Psychology, Actually

Hosted by Dr Marianne Trent

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252

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Aug 2026

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About the show

🎙️ Psychology, Actually with Dr Marianne Trent is a podcast about what’s really going on beneath the surface of our lives. Through conversations with psychologists, professionals, and inspiring guests, we explore the psychology shaping our work, our relationships, and our inner worlds bringing together clinical insight with genuine human understanding. This show was previously known as The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, and while it continues to support aspiring and qualified psychologists, it has grown into something broader. Because psychology doesn’t just shape our careers, it influences how we parent, how we grieve, how we connect, and how we cope when life doesn’t go to plan. Alongside expert interviews, Dr Marianne Trent shares reflective solo episodes - making sense of complex human experiences with compassion, curiosity, and clarity. Featuring conversations with leading voices in psychology including Professor Paul Gilbert, Dr Lucy Johnstone, and Dr Martha Deiros Collado - the podcast brings together a range of perspectives on what it means to live, work, and think psychologically. New episodes are released every Monday at 6am (UK time). Whether you’re an aspiring psychologist, a qualified practitioner, or simply someone interested in understanding yourself and others more deeply, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations that stay with you. If you value the show please rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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60 recent

September 30, 202616 min

Why We Can't Stop Replaying Our Worst Interview Answers

Replaying your worst interview answer on a loop? You're not alone and it probably says less about you than you think. In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent explores why we ruminate over interview mistakes, the difference between a poor answer and a poor candidate, and how to use post-interview embarrassment as information rather than punishment. 🎧 Listen to the Professor Paul Gilbert Lessons in Psychology Compassion episode here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8b8a45e2-aa6a-4802-8e01-26ebd2d6a412/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N40b5TmxQko #InterviewAnxiety #SelfCompassion #InnerWorkPodcast 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! #psychologypodcast #chooseyourself 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

September 25, 202625 min

Stressed All the Time? A Psychologist Explains What's Really Going On

Ever wonder how much of your stress is actually yours or whether you've quietly picked up someone else's expectations along the way? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent explores where stress really comes from, the difference between acute and chronic stress, and the hidden costs of ignoring it, from sleep and relationships to burnout. She shares practical ways to audit your own pressure points, spot the "shoulds" driving your decisions, and figure out what's genuinely within your control. #StressManagement #PsychologyActually #MentalHealthPodcast Highlights 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Where is your stress really coming from? 03:40 Peer pressure and the comparison trap 06:15 Are you ready, or just chancing it? 08:20 The "shoulds" that add up 10:05 Auditing what you can actually control 12:30 Acute vs chronic stress 15:50 Noticing stress in your body and mind 17:40 A quick physical health check-in 19:15 The real cost of ignoring stress: sleep 23:00 The real cost of ignoring stress: relationships and joy 25:50 Burnout and taking time off 27:45 Quick-fire reflections 30:20 Closing thoughts 🎧 Listen to this episode What is the difference between stress and burnout? https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a1592990-4561-48b4-b115-6809a77a2c84/ or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXjnKewNstM Links: 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 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.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱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/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

September 23, 20267 min

Why You've Stopped Trusting Yourself (And How to Start Again)

What if the person you've stopped trusting is yourself? In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent explores why self-doubt often traces back to childhood experiences, and how to gently begin trusting your own judgement, hopes, and dreams again. #InnerWork #TrustYourself #mentalhealthawareness Grab Simon Squibb’s What’s Your Dream book: https://amzn.to/4d57H3c Another Inner Work Episode I think you’ll love: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bd386694-3b7e-4400-b628-b7bad1bedd74/ or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvlVQo3ORrs 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! #psychologypodcast #chooseyourself 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

September 22, 202610 min

Why Do I Feel Guilty When I’m Off Sick From Work?

