The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

• What Is Shame? A Psychologist Explains Its Hidden Power

  Have you ever had a moment where you felt fundamentally flawed? Like something was wrong with you, not just what you did? That’s the voice of shame. In this solo episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent unpacks what shame really is, how it can quietly shape your mental health, and why naming it is a radical first step toward emotional healing.We explore the psychology of shame, including how it develops in childhood, relationships, culture, trauma, and identity and how it can manifest through perfectionism, people-pleasing, low self-esteem, and burnout. With relatable examples and two fictional case studies (James and Amina), this episode shines a compassionate light on the invisible wounds shame can cause. Whether you're supporting therapy clients or dealing with shame yourself, this episode helps you understand its grip and how to loosen it.📌 Look out for part two coming soon: What to Do About Shame.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Is there something wrong with me?00:50 – What shame is and how it differs from guilt01:48 – Brene Brown’s definition and why shame is often invisible02:20 – Childhood roots: parenting, rejection, trauma, and marginalisation03:46 – A powerful example of body shame and religious upbringing04:51 – How shame hides: people-pleasing, self-criticism, addiction, avoidance05:46 – Case Study: James – heartbreak, masculinity, and silent shame06:38 – Case Study: Amina – failed application and feeling unworthy06:58 – Why shame can fuel anxiety, depression, burnout, and paralysis07:55 – The power of naming shame and exploring whose voice it echoes08:45 – Dr Marianne’s own experiences of shame and overcoming self-doubt09:17 – Next steps: part two on treating shame, membership, and supportLinks:🫶 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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe &...

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• I've been Dumped or Sacked - How to Cope with Breakups, Job Loss & Sudden News

  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, anxiety, and shock from grounding and self-soothing to validating big emotions and seeking support. Whether you’re a mental health professional, psychology student, or someone dealing with a difficult time, this episode offers calm, compassionate guidance to help you feel more in control and less alone.Highlights:00:00 – What to do when your world flips upside down01:00 – Why sudden news hits our identity, relationships, and safety02:50 – Common coping strategies that might make things worse04:00 – How to avoid isolation and challenge shame05:00 – Resisting the urge to catastrophise06:00 – The basics of sleep, food, and hydration in a crisis07:30 – Grounding techniques for overwhelm08:30 – Building distress tolerance through breath and presence09:30 – Why moving your body matters more than you think10:40 – Managing sensory overload and reducing stimulation11:30 – How to ask for the support you need12:20 – Finding small wins and regaining control13:30 – Giving yourself permission to grieve14:30 – Safe ways to express sadness and process emotion15:30 – Honouring breakups and supporting children involved16:30 – Mental health crisis support and when to seek help17:30 – How to be the support someone else needs18:30 – Why you won’t feel like this forever19:30 – Tools and resources: The Grief Collective & Tricky Brain KitLinks:🫶 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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment,...

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• From Police Officer to Trainee Clinical Psychologist at Age 47

  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 Psychology (DClinPsy) — on her first application.Claire’s journey offers hope and insight for mature students, career changers, and anyone wondering if clinical psychology is still a realistic goal later in life. From overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing parenting and NHS experience, this conversation is full of practical advice and encouragement.Whether you’re early in your journey or returning to education later in life, this episode will remind you: it’s never too late to become a psychologist.🎧 Highlights:00:00 – Introduction02:02 – Claire’s career in the police and what led to change06:34 – Studying psychology with the Open University09:11 – Challenges of being a mature student13:28 – First Assistant Psychologist post at 4515:40 – Working in acute mental health and CAMHS18:55 – Parenting while studying and working in psychology22:46 – Building confidence and self-belief26:19 – Applying for DClinPsy and the interview process29:02 – Reflections on age, readiness, and encouragement32:17 – Claire’s hopes for the future35:05 – Final thoughts: You’re never too late#CareerChangePsychology #MatureStudentJourney #AspiringPsychologist #DClinPsyApplication #NeverTooLateLinks:🫶 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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in...

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• No Assistant Psychologist Role? How Job Crafting Can Shape Your Psychology Career

  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 relevant clinical experience, boost your psychology CV, and prepare for training or assistant psychologist job applications. Whether you're in support work, education, admin, or healthcare, this episode will empower you to create opportunities, build confidence, and progress on your path to becoming a psychologist.⏱️ Highlights & Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why we need to talk about job crafting02:18 – What is job crafting and why does it matter for aspiring psychologists?04:40 – You don’t need a psychology job title to build psychological experience07:15 – Real-world examples: from receptionist to AP-level skills09:52 – Spotting psychologically meaningful tasks around you12:34 – How to have empowering conversations with your manager or supervisor14:58 – Being ethical and staying within role boundaries while still growing17:21 – Community stories: creative ways others have job crafted20:07 – When job crafting isn’t enough — how to know when to move on22:45 – Reflecting your job crafting in applications and interviews26:12 – Fighting imposter syndrome when your experience looks different29:40 – Seeking support and community to help you stay the course31:58 – Final thoughts and where to go for further help34:12 – Outro: Your journey still counts, even if it doesn’t look typical#AspiringPsychologist #PsychologyCareers #JobCrafting #AssistantPsychologist #PsychologyExperienceLinks:🫶 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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• Assisted Dying in the UK: A Psychologist’s Perspective on Choice, Suffering & Compassion

  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 role of moral injury in healthcare, and how psychological professionals can support compassionate, person-centred conversations around death, dying, and autonomy.Whether you're a mental health professional, aspiring psychologist, or someone interested in end-of-life rights and ethics, this episode explores the emotional, systemic, and clinical realities behind one of the most important debates in healthcare today.Related Reading & Watching🕊️ The Grief Collective – Dr Marianne Trent’s book exploring real stories of loss, life, and healing: https://amzn.to/4hNHru5🎙️ Previous episode: Death Anxiety – What It Is, Why It Happens & How Therapy Can Help (with Tia Urgasova) https://youtu.be/yz1GEN-yhQU or https://player.captivate.fm/episode/011a5be0-2468-4fe1-915f-67b6d98fb8c2/Highlights: 00:00 – Marianne shares her father’s end-of-life story05:00 – The need for dignity, choice, and “a good death”08:30 – Reflections on hospice funding and access09:49 – Moral injury and the psychological workforce10:49 – Jeremy Vine’s emotional statement on assisted dying12:00 – The difference between trauma and grief in bereavement13:36 – ACP-UK’s stance on legal reform and clinician voices15:43 – Becoming a thought leader in difficult conversationsLinks:🫶 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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