Know Your Own Psychology

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

Today on the podcast I am talking to Kirsty Mulcahy, founder of Soberbuzz Scotland and SkyRose Coaching. Kirsty has went from party girl to alcoholic to living her best life alcohol free. Five years sober in December last year, Kirsty's life mission is to show people that there is another way to live life to the fullest without wasting your weekends hungover and regretting your life choices. Kirsty trained with Animas Coaching and holds an accredited diploma in transformational coaching. She has worked for various drug and alcohol charities, including in HMP Edinburgh where she supported offenders and their families in recovery. Kirsty currently volunteers for CARDS Rowan Alba. Having set up Soberbuzz 3 and a half years ago and qualifying as a coach, Kirsty has supported hundreds of people to address their relationship with alcohol. This is a fantastic conversation for anyone who has wondered about the role alcohol plays in their life. Kirsty herself is warm, engaging and simply a top human being. So, whether you are already living alcohol free, are sober-curious or just simply interested, I know you'll get a lot of value from this one. You can find Kirsty on instagram @kirsty_skyrosecoaching or @soberbuzzscotland.

In the first episode of 2023, I talk to you about 5 things I believe everyone should know before they begin therapy. This felt like a timely episode, as I know many people are considering how they might make changes in their lives and therapy is often the place they start. In this bitesize episode I discuss therapeutic alliance, how your therapist should be able to tell you the hard stuff, transference and that therapists are just human too. I also talk about how therapy is an investment. I hope it's helpful to those of you perhaps considering addressing things in therapy this year. To join the waiting list for my online programme click the link below. https://www.knowyourownpsychology.com/pl/2147634788 All other enquiries, email me - hello@drlaurawilliams.com.

In this end of year review, I talk about kindness and compassion. Why it's good for us and the benefits we can see when we are kind to both self and others. I also discuss visibility and how a recent tweet I sent out into the world about THAT Netflix documentary (the Meghan and Harry one) got me thinking about negativity bias. Finally, I discuss why I believe new years resolutions are often unhelpful and a few tweaks you can make to the intentions you are setting for 2023. In the bonus reflective section, I pose 5 questions for you to journal on as you bring 2022 to a close. Thank you to all who have supported me in 2022. I have a full and grateful heart. Book recommendations: The Five Side Effects of Kindness by Dr David Hamilton https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Side-Effects-Kindness-Happier/dp/B06VVBRV3G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Y2BHDOIZS2QB&keywords=the+5+side+effects+of+kindness&qid=1672264862&s=books&sprefix=the+5+side+effec%2Cstripbooks%2C73&sr=1-1 Compassionate Mind by Dr Paul Gilbert https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Compassionate-Mind/dp/B00D8TEBDM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=compassionate+mind+paul+gilbert&qid=1672264970&s=audible&sprefix=compassionate+mind+paul+%2Caudible%2C146&sr=1-1

In this weeks episode of the podcast I talk about not just surviving the festive period, but thriving. In it, I cover things that deplete us in the areas of time, money and energy, getting intentional about how we want our Christmas to be and the relational dynamics that can trip us up and what to do about them. This is a nice short episode to make sure you star your December as you mean to go on.

Today on the podcast I am talking to Stephanie Milne. Steph is a women's health physiotherapist who earlier this month opened her own private clinic to support women in West Lothian and the surrounding areas. She specialises in pre and post-natal care of women and offers support for menopause, continence, prolapse and pelvic heath. She is a certified Mummy MOT® practitioner and offers fully comprehensive post-natal checks. She is married and has three children of her own. Steph has also been my best pal for over 30 years. This episode covers a broad range of topics including pregnancy, infertility and IVF treatment, cumulative trauma, birth trauma and loss. I know that you will get so much value from this episode. You can find Steph @The Physio Village over on instagram. Recommendation for Gemma Nealon @Positive Birth Scotland - www.gemmanealon.com

