The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

• Teen Dad Support: Real Help for Young Fathers

  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 lack of role models. You'll hear how psychology-led support, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is helping teenage dads feel more confident, connected, and involved in their children’s lives. Whether you’re a psychologist, student, parent, or someone working with young men, this episode is full of practical advice and insights into supporting young fathers’ mental health and parenting journey.#TeenDads #YoungFathers #PerinatalMentalHealth #teenpregnancy⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Why teen dads need more support02:19 – Meet Allie and the Family Nurse Partnership pilot07:17 – Barriers to engagement and risk-assessed identities10:06 – Wanting the baby vs unwanted pregnancy myths14:07 – Role models and rethinking discipline17:42 – The value of therapeutic space for young men20:35 – The importance of mindful transitions into parenthood23:15 – Young dads and the language gap in perinatal services25:04 – Fears around holding the baby and asking for help29:56 – Legal complexities and parental responsibility33:01 – Therapeutic approach: motivational interviewing & ACT38:30 – Advice for teenage dads (and those supporting them)45:05 – Being a “good enough” parent at any age50:21 – The emotional impact of sleep deprivationLinks:📲 To learn more about the family nurse partnership head to: https://sirona-cic.org.uk/children-services/services/family-nurse-partnership/🫶 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 Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision📱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:

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• Why ME/CFS Isn’t Just Tiredness: A Psychologist Breaks It Down

  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, and how to offer meaningful support to those living with chronic fatigue. Whether you’re a psychologist, aspiring psych, or someone navigating illness yourself, this episode is an honest, compassionate guide to understanding ME/CFS better. #chronicfatiguesyndrome #MECFS #PostViralFatigue #MentalHealthPodcast Whether you’re a psychologist, aspiring professional, friend, or someone navigating chronic illness, this episode is a must-listen.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – What is ME/CFS and what does it affect?04:16 – Long COVID vs ME stigma06:47 – Identity loss and emotional grief08:14 – Perfectionism, pressure, and post-viral burnout13:57 – What a bad day with ME/CFS might look like17:20 – The emotional toll of having to cancel plans19:55 – How to support someone living with ME/CFS22:46 – Can aspiring psychologists train with this condition?24:44 – Spoon theory and pacing explained30:49 – What not to do: graded exercise therapy33:18 – Life after diagnosis: how Beth reshaped her career36:17 – Free resources and where to follow BethLinks:📚Grab your free Diet Culture Guide: https://lifeforeverybody.co.uk/dietcultureguide& Connect with Dr Beth here: 📲 https://www.facebook.com/share/1ByzRm4Rxp/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.instagram.com/life_for_every_body?igsh=MXFhOGx1a3A3bXlsdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beth-godwin-155562175?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 🫶 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 Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work...

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• Grief in Young Adulthood: Losing a Parent Before 30

  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 young adulthood, from missing milestones like graduations, weddings and parenthood, to navigating university life while grieving, and the emotional triggers that resurface over time. They also discuss practical coping strategies, how to support someone who's grieving, the difference between grief and trauma, and why therapy can help even years later. Whether you’ve lost a parent, are supporting a friend, or work in mental health, this conversation offers comfort, insight and solidarity. #GriefInYoungAdulthood #ParentalLoss #ItsTimeCharity #YoungAdultGrief #MentalHealthSupport #TheAspiringPsychologistPodcast⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Why this episode matters01:11 – Grieving in your 20s: different to older age04:05 – The myth of "being strong" after loss06:28 – Talking grief in inner circles vs with strangers07:31 – When you’ve lived longer without them than with them10:03 – Parenthood and re-experiencing grief13:28 – Nursery milestones and the absence of photos17:07 – Keeping memories alive through food and traditions19:46 – How to support someone grieving a parent24:40 – Grief anniversaries and meaningful gestures28:03 – Coping strategies, including risks like substances35:18 – The difference between trauma and grief39:02 – Therapy is worth trying more than once40:37 – What It's Time Charity offers43:25 – Where to find It's Time Charity onlineConnect and Follow It's Time Charity here: https://www.itstimecharity.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/itstime_charity/https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-s-timecharity/posts/?feedView=allLinks:🫶 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 Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision📱Connect socially with Marianne and...

