Metaphors and navigating therapy with Chris Faulkner

In today's episode I am talking to psychotherapist and counsellor Kirsty Stacey. We will be focussing on the lack of emotional connection in childhood and the profound effects this can have on relationships in later life. 

 We discuss:

• How attachment issues show up in individuals 
• Ways to support people to feel safe in their bodies 
• People pleasing and perfectionism
• How to be as real as you can be 

About Kirsty:
I am an integrative therapist and am curious about understanding the relationship we have with ourselves and others.  I have a particular interest in perfectionism, people pleasing and working with clients who have experienced a lack of emotional connection in childhood. 
 
I have a background in loss and bereavement and supporting college students.
 
Website:  https://kirstyisabelcounselling.co.uk
Telephone: 07384500995
Email: kirstyisabelcounselling@outlook.com

In this episode I am speaking to one of my oldest friends Laura Tackley. Laura was diagnosed in August 2021 whilst on holiday in Cornwall. She charts her experience of living with cancer via her Instagram account @kicking_cancer_in_the_bowel.

Wed discuss:

• the difference between incurable and terminal cancer
• where does her inner strength come from
• the reality of living with cancer
• supporting others with cancer
• losing independence
• survivors guilt

In this week's episode I speak to Creating Kinder Kids founder Katriona Perrett. Katriona works with young children to teach them mindfulness and kindness skills. We discuss how children can learn techniques that will resource them as they grow older, how kids learn to be unkind and the importance of self regulation. 

Katriona shares her journey through performing arts to develop these wonderful classes that support children in their journey through the kingdom of kindness. She shares some tips of how to introduce the concept of meditation and breathing to young children. Katriona is making such a powerful difference to these young children.

About Katriona:

Katriona founded ‘Creating Kinder Kids’ to make wellbeing and kindness fun & exciting for the next generation. Our workshops all have kindness at their core & include a mixture of drama games, yoga, breath work, imaginative meditations, affirmations and gratitude practices. Your kids will learn skills and create habits that will help them to become kinder to themselves, others and the world around them.
Email: creatingkinderkids@gmail.com
Instagram: @creatingkinderkids

In this week's episode I am so thrilled to interview my nephew Jamie. He is the founder of dating brand FITFCK and is a mental health advocate for both men and young people

We discuss:

•  the stigma around men, mental health and opening up
• how he wants to change this stigma
• the ethos behind the dating brand
• the importance of community
• the different ways anxiety can show up for people.

I am so proud of Jamie for his achievements and his message is important to hear.

About Jamie:

The idea of FITFCK came about after founder Jamie Wykes-Hobday was dumped by his partner in the run up to a bodybuilding competition, after she got tired of feeling like she came second in his life to the gym and to his fitness routine.

Jamie realised that there must be loads of people out there like him who do prioritise their fitness and their workouts, and set out to create a way to help them connect with others with similar interests who understand life as a fitness fanatic.

In this week's episode I talk to Samantha Kendal Bye, an International Mountain Leader and Outdoor Wellness Coach. Samantha shares with us where her love of mountaineering come from, the importance of spaces for women to get to know themselves and be around others linking back to the 'Red Tent' and how to approach building a metaphorical toolbox to keep ourselves safe.

She shares with us some of her own daily habits that improve her mental wellbeing and I'm sure we can all take something from this conversation.

About Samantha:
Samantha is an International Mountain Leader and Outdoor Wellness Coach.  She founded Nature Nurture Nourish and N3 Academy in 2020 and is a multi passionate Entrepreneur.  Samantha has created a community of like minded individuals to live life fulfilled not filled full through nature connectedness and wellbeing practices.  She is a lover of cold water swimming and her daily meditation practice.  When not on the mountains, Samantha can be found taking others out on adventures, getting people to see what is on the other side of fear and sharing her passions around sustainability and purpose led missions.

In this week's episode I speak to Lucy Parley about her journey with ADHD for both  herself and her 8 year old. 

We discuss:

• ADHD diagnosis
• the difference between male and female ADHD presentation
• motherhood and ADHD
• how fear and shame show up
• people pleasing
• how you can move through the journey in your own way

I am sure that if you are a parent with ADHD you will resonate with many things that Lucy and I discuss. 

About Lucy:
Digital content creator and copywriter, founder of My Other Life feelgood fashion, one-time radio presenter, multi-hyphenate and full-time ADHD parent.
Instagram: @the_funksoulmother

In this week's episode I speak to Lori Lunden where we explore addiction.

• the nuance of working with someone during addiction
• the different addictions that see people cope with their pain
• what is active addiction?
• the link between trauma and addiction
• the impact of lockdowns on addiction
• the importance of awareness of self when working within therapy
• why self care as a therapist is important
  
  

You can contact Lori here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/profile/4d990270-50e7-e811-a957-000d3aba65fd

In this week's episode I talk to Lisa Shabbas as we delve into her work around shadow work.

We will discuss:

• the importance of working with shadows
• the discipline need and committing to showing up and doing the work
• Lisa's experiences that led her to life in the military
• the brain, heart and gut connection
• the wounds we find within us
• how to integrate the work we do

You can find Lisa here: https://www.instagram.com/lisashabbas/

In this first episode of season 3 I am delighted to speak to Ben Pulsford, better know as London-based drag queen, Beary Poppins.

Hear us discuss:

• Ben's journey to becoming a drag artist
• drag artistry, therapy and mental health
• why we put on armour
• the point where drag, identity and healing meet
• how Ben lives with bi-polar
• the importance of therapy

I hope this week's episode inspires you. Ben is an incredible person and Beary Poppins is a wonderful performer. I hope you might be able to go and check out a show soon.

 

About Ben:
Ben Pulsford is better known as London-based drag queen, Beary Poppins. Since storming the London LGBTQ+ scene in 2021, Beary has performed at some of the capital’s most well-know venues including The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, The Two Brewers, The Admiral Duncan and Alexandra Palace.

Welcome to Season 3 of What's Your Therapy. The season officially launches on 29th November and I am looking forward to introducing you to my guests to explore a variety of therapies.