But You Look So Good
Two psychologists, Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio, host a podcast that sheds light on the realities of living with chronic health conditions. Both hosts live with chronic conditions themselves and lead Livology, a private practice specializing in psychological support for those navigating chronic health challenges. The podcast features candid conversations and professional insights aimed at fostering community and connection among people with chronic health conditions.
Episodes
An Interview with Clara: Being a GP and a patient
Today we're speaking with Clara, a GP from Scotland who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, just months after the birth of her first child.As a doctor, Clara had spent years recognising symptoms in other people. But when those symptoms appeared in her own body, she found every reason to explain them away. In fact, she admits she almost felt like she was humouring her neurologist by
The Parent Guilt Trap
Does living with a chronic illness leave you feeling guilty about the kind of parent you are? Whether it's missing school events, cancelling family plans, needing extra rest, or feeling like your children are missing out, parental guilt can be overwhelming. In this episode, we explore why guilt is so common for parents living with chronic health conditions, the difference between guilt and sha
An Interview with Jacqueline & Alexa: Dating, Disability and Building Dateability
What happens when you realise the dating world simply wasn't designed with people like you in mind?After years of navigating chronic illness, more than 40 surgeries, and life with a feeding tube, Jacqueline found that one of her biggest challenges wasn't her health—it was dating. Not because of who she was, but because dating apps weren't built with disabled and chronically ill people
Managing Menopause with a Chronic Illness
Menopause can be challenging for anyone—but when you're already living with a chronic health condition, it can feel like a whole new layer of symptoms, uncertainty, and frustration. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between menopause and chronic illness, including why it can be so difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins.We discuss the common overlap of symptoms
An Interview with Chris: MS, Sport and Rebuilding Identity
Today we're sitting down with Chris Henderson, a man who in 2017 went from playing football in regional Victoria to sitting in a hospital bed being told he had multiple sclerosis, and then being told he'd never play sport again. For someone whose identity was built around sport, that news was devastating. But Chris found his way back to sport and discovered a completely different version o
Understanding Your Nervous System: Flight, Fight, Freeze and Fawn
Living with a chronic health condition can feel like you're constantly fighting your own body. But what if many of the challenges you experience—fatigue, pain, brain fog, anxiety, overwhelm, poor sleep, and even burnout—are connected to the way your nervous system is responding to ongoing stress and illness?In this episode, Seona and Sally explore the nervous system in simple, practical terms
Anne’s Voice: The invisible work of Type 1 Diabetes
Welcome to Anne's Story.Today, you'll be hearing Anne Freeman's voice and story.Anne was 21 years old when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. What followed was not only the challenge of learning to manage a lifelong condition, but also the emotional and psychological impact of adapting to a future she had never imagined for herself.In this Voices story, Anne reflects on the realit
Toxic People and Protecting Your Wellbeing
Living with a chronic health condition means your energy is precious. So what happens when the people around you leave you feeling drained, criticised, guilty, or emotionally exhausted? In this episode, psychologists Dr Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio explore the impact of toxic relationships on our mental and physical health. From friends and family members to health professionals, they discuss how t
An Interview with Lucy: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Meet Lucy, a research psychologist from the UK living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), chronic migraine, and persistent pain that went undiagnosed for more than two decades.From painful periods and joint pain to migraines, digestive issues, and fatigue, Lucy spent years collecting diagnoses without anyone connecting the dots. Receiving an EDS diagnosis finally brought answers—but also a profound
"Less Than"
One of the most painful experiences many people living with chronic illness, disability, mental health challenges, neurodivergence, grief, or major life setbacks experience is the feeling of being somehow "less than."Less successful.Less productive.Less capable.Less independent.Less worthy.In this episode, we unpack where this feeling comes from, why it is so common, and how much of it i
An interview with Becky: MS, Single & Social Media
Today on But You Look So Good, we're sitting down with Becky, a woman who has spent her entire adult life single, and along the way, received a life-changing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. While Becky has a close and supportive network of family and friends, living with a chronic health condition has meant facing many of life's biggest challenges independently. From managing symptoms an
Putting the Chronic in Chronic Illness: How to cope with knowing it will never get better
In our 100th episode of But You Look So Good, we reflect on the journey of creating this podcast as two psychologists living with MS — what we’ve learned, what has surprised us, and the incredible community that has formed around honest conversations about chronic illness.We then dive into one of the hardest realities many people face: the difference between acute illness and chronic illness. Soci
An Interview with Robyn: Turning Crohn’s Disease Into Comedy
Today's guest is Robyn, an award-winning comedian and writer who lives with Crohn's disease, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet remains so often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and for many, carries a huge amount of shame. Because let's be honest, we're talking about symptoms that people often feel embarrassed to speak about, let alone joke about on stage. But
Dynamic disability: when capacity constantly changes
Some days you can function. Some days you can’t. Some days you make plans, show up, laugh, work, parent, and feel almost like yourself. Other days, getting out of bed feels impossible.For many people living with chronic illness or disability, symptoms aren’t static. Capacity can shift hour to hour, day to day, week to week. Pain, fatigue, mobility, cognition, vision, strength, dizziness, function.
