Dr Julie Smith
“You have to get to work being your own coach instead of your own worst critic.”- Dr Julie Smith
Dr Julie Smith is a notable clinical psychologist renowned for her significant contributions to mental health education, particularly through her innovative use of social media. With over a decade of experience in the field, Dr Smith transitioned from running her private practice to becoming an online educator and content creator. Her journey into the digital realm began in 2019 when she started sharing digestible, informative videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, focusing on various mental health topics including anxiety, depression, and confidence building.
Dr Smith's online presence quickly escalated; in less than two years, she amassed a following of over 7 million across various platforms, making her a go-to resource for mental health advice. Her videos, which often go viral, have collectively garnered around half a billion views, demonstrating her impact and reach. TikTok recognised her as one of its top 100 creators and has been featured by numerous media outlets including the BBC, CNN, and The Guardian.
Her debut book, "Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?" published in January 2022, became the best-selling non-fiction book of that year, highlighting her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical, accessible advice. This book, along with her subsequent work, "Open When…", released in January 2025, has solidified her reputation as an influential figure in self-help literature. "Open When…" serves as a companion guide, offering strategies for navigating life's challenges in real-time through a series of personalised letters and tools.
Dr Smith's work extends beyond digital content; she frequently appears on television shows like ITV's This Morning and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 1 Life Hacks. Her mission has always been to make quality mental health education accessible to everyone, challenging the stigma around mental health and encouraging individuals to take charge of their emotional and psychological well-being. Her blend of professional expertise and engaging delivery has truly made her a pioneer in mental health education.
The Body Of Work
Dr Julie Smith has made notable contributions to mental health through her work as a clinical psychologist, author, and social media influencer. Here's an overview of her significant works:
Books:
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? - Released in January 2022, this book became the best-selling non-fiction book of the year. It offers practical mental health advice drawn from Dr Smith's extensive experience, tackling topics like anxiety, depression, confidence, and resilience.
Open When… - Following the success of her first book, "Open When…" was published in January 2025. It's an interactive guide designed to provide "break in case of emergency" advice for various life challenges, helping individuals navigate tough situations as they occur.
Online Presence:
Dr Smith has a significant following on social media platforms, where she shares mental health insights and coping strategies. She started her TikTok journey in 2019, quickly gaining over 7 million followers across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Her content, ranging from short-form to longer, detailed videos, covers a broad spectrum of mental health issues, making psychological concepts accessible to a wide audience.
Media Appearances:
She has appeared on numerous television shows, including ITV's "This Morning" and BBC Radio 1's "Life Hacks" as a psychologist. Her media presence extends to interviews and educational segments on mental health, further spreading her message of accessible mental health education.
Educational Impact:
Beyond her digital footprint, Dr Smith's work includes her tenure in the NHS and her private practice, where she has worked with diverse clients, from school leavers to professional athletes. Her mission is to democratise mental health education, providing tools and knowledge to those who might not have access to therapy.
Dr Julie Smith's works have not only impacted individual lives through direct advice but have also influenced broader conversations around mental health, emphasising the importance of managing one's psychological well-being with practical, evidence-based strategies.
Big Takeaways
Dr Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist known for her work in mental health education, has shared numerous insights through her books, online content, and media appearances. Here are five big takeaways from her work:
Understanding Motivation:
Dr Smith emphasises that motivation isn't something that just happens; it's a skill that can be cultivated. She teaches that to master motivation, one must build the capacity to do what matters most, even when not feeling motivated. Techniques include breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and understanding that motivation can be increased by engaging in physical activity or through small, consistent actions.
Managing Emotional Pain and Grief:
She offers strategies for dealing with emotional pain, including grief. Dr Smith's approach involves accepting emotions as they come, understanding that grief changes but doesn't end, and finding new ways to maintain a relationship with the memory of lost loved ones. She advocates for self-care practices and the importance of expressing grief in one's way.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear:
Dr Smith provides tools for combating self-doubt and fear, highlighting cognitive techniques like recognising and challenging negative thought patterns, distancing oneself from unhelpful thoughts, and reframing fear as a challenge rather than a threat. She encourages self-compassion and the understanding that thoughts are not facts.
Building Resilience Against Stress:
Her teachings on stress management include understanding the body-mind connection and using techniques like "square breathing" to calm the nervous system. Dr Smith stresses the importance of identifying and managing stress sources through lifestyle adjustments, physical activity, and mental reframing to prevent burnout and foster resilience.
The Power of Small, Consistent Actions:
One of her core messages is the impact of small, consistent actions over time. Whether it's for building habits, managing mood, or improving relationships, Dr Smith advocates for making small changes rather than waiting for a big transformation. This approach is particularly evident in her second book, "Open When…", where she guides readers through small, actionable steps to navigate life's challenges.
These takeaways encapsulate Dr Smith's philosophy of making mental health tools accessible, encouraging individuals to take small, practical steps towards better mental well-being.