In today's episode of the podcast I will be discussing neurodiversity with two expert clinicians in the area. Neurodiversity is so topical currently as more and more women are coming to recognise that the source of their mental health challenges have actually been undiagnosed neurodivergence. These women now in their 30's and 40's are becoming known as ‘the lost girls' as typically their neurodivergence and sensitivities were missed as a consequence of their gender and how their presentation differed boys. We still have so much to learn about how ADHD, autism and other neuro-sensitivities show up in women and girls and I'm proud to be bringing this episode to you for that reason. Dr Fleur-Michelle Coiffait is a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in working with people of all ages who have neurodevelopment differences, including autism and ADHD. Fleur-Michelle also works with parents, families and individuals who would like to understand aspects of neurodivergence better, including offering formal assessments for autism and ADHD for people of all ages. You can find out more here - www.coiffpsych.com Rhona McAlpine is an occupational therapist with extensive experience working in infant, child and adolescent mental health services. Passionate about supporting individuals and their families with a focus on connection, co-occupations and co-regulation, she also has a particular interest in honouring neurodiversity and understanding the impact of stress, adversity and trauma. Rhona has developed a four-week parents group called Reframe and Regulate to support family function. You can find out more here - www.otmcalpine.co.uk In this discussion, we talk about the intersection between neurodivergence, trauma and mental health, our own sensitivities and how noise sensitivity might be a sign that we need to incorporate self-soothing strategies into our lives. I hope you get some helpful insights from this episode. Book Recommendation: Divergent Mind, written by Jenara Nerenberg https://www.amazon.co.uk/Divergent-Mind-Jenara-Nerenberg/dp/0062876791

In today's episode of the podcast, I talk you through six things I believe everyone should know about anxiety. I also give some context as to how our ever increasing mental load and the external pressures we may be under can contribute to this. Here are some of the headlines. Anxiety is normal. The media portrayal of anxiety can often be unhelpful and finally treatment for anxiety must be tailored to the individual and the particular type of anxiety for it to be effective. I also talk about the interplay between anxiety and depression. If you listened to the end and you're here looking for the link to join the waiting list for my 'secret' doors open to the programme, sign up here - www.knowyourownpsychology.com/opt-in

In today's episode of the podcast I talk candidly about the loss of my husband, Matty, in 2018. His loss was sudden, traumatic and it changed my life's trajectory in an instant. In talking about my experience, I hope to model how we can overcome challenging events and use them to empower ourselves and others. I will discuss the difference between trauma and grief and how the stages of grief were never supposed to be linear. I also talk to my partner Murray, who I met when I joined Widowed and Young (WAY), a charity that supports people widowed before the age of 50. Having both lost a spouse we discuss love after loss, how grief is different for everyone and how we choose to parent out children through their grief. This felt very exposing. I hope you get something from it. Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a rating or review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com 'Grief Writer: A Journal' can be found here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grief-Writer-Dr-Laura-Williams/dp/B09KN7Y2QR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1IB3MBP96ARQH&keywords=grief+writer+a+journal&qid=1666734889&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=grief+writer+a+journal+%2Caps%2C247&sr=8-1 Widowed and Young, the organisation that supported our families can be found here: https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk

***Trigger Warning*** In this episode references are made to suicide. If you find any of the content difficult, please reach out and seek the appropriate support. Samaritans - 116 123 Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 ***************************************** In today's episode of the podcast I speak to Josh Connolly. Josh is a resilience coach and an accredited breath work facilitator. He speaks candidly about his experiences of growing up with an alcoholic parent, his own struggles with alcohol and how he works with people to release their trauma. We also talk about how we can improve collective mental health through early intervention and funding children's mental health. This has been one of my favourite conversations on the podcast so far. I hope you love listening to it as much as I did recording it. Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a rating or review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com

In this solo episode I uncover what I really mean when I talk about 'knowing your own psychology', share my teen obsession with serial killers and why that is linked to work I do now and offer a sneak peak of some of the concepts I teach in my new online course. Spoiler alert...you can cultivate your psychological mindedness, anxiety is a symptom of the problem, not the problem itself and trauma exists on a spectrum. Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a rating or review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com.

