Do You Have to Drive to Be a Psychologist? Hidden Discrimination in Mental Health Employment?
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. They explore the rising costs of driving, generational differences, privilege, and what the profession needs to consider to become more inclusive. This episode is especially relevant for aspiring psychologists, DClinPsy applicants, and anyone interested in widening access to psychology careers.🎙️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:01 – Meet Jake & Episode Background02:34 – Driving & Privilege: Generational Perspectives05:27 – How Marianne Passed Her Driving Test06:25 – Barriers to Driving Today08:01 – Entry-Level Psychology Salaries & the Impact of Driving10:47 – Reliable vs Flashy Cars: Reframing the Expectation13:36 – Financial Burdens of Driving for Young People16:13 – Comparing the Costs: Then vs Now17:18 – The Gap Between Motivation & Opportunity18:22 – The Licence Requirement: Discrimination in Disguise?20:13 – Jake’s Journey Through University & Setbacks23:48 – The Moment He Realised Driving Was a Barrier26:36 – Uber as a Solution & Placement Accessibility28:45 – Could NHS Offer Pool Cars?30:33 – The Need for Realistic Job Expectations34:18 – Thoughts on Kirstie Allsopp’s Infamous Comments36:43 – Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Young Adults38:00 – Final Reflections & Call to Action#PsychologyCareers #AspiringPsychologist #DrivingInPsychology #DClinPsyLinks:🫶 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...
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45:13
What to Do After a Traumatic Event: Advice from a Psychologist
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 healing journey, or aspiring psychologists keen to deepen their understanding of trauma-informed care.#TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthSupport #PsychologistTimestamps00:00 - Introduction00:59 - What counts as trauma?01:46 - Trauma responses in the brain02:57 - The window of tolerance04:44 - Signs you might be traumatised05:48 - Why we can't always talk about trauma right away06:32 - Fight, flight, freeze and fawn07:48 - It's okay not to be okay08:26 - Feeling safe is key09:29 - How trauma can affect everyday life10:13 - Finding support and trauma-informed care11:45 - Final thoughts & resourcesLinks:🫶 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 the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt...
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20:32
What Makes a Great Psychologist? The Skills & Traits That Matter Most
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.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:07 - Empathy & Emotional Intelligence02:11 - Roleplay: What Not to Do vs What Helps04:08 - Critical Thinking & Scientific Rigour06:14 - Communication & Education07:19 - Ethical Integrity & Professionalism08:23 - Flexibility & Adaptability09:18 - Roleplay: Adapting Therapy for the Client10:28 - Final ThoughtsLinks:🫶 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 the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing
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13:02
Why We Grieve Celebrities: The Psychology of Loss & Liam Payne
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 offers insight, compassion, and helpful tips.Timestamps00:00 – Why Do We Grieve Celebrities?01:17 – Meet Dr. Marianne Trent02:11 – Parasocial Relationships Explained03:19 – Why Celebrity Deaths Feel Personal04:11 – When a Reunion Is No Longer Possible05:06 – What Is Disenfranchised Grief?06:04 – Valid Grief Without Personal Connection06:59 – Why Mental Health Professionals Feel It Deeply07:44 – 4 Tips for Coping with Celebrity Grief08:38 – Support and Resources09:59 – Closing RemarksLinks:📚 Check out The Grief Collective Book here: https://amzn.to/4hNHru5🫶 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 the top of the page. Hashtags: #liampayne #LiamPayneGrief #CelebrityGrief #liampaynedeath
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12:33
Supporting Autistic & LD Individuals: The Reality of PBS, TiC & ABA - Autism
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 TakeawaysUnderstanding Different Approaches – The key differences between PBS, TIC, and ABA.The Evolution of Autism Support – How support models have changed over time and what is most effective.Trauma-Informed Care – Why this approach is essential in autism and learning disability support.Ethical Considerations – Why some interventions are controversial and how to ensure compassionate care.Practical Guidance – Tips for professionals and families to advocate for effective and respectful support.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction01:09 - Meet Hannah02:34 - What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?07:49 - Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and Autism12:09 - Signs of Trauma in Autistic Individuals18:25 - Strategies for Creating Safe Environments21:23 - Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Its Controversy26:24 - Why PBS and TIC Matter in Autism Support27:05 - Final Thoughts from Hannah28:06 - Closing Remarks and Further ResourcesLinks:📚 To check out An Autistic Anthology Book: https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9🫶 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...
🎙️ Essential listening for psychology students, trainees, and early-career professionals who want to build confidence, gain insight, and thrive in their psychology journey.
If you're striving to become a Clinical, Counselling, Forensic, Health, Educational, or Occupational Psychologist - or you’re already qualified and looking for guidance in novel areas - this podcast is for you!
I’m Dr. Marianne Trent, a qualified Clinical Psychologist, author, and creator of The Aspiring Psychologist Membership. When I was working towards my career goals, I longed for insider knowledge, clarity, and reassurance - so I created the podcast I wish I’d had.
Every week, I bring you honest, actionable insights through a mix of solo episodes and expert interviews, covering the topics that matter most:
✅ Building the right experience to stand out in applications
✅ Navigating challenges like imposter syndrome and burnout
✅ Developing clinical skills and understanding different psychology roles
✅ Applying for training courses and succeeding in interviews
✅ Exploring real stories from psychologists at different career stages
This isn’t just a podcast - it’s a support system for anyone pursuing a career in psychology.
💡 Subscribe now and start making your psychology career ambitions a reality.
📚 Explore my books, membership, and more: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent