What would change if you gave yourself permission — to rest, to say no, to ask for help or to feel what you truly feel?In this episode of The Choice Space Podcast, Dr Lee David talks with psychiatrist and therapist Dr Caroline Walker, founder of The Joyful Doctor and author of Permission: How to Feel, Heal and Thrive in a Challenging World. They explore why many people struggle to give themselves permission to prioritise their needs, emotions and boundaries — particularly in high-pressure settings like healthcare.The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging and allowing the full range of emotions, setting boundaries that support wellbeing, and practising self-acceptance. Dr Walker offers practical ways to begin giving yourself permission in daily life, encouraging a more balanced and sustainable approach to wellbeing.This is a thoughtful, practical conversation for anyone who finds it easier to care for others than themselves.What we cover · The hidden power of permission — and how to reclaim it for yourself · How culture, upbringing and role-modelling shape everyday choices · Practising saying no and asking for help in small, safe steps · Permission to feel: space for anger, sadness or fear without overwhelm · Cognitive load, HALT and why constant information drains energy · Finding your own path to self-care rather than following “shoulds” · Standing in the centre of the whirlwind — staying calm when life feels full Key moments00:00 What permission is and why it keeps showing up in clinical work 07:20 From rigid rules to flexible, values-led choices 10:20 HALT-C and naming needs in the moment 12:40 Cognitive load, phones and replenishing vs draining “rest” 15:30 Personal fit: designing wellbeing your way 21:45 Saying no and building boundary “muscle” safely 31:45 Negotiating at home: problem-solving without losing the why 33:45 Meeting emotions without being swept away 38:22 Two permission-based choices to use today About the hostDr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing.  Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. She is the founder of 10 Minute CBT and a podcast host sharing evidence-based tools for self-doubt, stress and everyday decision-making. Lee has written books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. And you can find more about her books and wellbeing courses here. About the guestDr Caroline Walker is a psychiatrist, therapist, speaker, trainer, writer and coach. She is founder of The Joyful Doctor – supporting overworked and under-appreciated doctors to move beyond ‘just existing’ and take steps towards a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life and career, free from fear or judgement. She lives in Kent with her family and is an international role model for doctors with mental health challenges.She is author of the book Permission: How to feel, heal and thrive in a challenging world, drawing on personal experience, professional insight and stories from her doctor-patients to offer a compassionate guide to better mental health 

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