Do you ever ask chatGPT to cheer you up? In this section, we explore what happens when people turn to AI for emotional reassurance – and what that might be telling us about unmet needs for human understanding. Dr Rana Pishva shares a powerful reflection on why “feeling really crummy – send me something funny” works better with people than machines, and how real support helps us feel seen, not just soothed. To check out the whole episode head to YouTube where I am Dr Marianne Trent, or wherever you get your podcasts – search for The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast. What do you think? Can you lean into connection with real people over machines? #connection #humanconnection #chatgpt #realconnection #complimentme

The “Let Them” movement promises peace – but does it always deliver? In this episode, Dr Rana Pishva and I explore boundaries, avoidance, emotional responsibility, and what healthy connection actually requires. This is a thoughtful, clinical conversation about relationships, self-help culture, and how to protect yourself without disconnecting from others. #letthemtheory #letthem #humanconnection

What Teenage Mothers Really Need – A Psychologist’s Perspective Teenage pregnancy is often framed as a social problem, a failure, or a life “ruined.” But what if the real issue isn’t the pregnancy — it’s the stigma, judgement, and low expectations placed on young mothers? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Hayley Lugassy, an educational psychologist who became a mother at 15. We explore the psychological impact of teenage pregnancy, the harm caused by shame-based responses from families and professionals, and what truly supports better outcomes for both young mothers and their children. We discuss teenage motherhood, attachment, stigma, poverty, safeguarding, education pathways, UK benefits, and how investing in young parents can transform lives. This episode is essential listening for parents, professionals, aspiring psychologists, teachers, and anyone interested in trauma-informed and compassionate approaches to teenage pregnancy. You do not need to be a young parent to find this powerful – this is about how we respond to people at vulnerable turning points in their lives. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why teenage pregnancy is so often misunderstood 02:50 Falling pregnant at 14 and family conflict 05:39 Judgement from professionals during birth 08:32 What parents should do when their teenage daughter is pregnant 12:11 Reframing “ruined life” narratives 14:38 Poverty, food insecurity and survival 16:21 The UK benefits system and long-term investment 18:26 What gold-standard support could look like 21:50 Why young mothers need mentorship, not surveillance 25:50 Becoming a psychologist after teenage motherhood 29:37 The impact of low expectations 31:29 Practical support available in the UK today Connect with Dr Hayley Lugassy: https://lugassylearningsolutions.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hayley-lugassy-26750426a/ 🔔 Subscribe for More Psychology Insights! 👉 Never miss an episode: Subscribe now 📚 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 🎧 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 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk ⚡ Want More? Check These Out! 🔹 Join the Aspiring Psychologist Membership: Learn more here 🔹 Download my FREE Psychology Success Guide: Grab your copy here ⚠️ 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. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! © Dr Marianne Trent

In this episode, we explore what genuinely inclusive psychology training looks like through the lived experience of Skie Hewitt, a first-year trainee clinical psychologist who is registered blind. It’s a conversation that can open doors for some — and help others better understand how to support and enable people into the profession. Watch the full conversation on my YouTube channel (Dr Marianne Trent) or listen by searching The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. #blindness #visualimpairment #aspiringpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #disabilityawareness