The Problem With Trying to Feel Better: Dr Julie Smith

March 31, 2026 · 1h 19m

About this episode

Dr Julie Smith discusses the complexities of emotions and mental health with James Smith, challenging conventional views on feeling better.

Dr Julie Smith joins James Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on the psychology of emotion, mental health, and what it really means to feel better. A clinical psychologist and international bestselling author, Dr Smith dismantles the idea that difficult emotions are problems to be solved and challenges James on everything from catastrophising and shame-based motivation to the surprising emotional cost of success. 👁️ Try Neutonic: https://www.neutonic.com/jamessmith 🧪 Check your Test: https://www.manual.co/smith 📝 Business Mentoring: https://www.jamessmith.business 🏋🏼‍♂️ Online Coaching: https://www.jamessmithacademy.com Dr Julie Smith's YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@DrJulie Dr Julie Smith On Instagram –https://www.instagram.com/drjulie/ James opens up about his experience of lockdown, being cut off from Australia, the relief (not happiness) of hitting major milestones, and why he uses financial goals as a psychological permission slip to keep overworking. She explains: ◼️ Why wanting to feel better is sometimes part of the problem ◼️ How to recognise when distress is situational vs something deeper ◼️ The double standard we apply to ourselves vs others ◼️ Why…

People in this episode

Host: James Smith

Guest: Dr Julie Smith

Topics covered

psychology of emotion
mental health
self-compassion
emotional cost of success
catastrophising
shame-based motivation

Keywords

mental health
emotions
self-compassion
therapy
anxiety
success
catastrophising

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: YouTube, Instagram