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:

Who Am I Now - Re-Release Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

What Can We Do With Guilt & Chronic Illness? Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

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

One year of Looking So Good! Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

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!

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

Identifying Your Strengths Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠

Will I Ever Like My Body Again? Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

⁠⁠Instagram @butyoulooksogoodpodcast⁠⁠

It's Not Always the Chronic Illness Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

Do I Have to Always Forgive? Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

⁠⁠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

Let's Talk Attachment Styles Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

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, this episode is all about understanding your patterns with curiosity and compassion—not shame.

⁠⁠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

Medical Gaslighting Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

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 feeling worse than when you walked in, this one’s for you. We talk about why it happens, how it messes with your head, and how to start backing yourself — even when the system doesn’t.

⁠⁠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

Why Is It So Hard to Ask for Help? Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

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 how asking for help can be a powerful act of strength—not weakness. Whether you’re a seasoned chronic illness CEO or just sick of hauling your own grocery bags, this episode is your gentle nudge to lean in, let go, and lighten the load.

⁠⁠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