have to respond, and what the HCPC is really looking for in your su...

What really happens during an HCPC Fitness to Practise (FTP) investigation? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent speaks with legal consultant Nicholas Stöckling to break down the HCPC FTP process, what it involves, how long it takes, and what it feels like to be under investigation. Designed for psychologists and healthcare professionals, this conversation covers...

Have you ever felt like your job goes against your values? You might be experiencing moral injury a powerful concept that explains why work can sometimes feel emotionally overwhelming, especially in healthcare, education, policing and public services. In this solo episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent explores how moral injury shows up, its link to burnout, and what you can do to feel m...

Started a new job and instantly felt like it was the wrong move? You’re not alone and you’re not failing. In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent & Kelly-Marie Lovesy explore what to do when a new job doesn’t feel right. From recognising early warning signs and managing anxiety to dealing with guilt, regret, and pressure to push through this episode offers compassionate, pract...

What support is available for teenage dads and why does it matter? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent speaks with assistant psychologist Allie, who works on a groundbreaking pilot project in Bristol supporting young fathers under 25. They explore the challenges teen dads face, from being excluded by perinatal services to navigating stigma, co-parenting, and lac...

ME/CFS isn’t just tiredness, it’s a life-changing, often misunderstood neurological condition that impacts everything from mobility and cognition to emotional wellbeing. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Beth Godwin shares her powerful lived experience with ME/CFS, including how it affected her career, identity, and day-to-day life. We discuss spoon theory, post-exertional malaise, pacing,...

Losing a parent in your teens or twenties is a uniquely painful experience that can shape your identity, relationships, and mental health for years to come. In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent speaks with Harry and Hannah from It's Time Charity, which supports young adults aged 16–30 who have experienced parental loss. Together, they explore the impact of grief...

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent talks to Dr. Joe Grey, an experienced organisational psychologist, about what occupational and organisational psychologists actually do. We explore how occupational psychology helps to improve workplace wellbeing, support employees during major change, reduce burnout, and build proactive, psychologically safe cultures. Whethe...

Why does feedback sometimes feel like a personal attack, even when it’s meant to help? In this episode, Dr Marianne Trent explores the emotional and psychological reactions we have to feedback, particularly when it touches on our sense of self-worth. Whether it’s a peer review, a supervisor’s suggestion, or an unsolicited comment, learning to receive feedback without spiralling can transform your...

Ever wondered what it really takes to become a clinical psychologist? In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Marianne Trent reads her personal chapter from  The Clinical Psychologist Collective  for the very first time. She shares her authentic journey from assistant psychologist to qualification, including setbacks, creative CV boosters, tips for reflective writing, and advice for standing...

Is a driving licence an essential requirement to become a psychologist, or is it a hidden barrier that excludes talented individuals from progressing in their careers? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Jake, an aspiring psychologist, to unpack the real-world challenges of not being able to drive in a profession where mobility is often assumed. The...

Advice What should you do after experiencing a traumatic event? In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Marianne Trent breaks down key psychological advice for understanding and managing trauma. Learn what trauma is, how it affects the brain and body, and the steps you can take to start feeling safe again. This episode is ideal for those supporting others through trauma, those on their own heal...

In this episode of  The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast , Dr. Marianne Trent explores the essential skills and traits that truly make a psychologist great. Through engaging examples and roleplays (with bonus costumes!), Marianne brings to life the human qualities that set excellent practitioners apart. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - Empathy & Emotional Intelligence 02:11 - Roleplay...

In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne Trent explores why the loss of a celebrity like Liam Payne or Matthew Perry can feel so personal — even if we’ve never met them. We unpack the psychology of parasocial relationships, disenfranchised grief, and how mental health professionals may feel these losses even more acutely. Whether you're grieving a public figure or supporting others who are, this episode...

In this episode of  The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast , Dr. Marianne Trent is joined by Hannah to explore different approaches to supporting autistic individuals. They discuss the frameworks of PBS (Positive Behaviour Support), TIC (Trauma-Informed Care), and ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), shedding light on their uses, limitations, and impact on autistic people. Key Takeaways Understanding...

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent delves into the topic of complex trauma (C-PTSD). She explores what complex trauma is, how it manifests in adulthood, and most importantly, the potential for healing. Through a fictional but realistic case study, Marianne demonstrates the profound impact of complex trauma and shares effective therapeutic approaches for recove...

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent explores why it’s never too late to pursue a psychology career. Whether you're considering a career change or thinking about applying for psychology training later in life, this episode is packed with encouragement, insights, and practical advice. Other Episodes mentioned in this one: How to start a psychology career in your...

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent is joined by Dr. Rosie Gilderthorpe to discuss her journey from working in the NHS to establishing a thriving private practice. They explore the challenges, rewards, and mindset shifts required to make the transition, as well as the opportunities that private practice can offer for both clinicians and clients. Key Takeaways U...