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• What Do Occupational Psychologists Actually Do? Organisational Psychology

  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. Whether you’re an aspiring psychologist, a mental health professional, an HR specialist, or simply curious about workplace mental health, this episode will help you understand how evidence-based organisational psychology can transform the modern workplace. Plus, we discuss Dr. Joe Grey’s new book, Powering Workplace Proactivity. Subscribe for more episodes supporting your psychology career and mental health knowledge!Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannegray-theprogresslab/ and Check out Joe's Book: Powering Productivity: https://poweringproactivity.com Free 5-Day Challenge for Aspiring PsychologistsIn today’s pre-roll, I share an exciting opportunity: a completely free 5-Day Challenge designed to boost your confidence, clarity, and career direction as an aspiring psychologist. Starting Monday 12th May, each day you'll receive a short, live training session (15–20 minutes) with a practical activity that helps you take actionable steps toward your goals—whether you’re applying for Assistant Psychologist or DClinPsy roles or looking to get unstuck.What to Expect:Daily expert-led sessions with clear, practical stepsBite-sized mindset and career boosts you can implement immediatelyFlexible live sessions with replays available, so you never miss outComplimentary Space: Ready to take charge of your psychology career? Sign up Now via this link: https://gtps.kartra.com/page/5DC-Dr-Marianne Join us and let’s move forward together!Timestamps:00:00 – Episode introduction00:40 – Welcome back, Dr. Joe Grey!01:30 – Interest in occupational and organisational psychology02:10 – What is an organisational psychologist?03:00 – Evidence-based consultancy and gathering evidence04:00 – The consultancy cycle explained06:00 – Why working with qualified psychologists matters08:00 – Case Study 1: Supporting employees during organisational change15:00 – The role of communication during change20:00 – Case Study 2: Addressing employee burnout22:00 – Understanding job demands and resources theory30:00 – Participative wellbeing interventions34:00 – Case Study 3: Building a speak-up culture36:00 – Proactive behaviour at work40:00 – Psychological safety and its importance42:00 – Introduction to Dr. Joe Grey’s book: Powering Workplace Proactivity44:00 – Who the book is for and how to get it46:00 – Final thoughts and goodbyesLinks:📚 📲 Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannegray-theprogresslab/ and Check out Joe's Book: Powering Productivity: https://poweringproactivity.com🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here:

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  46:34
• The Psychology of Feedback: How to Receive It (Without Falling Apart)

  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 personal and professional growth. You’ll discover why feedback can feel so threatening, how rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) can play a role, and practical strategies to help you respond with curiosity rather than self-doubt. This episode is essential listening for anyone who finds feedback overwhelming but wants to become more resilient and open to growth.Free 5-Day Challenge for Aspiring PsychologistsIn today’s pre-roll, I share an exciting opportunity: a completely free 5-Day Challenge designed to boost your confidence, clarity, and career direction as an aspiring psychologist. Starting Monday 12th May, each day you'll receive a short, live training session (15–20 minutes) with a practical activity that helps you take actionable steps toward your goals—whether you’re applying for Assistant Psychologist or DClinPsy roles or looking to get unstuck.What to Expect:Daily expert-led sessions with clear, practical stepsBite-sized mindset and career boosts you can implement immediatelyFlexible live sessions with replays available, so you never miss outComplimentary Space: Ready to take charge of your psychology career? Sign up Now via this link: https://gtps.kartra.com/page/5DC-Dr-Marianne Join us and let’s move forward together!⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Why feedback feels so personal01:56 – Physical and emotional reactions to feedback04:59 – Why we avoid feedback and the role of RSD06:11 – How to receive feedback without falling apart08:05 – Finding the useful grain in critical feedback09:21 – Be curious, not furious10:18 – Asking for clarity and SMART goal setting11:11 – Triggers and tender spots12:07 – Reframing and feedback journalling13:01 – Gratitude, not gaslighting13:56 – Closing thoughts and community call to actionLinks:🫶 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 Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision📱Connect socially...

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