In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Dr Anastasia Hronis - a clinical psychologist, founder of the Australian Institute for Human Wellness, and passionate educator on the neuroscience of behaviour. Together, we unpack the surprising and powerful role dopamine plays in our daily lives and why understanding it can be a total game-changer.

Dopamine isn't just the “feel-good” chemical - it’s the engine behind motivation, habit formation, attention, addiction, and so much more. Clare and Anastasia chat about the science in real-world terms from social media scrolling to parenting, procrastination, and why your brain sometimes resists doing what’s good for you.

In this episode:

• What dopamine actually is and why it’s central to so many of our behaviours
• How modern life hijacks our dopamine system
• Why motivation often comes after action — not before it
• The addictive power of intermittent rewards and “dopamine loops”
• How understanding dopamine can help parents with kids struggling at school or with routine
• Strategies to break unhelpful patterns and build better habits
• What we can do when we feel stuck, overwhelmed or unable to get going.

Connect with Anastasia:

Anastasia Hronis' website

Instagram

Connect with Clare:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Website

More about On the Couch with Clare:

Come take a seat On the Couch with Clare, your weekly dose of common sense and raw conversations, where psychology meets everyday life. It’s a show aimed to bring scientific insights, engaging conversations and never shies away from the tough topics across health, relationships, politics, parenting and everyday life.

You’ll hear from guests from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities, authors, and health professionals. Expect a blend of professional wisdom, personal anecdotes and political correctness - free zone.

Clare’s straightforward and honest approach delivers shame-free practical solutions, new perspectives, and actionable advice. Keeping it real, she addresses everything from fitness struggles, ADHD and digital addictions to mental health challenges and the dating scene. So, whether you’re sipping coffee or enjoying your favourite wine, prepare for your weekly meet-up with a friend who’s here to show you that the only battle you’re truly facing is with yourself—and it’s a battle you can win.

Clare Rowe is a dynamic Sydney-based psychologist with a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology. Heading up a leading Child & Adolescent Psychology clinic, Clare’s career spans from the therapy room to the courtroom and the media spotlight, offering practical solutions for parents regaining confidence, individuals navigating life post-divorce, and anyone trying to balance the demands of a fast-paced world.

Dropping every Thursday, "On the Couch with Clare" will unfold with season 1 launching in...