Know Your Own Psychology

Today’s episode is a short, thought-provoking reflection on the endings we all move through — the ones we choose, the ones that happen to us, and the ones that change us in ways we never expected.   In just 15 focused minutes, we explore:  • why endings stir up such strong emotional responses  • how to understand the difference between anticipated and sudden endings  • what happens internally when relationships, roles, or chapters come to a close  • why we resist endings, even when they lead to growth  • how to navigate the grief, relief, confusion, or uncertainty that endings often bring  • the quiet power in allowing yourself to feel what’s true, rather than what you “should” feel   This is a gentle, grounding listen designed to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re moving through a loss, a transition, or simply noticing the small endings in daily life, I hope this episode helps you make sense of what’s unfolding.   If you’d like to stay connected, you can sign up at drlaurawilliams.com/getpsyched — that’s g-e-t-p-s-y-c-h-e-d. And if the podcast supports you, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts makes a huge difference.   As ever, I’m holding you in mind. — Dr Laura 

🎙️ Episode 34: A Session on High Performance Careers - with Steph McTighe In this episode, Dr Laura sits down with her long-time friend Steph McTighe, a specialist in dispute resolution, litigation, and arbitration, to explore what it really takes to thrive — and survive — in a high-performance career. Steph shares her journey from studying politics to qualifying in English law, and the pressures, expectations, and cultural norms that shape life in the legal profession. Together, Laura and Steph unpack how class, culture, and background influence our sense of belonging and self-worth at work — and what happens when those unspoken pressures lead to burnout. After stepping away from law in 2015, Steph rebuilt her confidence, found her way back to the profession, and learned to balance ambition with wellbeing. Their conversation shines a light on the quiet cost of high standards, the importance of setting boundaries, and why self-advocacy matters in every career. If you’ve ever wondered how your upbringing, identity, or inner expectations shape your professional life — this episode will hold a mirror up to your experience. In this episode:  • The hidden pressures of high-performance careers  • How class and culture shape our work psychology  • Burnout, recovery, and finding your way back  • The power of boundaries and self-advocacy  • Why we need to stop equating worth with productivity 💡 Mentioned:  • Law firm CMS  • Coach Jennifer Needle  • Dr Laura’s reflections on resilience and psychology at work   Book Recommendations Strong Female Character - Fern Brady https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Female-Character-Sunday-Bestseller/dp/1914240472/ Women Everywhere - Gillian Anderson & Jennifer Nader https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-uplifting-manual-seeking-happiness/dp/0008241937/   Podcast Recommendations How to Fail - Elizabeth Day https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-fail-with-elizabeth-day/id1407451189   🩵 Holding you in mind, Dr Laura #careerpsychology #highperformance #burnout #class #resilience #selfawareness

🎧 Episode: Lightening the Load Know Your Own Psychology Podcast with Dr Laura Williams. Ever feel like your brain has 50 tabs open — and you’re the only one who knows which ones are about to crash? That invisible weight of remembering, planning, and keeping life moving is what psychologists call mental load — and it can quietly drain your energy, focus, and emotional wellbeing. In this episode, Dr Laura explores what the mental load really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and how we can start to lighten it. Because understanding the mental load isn’t just about getting things done — it’s about caring for the person who’s doing them all. 💡 In this episode: • What “mental load” actually means (and how to recognise it in your own life) • Why it often falls unevenly across relationships, households, and workplaces • The hidden emotional toll of carrying so much invisible responsibility • Three ways to start lightening the mental load today: 1. Make it visible 2. Create boundaries 3. Remember that everything changes eventually. 🪶 Takeaway If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly thinking ahead, keeping track, or holding it all together — this episode is for you. You deserve moments of ease, and small shifts can make a real difference. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. And if the episode resonates, share it with someone else who might need a little lightening, too. Holding you in mind, Dr Laura 💜 🎧 Follow Know Your Own Psychology 📲 Instagram @drlaurawilliams 🔗 More resources: linktr.ee/drlaurawilliams

In the latest episode of my podcast, What to Do When You Feel Broken: The Book Edition, I take you behind the scenes of my book-writing journey, from winning the Hay House Writers Workshop competition to navigating procrastination and receiving endorsements from Mel Robbins and my former professor, Rory O’Connor. I share insights into the publication process, promoting the book, and the heartfelt reviews it has received. I delve into what’s inside the book, including my deeply personal story of losing my husband, the trauma that shaped me, and the real-life stories of four clients who found healing. I also share tips from my writing practice on how to get a book done and close the episode with a special reading. Plus, don’t miss the chance to grab the e-book version, currently on promotional price in the UK for just £1.55. Kindle E-book version available at the following link for just £1.55 https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-When-Feel-Broken-Relationships-ebook/dp/B0D4K2554C/      

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide and suicidal ideation. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Laura Williams, clinical psychologist and trauma expert, sits down with Steven Cranston, widely known as The Soul Man, a respected medium who bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. Together, they explore the profound themes of ethical practice in both psychology and mediumship, the transformative power of kindness in the face of adversity, and what it takes to navigate life’s most challenging moments. Steven shares his personal insights on finding hope and meaning during times of despair, while Dr. Laura offers practical strategies to foster resilience and healing. This deeply moving conversation invites listeners to reflect on how to approach life’s hardest times with compassion and courage. Tune in for an inspiring dialogue that blends professional expertise, spiritual wisdom, and real-life stories of survival and growth. You can find Steven's book here on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Between-Two-Worlds-Approach-Mediumship/dp/B0BGKQH18G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EEF7TLLBVWRV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._EHX7rvDjRAh5hkxEyBe5FAAyu_BNpLKpfIjm2MEuwjsgZ8YPQZ_BzJghn_Pjq8RByQb8iKLzqY7FE5f-OqY5i6wPDwdcB1tBQ_sD95l3nZm-BQVdMiCGCfTce7WmoEsEJsc1r9ZutwAsl4nMyWB2BnXunP9_X4sEKeH1t0PRXha3yZkNcc3ruqOb0Hj93vtHDfYGVaObvzZ7DVUwCWmFSR_Rakfkt_qTUHAsmfiqSY.bX0QU4o7pg5_QnG5fnWxXdnZPW58wr-gIzXeiYhROFU&dib_tag=se&keywords=in+between+two+world&qid=1743065563&sprefix=in+between+two+world%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1   Buy my book here: https://hayhs.com/wtdwyfb_pp_pb_az   Follow me on... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorlaurawilliams/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlawilliams/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doctorlaurawilliams   Take my FREE Quiz 'How Well Do You Know Your Own Psychology' https://drlauraquiz.scoreapp.com

In this weeks episode of the podcast I talk about techniques we can all use to build our tolerance to distress and ability to regulate our emotions. We talk about strategies that can be found within Dialectical Behavioural Therapy or DBT, developed by Marsha Lineman and about how the aim is to widen our window of tolerance over time. I also share some examples from my own life in which I struggle to stay regulated all the time. I hope you get some value from this episode. Please remember to subscribe to the 'Know Your Own Psychology' podcast and write a review if you enjoyed it.    As promised, here is link to a useful DBT workbook if anyone would like to dive a bit deeper and learn some more DBT skills.    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skills-Training-Handouts-Worksheets-Second/dp/1572307811/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3FD282WPCTWG5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.b5Nm4lloZGiWWsj3fTELzo6n3s5nHKkh4-uBbyZys6VFs6WWIPgVJybubdyczPPgCqBghJk_8wdfDDlG6nZiVbFrH1UmVNnWNQSXAu-2FbLvZlDKGTjRi3jbV2bj40vKmSTpPeoIKAU7wUk535-e3WFnneguHOxoXcXLyQ80U_oJQHNn502vyzUky0t8XEMe8eD4ERtnjJfYHcfYhYSUkrq3spv-xoK0nDwm-9rOgnU.vWQbRiqo35ENjVyAWDKFW-HGnDyqJ8kgr9HOle9jC2U&dib_tag=se&keywords=dbt+workbook&qid=1708708415&sprefix=DBT+%2Caps%2C280&sr=8-3

In this podcast I talk to Sophie McGown. Sophie is the founder of EARSASS – a product based business selling striking statement earrings that she set up through the pandemic. In this episode, we discuss creativity, psychological wellbeing and how a traumatic life event catapulted Sophie into the conversation around mental health. This episode is such a beautiful reminder of how we can use the challenges of our lives and make them matter. This conversation felt so easy, yet so very important and I could have talked to Sophie all day. Now I do need to note a trigger warning here as this episode talks about suicide. Please make sure that if you are struggling with any of the issues raised that you seek the appropriate support. I have listed some support organisations below.  Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 Samaritans 116 123 You can find Professor Rory O'Connors book, 'When It Is Darkest' at the link below.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Darkest-People-Suicide-Prevent/dp/B09K9FTDMF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EJ1TCI4K0UPY&keywords=when+it+is+darkest&qid=1707809054&sprefix=when+it+is+%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1

In today's episode of the podcast I am talking to Simone Heng. Simone is a Hay House author and speaker who has delivered keynote speeches at SXSW, TedX, Harvard and the UN. We explore Simone's story of familial trauma and how human connection helped her to heal her from the patterns of her past. In her book, 'Let's Talk About Loneliness' Simone explores how the global pandemic in 2020 woke us up to how disconnected the world had become. Simone is smart, funny and engaging and I know that you will love her as much as I do. You can buy Simone's book 'Lets Talk About Loneliness' at the following link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Talk-About-Loneliness-Connection/dp/B0C1HNRBZ8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22MAKYA6G0NP8&keywords=let%27s+talk+about+loneliness&qid=1707164433&sprefix=lets+talk+about+loneline%2Caps%2C266&sr=8-1#customerReviews And please do go give Simone a follow over on instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/simoneheng/

