No one chooses to be depressed, anxious, or suicidal. These experiences aren’t signs of weakness or failure they’re signs of a human mind under threat, doing its best to survive. In this clip, Professor Paul Gilbert @compassionatemind_foundation and I discuss why compassion, not blame, is key to recovery. 🎧 Watch the full conversation #compassionfocusedtherapy #mentalhealthawareness #depression #compassion #suicideprevention

Male sexual consent matters and an erection does not equal consent. Connor and I discuss male to male sexual violence. Watch the whole episode by following the linked video. #malerape #rapesurvivor #consent #consentmatters #informedconsent

Looking for gentle and meaningful ways to bond with your baby? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent and Jo Wilson founder of Aqua Sensory and Bath Babies, explore how bath time, baby swimming, and water play can strengthen parent-baby bonding and early attachment. You’ll learn how simple baby bath routines, skin-to-skin moments, sensory play, and warm water can support emotional connection, co-regulation, brain development, and confidence. We discuss reading baby cues, creating calming rituals, and using water to reduce stress for both babies and parents. Whether you’re a new parent, expectant parent, baby group practitioner, perinatal professional, or anyone supporting early childhood development, this episode offers practical baby bonding ideas, attachment-building activities, and sensory play tips you can start using straight away. Perfect for those interested in early attachment, responsive parenting, infant mental health, baby swimming, and supporting secure, confident babies through everyday routines like bath time. #BabyBonding #AttachmentParenting #InfantMentalHealth #ParentingTipsUK #EarlyParenthood ⏱️ Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Why water is such a powerful bonding medium 01:00 – “100% attention, not divided attention” — presence in the water 02:30 – Eye contact, attunement & following baby’s cues 04:00 – The raw emotions of early parenthood & building confidence 05:25 – When bath time soothes — and when babies need less stimulation 06:59 – Making bath time fun: voice, movement, simple toys & attunement 07:59 – Stacking cups, sensory joy & reminding ourselves to play 08:52 – Supporting parents who fear water or aren’t swimmers 10:01 – Sleep schedules, real life & why outings matter for parental wellbeing 11:17 – Water as community, postnatal support & early social development 12:17 – “Blue Mind” theory: why water boosts mood and calm 13:47 – Rituals, relaxation & water as a tool for mental health 15:13 – Amniotic beginnings & the instinctive comfort of water 16:34 – Shifting bath time from “task” to connected activity 17:34 – Jo’s story: redundancy, finding purpose & building Aqua Sensory 19:01 – Child-led water confidence vs old-school dunking 21:11 – Baby swim costs, accessibility & long-term developmental benefits 22:45 – Bath Babies: a gentle fourth-trimester approach to water connection 25:02 – Training others to support parent-infant bonding through water 26:34 – Why this matters for clinicians in perinatal and parent-infant work 27:01 – Where to find Bath Babies & Jo’s book 27:48 – Dr Marianne’s reflections & another book recommendation Jo’s website: https://aquasensory.com Jo’s pools in Rugby and Leamington Spa: https://swimworks.co.uk Jo’s Book, Bath Babies: Creating Beautiful Bonds in Water https://amzn.to/4ptegRO The book I mention in the outro: https://amzn.to/47R7wH5 📚 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