One on One with Clinical Psychologist Dr Marianne Trent

You wear many different hats. Can you tell me a bit about the range of different roles that you juggle and what they entail?

I'm a Clinical Psychologist and I use my skills and expertise in a number of ways…. In clinical work with clients, supporting aspiring psychologists via my podcast and book, writing for the media and supporting qualified psychologists to develop passive asset streams.

What is your background, and what made you choose this career path?

My brother and I were the first in our family to go to university. My dad, who passed in 2017, was a boilerman and would have been proud of us whatever we had achieved. My Mum always dreamed of us being able to go to university so I was raised hearing "When you go to uni" and so I never really questioned that I wouldn't go! Studying psychology was never the original plan. I originally went to study Forensic Science but hated it and changed courses. Before I had my head turned by forensics in 6th form, I wanted to be a journalist or a doctor. The irony is not lost on me that I'm now an academic doctor and write for the media. On balance, I'm pretty thrilled with how it all turned out!

What is a typical day at work for you like, as a Clinical Psychologist?

 I tend to wake early with my head full of ideas and then crack on with breakfast for my 2 kids. I do the school run each day and then I will see 3 clients for trauma therapy. I'm done by lunch and usually eat with my husband. In the afternoon I spend time creating or editing podcast episodes or writing articles for the press. Before I know it, it's 3pm and time to get my shoes on again to get the kids!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I adore the variety my role allows, but ultimately the best thing about my job is the absolute privilege of sitting with people in some of their darkest moments, and there is no other feeling on earth like seeing someone getting better and being able to see their health, happiness and hope shine out of their every pore. Honestly, it's my favourite thing and it'll never get old or stop being incredibly powerful.

Can you share a little bit about the books you've written, and what inspired them?

I have always been so interested in people and I learn best from case studies and being able to hold them in mind. I talk to everyone. Even yesterday I was in Meadowhall carpark and started chatting to a stranger on the way inside, and in the 5 minutes we were together I had learned about him and his history and why he was shopping today. I love the connections we can have with people and how we can learn from their experiences, my books are an extension of that. "The Grief Collective" was an idea in my head when my dad was palliatively unwell and later died.

I was aware how wonderfully well I was being checked in upon by people I knew from my career, who knew it was okay to talk to me about grief. I knew this wasn't the case for most grieving people, and so I wanted others to be able to have the wealth of those who were normalising grief and sharing their real experiences of it as a validating, normalising and empowering tool.  I later learned that this form of writing is called ethnography and I continued in this direction with "The Clinical Psychologist Collective" which is a unique collection of accounts from qualified psychologists about their journey to becoming qualified and their trials and tribulations along the way.

You've recently started a podcast series; can you share a bit about that?

The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast has been such an incredible project to spearhead. I love that I am being able to shape and inform people I'll likely never meet in person. Everyone, regardless of their skills and experience should be able to access qualified, advice and guidance which helps them to move towards their goals so that's what the series is about for me. Dropping the golden wisdom nuggets of compassion, theory and practice to empower others to go forth and prosper, which in turn helps ease distress for the clients people work with across the globe.  It's a pretty cool feeling and the feedback from listeners has been lovely.

What motivates you at work?

Great question! I think I'm a bit like the Duracell bunny, full of energy and enthusiasm but rather than batteries I'm just kind of self-propelling! I love being able to help people understand themselves, the world and others better so if people tell me I've been able to do any of that then I'll store that under my belt as a job well done. One of my kids wants a bigger garden, the other wants a library. Not sure if we will manage either but being able to provide what we all need by doing my job, which feels like a pleasure is just the best feeling.

What are some of your career highlights?

Holding the first copy of the grief collective in my hands was incredibly emotional and felt like a profound and deep connection to my dad and to all of the other people described in the book. I also feel incredible pride and nostalgia when I reflect upon my Doctorate graduation ceremony. Being interviewed live on the BBC news was pretty cool too.

Outside of psychology, what are your interests?

That's a good question and one which surprised my husband when we first met. He didn't get why I didn't have more hobbies. For me, they weren't as necessary because I adored my job! That said I enjoy cuddles with my kids, laughing with my husband, yoga, running, strength training and cooking. I also like really nice bed linen. Honestly, try it, it's not a decision you'll regret.

What is the best piece of advice you've received that you'd like to share with others?

You are enough! Lower your shoulders and take a slow, purposeful breath as you say it to yourself "I am enough." Notice what you notice and allow yourself to believe it. Give yourself permission to go out there and be your brilliant self because the world needs YOU!

Fauzia Khan is an Assistant Psychologist currently working within the NHS, whilst completing her Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. On Twitter you can find Fauzia using @FauziaKhanMBPsS and Marianne using @DrMarianneTrent.