Welcome to Unmasked Minds, the podcast where instagrams psychologist @sarahthepsych gets real about the messy, beautiful, complicated world of being human. Through candid chats, unfiltered stories, and plenty of laughs (and maybe a few tears), Sarah creates a safe space to explore psychology, trauma, neurodivergence, relationships, and everything in between. Nothing is off limits — because life isn’t filtered, and neither are these conversations. With honest reflections and raw guest interviews, Unmasked Minds is here for the women who want to feel seen, supported, and a little less alone. Whether you’re curious, healing, or just love a good real-life chat, you’ll find something to relate to here. This is psychology you can actually feel — relatable, human, and unapologetically unmasked.
What happens when everyone thinks you’re confident… but underneath, you’re questioning yourself just as much as everyone else?
In this episode of Unmasked Minds, I sit down with Chloe Middleton for a very real, very unfiltered conversation about confidence, self-doubt and the fear of putting yourself out there.
Chloe has built a strong presence on social media and comes across as confident, funny and completely herself. But as she considers stepping outside her comfort zone and starting her own podcast, we unpack what’s happening underneath: fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, perfectionism and that uncomfortable feeling of being a beginner at something.
We talk about the pressure to be immediately good at the things we try, why being visible can feel so vulnerable, and the strange disconnect between how other people see us and how we sometimes see ourselves.
This episode actually grew out of the conversation we were having before we started recording. It felt so real and so relatable that I thought, we need to capture this.
Because confidence doesn’t always mean feeling fearless. Sometimes it’s being scared, doubting yourself, wondering what people will think… and choosing to give it a go anyway.
A very honest conversation about being seen, starting before you feel ready, and discovering that the people who look confident from the outside might be figuring it out as they go too.
3 Aug 2026
Ep 18: EMDR Intensives- the benefits for both clients and therapists
In this episode, Sarah discusses EMDR therapy and its intensives, explaining the types of EMDR therapy, the benefits of EMDR intensives, client and therapist capacity, and the structure of EMDR intensives. She also addresses the affordability of intensives and the importance of the therapist's capacity and the choice of location for the therapy.
Takeaways
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for trauma.
EMDR intensives offer a deeper and more holistic healing experience for clients.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding EMDR Therapy
02:51 Types of EMDR Therapy
08:07 Benefits of EMDR Intensives
14:11 Client Capacity and Affordability
19:54 Therapist Capacity and Location
29:07 Structure of EMDR Intensives
17 May 2026
Ep 17: Life update 6 months after selling our retreat, parenting, values & everything between
Sarah Wills provides a comprehensive life update, discussing the sale of Glen Eden Estate, the move to a new property, family adjustments, health challenges, and shifts in her psychology practice. She also shares insights into her work with EMDR therapy and the creation of a healing program for Aboriginal women.
Takeaways
Life transitions and decisions are driven by a desire for alignment with values and family well-being.
Intensives and retreat-style therapy offer a fulfilling and sustainable approach to mental health support.
Chapters
00:00 Life After Glen Eden
07:51 Family Adjustments and Health Challenges
14:08 Shifts in Psychology Practice
14 May 2026
Ep16: Burnout Beyond Work — Why So Many Women Are Running on Empty | Dr Kate
The podcast episode explores the topic of burnout, its symptoms, and its impact on individuals, particularly women. It delves into the concept of burnout as a clinical diagnosis, its presentation in different work environments, and the role of personality traits in contributing to burnout. The conversation also highlights the impact of societal expectations and the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. The conversation delves into the importance of self-care and the impact of burnout on individuals. It explores the barriers to self-care, the need for evidence-based support, and the cultural context of burnout. The conversation also highlights the complexity of burnout and the significance of preventative health measures.
Takeaways
Burnout is a complex phenomenon that can manifest in various work environments and is influenced by personality traits and societal expectations.
The concept of burnout as a clinical diagnosis is explored, shedding light on its presentation, symptoms, and the need for self-care and awareness.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout, understanding its contributing factors, and prioritizing self-care to prevent and address burnout. Self-care is non-negotiable for preventing burnout
Evidence-based support and preventative health measures are crucial for addressing burnout
19 Apr 2026
Ep15: Dr Kate and Sarah discuss the ADHD 'movement' and medications
The conversation delves into the complexities of ADHD diagnosis, the differences in ADHD presentation in women and adults, and the diagnostic processes followed by psychologists and psychiatrists. It also explores the impact of societal factors on ADHD diagnosis and the importance of family history in understanding vulnerabilities. The conversation covers the use of stimulant medications as the first line treatment for ADHD, the effects of stimulants on the ADHD brain, and the role of GPs in diagnosing and prescribing ADHD medication. Non-medication strategies for supporting ADHD are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of education, good sleep patterns, regular exercise, and nutrition.
Takeaways
ADHD diagnosis is a complex process
ADHD presents differently in women and adults compared to children Stimulant medications are the first line treatment for ADHD, with short-acting and long-acting options available.