An Interview with Fiona: Transplant Recipient, Triathlons, Tenacity
Today you are hearing from Fiona, a woman from Ireland whose life has been shaped by an extraordinary journey through chronic illness, resilience, and reinvention. Fiona was diagnosed with a kidney disease while pregnant in 2009, a diagnosis that came completely out of nowhere. For the next seven years, she managed a progressive debilitating condition while raising three young children, navigatin
“Stop Using Your Condition as an Excuse” (and Other Helpful Judgements)
What happens when the hardest part of living with a chronic illness isn’t just the symptoms — but the judgement?In this episode of But You Look So Good, Sally and Seona unpack the comments so many people with chronic health conditions hear: “It’s all in your head,” “Maybe if you exercised more,” “You’re a hypochondriac,” and “Stop using your condition as an excuse.”They explore the psychological i
An Interview with Chris: From Nurse to Crime Writer After a 19-Year Diagnosis Journey
Our guest today is Chris, a former nurse of thirty-one years and now an award-winning crime writer who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after what he describes as a torturous nineteen-year journey to answers. In this conversation, Chris takes us back to those first strange symptoms, the years of pushing through, continuing to work in healthcare, and the frustration of navigating a medical sys
Anxiety and Chronic Illness
Anxiety can feel very different when you live with a chronic illness. When your body has become unpredictable, your nervous system can begin to stay on high alert — scanning for symptoms, preparing for worst-case scenarios, and struggling to fully relax.In this episode, we explore the relationship between chronic illness and anxiety through a psychological lens. We discuss hypervigilance, uncertai
Interview with Amy: Being a Doctor, MS, Long Covid and Job Loss
What does it take to keep going when your body, your career, and your identity all shift at once? In today's episode, we sit down with Amy, a doctor from the UK who has lived that very question. Her story begins in 2011 weeks before her wedding when she woke up, unable to feel half her body as a doctor. She suspected multiple sclerosis. Getting anyone to take her seriously was another story. We f
Fatigue and how to explain it
Fatigue is one of the most common—and misunderstood—parts of living with a chronic illness. In this episode, we unpack what fatigue really is (hint: it’s not just being tired), why it happens, and why it can feel so unpredictable and overwhelming. Drawing on both our clinical work and lived experience, we explore the physical, cognitive, and emotional layers of fatigue—and the science behind it.We
An Interview with Devon - Early Onset Parkinson's
What does it feel like to be 35 years old, living abroad, building a career you love, and then having a doctor tell you in five minutes that you have Parkinson's disease? Today's guest, Devon, was doing exactly that, working in refugee protection across the globe when a small tremor in her right hand at a late night dinner in Greece changed everything. In this conversation, Devin opens up about w
Disability Tax and the Inconvenience of Chronic Illness
Ever feel like you’re doing the same things as everyone else… but it somehow costs you more? Welcome to the disability tax. In this episode, Sally and Seona unpack the invisible price of living with a chronic health condition — and spoiler: it’s not just about money.We’re talking energy, time, mental load, emotions, identity, and yes, the literal financial hit too. From the effort it takes just to
This Isn't Fair
There’s a thought that shows up at some point for most people living with a chronic illness: “This isn’t fair.”In this episode, we explore where that thought comes from, why it’s so common — especially early on — and why it can continue to resurface over time. We unpack the idea of fairness itself, the emotional weight behind comparison and lost expectations, and how this thought shows up across i
Should I Have Kids?
