But You Look So Good

Two psychologists on a mission to illuminate the realities of living with chronic health conditions. Hosted by Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio, both living with chronic conditions themselves. They lead Livology, a private practice specialising in psychological support for those navigating chronic health challenges. Tune in to hear candid conversations and professional insights designed to create community and connection within the chronic health conditions population.

Latest Episodes:

How Do You Feel About... Sharing Your Story? Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

In this reflective episode of But You Look So Good, Sally and Seona explore the layered experience of sharing their personal and professional journeys with chronic health conditions. They tackle the emotional costs of storytelling, finding the right boundaries, and the delicate balance between vulnerability and privacy. With warmth and honesty, they open up about the challenges and rewards of sharing openly, while discussing the deeper sense of connection it fosters in the community. Whether you’re curious about the power of lived experience or navigating similar paths, tune in to hear their insights on storytelling, self-compassion, and the evolution of authenticity.

⁠⁠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

Grief is Complicated Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of But You Look So Good, Seona and Sally delve into the layers of grief that are unique to those living with chronic health conditions. They explore how grief shows up in unexpected ways - not just with the loss of loved ones, but through shifts in self-identity, altered life dreams, abilities and evolving relationships. Together, they discuss how to manage these often invisible but very real losses, share strategies for coping, highlight the power of social support, and talk about the potential for personal growth through the grieving process.

⁠⁠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

The Pressure to Perform Wellness Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

Join Sally and Seona as they dive into the concept of 'performing wellness.' In a candid and humorous discussion, they reflect on their personal experiences and the societal pressures to project an image of perfect health and well-being. From the myth of needing to hit 10,000 steps a day to the challenges of managing chronic health conditions, Sally and Seona explore how internal and external expectations shape our behaviour. They talk about the balancing act of keeping up with exercise routines, sleep hygiene, dietary choices, and social connections—all without succumbing to the anxiety of "performing" wellness. Tune in for insights on maintaining self-compassion and finding balance in your journey toward well-being.

⁠⁠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

"How Do You Feel About... seeing a Psychologist" Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Sally and Seona introduce a new series of episodes titled "How Do You Feel About That?" which will pop up throughout the usual content. These episodes will explore various topics from their perspectives as psychologists. They delve into the origins of the question "How do you feel about that?"—often seen as a cliché but essential in therapy. The hosts debunk the myth that therapy is only for crises or serious mental health diagnoses, stressing the importance of early intervention. With Telehealth more accessible post-COVID, they encourage anyone who's considered seeking support to do so sooner rather than later.

⁠⁠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

You're So Lucky Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Sally and Seona dive into the frustrating comment, "You're so lucky," often directed at people living with chronic health conditions. Whether it's being told they’re fortunate for not having to work or receiving government support, these remarks can feel dismissive and undermine the challenges of chronic illness. Through personal anecdotes, client stories, and professional insights, the hosts explore how to reframe society’s obsession with productivity and redefine purpose in the face of life’s challenges. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on resilience, self-care, and the power of thoughtful communication.

Links

⁠⁠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

I Get Tired Too Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of But You Look So Good, Sally and Seona explore 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.

Links

⁠⁠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

Who Am I Now? Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of But You Look So Good, hosts Sally and Seona explore the question, “Who am I now?” after receiving a chronic health diagnosis. 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.

⁠⁠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

"Just Think Positively" Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

Join hosts Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio as they dive into the topic of toxic positivity and the societal push to categorise emotions as 'good' or 'bad.' In a world that celebrates relentless positivity, those living with chronic health conditions frequently hear the refrain to "just stay positive," an expectation that often comes from both external sources and internal self-talk. Sally and Seona discuss how this messaging can invalidate personal experiences, especially when coupled with the habit of comparing struggles and telling ourselves it "could be worse." Together, they explore the importance of recognising all emotions and introduce the concept of realistic optimism—finding a balanced, healthier way to incorporate positivity without dismissing the complexity of living with a chronic health condition. Tune in for an honest conversation about embracing the full spectrum of emotions and learning how to authentically uplift ourselves 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

"It's Such a Shame" Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Sally Shaw and Seona Ilalio explore the complex and often hidden emotion of shame, drawing on Brené Brown's powerful definition: "the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love, belonging, and connection." We unpack how shame can impact those living with chronic health conditions, making them feel isolated and less than. Through personal stories and honest conversations, they discuss vulnerability as the antidote to shame, highlighting how opening up can dismantle these feelings and foster genuine connection. Join them as they delve into the power of communication, showing how sharing our struggles not only combats shame but also brings us closer together on a deeply human level.

⁠⁠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

I Can Control It Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we explore the inherent human desire for control—why it's so deeply ingrained and how it plays out in the context of living with a chronic health condition. We highlight how our quest to control every aspect of our health can sometimes do more harm than good. We’ll discuss the delicate balance between control and management, offering practical insights on how to develop a healthy relationship with control that empowers rather than overwhelms. Join us as we unpack strategies for finding your footing in a world where not everything can be controlled but where some control can still make all the difference.

⁠⁠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