Cass Dunn, Psychologist

08/09/2026

So many of the protective patterns we develop in our early lives keep playing out long after we need them.

And some of them become so automatic and entrenched that we think they're just 'who we are'... as if it's our personality and not actually just a survival strategy that's become second nature.

The worst part is that while those patterns are costing you your peace, impacting your health & pushing you to the brink of burnout (if not all the way there), they're often being rewarded and validated at the same time because they make you so reliable, productive and efficient.

If you're beginning to realise that the costs outweigh the benefits, I'd encourage you to grab this brand new free PDF guide and 7-day audio series I created called 'But first, regulate'.

It will walk you through a series of ideas and simple practices you can start to implement that are designed to help you recognise where your patterns came from, understand the purpose they serve and teach you to cultivate calm and safety from the inside out.

Comment RESET and (hopefully) my bots will send it to you. (And if my bots let me down, don't worry I'll send it to you myself!)

08/09/2026

I feel like I need to plaster disclaimers all over this because someone will surely yell at me that it's not so easy when you're going through the most traumatic thing in your life, so let's get that out of the way. Just take what's relevant and ignore what's not.

During difficult times and especially when your sense of stability or security is threatened, or what you thought was solid or reliable turns out not to be, your threat response is activated and you mobilise instinctive protection strategies of fight, flight, freeze or fawn.

It's fair to say we are not usually our best, most awakened and evolved selves while in that state 😬 (and that's ok).

But at some point, when the dust begins to settle, it can be helpful to remember that a crisis can be a turning point that changes things for the better if you're open to that possibility.

And even when things feel completely out of your control, the one thing you do get to choose and which no-one can take from you is how you choose to respond.

✨ What kind of person do you want to be regardless of anyone else's choices?
✨ What values will guide your actions?
✨ When you eventually look back on this, what will make you feel satisfied that you acted with integrity?

Until then... if you're going through it - hang in there! Remember the wheel of life keeps turning and soon enough, it'll be your turn to have the sun on your face and the wind at your back again. x

14/11/2025

Megan Dalla-Camina is an absolute rockstar who is doing amazing work supporting women to live, work and lead in a way that feels authentic and prioritises their wellbeing while not compromising on their goals and ambitions.

Our conversation is out now on Apple, Spotify and I'll get it up on YouTube really soon!

10/10/2023

I just received this lovely email and it prompted me to invite you to register (if you haven't already) for my Free 7-Day Happiness challenge.

This week is Mental Health Week and one of the pathways to building emotional resilience is having strategies to increase your ratio of positive to negative thoughts and feelings.

Positivity is not a cure-all but it's also not glib and it's not toxic and it's not the same as avoiding hard things.

There's loads of science to support the idea that cultivating a more positive outlook is very, very good for you.

My Happiness Starts Here mini-course is free to register and just one email a day for me for a week. That's all! :)

www.cassdunn.com/happy

17/08/2023

The magic of Pub Choir! I was thrilled to chat with Astrid on the Crappy to Happy podcast this week. Ep is out now wherever you get your podcasts!

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/crappy-to-happy/id1274672540?i=1000624457715

18/07/2023

27/06/2023

It's no secret I'm a massive fan of Ted Lasso. This is warm-hearted, feel-good TV that explores so many important psychological themes and showcases human qualities such as kindness, forgiveness and friendship.

Little did I know when I started watching the show in Australia that not only would we end up moving to London, but a few months later we'd actually end up living in Richmond, the home of Ted Lasso.

Getting to see them film the show and calling this stunning neighbourhood my home is literally a dream come true.

But right now, since the show wrapped, what I most appreciate about living in London is the opportunity to see all the cast performing outside of Ted Lasso.

We have tickets to see Toheeb Jimoh (Sam) playing Romeo in a local theatre production; Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent) doing comedy in the park, and Nick Mohammed (Nate) reprising an old TV character in a stand up show.

I mean seriously.

I wanted to highlight these events because Richmond is constantly swarming with fans getting photos at all the iconic landmarks but I'm not sure anyone looks into where you can see the cast up close, doing what they do best - which is performing.

14/06/2023

I love the opportunity to talk about my favourite topic which is Imposter Syndrome! Thanks for having me on the Unprocessed podcast, I Quit Sugar! Hear our full conversation wherever you listen to great podcasts. 🎧

10/05/2023

Such a pleasure chatting to about all things Imposter Syndrome on his podcast recently!

To hear more about:
👉🏼 How those imposter thoughts and feelings affect even those most successful people
👉🏼 The faulty thinking that says you just got 'lucky' and how it's keeping you stuck
👉🏼 Why your imposter experience will lead to burnout if it's not managed
.. and so much more, listen to our full conversation wherever you get your pods.🎧

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ben-morton-leadership-podcast/id1561123989

26/04/2023

Scout and I are supporting campaign because dogs have the power to transform young lives and help children to heal. And so do you!

Today is MATCHED GIVING DAY when all donations to this amazing cause will be doubled by corporate partners, so anything you can donate is so greatly appreciated.

Help kids succeed at school with therapy dogs at paws4kids.org.au