The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast

• 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:

  --------  

  33:15

  --------

  33:15
• What Happens During an HCPC FTP Investigation? Emotional and Legal Insights - Fitness to Practise

  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 legal stages, emotional impact, and expert advice for anyone navigating or supporting someone through an FTP case. #ftp #hcpc Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest02:07 – What is a Fitness to Practise (FTP) investigation?03:12 – Common triggers for FTP referrals06:10 – What happens after a concern is raised?08:45 – How long does the FTP process usually take?11:29 – The emotional impact of being investigated14:35 – Balancing fairness with protection of the public17:00 – The role of interim orders20:22 – What support is available during an FTP process?24:01 – Working with legal representatives: what to expect27:08 – Top tips for responding to allegations31:45 – When cases don’t meet the threshold for further action35:12 – The stress of being in limbo38:18 – Importance of documentation and reflective practice41:20 – What happens if the case proceeds to a hearing?44:11 – After the process: moving forward and regaining confidence46:35 – Final thoughts and where to get further helpLinks:📲 Connect with Nicholas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-stöckling-94b23a137/?originalSubdomain=fr🫶 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

  --------  

  48:09

  --------

  48:09
• Feeling Broken by Your Job? It Could Be Moral Injury

  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 more aligned and supported. Whether you’re an aspiring psychologist or working in a high-stakes profession, this episode offers validation, reflection, and actionable steps for moving forward. #moralinjury #burnoutrecovery #WorkplaceWellbeingHighlights00:00 What is moral injury and why it matters00:38 Discovering the term during the COVID pandemic01:48 Real-world examples from NHS, education, and policing03:49 When doing your job creates emotional friction04:47 How moral injury shows up emotionally and physically05:45 Guilt, shame, anxiety — and doubting your own integrity06:48 Recognising the problem is the first step07:43 Why safe, values-based supervision is key08:39 Realising your workplace might be the problem09:46 Therapeutic support options including EMDR and CFT10:42 Why your values matter — and what happens when you ignore them11:38 You deserve to thrive, not just survive12:28 Resources for aspiring psychologists and how to get 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 & 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 future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at

  --------  

  15:00

  --------

  15:00
• Started a New Job and Hate It? What to Do Next

  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, practical advice for navigating tricky career decisions.Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, mental health professional, or anyone facing a career wobble, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and decide your next move with clarity and kindness.#WorkplaceWellbeing #newjob #careerchallenges 00:00 – Welcome and introduction02:44 – That sinking feeling when a new job feels wrong06:41 – Is it just nerves or something deeper?08:19 – The grief of realising it’s not what you expected10:33 – Knowing your non-negotiables13:18 – Guilt and shame around leaving something you worked for17:42 – When your confidence takes a hit early on19:56 – Listening to your body’s response to stress22:51 – Red flags and misaligned values24:46 – People-pleasing vs self-preservation29:10 – You’re not failing – you’re gathering data31:12 – Letting go of what others might think34:03 – Can you shape it, or is it time to leave?36:45 – Reflective supervision as a lifeline40:24 – You deserve a job that feels safe and right44:10 – Final reflections and encouragementConnect with Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-marie-lovesy-61094a3/ 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 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...

  --------  

  49:32

  --------

  49:32
• 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:

  --------  

  55:20

  --------

  55:20

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast