Know Your Own Psychology

In this timely episode, Dr Laura explores the psychological impact of the events unfolding in Minneapolis and why people across the world may be feeling destabilised, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive. Drawing on the concept of collective trauma, she explains how repeated exposure to threat erodes psychological safety, how this shows up in our nervous systems, and what actually helps in times of global unrest. This episode offers validation, clarity, and gentle guidance on caring for yourself while remaining compassionate and engaged.   Buy my book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-When-Feel-Broken-Relationships/dp/183782262X/ 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 episode, I’m joined by fellow clinical psychologist Dr Claire Plumley to talk about burnout — what it really is, how it shows up, and why so many of us miss the early warning signs. Claire is the bestselling author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You and the founder of Plum Psychology. Together, we explore how chronic stress affects the nervous system, how to recognise when “busy” is tipping into burnout, and practical ways to protect your wellbeing before things reach crisis point. If you’ve been feeling constantly switched on, exhausted, or emotionally stretched, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and grounded psychological insight.

Why do so many of us feel shame or self-judgement for taking medication—especially when we wouldn’t think twice about treating a physical illness? In this episode, Dr Laura explores the stigma around medication for mental health, where it comes from, and how it quietly seeps into our self-talk. Drawing on clinical experience, cultural narratives, and personal reflection, this is an honest and compassionate conversation about why medication can feel so loaded—and why it doesn’t need to be. We talk about:  • Why medication is often framed as a “failure” rather than support  • The myths we absorb about strength, coping, and self-reliance  • How stigma shows up internally, even when we’re outwardly supportive of others  • Why needing medication doesn’t mean you’ve given up—or fallen short  • Making space for nuance, choice, and self-compassion This episode is not about telling anyone what they should do. It’s about understanding the psychology behind judgement—and softening it. If this conversation resonates, you’re not alone.   About the host:  Dr Laura is a Clinical Psychologist, bestselling author of What to Do When You Feel Broken, and the voice behind the Know Your Own Psychology podcast. You can buy your copy of Dr Laura's book here And for an exclusive 10% off the current website price on Hairburst products visit www.hairburst.com and use code DOCTORLAURA at checkout.   

Resilience is often described as “pushing through” or “bouncing back” — but for many people, that idea feels exhausting and unrealistic. In this episode, Dr Laura explores what resilience actually looks like in real life and why struggling, feeling tired, or feeling changed by difficult experiences does not mean you’re lacking resilience. You’ll hear:  • why resilience isn’t about coping perfectly or staying positive  • how resilience is built through adaptation, not erasing what you’ve been through  • three practical ways to strengthen your resilience without burning out:  • allowing yourself to make mistakes  • being realistic about consistency  • noticing how your thinking shifts under pressure This episode is a compassionate reframe for anyone who feels worn down by life, uncertain about their capacity to cope, or tired of being told to “just be stronger”. Dr Laura also shares a short resilience quiz to help you understand how your coping systems are doing right now — not as a test, but as a starting point. You can do the quiz at this link - https://drlauraresilience.scoreapp.com And for an exclusive 10% off the current website price on Hairburst products visit www.hairburst.com and use code DOCTORLAURA at checkout.  As always, holding you in mind. Dr Laura 

Calm at Christmas: A Mindfulness Meditation    Christmas can be a complicated time. For some, it’s joyful and connective. For others, it can feel overwhelming, lonely, emotionally charged, or quietly painful.And for many people, it’s all of those things at once. This episode of Know Your Own Psychology is a gentle mindfulness meditation for the Christmas period, created to help you slow down, ground yourself, and find a moment of calm amid the busyness, expectations, and emotional weight that the holidays can bring. This episode is for anyone who feels:  • emotionally stretched or overstimulated  • disconnected from themselves during the holiday period  • stressed by family dynamics, grief, or pressure  • in need of grounding, reassurance, and psychological safety   You don’t need to “fix” anything while listening. There’s nothing to achieve. This is simply an invitation to pause, breathe, and be with yourself — just as you are. Whether you’re listening on Christmas Day, in the days leading up to it, or during the quieter moments afterwards, this meditation offers space for emotional wellbeing, regulation, and self-compassion.   In this episode, you’ll find:   • A short, accessible mindfulness meditation  • Gentle grounding to support your nervous system  • Psychological reassurance during a high-pressure season  • Support for coping at Christmas without forcing positivity  • A calm, compassionate pause in the middle of the holidays     This episode may be helpful if you’re searching for:  Christmas mindfulness meditation, calm at Christmas, holiday stress support, emotional wellbeing at Christmas, grounding meditation, mindfulness for stress, psychology podcast, mental health during the holidays, coping at Christmas, gentle meditation, CALM meditation, holiday overwhelm, festive stress relief.     You’re very welcome here. And you don’t have to carry Christmas alone. Dr Laura Williams  Clinical Psychologist & Author of What to Do When You Feel Broken    Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-When-Feel-Broken-Relationships/dp/183782262X/

Body Image, Shame, and Feeling Good in the Skin You’re In Body image struggles are not about vanity — they are about safety, belonging, and the stories we learn to tell ourselves about our worth.  In this bitesize 20 minute episode, clinical psychologist Dr Laura Williams explores the emotional and psychological roots of body image, how shame becomes intertwined with how we see ourselves, and what it can actually mean to feel more at ease in the skin you’re in — without pressure to love or fix your body. This is a compassionate, psychology-led conversation about understanding your body image rather than fighting it, and about creating safety and self-respect from the inside out.  You’ll hear:  Why body image is rarely about appearance alone How shame shapes our relationship with our bodies Why self-criticism doesn’t lead to change Gentle, realistic ways to feel more settled in your body  ✨ Free accompanying workbook To support this episode, you can download the free body image workbook here: 👉 www.drlaurawilliams.com/bodyimage This episode is for you if you feel stuck in self-judgement, disconnected from your body, or tired of battling yourself — and want a kinder, steadier way forward. Holding you in mind, Dr Laura 💜

In this episode, Dr Laura dives into body image, exploring why talking about our bodies can feel so loaded and how negative body image impacts our emotions, self-esteem, and daily life. Drawing on her personal reflections growing up in the 80s and early 2000s, she highlights the cultural pressures that shape our perceptions.  Key Takeaways:   • What body image really is, both clinically and in everyday life  • How negative body image can create shame and limit life experiences  • Reflections on societal influences from childhood to now  • Practical steps to start feeling more at home in your body Listen now for a compassionate, relatable guide to understanding and improving your relationship with your body. You can join Dr Laura's mailing list at www.drlaurawilliams.com/getpsyched  By her bestselling book 'What to Do When You Feel Broken' at the link https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-When-Feel-Broken-Relationships/dp/183782262X/  

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Hannah Wallace — TEDx speaker, writer, disability advocate and host of the Finding Grace podcast — for a deeply human conversation about meeting life’s hardest moments with honesty, hope and courage. Hannah’s story is extraordinary. Diagnosed with Ehlers–Danlos and now living with Parkinson’s, she has had to rebuild her life again and again. And yet what shines through in her is not just resilience, but a profound sense of grace, humour and grounded strength. We talk about:  • What it means to live in a body that doesn’t follow the rules  • How to keep hold of identity when life forces you to change  • The role of spirituality, self-trust and community in healing  • Grief, acceptance and finding meaning through uncertainty  • How to navigate the medical system when you feel unheard  • Why slowing down can be its own kind of power Hannah has become known for her ability to tell the truth about suffering while holding onto hope — a rare combination that makes this episode so moving, uplifting and real. If you’ve ever faced a diagnosis, a life change, or a season where everything felt hard, this conversation is for you. Listen, subscribe and leave a review if this episode speaks to you. It helps more people find the show and helps us keep these important conversations going. You can find Hannah here: https://www.instagram.com/thehannahwallace/ https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/finding-grace/id1441430338 https://substack.com/@hannahwallace    

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/