The Psychology Mum: From NHS Clinician to Global Mental Health Creator on Burnout

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Emma Hepburn, Clinical Psychologist and creator of The Psychology Mum, to explore burnout, shame in mental health professionals, creativity in clinical psychology, and what happens when your body forces you to stop. We discuss how Emma’s illustrations began in NHS brain injury groups, how her “capacity cup” drawing went viral during the pandemic, and how social media traction unexpectedly led to publishing opportunities. We unpack the psychology of burnout, emotional exhaustion, stress overload, shame narratives, and why even clinical psychologists are not immune to mental health difficulties. Emma also introduces her fourth book, The Anti-Burnout Book, and explains how visual metaphors like the match, the teeny tiny thing, Brian the Brain, and the tortoise help bring psychological theory to life. This episode is relevant for clinical psychologists, aspiring psychologists, NHS staff, teachers, parents, creators, and anyone interested in burnout recovery, stress management, shame resilience, emotional regulation, and sustainable wellbeing. Timestamps 00:00 – The quiet phase before burnout 02:35 – How The Psychology Mum began in NHS brain injury groups 05:20 – When Emma’s illustrations started to snowball 07:18 – Co-creation and why her work resonated during the pandemic 09:45 – Writing her first book just before lockdown 14:07 – Introducing her fourth book: The Anti-Burnout Book 16:42 – The Edinburgh weekend that became a turning point 20:35 – When your body says “stop” 22:09 – Burnout, shame, and being a clinical psychologist 24:32 – Externalising shame and the “negative ninja takeover” 28:45 – The “teeny tiny thing” that tips you over 30:07 – Why slowing down increases long-term achievement 33:06 – Technology, social media and burnout 34:43 – Where to find The Anti-Burnout Book 📲 Follow Dr Emma Hepburn on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychologymum/ 📚 Check out Emma's books here: https://amzn.to/4rvh6GI Grab Emma's Free Chapter by joining her mailing list: https://thewellbeingsociety.substack.com/subscribe 🔔 Subscribe for More Psychology Insights! 👉 Never miss an episode: Subscribe now 📚 My Books on Amazon 📖 The Grief Collective → https://amzn.to/4hNHru5 📖 The Clinical Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/3ErIEJs 📖 The Aspiring Psychologist Collective → https://amzn.to/4jSxc9N 📖 Talking Heads: Stories of Psychology & Mental Health → https://amzn.to/3EvbKaN 📖 An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals → https://amzn.to/3WXBpz9 🎧 Stay Connected With Me 🌍 Aspiring Psychologists Website: www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk 🌍 Good Thinking Psychology Website: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk 💼 LinkedIn: Dr Marianne Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marianne-trent-psychology/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodThinkingPsychologicalServices 🐦 Twitter/X: @DrMarianneTrent 📸 Instagram: @DrMarianneTrent 🎵 TikTok: @DrMarianneTrent 📩 Business & Collaboration Enquiries ✉️ Email: Info@GoodThinkingPsychology.co.uk ⚡ Want More? Check These Out! 🔹 Join the Aspiring Psychologist Membership: Learn more here 🔹 Download my FREE Psychology Success Guide: Grab your copy here ⚠️ Disclaimer This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. 💡 Want to support the channel? Like, comment, and share this video! © Dr Marianne Trent