The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

• 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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• Death Anxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens & How Therapy Can Help - Thanatophia

  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 contribute to anxiety around death. You'll also learn about how therapy can help, including evidence-based approaches like Terror Management Theory, Existential Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).Whether you’re a mental health professional, a student, or someone experiencing these fears yourself, this episode offers practical insight, psychological understanding, and compassionate support for navigating fear of death. #deathanxiety #thanatophobia Highlights00:00 – Introduction: Why talk about death anxiety?02:03 – What is death anxiety, and how does it present?04:21 – Childhood experiences and early realisations of mortality07:30 – The connection between trauma and fear of death09:52 – Avoidance behaviours and obsessive checking11:40 – Personal reflections: losing loved ones at a young age13:55 – Parenting styles and how they shape our relationship with death16:50 – Death anxiety in OCD, health anxiety, and phobias19:18 – Cultural influences and how we learn to fear death21:00 – When death anxiety spikes: ageing, parenthood, and illness23:43 – The idea of legacy: wanting to leave something behind26:04 – What helps? An overview of therapeutic approaches28:30 – How Compassion-Focused Therapy can soothe existential fear30:14 – What not to say to someone experiencing death anxiety32:10 – Supporting yourself and others through gentle curiosity34:00 – Wrapping up: You’re not alone in feeling this way📚 Book Titles Mentioned and Associated AuthorsThe Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins https://amzn.to/3GCq2aU (Referenced while discussing the newest prequel focusing on Haymitch. https://amzn.to/44rcDvG) The Grief Collective – by Dr Marianne Trent https://amzn.to/40dLqtHLove’s Executioner – Irvin D. Yalom https://amzn.to/3GwE5io (Described as formative reading during clinical training.)Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death – Irvin D. Yalom https://amzn.to/3Ik7igW (Explicitly named as relevant to death anxiety.)A Matter of Death and Life – Irvin D. Yalom and Marilyn Yalom https://amzn.to/4kviGnqThe Gift Of Therapy - Irvin Yalom https://amzn.to/4lRbenX Mentioned in relation to Yalom’s reflections after his wife’s passing.)Links:Dr Marianne Trent (00:00):What if I told you that your fear of death might be quietly shaping your choices, your relationships, even your worldview? In today's episode, we are diving into the psychology of death, anxiety, what it is, how often it crops up, and what happens when it starts to interfere with daily life. Whether you've ever had a passing fear of dying or you...

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• Adult Autism Diagnosis: Signs You Might Be Autistic and What the Process Involves

  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 like. You’ll also hear about sensory sensitivities, emotional overwhelm, autistic identity, and how to seek support post-diagnosis.Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, a clinician supporting clients, or exploring your own neurodivergent identity this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and clarity.Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr Katie Adolphus02:35 – Why some autistic people go undiagnosed in childhood05:15 – Stereotypes and barriers in accessing diagnosis as an adult08:58 – How autism traits may show up differently in women and marginalised groups11:40 – The emotional process of realising you might be autistic13:50 – What a formal diagnostic assessment for autism involves17:22 – The difference between self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis20:10 – Dr Adolphus’s own experiences with autistic identity24:35 – How sensory sensitivities can manifest in adulthood28:10 – Intersectionality: autism and other neurodivergent conditions31:42 – Workplace challenges and late-diagnosed adults35:15 – What happens after an autism diagnosis38:25 – Misconceptions about autism and ‘functioning labels’41:10 – How allies, friends, and clinicians can offer better support44:45 – Final reflections and how to follow Dr Katie AdolphusLinks:📲 Connect with Dr Katie Adolphus here: http://theadolphuspractice.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/theadolphuspractice🫶 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...

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• Could It Be ADHD? Understanding Adult Diagnosis & Coaching

  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, and how ADHD coaching helps with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.This episode also covers ADHD masking, how it differs in women and girls, and why so many people are misunderstood for years. Whether you’re exploring an adult ADHD diagnosis yourself, supporting a loved one, or working with clients, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and practical support.Watch now to learn how ADHD coaching can change lives. #adhd #adultadhd #adhddiagnosis Highlights:00:00 – Introduction: Why adult ADHD is being recognised more02:30 – Kara shares her own adult ADHD diagnosis journey05:15 – Common misconceptions about ADHD (not just hyper boys!)08:40 – What internal hyperactivity looks like in adults11:50 – Missed signs of ADHD in girls and women15:25 – The double bind: masking and burnout18:10 – “I didn’t realise other people weren’t thinking like this…”21:00 – Getting an ADHD diagnosis: NHS vs private routes24:15 – The role of clinical psychologists in ADHD assessments27:40 – Stigma, shame, and late diagnosis in adults31:10 – How ADHD coaching supports emotional wellbeing35:00 – From self-doubt to self-knowledge: the power of reframing38:45 – Compassionate support strategies for clients or loved ones42:30 – What not to say to someone with ADHD45:00 – Final reflections and encouragement for late-diagnosed adultsLinks:📲 Connect with Dr Kara Davey Here: https://linktr.ee/drdaveyADHDcoaching 🫶 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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• HCPC Audit Survival Guide: What Psychologists Need to Know

  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 submission.Whether you’re a newly qualified psychologist, in independent practice, or just want to feel audit-ready, this episode offers practical advice, reflection tips, and emotional reassurance.From CPD folders and supervision notes to writing effective reflections and avoiding common mistakes, this guide will help you survive and pass an HCPC audit without the panic. #hcpc #cpd Highlights00:00 – Introduction02:21 – What is an HCPC audit and how common is it?04:20 – Who gets chosen and how are they notified?06:05 – How Carley felt when she was selected for audit07:45 – CPD folders: what’s inside and how to keep track10:30 – Examples of CPD: supervision, podcast learning, conferences13:12 – What the HCPC is looking for in your submission15:50 – How long do you have to prepare and submit?17:25 – Reflective writing tips for CPD evidence19:30 – Can you fail the audit? What happens if you do?21:05 – How Carley organised her submission (and survived!)23:10 – Top tips for staying on top of CPD throughout the year25:15 – Final words of reassurance and encouragementLinks:Connect with Dr Carly: 📲 https://www.facebook.com/PointonPsychology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carly-louise-pointon-35574915a/ 🫶 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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