It's 2024! Come and set your intentions with me in this micro episode of under 20 minutes. I outline 8 key questions to ask yourself while planning your year ahead. No new year's resolutions here! In the 'Know Your Own Psychology' community we love a vulnerable share and that's what you get here. I talk family struggles, why I am not drinking till April and what I want more and less of this year. All the prompts are listed at the end, so sit back, relax and let's get your 2024 off to the best start. Laura x

In today's podcast episode I talk about all things balance. My own take is that balance is actually an illusion and that rather than striving for that elusive equilibrium, we should instead be thinking about our emotional balance and regulation. This is essentially a 'behind the scenes' look at how I manage the never ending juggle of all the areas and roles in my life and how you might consider this for yourself. With action steps to consider and journal on, I hope this gives you something to think about. If you enjoy, please consider writing a review on apple podcasts. And if you'd like to take my quiz, click the link below. https://drlauraquiz.scoreapp.com

In todays episode of the podcast I talk to Laura Carey from 'Big Hearts Little Minds'. Laura is such a generous and lovely human being who has supported me from the very beginning. We began as strangers and I am now so grateful I get to support other women like Laura in their work. You can literally feel Laura's passion for the work she does. Laura's not for profit organisation helps to teach children and young people about their brain development, emotional regulation and how we can develop tool-kits to manage the ups's and down's in our lives. We also discuss parenting, how you are the person who knows your child best and how throwing away the parenting books was the best move I ever made after having my first baby a decade ago. You can find Laura over on instagram under the handle @bigheartlittlemindswl. Go give her a follow.

In this episode I am talking to Stephen Clark, co-founder of the Kilted Coaches. In it Stephen tells his story from his early life growing up in Glenrothes, Fife, joining the military at the aged of 16, becoming a PT and then training in NLP and life coaching. Today Stephen helps his clients to become fully themselves through his teachings and course the YOU-FULLY Academy. In this episode, we talk about the importance of emotional availability, how motivation is over-rated and that our shadow selves exist – even when we want to deny their existence. Stephen also talks about his passion for breath-work in helping regulate our emotions. This episode takes you on one man’s journey to wholeness and psychological integration. As he makes clear, Stephen is far from done on his quest but I know you’re going to get so much out of his candid words. You can find Stephen on instagram @stephenclark82 - Go check him out.

In this episode I talk about all things eating. This is a topic which often generates lots of interest, not least because for many women and increasingly for men too, what we eat can be linked to how we feel about our weight, shape and body image. I discuss comfort eating, diets and the differences and similarities between restrictive vs overeating. I hope you enjoy it. If you need any support around your eating, please do seek appropriate professional help. https://support.beateatingdisorders.org.uk https://supportedscotland.org

In this weeks episode of the podcast I am talking about childhood conditioning. What it is and how to challenge it. I also share my thoughts on the process of incremental change and how this is 'lifetime work'. The episode is designed to be a mini therapeutic session with time for you to hit pause, reflect and answer some key questions. And don't forget send me a message for some accountability on the one change you are going to make. To reserve your place on the FREE 'Your Fence Psychology' webinar visit the link www.knowyourownpsychology.com/female. I hope you love this episode and it gives you a greater insight into your childhood conditioning.

In this weeks podcast I am talking to Hannah Bardell, Member of Parliament for the Livingston constituency. Hannah is also one of my oldest friends and has been on quite a journey from a  small-town in West Lothian to a prominent female politician. Along the way there have been highs and lows. Terrorist attacks on Parliament while she and her team were locked down inside, working from Westminster with all the challenges that brings, BREXIT and some inspiring work on deaths that happen abroad.  In 2015, Hannah came out to her friends and family and in 2016 follow this up by doing so professionally. This month is LGBT history month and so I wanted to ask Hannah on the podcast to talk about the interface between psychology and politics, her experiences of coming out and what's next for her.  This was such a fun yet insightful conversation. Hope you enjoy listening. 

In episode 16 of the podcast, I am talking to Dr Wallace J Nichols. Wallace is a marine biologist turned ‘blue mind’ advocate and author. In this episode, you are going to hear about how Wallace has dedicated his life to the healing power of water, how water helped him personally after a devastating fire ripped through his family home in 2020 and how ‘blue mind’ is something that we can all incorporate into our daily lives to feel happier and healthier without spending lots of cash or living on the beach. This was such an exciting episode for me! As a kid who took to the water early and an ex competitive swimmer, I’ve have a long-standing affinity with the water. I’ve also toyed with how I might incorporate blue mind principles into my own therapeutic work.  This is a wonderful conversation with someone who simply wants to spread the science behind why water can be such a powerful element in our lives. I was so grateful to be able to connect with Wallace from all the way across the pond. I hope you love this episode as much as I did. Enjoy. And as Wallace says, I wish you water. Check out Wallace's book 'Blue Mind' at the link below.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Mind-Happier-Connected-Better/dp/0349139571/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LO7N9EN54VLJ&keywords=blue+mind&qid=1674599183&sprefix=blue+mind+%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1 You can also find him on instagram @wallacejnichols