Exploring Health Psychology and Lifestyle Choices

Show Notes for The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Episode 128: What is Health Psychology?

Thank you for listening to the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast.

In this episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent interviews Nicola O'Donnell, a trainee health psychologist. They discuss the field of health psychology, including what it involves and the different pathways to becoming a health psychologist. They also touch on the importance of self-care and avoiding burnout in the field. Nicola also offers tutoring services for psychology students and can be found on platforms like First Tutors, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Overall, the conversation is informative and provides insights into the field of health psychology.

We hope you find it so useful.

I’d love any feedback you might have, and I’d love to know what your offers are and to be connected with you on socials so I can help you to celebrate your wins!

The Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction: Dr. Marianne Trent introduces the episode, focusing on health psychology and the upcoming interview with Nicola O'Donnell.
• 01:17 - Interview Begins: Dr. Marianne Trent welcomes Nicola O'Donnell to discuss her journey into health psychology, beginning with her undergraduate studies and clinical placements.
• 05:42 - Health Psychology Training: Nicola explains the stages of training required for health psychology, including stage one and stage two, and various funding options.
• 10:10 - Training Routes: Nicola details different training routes for health psychology, including university doctorates, independent routes, and funded programs in England and Scotland.
• 13:24 - Funding Options: The discussion delves into funding options for health psychology training, including post-doctoral loans and self-funding.
• 14:56 - Personal Journey: Nicola shares her personal journey into health psychology, reflecting on her experiences, including the passing of her father and her pursuit of meaningful work.
• 19:02 - Coping with Loss: Dr. Marianne Trent and Nicola discuss coping with personal loss and the impact it has on one's career and motivations.
• 20:45 - Understanding Health Psychology: Nicola explains the essence of health psychology, focusing on how thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and social factors influence physical health.
• 26:47 - Personal Health Reflections: Dr. Marianne Trent reflects on her own health journey, emphasising the importance of vibrant health and well-being.
• 28:59 - Health Behavior Change: Nicola discusses her experience with health behaviour change during the COVID-19 pandemic, including training for a triathlon.
• 31:08 - Prevention and Well-being: The conversation explores the importance of prevention and well-being in maintaining overall health and coping with illness.
• 32:23 - Future Outlook: Dr. Marianne Trent and Nicola discuss the future outlook for health psychology, focusing on prevention, coping strategies, and personal well-being.
• (33:48) Marianne shares her empowering journey of recovery through private physiotherapy, emphasising the importance of taking action and maintaining locus of control in health.
• (35:30) Dr. Marianne Trent and Nicola discuss the evolving role of patient autonomy in healthcare, highlighting the significance of giving individuals control over their treatment decisions.
• (36:30) Nicola explains the benefits of psychology tutoring, addressing common misconceptions and emphasising the value of personalised support in academic success.
• (39:11) Dr. Marianne Trent reflects on her own academic challenges and the importance of structured support, highlighting the role of tutoring in optimising learning outcomes.
• (40:32) Nicola shares her personal experience of academic setbacks, underscoring the message that grades do not define one's potential as a psychologist.
• (43:01) Nicola offers advice on avoiding burnout in psychology, emphasising self-awareness, therapy, and the importance of taking time for oneself to prevent exhaustion.
• (45:09) Nicola provides information on how to connect with her for tutoring and professional inquiries, including LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
• (46:17) Dr. Marianne Trent expresses gratitude for the enriching conversation with Nicola, encourages audience engagement, and promotes her podcast and resources for aspiring psychologists.

Links:

📚 Connect with Nicola: https://www.firsttutors.com/uk/tutor/nicola.psychology.4/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-o-donnell-83a37489/ https://twitter.com/nicolaod_

https://www.instagram.com/landofnod__/

🖥️ 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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