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The Parent Trap: Five Ways We Get Stuck Know Your Own Psychology Podcast | Dr Laura Williams Parenting is one of the hardest — and most meaningful — roles we’ll ever take on. And yet, there’s no manual. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Laura Williams explores five common parenting traps that many of us fall into, often without even realising it, and how we can gently step out of them. Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, this episode offers compassion, insight, and practical psychological guidance to help you navigate the challenges of raising children. Because parenting isn’t about getting it right all the time. It's about staying thoughtful, curious, and connected. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why we sometimes expect too much maturity from our children • How self-blame can keep us stuck as parents • The hidden dangers of comparing your parenting to others • Finding the balance between over-controlling and under-controlling • Why trying to be your child’s best friend can create challenges The Five Parent Traps Discussed: 1. Expecting too much maturity 2. Blaming ourselves 3. Comparing our parenting 4. Over-controlling or under-controlling 5. Trying to be your child’s best friend This episode is for you if: • You’re finding parenting harder than you expected • You’re navigating toddlers, teenagers, or blended families • You sometimes worry you’re getting parenting “wrong” • You want a more compassionate, psychologically informed approach to parenting Parenting is relational, evolving, and deeply human. And if you’re worrying about whether you’re getting it right you’re already a thoughtful parent. About Dr Laura Williams Dr Laura Williams is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author of What to Do When You Feel Broken. Through her podcast, she shares compassionate psychological insights to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and your emotional world. Connect with Dr Laura Instagram: @drlaurawilliams Website: www.drlaurawilliams.com Email: [email protected] If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share with someone who might find it helpful.

Can AI Replace Therapy? A Psychologist's Perspective Know Your Own Psychology Podcast – Episode 49    Can AI replace therapy? It’s a question more people are asking as tools like ChatGPT become part of everyday life. Some are even turning to AI for emotional support, guidance, and self-reflection. But is that safe—or effective? In this episode, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr Laura explores the reality behind AI and mental health. She shares a balanced, honest perspective on where AI can be helpful—and where it can be deeply limited. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI could replace therapy, or how to use it safely to support your mental wellbeing, this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn:   • Why AI cannot replace therapy—and the risks of relying on it for emotional support  • The importance of the human therapeutic relationship in healing and change  • The limitations of AI in clinical judgement, empathy, and crisis management   • How AI may reinforce negative thinking patterns (especially in depression)  • Real insights from people using AI for reflection and self-understanding  • Safe, practical ways to use AI as a psychological support tool    How AI Can Support Your Mental Health:    When used thoughtfully, AI can be a helpful companion for:  • Untangling overwhelming thoughts   • Guided journaling and reflection   • Learning psychological concepts (like attachment, boundaries, and cognitive distortions)  • Generating reflective questions to deepen self-awareness  • Between-session support alongside therapy   Important Reminder    AI is not therapy. It cannot replace the depth, nuance, and relational healing that comes from working with a trained professional. If you are struggling with your mental health—especially in crisis—please seek support from a GP, therapist, or someone you trust.   Free Resource: Psychologist’s Guide to Using AI Safely  If you’d like practical, therapist-informed guidance on using AI in a way that supports (not harms) your mental health, download your free guide: 👉 www. drlaurawilliams.com/ai

Why does being authentic sometimes feel so uncomfortable? In this episode, I’m exploring what it really means to be genuine with ourselves and with other people. Many of us move through the world performing versions of ourselves that feel safer, more acceptable, or less likely to be judged. But over time, that disconnection from who we really are can leave us feeling exhausted, anxious, or strangely dissatisfied. Authenticity isn’t about saying whatever we want or rejecting social norms. It’s about developing enough self-awareness to notice when we’re drifting away from our values, our feelings, and our true voice. In this episode I talk about:  • Why we sometimes hide parts of ourselves  • The psychological cost of people-pleasing and performing  • How self-awareness helps us reconnect with who we really are  • Why authenticity often feels risky at first  • A simple reflective exercise to help you reconnect with your genuine self As a clinical psychologist, I see every day how powerful it can be when people begin to show up more honestly in their own lives. When we stop performing and start relating more truthfully—to ourselves and others—we create the conditions for deeper connection, greater clarity, and a more grounded sense of self. At the end of the episode, I share a short exercise you can try today to gently explore where you might be editing yourself—and how you might begin to show up more authentically. If this episode resonates with you, you might also enjoy my book What to Do When You Feel Broken, where I explore many of these themes around self-awareness, healing, and rebuilding after difficult experiences. You can purchase it on Amazon and it has recently been translated into Polish.  I’m holding you in mind as you listen. Dr Laura

Trauma: Myths, Misconceptions and the Truth About Healing  In this episode of Know Your Own Psychology, I’m breaking down common myths about trauma therapy and explaining what responsible, ethical trauma treatment actually looks like. As a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, I see how much misinformation exists online — from promises of rapid trauma healing to the idea that everyone is ready to process traumatic memories immediately. The reality is more nuanced. In this episode, I cover:  • What trauma is — and what it isn’t  • Why not everyone is ready for trauma processing  • The importance of stabilisation and emotional regulation before starting trauma work  • The structured stages of trauma therapy: safety, processing, and integration  • How to spot exploitative “quick fix” trauma marketing  • Why trauma therapy does not erase memories — but can reduce emotional intensity I also share a personal reflection on grief and traumatic loss, and why time can sometimes play an important role in healing. If you’re considering trauma therapy, this episode will help you think carefully about readiness, safety, and realistic expectations — and offers five key questions to ask yourself before beginning trauma work. Trauma healing is not a race. Stabilisation is not failure. And sometimes the bravest work is learning how to stay steady in the present. If you found this helpful, please share the episode — and if my book, What to Do When You Feel Broken, has supported you, I’d be so grateful for an Amazon review to help it reach others who may need it. You can do so at the following link.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/create-review/?ie=UTF8&channel=glance-detail&asin=B0DJTHM9YF

Family estrangement is often talked about online as a simple, binary choice — stay or go, cut contact or don’t. But in real life, it’s rarely that straightforward. In this episode, Dr Laura explores the psychological complexity of family estrangement, moving beyond polarised debates to consider what no contact actually means, the different forms it can take, and how people can make decisions that prioritise emotional and psychological safety. This episode looks at:  • Why “no contact” language often misses important nuance  • Alternatives such as low contact, structured contact, and time-limited distance  • What to consider before changing family contact  • The emotional aftermath of estrangement, including grief, doubt, and relief  • Why there is no morally superior choice — only what’s right for you Whether you’re considering changing family contact, living with estrangement, or trying to understand someone else’s decision, this episode offers a compassionate, grounded perspective.

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