In this episode, we sit down with Gillian Airey Goodwin to explore what burnout really looks like in education and why understanding our own psychology may be key to keeping educators in the profession.

Drawing on Gillian’s Master’s research in mental health and wellbeing, alongside more than 30 years of experience in education, we reflect on the emotional demands teachers face, the role of emotional intelligence, and why coping alone is no longer enough. We explore how resentment, pressure and constant accountability can slowly erode wellbeing even in highly skilled, experienced professionals.

Together, we discuss why structured reflection, psychological safety and meaningful supervision may be essential for educators to thrive, not just survive.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What burnout looks like beyond exhaustion
• The role of emotional intelligence in managing pressure
• Why emotionally intelligent teachers still leave the profession
• Internal vs external support models in schools
• Trust, judgment and fear of being seen as “not coping”
• Why relationships with pupils keep educators going

Why This Episode Matters

This episode invites us to rethink how we support educators. When teachers understand their own psychology, feel safe to reflect, and are genuinely listened to, wellbeing improves and so does the experience of children in the classroom.

Educator wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s fundamental to ethical decision-making, positive relationships and sustainable education systems.

Connect with Gillian Airey Goodwin (Guest)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-airey-goodwin-b9b401239/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianaireygoodwin?igsh=ZGsxd3NzMXh3MHN1

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Adam McCartney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/
Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AdamMcCartne

In this episode, we explore why behaviour systems work for many students but not for those who sit outside the middle of the bell curve and what changes when we genuinely listen to a child’s story. We look at how timing, nervous-system regulation, curiosity, and relational repair help us move from confrontation to connection.

We also reflect on the post-COVID social gap, why some young people struggle to engage with traditional approaches, and how simple relational moments greetings, attunement, and authenticity create safety in small but powerful ways.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why some students don’t respond to standard behaviour approaches

• How dysregulation and shutdown affect when (and how) we talk

• “Connection before correction” as a foundation for repair

• A clear structure for restorative conversations

• Using thoughts–feelings–behaviour models to guide reflection

• The role of affirmation versus confrontation

• Practical tools: emotion coaching, comic strips, draw-and-talk, gaming-based dialogue

• How curiosity lowers threat and builds trust

• Why playfulness and authenticity matter in relational moments

  
  

Why This Episode Matters

This episode invites us to rethink behaviour support through a relational lens. When we create space for young people to tell their story, conflict becomes a chance to understand, repair, and strengthen trust. Instead of focusing on control or consequences, we focus on connection, timing, and insight, because real change happens when students feel safe, heard, and valued.

When we honour a child’s story, we open the door to growth, for them and for us.

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/
Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AdamMcCartney

In this episode of Between Two Psychs, we explore one of the most essential aspects of classroom life: Bonding and Attunement.

We look at why relationships come before learning, how children “borrow” our nervous systems, and the practical ways we can help students move from emotional overwhelm into the calm, thinking brain.

Drawing on attachment theory, polyvagal theory, developmental psychology, and real school examples, we break down what bonding and attunement look like in practice and why they matter now more than ever.

What We Cover

1. Why Relationships Matter

• How we, as teachers and adults, often become key attachment figures

• Why secure relationships help children feel safe enough to learn

• Why relational practice is vital in today’s education landscape

2. Brains & Learning

• A clear explanation of polyvagal theory

• How the emotional and thinking brain interact

• What the amygdala, insula, and cingulate do during stress

• Why many children sit in emotional mode longer than we think

3. Attunement Skills

• How to see behaviour as communication

• How to tune into the message behind behaviour

• Why naming emotions builds trust and internal templates

• Why curiosity strengthens connection

4. Building Bonds

• How bonding differs from attunement

• Why we work with “connection before correction”

• How low-demand, shared moments help students trust us

• Why shared experiences strengthen classroom relationships

Key Ideas We Discuss

• Attachment theory

• Polyvagal theory

• Co-regulation & self-regulation

• PACE model

• Transference & counter-transference

• Carl Rogers’ relational principles

• Mirroring, matching & pacing

• Motivational Interviewing (OARS)

Why This Episode Matters

Learning can only happen when children feel safe, calm, connected, and understood.

When we prioritise relationships, we make learning possible.
This episode shows why relational practice isn’t optional, it’s foundational.

Connect with Mike Lane

Website: https://www.ridgewaypsychology.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/michael-lane-4304a3123

Connect with Me
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/
Website: https://www.dradammccartney.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.AdamMcCartney