Non-medication strategies for supporting ADHD include education, good sleep patterns, regular exercise, and nutrition.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Diagnostic Process
25:12 Understanding Stimulant Medications for ADHD
32:12 Explaining the Effects of Stimulants on the ADHD Brain
40:01 Role of GPs in Diagnosing and Prescribing ADHD Medication
9 Apr 2026
Ep14: Meet my Sister Dr Kate- how did we both end up here as a psychiatrist and psychologist
The episode features a conversation between Sarah Wills, a psychologist, and her guest, her sister Dr. Kate, a psychiatrist.
They discuss late career transitions, family dynamics, societal norms, and the value of lived experience in their respective fields. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing passion and purpose later in life. The conversation covers topics such as simplifying medical jargon, understanding mental health professions, navigating the health landscape, the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists, the role of general practitioners, psychological strategies vs. medication, referral to psychiatrists, treatment resistance and psychotherapy, access to psychiatrists, cost and Medicare rebates, collaboration between psychiatrists and psychologists, multidisciplinary team in mental health, and challenges in the mental health system. The speakers also discuss the expectations from the podcast.
Takeaways
Late career transitions bring unique perspectives and lived experiences to professional roles.
Challenging societal norms and overcoming shame are essential in pursuing career changes. Simplifying medical jargon for patient understanding
Understanding the roles of psychologists and psychiatrists
Chapters
00:00 Introducing the Host and Guest
07:09 Influence of Family and Career Choices
12:32 Passion for Film and Career Transition
17:34 Navigating the Health Landscape
23:21 Access to Psychiatrists
29:29 Expectations from the Podcast
The podcast episode covers a range of topics related to parenting, relationships, and family dynamics. It explores the challenges of navigating different parenting styles, addressing barriers to parenting alignment, educating partners on parenting, discussing critical conversations on parenting beliefs, understanding neurodiversity in families, managing the mental family load, and addressing infertility struggles in marriage.
Takeaways
Navigating different parenting styles can be challenging and may require critical conversations and education for alignment.
Addressing the mental family load and infertility struggles in marriage may require open communication, support, and seeking professional help.
12 Mar 2026
Ep12- Couples Series: Why Sex feels so hard, or impossible right now?
The podcast episode delves into the impact of stress and hormones on sex drive in relationships. It begins with an introduction and a recap of previous episodes, followed by a discussion on sex in relationships and low sex drive. The episode then explores the impact of hormones on sex drive and concludes with a focus on stress and its impact on sex drive.
Takeaways
Impact of stress on sex drive
Role of hormones in sex drive
4 Mar 2026
Ep11. Couples Series- the 4 fight styles we use in conflict that are ruining your relationship
The podcast episode delves into the dynamics of relationships, focusing on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as patterns of behavior during conflict. It explores the impact of these patterns and provides antidotes to address them, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these behaviors in healthy relationships.
Takeaways
Recognizing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in relationships
Understanding and implementing antidotes to address negative relationship patterns
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Relationship Challenges
08:00 The Second Horseman: Contempt
19:54 The Third Horseman: Defensiveness
30:06 Antidotes to the Four Horsemen
3 Mar 2026
Ep 10- Couples Series- getting back on the same team
In this episode, Sarah Wills discusses the challenges faced by middle-aged women and the importance of normalizing these experiences.
She also delves into the topic of couples work, communication, and reconnecting in relationships. The episode explores the concept of the Sound Relationship House, love mapping, bids for connection, and turning toward rather than away in relationships.
18 Feb 2026
E9- Regulating yourself when parenting neurodiverse kids
The podcast episode delves into the challenges of parenting neurodiverse children and the impact of dysregulation on parenting. It explores the understanding and management of guilt, regulating anger, practicing nervous system regulation, identifying dysregulation triggers, tapping into the vagus nerve, establishing daily rituals, navigating grief and emotions, and the importance of repair and self-compassion in parenting neurodiverse children as a neurodiverse parent.
Takeaways
Regulating the Nervous System
Parenting Neurodiverse Children
8 Feb 2026
Ep8- How to repair when you've lost it at your kids
Podcast/Youtube Description:
In this episode, psychologist Sarah Wills tackles what happens after you lose it with your kids and how genuine repair can actually strengthen your relationship more than perfect parenting ever could. Sarah explains why "sorry, but you made me yell" isn't an apology, the neuroscience behind fight-or-flight parenting moments, and her practical 4-step framework for repairing ruptures in a way that builds resilience rather than shame.
Whether you've raised your voice once or found yourself in a full-blown yelling match, this episode will show you how to take responsibility without losing your authority, teach your kids that conflict doesn't end relationships, and break generational cycles of conditional love.
