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, achievement, and identity.
We’ll unpack what ego is, what it looks like when it’s in balance or out of balance, and how awareness of ego can support acceptance, connection, and self-compassion.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 relationships and mental health - we’ll cover it all with honesty and humour. Discover why tiny habits matter even more when energy is limited, and how to make self-care automatic on the days motivation has left the building. You’ll finish this episode with a few realistic, research-backed ideas to try this week - no perfection required. Because when life already demands a lot, good habits should help you breathe easier, not harder.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 immune system, and how to spot those rare gems who bring soup and good boundaries. Expect plenty of laughs, a dash of psychology, and some real-life stories about friendship, fatigue, and figuring out who’s worth your limited energy. Tune in for a warm, funny, and slightly irreverent chat about finding — and keeping — the people who let you be your gloriously imperfect self.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 practical wisdom to a topic most of us prefer to avoid. We explore what’s actually normal, why these issues happen, and the small changes that can make a big difference—think pelvic floor basics, daily routines, and psychological strategies to be able to talk about it. There are laughs, some “oh thank goodness it’s not just me” moments, and plenty of reassurance that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Tune in for a candid, compassionate conversation that makes talking about wee and poo just another part of managing your chronic health condition.
We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful work of KJ’s mentor and friend, Louise Kurczycki, who, with her passing in 2014, left a legacy of improved incontinence assessment, treatment and care for those living with multiple sclerosis.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast
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.The anger at your body, the system, the doctors, the constant uncertainty.The anger at how small your world can feel some days — and how invisible that pain often is to others.
In this episode, Seona and Sally unpack where that anger comes from, what the research tells us about it, and how to turn it from a destructive force into something empowering and protective.
Because behind every “F#@k my condition” moment is a person who still cares deeply about their life — and wants things to be better.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast
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 essential—not just for those managing health conditions, but for anyone longing to live more freely. We’ll talk about how to spot the “shoulds” that keep you stuck, why they hit harder when you’re navigating illness, and what it looks like to rewrite the rules in a way that honours your health, your values, and your humanity.
Practical strategies, reflective prompts, and a big dose of compassion will help you step into a life defined not by external pressure, but by authenticity and freedom.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast
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 difference between everyday symptoms and the persistent, overwhelming nature of chronic ones. Join the conversation to gain insights on how to foster genuine connection, empathy, and better communication with loved ones, while validating the unique challenges faced by those living with chronic conditions.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 recognise self-sabotage, respond with compassion, and start moving in the direction that matters most.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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-compassion. A thoughtful reframe to help you worry less about “the wrong decision” and focus more on what matters.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
But You’ll Be OK (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast
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, you are allowed to bring a support person (or at least a notebook), we’ll share practical tips to make your appointments less stressful and more productive.
We’ll also cover some psychological tricks – like reframing “I’m being difficult” into “I’m advocating for myself” – and why self-compassion belongs in your medical folder, right alongside your test results.
Think of this episode as the pep talk your future self will thank you for.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 small daily practices that keep us steady. Drawing on research, lived experience, and practical psychology, we share five key ingredients that help strengthen resilience: connection, meaning-making, values-driven action, self-compassion, and flexibility.
For those living with chronic illness, resilience isn’t about snapping back to the old version of yourself—it’s about adapting, finding purpose, and building a meaningful life alongside the challenges. Tune in for practical tips, gentle reflections, and a reminder that resilience is something we can all grow, one thread at a time.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 thing, how blind optimism can be a bit dicey, and how optimistic realism is the place to aim for. Most importantly, we share practical tips for building “learned optimism” - simple strategies to bring more balanced hope into everyday life. Whether you tend to expect the best, brace for the worst, or swing between the two, this episode is for you. Join us for a grounded, lighthearted chat about finding hope without losing sight of reality.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 shifting how we feel. We’ll dive into research around music as a coping strategy for chronic illness, and share simple, fun strategies you can try — like giving yourself a "playlist prescription." Bonus: no side effects! (except possibly dancing in your kitchen).
This episode is informative, practical, and filled with heart (and a few laughs). Please note: we are not saying for a second that some banging 90s tunes are a substitute for clinical treatment of mental health conditions.
But You'll Be OK (Online Course) - a live, supportive, six-week experience designed specifically for people living with chronic illness.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 insights on how to navigate the shifts in identity that come with health challenges. From societal expectations to the internal process of self-acceptance, this episode takes a thoughtful look at how chronic illness reshapes who we are. Join the conversation and discover ways to find clarity and empowerment on this complex journey.
But You'll Be OK (Online Course) - a live, supportive, six-week experience designed specifically for people living with chronic illness.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 to meet it with compassion instead of shame.
But You'll Be OK (Online Course) - a live, supportive, six-week experience designed specifically for people living with chronic illness.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast
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 the big one—if our podcast were a cake, what would it taste like? Whether you’ve been with us since episode one or just popped in, we’re so glad you’re here. Let’s raise a spoon to making it this far!
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 differ from values, why it matters to know yours, and how even the smallest use of a strength (like humour, perseverance, or kindness) can make a tough health day a little more manageable. Expect research-backed insights, personal stories, and practical ideas for using your strengths — even from bed. Because you are still you, even when your body isn’t cooperating. Take the quiz, join the chat, and rediscover what makes you feel like yourself again.
Links
Sign up for our free webinar here! Combatting the "What If's" of Anxiety with Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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 hard while also noticing moments of kindness and connection. If you’re struggling with body image or just want a gentler way to relate to yourself, this episode offers compassion, practical ideas, and hope.
Links
Sign up for our free webinar here! Combatting the "What If's" of Anxiety with Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
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, when to get things checked, and how to advocate for yourself without spiralling into Dr. Google. Sometimes, yes, it’s your chronic condition flaring… but sometimes it’s food poisoning. Or low iron. Or just life! Tune in for a warm, honest chat—with a few laughs along the way.
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast
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 hard, too soon, or just not right. Think boundaries, meaning-making, and self-compassion instead. Whether you're a full-on forgiver or still rage-writing letters you’ll never send, this episode reminds you that healing is personal — and you get to do it your way.
Sign up for our free webinar here! Combatting the "What If's" of Anxiety with Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio
Livology (Psychology - Private Practice)
MS: Get Your Head Around It! (Online Course)
If you need any support after listening to our podcast, you can contact Lifeline in Australia at 13 11 14, available 24/7. For support in other locations, please visit Befrienders Worldwide.