Deciding whether to have kids is a big question — and when you’re living with a chronic health condition, it can feel even more complex. In this episode of But You Look So Good, psychologists Sally and Seona explore the emotional, practical, and deeply personal layers of this decision. From navigating “what ifs” and uncertainty, to managing other people’s opinions and your own self-doubt, they unp
Being “Othered” - On the Outside Looking In
In this episode, we talk about the experience of being “othered” — what it is, why it hurts so much, and why so many people with chronic health conditions experience it. We explore the psychological impact of feeling different, the shame that often comes with it, and how to build a life where different does not mean alone.We also talk about the identity shift that often comes with chronic illness,
Unicorn Standards — The Pressure to Be Everything, Even When You’re Struggling
The pressure to hold it all together, keep achieving, and be “fine” - even when your body is anything but.In this episode, we explore the idea of “unicorn standards” - the often invisible, unrelenting expectations we place on ourselves to do more, be more, and cope better than is realistically possible.When you’re living with a chronic health condition, these standards can become even harsher… lea
Cancer can be a chronic health condition - An interview with Sarah
Today we’re speaking with Sarah, a 45-year-old woman from Perth who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 after a routine mammogram. While Sarah is now cancer-free after a year of intensive treatment, her story highlights a reality that often goes unspoken: being cancer-free doesn’t always mean being free of cancer.In this conversation, Sarah talks about the experience of living in the space be
Loneliness and Isolation living with a chronic health condition
Loneliness and isolation are experiences many people describe when living with a chronic health condition. Sometimes it’s the reality of relationships changing or people drifting away. Other times, it’s a quieter loneliness - the feeling of being surrounded by people who care, yet still feeling alone in an experience that others may not fully understand. In this episode, we explore what loneliness
An Interview with Sophie - Navigating Hearing Loss and a Changed World
In this episode we speak with Sophie, who shares her story of navigating multiple health diagnoses from her teenage years and the profound life changes that followed, including losing her hearing in her 20s.Sophie reflects on how these experiences reshaped the way she communicates, connects with others, and understands herself. We talk about identity, relationships, loneliness, and the unexpected
To Those Who Love Us - What it’s really like to love someone whose life, body, or identity has changed
What it’s really like to love someone whose life, body, or identity has changedThis episode is for the people who stay - partners, friends, parents, siblings - who are trying to love someone whose life has changed, and quietly wonder if they’re getting it right.We talk about what it actually feels like on both sides of change: the grief that sits heavily, the awkwardness that can creep into conver
Multitasking Is a Myth: Why Our Brains Struggle (and How to Take the Pressure Off)
We live in a world that glorifies multitasking - answering emails while listening to a podcast, cooking dinner while helping with homework, scrolling while “relaxing.” But what if multitasking isn’t a superpower at all? In this episode, we explore the psychology and neuroscience behind why our brains struggle to do multiple cognitively demanding tasks at once. We unpack the concept of “switch cost
Finding Flow when your body has other plans
What does “flow” mean when your body has other plans?We hear athletes at the Winter Olympics talk about being “in the zone” - moments where time disappears, movement feels effortless, and everything just clicks. But for people living with chronic health conditions, those versions of flow can feel distant, lost, or even painful to hear about.In this episode of But You Look So Good, Sally and Seona
When Friendships Change After Diagnosis
Who stays, who fades, and how to grieve that (and come out the other side).Friendships can be for a reason, a season or for a lifetime. Living with a chronic health condition can make navigating friendships seem more difficult sometimes.Chronic illness doesn’t just change bodies - it changes relationships. In this episode, we explore what happens to friendships after diagnosis: why some deepen, w
Blue & Green Spaces: Why Nature Is Powerful for Our Health
We often talk about diet, movement and medication when it comes to health - but what about where we spend our time?In this episode, we explore blue spaces (oceans, rivers, lakes) and green spaces (parks, forests, gardens) and why time in nature isn’t just “nice” - it’s genuinely good for our physical and mental wellbeing.With a particular focus on people living with chronic health conditions, we u