Why can being signed off work feel like you're doing something wrong, even when you know you're genuinely unwell? Resting can become tangled up with guilt, productivity, and self-worth. In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent explores why we compare ourselves to colleagues, feel the need to prove we're ill, struggle to switch off from work, and find it difficult to give ourselves permission to rest and recover. #WorkplaceMentalHealth #BurnoutRecovery #SelfWorth Listen or watch next: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9883f9ec-d1f3-4669-b3aa-57b191b26507/ or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp_61T3Jf8I 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

September 18, 202644 min

The Psychology Behind The Traitors: Trust, Lies & Human Behaviour - with Dr Ellie

The Traitors is a game of lies, but what does it really reveal about how our brains decide who to trust? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Ellie Buckley to explore first impressions, thin slice judgements, confidence versus competence, and why our instincts often fail us. From roundtable pressure to the risks of over-trusting AI, they unpack how trust is built, broken, and manipulated both on reality TV and in everyday life. #PsychologyActually #TheTraitors #TrustAndDeception Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Psychology Behind The Traitors 01:09 Meet Dr Ellie Buckley 01:41 Quick-Fire Round: Life Inside The Traitors 04:03 Ellie and Ross: The Secret Couple 06:50 Life Inside the Castle 09:29 Trusting Your Own Instincts 12:19 Thin-Slice Judgements and First Impressions 14:46 In-Group Bias and Social Influence 16:28 Suggestibility and Psychological Safety 17:31 How Likeability Builds Trust 18:20 Confidence vs Competence 20:47 Why Our Judgements Can Be Wrong 22:21 Trust, Mistakes and Real Relationships 23:31 How Trust Is Built Through Evidence 24:02 The Psychology of Team Building 25:29 Trust After The Traitors 26:18 Can We Trust AI? 27:16 AI Therapy and Overtrusting AI 29:16 Why Expertise Helps Spot AI's Mistakes 30:39 Can We Trust People in Research? Other episode I think you’ll love: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/18bda108-fc14-4d33-9f8c-a4d6e038f4b3/ or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwb4Llv0hZc Links: 📲 Connect with Dr Ellie Buckley https://www.instagram.com/dr_ellieb/?hl=en 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 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.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱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/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

September 11, 202624 min

5 One-Minute Habits That Help With Depression

When depression makes even the smallest things feel enormous, knowing where to start can feel impossible. But sometimes, one minute is enough to begin making a small shift. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent explores five one-minute habits that helped her with depression and low mood. She discusses behavioural activation and why you may need to take action before motivation returns. You'll discover simple ways to clean something, go outside, connect with another living thing, complete one tiny task and practise purposeful self-care. Dr Marianne also explores sick leave, all-or-nothing thinking, self-worth and how small everyday actions can support recovery from depression. #Depression #MentalHealth #Psychology Highlights 00:00 Introduction: Why Small Things Feel Enormous 02:05 Behavioural Activation: You Don't Need to Feel Better First 04:18 My Own Experience With Low Mood 05:32 Technique 1: Clean Something, Clean Anything 09:14 Technique 2: Go Outside 13:42 Technique 3: Interact With Another Living Thing 17:08 Technique 4: Complete One Tiny Task 19:45 Technique 5: Treat Yourself Purposefully 23:12 A Personal Audit: Is Your Time Off Actually Helping? 26:18 All-or-Nothing Thinking and Self-Worth 28:55 Closing Thoughts Watch next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N40b5TmxQko Also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOXhljPY558 Links: 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 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.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱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/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

September 6, 202611 min

Why One Piece of Criticism Can Make You Question Everything

One piece of criticism. A thousand catastrophic thoughts. Sound familiar? In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent unpacks why work feedback can spiral into self-doubt, how to separate thoughts from facts, and practical ways to steady yourself, from breathing techniques to knowing when to lean on a union, HR, or a trusted person in your corner. #InnerWork #WorkplaceCriticism #mentalwellbeing Watch next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcP4SZto1Ww 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

