In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Emma Hepburn, Clinical Psychologist and creator of The Psychology Mum, to explore burnout, shame in mental health professionals, creativity in clinical psychology, and what happens when your body forces you to stop. We discuss how Emma’s illustrations began in NHS brain injury groups, how her “capacity cup” drawing went viral during the pandemic, and how social media traction unexpectedly led to publishing opportunities.

We unpack the psychology of burnout, emotional exhaustion, stress overload, shame narratives, and why even clinical psychologists are not immune to mental health difficulties.

Emma also introduces her fourth book, The Anti-Burnout Book, and explains how visual metaphors like the match, the teeny tiny thing, Brian the Brain, and the tortoise help bring psychological theory to life.

This episode is relevant for clinical psychologists, aspiring psychologists, NHS staff, teachers, parents, creators, and anyone interested in burnout recovery, stress management, shame resilience, emotional regulation, and sustainable wellbeing.

Timestamps

1. 00:00 – The quiet phase before burnout
2. 02:35 – How The Psychology Mum began in NHS brain injury groups
3. 05:20 – When Emma’s illustrations started to snowball
4. 07:18 – Co-creation and why her work resonated during the pandemic
5. 09:45 – Writing her first book just before lockdown
6. 14:07 – Introducing her fourth book: The Anti-Burnout Book
7. 16:42 – The Edinburgh weekend that became a turning point
8. 20:35 – When your body says “stop”
9. 22:09 – Burnout, shame, and being a clinical psychologist
10. 24:32 – Externalising shame and the “negative ninja takeover”
11. 28:45 – The “teeny tiny thing” that tips you over
12. 30:07 – Why slowing down increases long-term achievement
13. 33:06 – Technology, social media and burnout
14. 34:43 – Where to find The Anti-Burnout Book

Links:

📲 Follow Dr Emma Hepburn on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychologymum/

📚 Check out Emma's books here: https://amzn.to/4rvh6GI

🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content 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...

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore what it’s really like working as a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist in the UAE. If you’ve ever wondered about relocating abroad, practising outside the NHS, navigating private healthcare systems, or balancing career progression with lifestyle changes, this conversation offers a realistic and informed perspective.

I’m joined by Dr Jack Nejand, a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist who moved from South London to Abu Dhabi. We discuss visas, licensing, tax differences, CAMHS-style work in the UAE, insurance-based healthcare models, relocation logistics, career development abroad, service development opportunities, and what life actually feels like on the ground.Whether you’re considering working as a psychologist overseas, exploring expat life, or simply curious about international career pathways in clinical psychology, this episode provides clarity without selling a fantasy.

This conversation is especially relevant for:

1. UK Clinical Psychologists considering relocation
2. DClinPsy applicants thinking long-term about career options
3. Psychologists navigating burnout or financial pressures
4. Anyone curious about working in private healthcare abroad

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 – Why psychologists are considering working abroad
2. 04:03 – How the opportunity to move to the UAE emerged
3. 06:51 – Telling family and friends about relocating
4. 08:27 – Why more young professionals are leaving the UK
5. 10:00 – The lifestyle reality of living in Abu Dhabi
6. 15:39 – Cohabitation laws and cultural considerations
7. 17:00 – What CAMHS looks like in the UAE
8. 21:02 – Insurance-based healthcare explained
9. 25:15 – Clinical severity and thresholds compared to the NHS
10. 27:27 – CPD, conferences and career development abroad
11. 28:48 – Visas, licensing and Emirates ID
12. 31:13 – Pension, leave and employment differences
13. 34:52 – Bringing UK service models into UAE schools
14. 38:37 – Assistant Psychologist roles and early-career pathways

Links:

🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App:

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, we explore whether the popular “Let Them” mindset is always as healthy as it appears.I’m joined by Dr Rana Pishva, Clinical Psychologist, to unpack how ideas intended to support empowerment and boundary-setting can sometimes slip into emotional avoidance, disconnection, and relational rupture – particularly when applied rigidly or without reflection.Together, we discuss boundaries versus avoidance, curiosity versus control, and what happens when self-focused wellness messages are used to shut down difficult conversations rather than deepen understanding. We explore real clinical examples involving family relationships, holidays, romantic partners, and unmet emotional needs, alongside a thoughtful discussion about AI, validation, and why human connection still matters.This episode invites a more nuanced, compassionate approach to boundaries – one that balances self-respect with empathy, accountability, and relational repair.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 – Why the “Let Them” movement feels empowering but may hide avoidance
2. 03:19 – When self-focused wellness becomes relational disconnection
3. 04:24 – A clinical example: family holidays, boundaries, and disappointment
4. 06:37 – Why boundaries aren’t about dropping emotional hand grenades
5. 08:32 – The importance of curiosity in relationships
6. 09:25 – AI, validation, and emotional outsourcing
7. 11:51 – Why human understanding matters more than generic reassurance
8. 15:12 – How “Let Them” can quietly erode emotional intimacy
9. 18:51 – Avoidance, anxiety, and the cost of protecting peace at all costs
10. 22:05 – Grief, unmet needs, and what we lose when we disengage
11. 28:13 – Using “Let Them” after reflection, not before
12. 31:12 – When “Let Them” does help – and why context matters

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

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