People-Pleasing & The Invisible Toll on Your Health
In this episode, psychologists Sally and Seona unpack why so many people with chronic health conditions fall into people-pleasing, over-functioning, or peacekeeping roles — and the huge emotional and physical cost that comes with it.We explore where these patterns come from (spoiler: childhood roles, culture, trauma, gender expectations, and fear of conflict), why they often intensify after a chro
Fork That! Let's talk diet with Marnie Nitschke - Re-Release
In this re-released episode, Sally and Seona sit down with dietitian Marnie Nitschke to dig into the tricky relationship people with chronic health conditions often have with food. Marnie shares her expertise on balanced eating, myth-busting around specific diets, and why “one-size-fits-all” nutrition rarely works. They explore popular diets like anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean, discussing the
Getting the Most Out of Your GP with Dr. Melanie Tait - Re-Release
Re-release of this insightful and entertaining episode of But You Look So Good, Seona and Sally sit down with GP Melanie Tait, who brings a unique perspective as both a doctor and someone living with a chronic health condition. They dive into the often misunderstood dynamics of the GP-patient relationship, sharing tips on how to make the most of your GP visits, what to expect (and not expect) from
Introverts, Extroverts & Your Social Battery - Why It Matters When You Live With a Chronic Illness
In this episode, Sally and Seona unpack what introversion and extroversion really mean — and why understanding your social energy becomes even more important when you’re living with a chronic health condition.They explore how chronic illness can change your social battery, why socialising may feel more draining or complicated than it used to, and how this isn’t a personal failing but a nervous sys
Looking Back with Kindness, Moving Forward with Intention
As 2025 comes to a close, Sally and Seona invite you to pause, breathe, and reflect — gently. In this episode, they look back on the year that was and talk about why reflection can be especially meaningful (and complicated) for people living with chronic health conditions. Together, they explore how to acknowledge challenges, honour invisible effort, and make sense of change without slipping into
Coping with Christmas - Re-Release
In this re-released episode (recorded Christmas 2024), Seona and Sally delve into the whirlpool of the festive season, sharing personal anecdotes and exploring strategies to help you manage the stress and chaos of Christmas. From dealing with grief during the holidays to navigating the pressure of social expectations, they offer practical tips and psychological insights. Tune in for a candid discu
Pets & Health: The Power of Companionship
Join psychologists Sally and Seona for a fun, heart-warming dive into the world of pets and the surprising ways they can boost our wellbeing - especially when living with a chronic health condition. From loyal dogs who get us out the door, to snuggly cats who know exactly when we need comfort, to fish, birds, and all the quirky critters in between, this episode explores why animals can make such a
Who's Going to Date You Now? - Re-Release
Re-Release: In this episode titled “Who’s going to date you now?," hosts Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio tackle the complexities of dating with a chronic health condition. They delve into the unique challenges of disclosing your condition to potential partners and how this crucial conversation can often serve as a useful screener for compatibility or to filter out unsuitable matches. Sally and Se
Can We Talk? Effective Communication for Real Life
Communication feels like it should come naturally — we speak every day, after all — but real, effective communication isn’t instinctive. It’s a learned skill, not a personality trait. And if you’ve ever thought, “I’m just not good at communicating,” here’s the good news: you absolutely can learn it, strengthen it, and make it work for you.In this episode, we unpack why communicating can feel so mu
Running on Spoons
Ever wondered why people with chronic illness talk so much about spoons?In today’s episode, psychologists Sally and Seona dive into Spoon Theory - the cutlery-based metaphor that attempts to explain what it’s like to navigate life with limited energy. They unpack the origin story of the theory, created in 2003 by writer Christine Miserandino, who used a handful of spoons in a restaurant to explain
The Pity Model: When Good Intentions Miss the Mark
We often hear about the medical and social models of disability — but there’s another one quietly shaping attitudes toward people with chronic illness and disability: the pity model, sometimes called the charity model.This model positions people as tragic or brave simply for existing, creating distance rather than connection. It can show up in fundraising drives, well-meaning comments, or systems
What an Ego!