***Trigger Warning*** Topics include child loss, abortion and traumatic loss. There are also references made to suicide. In today's episode of the podcast, I talk to Dr Sarah Madigan. Sarah and I first met as colleagues completing our clinical psychology training in the NHS in 2009. She is now a dear friend. Having both experienced the traumatic loss of a loved one, we share similarities in how we have survived those losses and how we have thrived. In this episode we discuss joy after traumatic loss, post-traumatic growth and female leadership. We also discuss Sarah's book 'I Cannot Get This Wrong', which you can purchase at the link below. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cannot-Get-This-Wrong-Collective/dp/B09GYTPPJH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AH2ATX0IMN47&keywords=i+cannot+get+this+wrong&qid=1664307942&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjMxIiwicXNhIjoiMC44MSIsInFzcCI6IjAuODgifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=i+cannot+get+this+%2Caps%2C359&sr=8-1 This was an emotional and important conversation. I am so delighted to share Sarah's joyful take on life as we continue on this journey of lifting each other up. Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a rating or review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com.

In today's episode of the podcast, I talk to Tom Lowndes of Hot Dub Time Machine. Tom is best known as the worlds first time travelling DJ. After his recent gig at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I reached out and Tom agreed to appear on the Pod. This was a great conversation in which we talk about the use of music to heal, mental health and why having a psychologist is a great way to gain perspective. For anyone looking for support around alcohol or drugs, please check out the following link to Narcotics Anonymous and other organisations at Adfam. Narcotics Anonymous - https://ukna.org Adfam - https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families/useful-organisations Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a rating or review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com.

In today's episode of the podcast, I talk to Danniella Westbrook. An actress and television presenter, Danniella is best known for playing the role of Sam Mitchell in Eastenders. Following a very public battle with addiction, she now spends her time speaking out about substance misuse, helping others struggling with addiction and working on her recovery daily. In today's 'A Session With', Danniella and I talk about her views on media scrutiny (it's not what you might expect), the impact of addiction on her relationships and how she manages to stay grounded in her life now. The book I mention, a Sunday Times bestseller, is 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober', written by Catherine Gray. It can be found at the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unexpected-Joy-Being-Sober-alcohol-free-ebook/dp/B0721L1L39/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3JU8SG23S0UEI&keywords=the+joy+of+being+sober&qid=1663272638&sprefix=the+joy+of+being+sober%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1 For anyone looking for addiction support, please check out the following link to Narcotics Anonymous and other organisations at Adfam. Narcotics Anonymous - https://ukna.org Adfam - https://adfam.org.uk/help-for-families/useful-organisations Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com.

In episode 1 of the podcast, I wanted to offer discussion on something that I know resonates with many of you who follow my work. Imposter Syndrome is something that studies estimate 70% of the population will experience at one time or another. In this episode, we explore what Imposter Syndrome is (and isn't), how it might manifest in your life, some examples of when I myself have felt like an imposter and also some key solutions to overcome its affects. I also offer a recommendation for 'The Imposter Cure' written by Doctor Jessamy Hibberd, a fellow clinical psychologist. In her book, she provides even more clarity and allows readers to work through various exercises to understand and shift imposter syndrome for good. You can find the book at the following link. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Imposter-Cure-mind-trap-imposter-syndrome/dp/1783253061/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+imposter+cure+by+dr+jessamy+hibberd&qid=1662925655&sprefix=the+imposter+%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1 Thank you for listening. If you loved the episode, please leave me a review on apple podcasts. And, if you have any questions for me, email hello@drlaurawilliams.com.

In this brief introductory episode of 'Know Your Own Psychology', I talk about how long I've considered starting a podcast, the reasons why I personally love them and also what content I hope to bring you over this first series. I have some amazing guests lined up and know that these conversations will help shine a light on your own psychology too. Thanks for being here with me. You can find more free content from me over on Facebook or Instagram @drlawilliams. Laura x