Complex with Kimberley Wilson
BBC Sounds
Welcome to Complex, the podcast that cuts a clear path through all the information and misinformation that's out there about our mental health. Because let's face it - there's so much of it! And a lot of it makes us worry - maybe I've got ADHD! Perhaps I've got empathy overload? Is my partner a narcissist? Kimberley Wilson is a chartered psychologist and she's on a mission to help you decide when to be concerned about what your mind is doing - and when not to be. Together with her expert guests - psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists - she shares some valuable tips for how you can manage your mental health better. With the help of listeners' stories, Kimberley delves into different topics from helping you to work out whether you're a people-pleaser and what you can do about it; to understanding what attachment theory is and how it affects your relationship; to unpicking social anxiety and how best to grapple with it. If you have a question or observation about mental health, then please let us know. The email address is complex@bbc.co.uk. We might use what you tell us in the show, but we will make sure to do so anonymously. If you don't want your email to be included in the podcast, then please remember to let us know. Please be aware that Kimberley is not able to answer emails personally. If you are concerned you have a medical or mental health issue, then please contact your GP or seek expert help. Please also take a look on the BBC Actionline page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/ where you can find details of organisations offering information and support for common issues. Complex is a Loftus Media production for BBC Sounds. Commissioning Producer: Izzy Lee-Poulton Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 7, 2026 • 28min
How can you channel your female rage?
Kimberley Wilson is joined by Jennifer Cox, a psychotherapist and author specializing in women’s anger. Together, they delve into the complexities of female rage and why it's often suppressed. They explore how anger manifests physically and emotionally, sharing tips on recognizing it in the body. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of channeling anger healthily rather than holding grudges. Listeners will gain practical strategies to express their feelings constructively and assert boundaries, empowering them to embrace their anger.
Dec 31, 2025 • 33min
How can you accept yourself?
Dr. Xand van Tulleken, a medical doctor and broadcaster, shares his personal battles with self-acceptance, revealing how a drive for self-improvement often leads to self-judgment. Together with host Kimberley Wilson, they debunk the myth that self-criticism is essential for success and discuss the commonality of low self-confidence. They explore the nuances of acceptance, emphasizing its role in enhancing relationships and enabling practical solutions. Practical tips, including noticing faults without judgment, are shared to aid the journey toward self-acceptance.
Dec 24, 2025 • 27min
Are you feeling grateful?
Jo Rodriguez, a health psychologist and cognitive psychotherapist known for her expertise in positive psychology, dives into the complexities of gratitude. She discusses the difference between genuine feelings of gratitude and the pressure of forced politeness. The conversation uncovers how childhood lessons can suppress authentic gratitude and highlights the physiological responses involved in truly feeling thankful. Jo also shares practical exercises for cultivating genuine gratitude, steering clear of superficial positivity.
Dec 17, 2025 • 31min
Are you burnt out?
Dr. Peter Olusoga, a senior lecturer and chartered psychologist specializing in stress and burnout, joins to dive deep into the phenomenon of burnout. He defines it as a response to chronic workplace stress, exploring its three core characteristics: exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and cynicism. The conversation addresses societal pressures like hustle culture and quiet quitting, along with practical recovery strategies such as micro-breaks and reclaiming hobbies. Dr. Olusoga emphasizes the organizational responsibility in preventing burnout and stresses the importance of self-compassion.
Dec 10, 2025 • 25min
OCD: When should you worry about intrusive thoughts?
Dr. Nina Higson-Sweeney, a psychology researcher specializing in child and adolescent mental health, shares her personal journey with OCD, diagnosed at age 10. She dives into the complexities of intrusive thoughts, defining the distinction between everyday worries and clinical OCD. Common themes such as harm and identity are explored, alongside the importance of recognizing when these thoughts become problematic. Nina emphasizes effective treatments, including CBT, and promotes a message of help-seeking to reduce stigma around mental health.
Dec 3, 2025 • 27min
Are you a people pleaser?
Dr. Sarah Vohra, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry, dives into the world of people-pleasing. She explains its signs, from saying yes when you mean no to emotional exhaustion. The conversation explores how childhood conditioning and cultural influences fuel these behaviors. They discuss the spectrum of people-pleasing from mild agreeableness to harmful extremes. Sarah shares practical steps to build self-assertiveness and outlines how fear of conflict drives these tendencies. A thought-provoking look at mental health!
Nov 26, 2025 • 27min
Are you depressed or just sad?
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kevin Vento, a consultant clinical psychologist specializing in depression, delves into the complexities of distinguishing between being depressed and simply feeling sad. He highlights key symptoms to watch for, addresses the biopsychosocial roots of depression, and shares the impact of stigma on treatment. Listeners gain valuable insights on practical steps to take while awaiting help, like increasing small activities and recognizing achievements to build momentum. This conversation is both enlightening and empowering for anyone navigating their mental health.
Nov 19, 2025 • 26min
Are you a liar?
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Charlotte Cooper, a psychotherapist with expertise in sociology, queer theory, and disability, dives into the complex psychology of lying. They reveal that we lie 1-2 times daily, often starting in childhood as a cognitive milestone. The discussion covers how lies can manipulate social dynamics and contribute to feelings of isolation. Cooper shares her tips for fostering honesty, emphasizing the importance of safe communication. Together, they unravel the hidden costs of deception on mental well-being.
Nov 12, 2025 • 25min
Are you too empathetic? Or not enough?
Dr. Martha Deiros Collado, a clinical psychologist with two decades of experience, dives deep into the nuances of empathy. She explains the differences between empathy and sympathy, and introduces the three types: affective, compassionate, and cognitive. The conversation explores how empathy develops in childhood and the consequences of having too much—or too little—of it. Dr. Martha also shares practical tips for enhancing empathy, such as using feeling wheels and recognizing emotions, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking deeper connections.
Nov 7, 2025 • 21min
Meet Kimberley
Join a chartered psychologist on a quest to dissect mental health information! She shares her passion for crochet, her favorite sandwich, and what sparked her career in psychology. Discover why she values expert guests and how they’ll cut through the noise around mental health. Learn to discern between normal experiences and clinical issues, all while reflecting on the impact of social media on our worries. Get ready for personal insights and a mission to promote understanding and kindness in mental well-being!