In this episode, we’re talking about ego - not in the “you’ve got a big ego” kind of way, but in the psychological sense: the part of us that helps shape our identity, our sense of control, and how we relate to the world.For people living with chronic health conditions, understanding ego is powerful. Because illness challenges everything the ego likes: control, competence, independence, achievemen
Creating Habits: Reducing the Need for Will Power!
Join psychologists Sally and Seona as they unpack the art of habit creation when you’re living with a chronic health condition. We’re not talking about running marathons or green juice cleanses - we mean small, doable habits that actually make life easier. From moving your body (even a little), eating well without guilt, managing appointments and meds without losing your mind, to nurturing your re
Green-Flag Relationships: How to Spot the Good Ones
Ever found yourself wondering if that friend who says, “You don’t look sick!” is waving a tiny red flag? In this episode, psychologists Sally and Seona dive into the world of green-flag relationships - the people who make you feel safe, seen, and slightly more human on the rough days. We unpack what red and green flags really mean, why supportive connections are good for both your mood and your im
Wee Confessions: the Continence Conversation with KJ
Let’s talk wee and poo (yes, really). In this episode, psychologists Sally and Seona are joined by MS, Immunotherapy, and Continence Support Nurse KJ Lazarus from the Austin Hospital in Melbourne for an honest—and surprisingly funny—chat about one of the least talked-about sides of many chronic health conditions: continence. From unexpected leaks to constipation woes, KJ brings warmth, humour, and
F#@k This!
Have you noticed how many people wear T-shirts, tote bags, or pins that say “F#@k MS,” “F#@k Cancer,” “F#@k Fibromyalgia,” “F#@k Pain,” or “F#@k This Fatigue”?There’s a reason those slogans resonate so deeply — they capture something that most people living with chronic health conditions rarely get to express openly: anger.That gut-level, exhausted, fed-up, “I can’t do this anymore” kind of anger.
Rewriting the Rules - Living beyond Society’s Shoulds
We all grow up absorbing society’s “shoulds”—what success looks like, how much we’re meant to achieve, and even how our bodies should function. But what happens when life doesn’t fit those rules? For many people living with chronic illness, these expectations become not only unrealistic, but harmful.In this episode, we explore the hidden weight of societal expectations and why unlearning them is e
I Get Tired Too - Re-Release
This week, we revisit this episode of But You Look So Good where we explored the complexities of relatability when living with a chronic health condition. While well-meaning friends and family often try to connect, their efforts can sometimes feel dismissive or invalidating—especially when it comes to fatigue. Through personal stories, roleplays, and relatable scenarios, they unpack the stark diff
Why Do We Self-Sabotage?
Ever caught yourself procrastinating, avoiding, or making choices that don’t serve you — even when you know better? That’s self-sabotage, and it’s far more common than we think. In this episode, Sally and Seona unpack why we get in our own way, what the research says about it, and how chronic health challenges can add extra layers of complexity. Together, they explore practical strategies to recog
What if I’ve Made the Wrong Decision?
Sally and Seona explore the tricky (and sometimes tormenting) world of decision-making — especially when living with chronic health challenges. From decision fatigue to the regret spiral, they unpack why choices can feel so loaded and share practical ways to take the pressure down a notch. Think: treating decisions as data gathering, leaning into values, and sprinkling in some much-needed self-com
Preparing for Medical Appointments
Ever left a medical appointment and thought, “Wait… what just happened?” You’re not alone. Research shows we forget up to 80% of what doctors tell us (so it’s not just the brain fog talking). In this episode, we’re diving into the art of preparing for medical appointments when you live with a chronic health condition.From writing down your three most important questions, to remembering that yes, y
Resilience: Not about Bouncing Back!
We hear the word resilience everywhere—but what does it really mean? In this episode, Sally and Seona unpack the myths around resilience and explore how we can actively build it in everyday life, especially when things don’t go to plan.Resilience isn’t about being tough all the time, ignoring pain, or forcing positivity. Instead, it’s about flexibility, connection, and the “ordinary magic” of smal
Optimistic Realism - Let’s Go!
