The Psychology of Feedback: How to Receive It (Without Falling Apart)

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 with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent 💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunity Like, Comment, Subscribe & get involved: If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes. If you'd like to learn how to record and submit your own audio testimonial to be included in future shows head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/podcast and click the blue request info button at the top of the page. Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing Mentioned in this episode: Sponsored by WriteUpp Tap to Pay This episode is sponsored by WriteUpp. Their Tap to Pay app turns your smartphone into a card reader, helping private practitioners take secure payments without additional hardware. Use code MARIANNE30 for a free 30-day trial and 30% off your first 6 months at this link: https://writeupp.com/?refid=142336