logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
17m 28s

The Psychology of Feedback: How to Recei...

Dr Marianne Trent
About this episode

Why does feedback sometimes feel like a personal attack, even when it’s meant to help? In this episode, Dr Marianne Trent explores the emotional and psychological reactions we have to feedback, particularly when it touches on our sense of self-worth. Whether it’s a peer review, a supervisor’s suggestion, or an unsolicited comment, learning to receive feedback without spiralling can transform your personal and professional growth. You’ll discover why feedback can feel so threatening, how rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) can play a role, and practical strategies to help you respond with curiosity rather than self-doubt. This episode is essential listening for anyone who finds feedback overwhelming but wants to become more resilient and open to growth.

Free 5-Day Challenge for Aspiring Psychologists

In today’s pre-roll, I share an exciting opportunity: a completely free 5-Day Challenge designed to boost your confidence, clarity, and career direction as an aspiring psychologist. Starting Monday 12th May, each day you'll receive a short, live training session (15–20 minutes) with a practical activity that helps you take actionable steps toward your goals—whether you’re applying for Assistant Psychologist or DClinPsy roles or looking to get unstuck.

What to Expect:

  • Daily expert-led sessions with clear, practical steps
  • Bite-sized mindset and career boosts you can implement immediately
  • Flexible live sessions with replays available, so you never miss out

Complimentary Space: Ready to take charge of your psychology career? Sign up Now via this link: https://gtps.kartra.com/page/5DC-Dr-Marianne Join us and let’s move forward together!

⏱️ Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – Why feedback feels so personal
  • 01:56 – Physical and emotional reactions to feedback
  • 04:59 – Why we avoid feedback and the role of RSD
  • 06:11 – How to receive feedback without falling apart
  • 08:05 – Finding the useful grain in critical feedback
  • 09:21 – Be curious, not furious
  • 10:18 – Asking for clarity and SMART goal setting
  • 11:11 – Triggers and tender spots
  • 12:07 – Reframing and feedback journalling
  • 13:01 – Gratitude, not gaslighting
  • 13:56 – Closing thoughts and community call to action

Links:

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision

📱Connect socially...

Up next
Today
Justice on Trial: Why Punishment Doesn’t Heal | Chris Daw KC & Dr Marianne Trent
<p>Barrister and author Chris Daw KC joins Dr Marianne Trent to discuss why punishment does not reduce crime and how trauma, inequality, childhood adversity and addiction drive people into the justice system. We explore the limitations of “getting tough on crime”, the impact of c ... Show More
1h 6m
Nov 17
From Radiography to Psychology | It’s Never Too Late to Change
Changing careers in your 30s or 40s can feel daunting — but it might also be the best decision you ever make. In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent talks with a former cancer-care radiographer who retrained as a Psychological Wellbeing Practition ... Show More
34m 2s
Nov 10
Baby Bonding Activities: Why Bathing & Water Play Build Attachment
Looking for gentle and meaningful ways to bond with your baby? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent and Jo Wilson founder of Aqua Sensory and Bath Babies, explore how bath time, baby swimming, and water play can strengthen parent-baby bonding an ... Show More
31m 12s
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
Educational Psychology and Disability with Dr Kirstie Rees
Educational Psychology and Disability with Dr Kirstie ReesWelcome to the Business of Psychology podcast. In this series, we're exploring the different ways that psychologists and therapists can work in independent practice. I've been talking to a lot of authors recently, and it's ... Show More
44m 12s
Nov 2024
Celebrating 150 episodes of Business of Psychology with Dr Claire Plumbly
<h1>Celebrating 150 episodes of Business of Psychology with Dr Claire Plumbly</h1><p>Dr Claire Plumbly takes over as guest host of the Business of Psychology podcast to interview Rosie on the occasion of celebrating 150 episodes!&nbsp;</p><p><em>Full show notes and a transcript o ... Show More
57m 55s
Aug 2024
Common insecurities and how best to cope with them
<p>Exploring some of the most common insecurities people face along with practical strategies for overcoming them to improve mental well-being.</p><p><a href="https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist">Savvy Psychologist</a> is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is ... Show More
14m 12s
Nov 2024
421: Grieving your Therapist & Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
In this Q&A episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I address two insightful listener questions. The first explores coping with the end of a therapeutic relationship, while the second delves into the physical manifestations of depression and strategies to manage them. This epi ... Show More
26 m
Apr 2025
Feeling mentally exhausted? How to manage cognitive load and stay focused
<p>Feeling overwhelmed by work, life, and everything in between? Monica breaks down Cognitive Load Theory, a powerful framework that explains why your brain feels like it’s maxed out, and what to do about it. </p><p><a href="https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist">Savvy ... Show More
11m 10s
Oct 2024
How to cope with the urge to self-harm (Re-issue)
<p>Have you ever tried to injure yourself on purpose? You're not alone. In this episode, the Savvy Psychologist helps us cope with the urge to self-harm.</p><p><a href="https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist">Savvy Psychologist</a> is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A tra ... Show More
12m 12s
Jul 2024
5 things to know about your personality
<p>The five big personality traits, their impact on your well-being, and practical strategies to harness your personality for a fulfilling life.</p><p><a href="https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist">Savvy Psychologist</a> is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript i ... Show More
13m 19s
Feb 2025
The 7 types of rest you need (And how to get them)
<p>Are you truly getting the rest you need? In this episode, Monica explores the seven essential types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual—offering practical strategies to help you combat burnout and reclaim your energy.</p><p><a href="ht ... Show More
11m 34s
May 2024
Ep 37: Talking with patients about sad, bad and difficult things
This is Episode 37 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Routledge Psychology. [Content warning: This episode centres around cancer. As such, it makes references to medical events and themes that some listeners may find d ... Show More
42m 8s
May 2024
432: Healing Trauma Through Yoga + Somatic Psychotherapy - With Dr. Arielle Schwartz
<p>This week&#39;s episode is the second in the live episodes recorded at Psychotherapy Networker back in March - my guest today is Dr. Arielle Schwartz! We talked about our own healing journeys, how yoga can help trauma survivors with embodiment, integrative therapies, and much ... Show More
43m 4s