Living with a chronic health condition means facing a whole mix of emotions - from hope and positivity to worry and “what ifs.” In this episode of But You Look So Good, psychologists Sally and Seona dive into optimism, pessimism, and the middle ground we like to call optimistic realism. We explore what the research says about how mindset shapes our health, why a little pessimism isn’t always a bad
Music as a Mood Medicine
In this episode of But You Look So Good, psychologists Sally and Seona (who both live with chronic health conditions) explore how music can be a powerful tool for mood regulation and emotional support. From the stadium anthems that give you goosebumps to the songs that make you cry in the car park, we unpack how music affects the brain and why it can be more effective than you might think in shift
Who Am I Now - Re-Release
Sally and Seona are having a week off to put the finishing touches on the new course ‘But You’ll Be OK’ (starting on August 22nd - enrol now!), so in this episode of But You Look So Good, we revisit the episode exploring the question we ask ourselves after receiving a chronic illness diagnosis, “Who am I now?”. They share personal experiences, answer listener questions, and provide practical insig
What Can We Do With Guilt & Chronic Illness?
Why do we feel so guilty for something we didn’t choose? In this episode, we explore the quiet, complicated guilt that often comes with chronic illness—blaming yourself for getting sick, feeling like a burden, or wondering if you’re "sick enough" to deserve support. If guilt has ever whispered, “this is your fault”, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about where that guilt comes from—and how t
One year of Looking So Good!
In this light-hearted but meaningful 52nd episode, we celebrate one whole year of podcasting with MS, microphones, and a lot of laughter. Join us as we reflect on the surprises, stand-out strategies, and hilarious moments from our first year talking all things psychology and chronic health. We answer some quirky reflection questions, confess what got us through (spoiler: naps and snacks), and ask
Identifying Your Strengths
Living with a chronic health condition can feel like a never-ending list of what you can’t do — but what if we shifted the focus to what’s strong in you, not what’s wrong with you? In this week’s episode, psychologists with lived experience Sally and Seona explore the power of identifying your character strengths. They introduce the free VIA Character Strengths Survey and unpack how strengths diff
Will I Ever Like My Body Again?
In this episode, we explore the complex and often difficult relationship we have with our bodies—especially when living with chronic illness. We dive into the feelings of grief, frustration, and even betrayal that can come with bodily changes, and ask: is it possible to like our bodies again? More importantly, we consider how to become allies rather than enemies to our bodies, acknowledging the ha
It's Not Always the Chronic Illness
When you live with a chronic health condition, it’s easy to assume every new symptom is “just part of it.” Headache? Must be the usual. Fatigue? Classic Tuesday. But in this episode, we chat about why it’s important not to blame everything on your chronic illness. As two psychologists with lived experience, we’ve both done it—and seen our clients do it too. We talk about tuning into your body, whe
Do I Have to Always Forgive?
In this episode, Sally and Seona ask the big question: do we always have to forgive to move on? Spoiler alert - nope! They dive into the messy, very human experiences of being hurt by others (hello, unhelpful doctors and disappearing friends) and explore why forgiveness isn't always the right fit. With warmth and humour, they chat about what healing can look like when forgiveness feels too har
Let's Talk Attachment Styles
In this episode of But You Look So Good, we dive into the fascinating world of attachment styles—how they’re formed, how they show up in adult relationships, and how chronic illness can add a whole new layer.We chat about what it’s like navigating connection, vulnerability, and independence when your body doesn’t always cooperate. Whether you lean anxious, avoidant, secure, or somewhere in-between
Medical Gaslighting
Worried you’ll be dismissed? Talked over? Told it’s just anxiety again? You’re not overreacting — you’re navigating a healthcare system that often fails to believe people with chronic conditions. In this episode, Sally and Seona unpack the quiet damage of medical gaslighting and the very real impact of ableism in healthcare. If you've ever second-guessed your symptoms or left an appointment fe
Why Is It So Hard to Ask for Help?
Why is asking for help so hard—even when we desperately need it? In this honest and light-hearted episode, two psychologists with lived experience unpack the emotional knots and social expectations that make help-seeking feel so awkward for people living with chronic health conditions.Through humour, relatable stories, a sprinkle of psychological theory, and a couple of role plays, they explore ho
Do I Talk About My Condition Too Much?