Takeaways:
Why even psychologists lose it with their kids—and why that's actually normal (and even valuable when handled correctly)
The difference between real repair and deflection disguised as an apology
How to recognize when you're in fight-or-flight mode and why nothing good happens when you try to parent from that state
A practical 4-step framework for genuine repair: remove yourself, understand what triggered you, reflect on what you'd do differently, and take responsibility
How to have the "what happened" conversation with your kids without re-triggering the conflict
Why teaching accountability doesn't mean making everything their fault—and how to find the balance
What happens to children's self-esteem when they're consistently told your emotional regulation is their responsibility
Connect with Sarah Wills:
Instagram | www.instagram.com/sarahthepsych (http://www.instagram.com/sarahthepsych)
LinkedIn | https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wills-b856974 (https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wills-b856974)
Subscribe to Unmasked Minds for more insights on parenting, mental health, emotional regulation, and breaking generational cycles from a psychologist who gets it.
2 Feb 2026
Ep 7- are you a good enough parent?
In this episode, Sarah Wills discusses the concept of good enough parenting and the pressure parents feel to be perfect. She emphasizes the importance of repair and the impact of social media on parenting. Sarah encourages parents to embrace their humanity and normalize imperfection.
Takeaways
Good enough parenting allows for mistakes and repair, promoting resilience in children.
Social media can provide tools and awareness for parenting, but also leads to constant comparison and pressure.
25 Jan 2026
Ep 6- is it perimenopause? ADHD? or am i going crazy?
The episode delves into the interaction between perimenopause and ADHD, exploring the symptoms and their impact on women's mental and physical health. It provides insights into understanding perimenopause, its symptoms, and the link between ADHD and perimenopause. Additionally, it discusses hormone replacement therapy and natural alternatives for managing perimenopause symptoms.
Takeaways
Perimenopause and ADHD interaction
Symptoms of perimenopause and their impact
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Inspiration
06:16 Physical Symptoms of Perimenopause
11:21 Mental Symptoms of Perimenopause
20:40 Link Between ADHD and Perimenopause
18 Jan 2026
Ep 5- Managing the overwhelm and expectations of school holidays
The podcast episode delves into the challenges and pressures faced by parents during school holidays, emphasizing the need to set realistic expectations, balance personal needs with family values, and establish boundaries to manage internal expectations. It also addresses the impact of screen time, the pressure of comparison, and the overwhelming chaos of school holidays. The episode provides insights on reframing expectations and finding contentment in the midst of parental challenges.
Takeaways
Setting realistic expectations is crucial for managing the overwhelming chaos of school holidays.
Establishing boundaries and managing internal expectations are essential for finding contentment and balance in parenting during the holidays.
Chapters
00:00 The Overwhelming Chaos of School Holidays
06:25 Balancing Personal Needs and Family Values in the Holidays
13:44 The Pressure of Comparison and Expectations in Parenting
8 Jan 2026
Ep4- Why I refuse to be a blank slate for my clients- and how they are benefitting
The episode begins with an introduction and expression of gratitude for the positive feedback received. The main theme of the conversation revolves around the non-blank slate approach in psychology, emphasizing the importance of building trust and relatability in therapeutic relationships. The discussion covers ethical considerations, the role of social media in therapy, and the evolving landscape of psychology through new platforms like podcasting.
Takeaways
Non-Blank Slate Approach
Building Trust and Relatability
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
05:03 Building Trust and Relatability
10:13 Therapy and the Pursuit of Perfection
17:19 Ethical Considerations in Therapy and Coaching
22:31 Support and Collaboration Among Therapists
3 Jan 2026
Ep3- Getting out of your own way (stop approval seeking behaviours!)
In this episode, Sarah Wills discusses the challenges of approval seeking behavior and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. She shares her personal experiences and explores the impact of childhood conditioning on approval seeking. Additionally, she delves into the concept of rejection sensitivity dysphoria as a trauma response and the role of cognitive behavioral therapy in rewiring the brain to overcome these challenges.
Takeaways
Approval seeking behavior
Rejection sensitivity dysphoria
1 Jan 2026
Ep2: Mine (and many other women's) mid life ADHD diagnosis journey
Sarah Wills shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as a woman in her 30s and discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding ADHD diagnosis in women. She highlights the impact of social media, the differences in ADHD presentation between men and women, and the reasons why women are being diagnosed later in life. Sarah also explores the benefits of seeking an ADHD diagnosis and the life-changing impact it can have.
Takeaways
ADHD diagnosis in women is often delayed due to misconceptions, challenges, and the internalized hypercritical nature of undiagnosed ADHD women.
The impact of social media, changes in information availability, and the differences in ADHD presentation between men and women contribute to the increasing diagnosis of ADHD in women.
31 Dec 2025
Ep1- Sarah's Journey from corporate life to motherhood and becoming a psychologist
Sarah Wills shares her journey from corporate success to finding purpose in supporting women's mental and physical well-being. Her experiences with childhood trauma, career achievements, and personal growth shape her mission to help women thrive.
Takeaways
Resilience
Purpose
Chapters
00:00 Unmasked Minds: The Beginning
09:32 Career Success and Personal Struggles
19:10 Women's Wellness Center and Purpose-Driven Work
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.9 / 5
28 ratings
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