September 4, 202651 min

Fitness to Practice for Trainee Psychologists: What No One Tells You

Could one badly judged email, social media post, or rough patch at work put your psychology career at risk before it even begins? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent joins Nicholas Stöckling to explore fitness-to-practice proceedings for trainee psychologists and other pre-qualified healthcare professionals. They unpack what actually triggers FTP concerns, how the process differs across universities, why communication issues and unmanaged health conditions are common flashpoints, and how neurodivergent trainees can be disproportionately affected. Nicholas shares practical advice on social media conduct, self-disclosure, engaging with proceedings, and when to seek legal support. A must-listen for trainees, supervisors, and anyone supporting students through clinical training. #FitnessToPractice #TraineePsychologist #ClinicalPsychology #FitnessToPractise Highlights 00:00 Introduction 00:20 The pre-qualification "grey zone" explained 01:52 Why there's no standardised university FTP process 04:15 Juggling training, placements and personal life 05:34 Common examples of FTP issues for trainees 11:01 What kind of psychologist should training produce? 12:20 Cultural norms, swearing and miscommunication 15:44 The stress of undergoing an FTP investigation 16:51 Are universities there to support or to protect the public? 20:09 Why FTP processes vary so much between universities 22:01 Employer vs university: who's really accountable? 27:01 Can stage one concerns be resolved without escalating? 27:45 How careful do trainees need to be on social media? 29:31 Does a "views are my own" disclaimer protect you? 31:15 Do failed assignments lead to fitness to practise? 34:11 AI note-taking: help or new FTP risk? 36:16 Can a trainee refuse to engage with proceedings? 37:57 Should you self-disclose struggles early? 42:08 Advice for trainees facing FTP concerns 45:49 Where to find Nicholas Sterling Links: 📲 Connect with Nicholas Stöckling https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-st%C3%B6ckling-94b23a137/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 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.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱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/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. Hashtags: ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent

September 2, 202610 min

Why Charisma Makes It Hard to See Red Flags

Why did no one see who he really was sooner? The answer might be charisma itself. In this episode of Inner Work, Dr Marianne Trent reflects on Netflix's Worst Ex Ever and unpacks why charm, confidence, and love bombing can quietly shut down our ability to spot red flags. #Charisma #RedFlags #LoveBombing 📚 Get your copy of The Psychopath Effect by Dr Emma Kavanagh: https://amzn.to/455qlUu 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this episode! 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent. 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne Trent

August 31, 202657 min

Why Psychopaths Are So Charming (And Why That's Dangerous)

Could you spot a psychopath before it's too late, or does their charm switch off the very part of your brain that would warn you? In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Emma Kavanagh to explore the psychology of psychopathy, why charismatic people can trigger the "guru effect" in our brains, and how love bombing, gaslighting, and trauma bonding trap people in damaging relationships. Emma, author of The Psychopath Effect , explains the real traits behind psychopathy, meanness, boldness, and disinhibition and why psychopaths are far more likely to be charming colleagues or partners than violent criminals. They discuss what it's like growing up with a psychopathic parent, how psychopaths behave differently depending on your value to them, and the subtle nonverbal signals that can give them away. A fascinating, myth-busting conversation for anyone interested in psychology, relationships, and personal safety. #Psychopathy #Psychology #LoveBombing 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Psychopathy myth vs fact quickfire round 01:51 What is the Psychopath Effect? 05:37 Why subclinical psychopathic traits affect everyone 07:34 Growing up with a psychopathic parent 11:37 Setting boundaries as an adult child 14:10 Why individuation threatens psychopaths 17:03 Can you spot a psychopath immediately? 20:32 The "guru effect" and charisma on the brain 22:54 Warning signs and interpersonal space 23:54 Why psychopaths can be selectively empathic 25:24 Upward licking, downward kicking at work 25:55 Hand gestures, cognitive load and persuasion 29:31 Nonverbal cues: the Duchenne smile 31:35 Psychopathy, personality disorders and diagnosis 37:09 Love bombing explained 41:41 Recognising patterns in true crime documentaries 45:35 Quickfire: common myths about psychopathy 46:09 Why it's hard to leave a psychopathic partner 46:57 Understanding trauma bonding 50:22 Why psychopaths can't sustain kindness 52:39 Where to find Dr Emma Kavanagh 📚 Get your copy of The Psychopath Effect by Dr Emma Kavanagh: https://amzn.to/455qlUu Links: Connect with Dr Emma Kavanagh here: https://www.instagram.com/dremmakavanaghauthor/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join 📚 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.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership 🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-courses Ask Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page) ✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources 📱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/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. © Dr Marianne Trent