“Am I oversharing? Are people sick of hearing about it? Should I just pretend I’m fine?” This week, Sally and Seona unpack the surprisingly loaded question: Do I talk about my chronic health condition too much? If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself mid-sentence or worried you’re becoming “that friend,” this one’s for you. We explore the internal and external pressures to minimise your experience
I Don't Want to Know
Join Sally and Seona, as they dive into the all-too-familiar phrase: “I don’t want to know if I’m getting worse.” In this episode, they explore why so many of us avoid medical tests or dread results — even when we know it might help. Blending warmth, humour, and psychological insight, they unpack the brain’s resistance to bad news, the function of hope, and how the fear of decline can quietly shap
Is This the Beginning of the End… and Other Lies Anxiety Tells Us
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the what ifs — those spiralling thoughts that show up when anxiety grabs the mic. From “What if I never get better?” to “What if I lose everything?”, we explore why these stories feel so real, how chronic illness can amplify them, and what it takes to gently challenge the lies anxiety tells us. If you’ve ever found yourself spiralling into the worst-case sce
To Disclose or Not… and Other Workplace Woes
In this episode, we dive into the complex, messy, and often exhausting experience of navigating work while living with a chronic health condition. From the invisible weight of fatigue to the emotional toll of deciding whether (or how) to disclose your diagnosis, we explore the unspoken pressures so many of us face. We talk about internalised ableism, the myth of the ideal worker, and what it means
But You Could be Kinder to Yourself
This week, we’re diving into self-compassion — what it really means, why it’s so hard sometimes, and how it can make a real difference when you’re living with a chronic health condition. Sally and Seona share personal stories, research insights, and simple, practical ways to be a little kinder to yourself (without the eye rolls). If you’ve ever struggled with self-criticism or felt like self-compa
Stress Management 101
Psychologists Sally and Seona know how deeply stress impacts chronic illness. In this episode, they explore how it worsens symptoms like inflammation, pain, and fatigue—and why managing it is essential. They walk through four key areas to help lighten the load: daily hassles, ongoing stressors, everyday joys, and having something to look forward to. Blending lived experience with psychological ins
Untangling the Story: Rewriting Your Narrative
In this episode of But You Look So Good, Sally and Seona explore how Narrative Therapy can help people with chronic health conditions separate themselves from limiting, all-consuming stories. From labels placed on us to the scripts we internalise, it’s easy to feel stuck. We’ll share how reclaiming your narrative can offer clarity, compassion, and a renewed sense of identity—plus practical tools a
How Do You Feel About... Medication
In this episode, we dive into the tricky world of supporting clients who are managing chronic health conditions and wrestling with medication decisions. How do we respect the prescribing doctor’s expertise while also empowering clients to make informed choices? How can we talk about what we’ve seen work (or not work) without overstepping? And what about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with
Coping with Kids - Parenting with a Chronic Health Condition
Parenting is hard. Parenting with a chronic health condition? That’s a whole new level of complexity. In this episode, we dive into the messy, beautiful, and often exhausting reality of raising kids while managing an unpredictable body. From the guilt of missing out to the creative ways we adapt, we’re talking about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll also tackle one of the bigge
Is Post-Traumatic Growth Really a Thing?
In this episode of But You Look So Good, hosts Sally and Seona explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and its relevance to individuals living with chronic health conditions. They discuss whether significant adversity, such as chronic illness, can genuinely lead to positive transformation, or if this idea imposes unrealistic expectations on those already facing ongoing struggles. The ep
How Do You Feel About... Labels?
Labels can be powerful—they help us find community, access support, and make sense of our experiences. But they can also feel limiting, overwhelming, or like they don’t quite fit. In this episode, we unpack the labels often attached to chronic illness and explore what they mean for our identity, self-perception, and interactions with the world. Do labels help us feel seen, or do they box us in? An
It's Mental
In this episode, It’s Mental, we explore the difference between mental health and mental illness, breaking down the many dimensions that shape our mental well-being. Mental health isn’t just about the presence or absence of illness—it’s a dynamic, ever-changing experience influenced by our environment, relationships, and personal circumstances. We also unpack common misconceptions and consider how
