What’s Your Therapy?

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. 

In this week's episode I am talking to Dr Rachel Gow who specialises in ADHD, nutrition and psychology. Rachel is doing powerful work in the world of neurodiversity in raising awareness and changing lives. She shares with us her journey from being a parent with a child with ADHD to being a leading expert in the field of ADHD.

In this episode we discuss:
- what is ADHD
- the gaps in the system
- how the Nutritious Minds Trust supports families
- lack of training on neurodiversity
- why there is an underdiagnosis of girls with ADHD
- the impact of genetics and environment on ADHD
- how supporting your nutrition can support ADHD
- the importance of the gut

I loved talking to Rachel and I hope that this conversation gives you a deeper understanding of how nutrition can impact ADHD positively.

About Dr Rachel:
Rachel V. Gow, Ph.D is a Nutritional Neuroscientist, Neuropsychologist and Neurodevelopmental specialist with expertise in a range of mental health conditions and associative learning and behaviour differences. In addition, Dr. Gow is a Registered Nutritionist (under the category of Science).

Dr. Gow’s son, who has ADHD and Dyslexia, is the driving force behind all her endeavours in the neurodiverse arena.

You can buy her book 'Smart Foods for ADHD and Brain Health: How Nutrition Influences Cognitive Function, Behaviour and Mood' here 

Website: http://drrachelvgow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRachelVGow/

In this week's episode I am thrilled to introduce you to Kate Stillman from Ibiza Counselling. Kate specialises in equine therapy and I can't wait for you to be introduced to this special form of therapy.

We discuss:

• what actually is equine therapy
• how you meet the herd
• working with boundaries
• how Kate transitioned from talk therapy to equine therapy
• the benefits of this beautiful therapy

This is such a beautiful introduction to equine therapy and how it is possible to surrender in collaboration with yourself and the horses. 

About Kate:
Ibiza Counselling is the dream of Kate Stillman, long before re-locating to Ibiza she came here and quietly told herself she would love to come back live in the countryside and work with in the counselling field some how.

Some 20 years later the dream became a reality, the van got packed, the dog got a passport and they were off. 2 years later Kate and her husband welcomed their little boy into the world and are now very settled in Ibiza.

Ibiza Counselling is growing organically and is now pleased to be able to offer therapy in English, Spanish, Catalan and Italian, with both male and female therapists.

The therapists working at Ibiza Counselling are all highly qualified with a range of life and professional experiences that enables them to work with a broad diversity of issues, all therapists work in a non judgemental, sensitive and open way

Ibiza Counselling can support you with issues such as, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, addiction, bereavement, sexuality, self esteem, drugs, alcohol, confidence, trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence and personal growth & the issues faced with relocating abroad. Kate has a particular interest in fertility and infertility, miscarriage & stillbirth and the choice not to have children is a member of BICA (The British Infertility Counselling Association). She also has extensive knowledge and experience of working in the entertainment / music business which is often particularly relevant in Ibiza.

www.ibizacounselling.com

kate@ibizacounselling.com

In this week's episode I am joined by Meghan Field.  Meghan is a qoya teacher, social justice activist and runs retreats in her beautiful space in Cornwall. Meghan's thoughtful and powerful approach to her therapies will give us all a lot to think about.

We discuss:

- how Meghan weaves social justice into her work
- journeying to find wellness practices that work
- sacred retreats in Cornwall and the importance of retreat
- the practice of Qoya and what it offers to its participants
- the perspective of power and control in breathwork and yoga and why it could retraumatise some people

About Meghan:
Meghan Field is a Qoya teacher and activist who lives in Cornwall, where she works as a collaboration consultant and offers well-being and empowerment classes, rituals and workshops for women. 

Meghan believes that everything we need is within us. Her purpose is to help us to remember who we are before the world told us who we should be. She is committed to supporting women to feel deeply and move from pressure to pleasure in real, daily ways - most importantly listening to our bodies through movement and through staying connected to our cyclical nature.

Her Qoya and women’s well-being practices are a natural extension of her leadership quest as campaigner, connector and warrior for social justice, in particular gender equality and ending violence against women and girls.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanelizabethfield/
Website: https://www.meghanfield.com/

In today's episode I talk to Aman Bhandal, creator of the Little Earth Centre in Wolverhampton. Aman is so giving in his approach to health and wellness and I am so honoured to be able to introduce him to you.

We discuss: 

• biohacking
• cold water therapy and Wim Hoff
• trauma recovery
• the learnings Aman has gained to be present as a man in the wellness industry and to be seen 
• safety in being fully present as a practitioner 
• ceremony with plant medicine

About Aman:
Aman a biohacker, entrepreneur and owner of The Little Earth Centre

Aman has extensive experience in a wide range of healing modalities. He has spent the last 5 years exploring the optimisation of the human body. On this journey he has worked with some of the world leading professionals in healing and wellbeing.

Specialising in how we as humans connect to each other on an emotional level, Aman brings knowledge, care and strength to those guided by him.
Website: www.littleearthcentre.com
Instagram: @littleearthcentre

This week's episode is an important one both personally and professionally. I speak to Ebonie Allard who brings to life her beautiful coaching modality and we also talk about all things neurodivergence. 

We discuss: 

• what is mBit as a coaching modality
• the power of dropping out of the head only space and into the body
• why congruence is so important 
• the art of playfulness to work with resistance 
• being an always curious person
• system failures and self advocacy
• the process of diagnosis through misdiagnosis 

This is a raw and rich episode which will bring to light a journey to a personal understanding of neurodivergence and the impact it can have on one's life. 

About Ebonie:
Ebonie Allard is an Internationally acclaimed award winning Master Coach. As an Artist and a modern Mystic, she facilitates curious, creative and courageous souls in navigating the reality of being a spiritual being in a physical body.
Website: www.ebonieallard.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/eboniealchemy 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eboniealchemy

In this week's episode I speak to Chartered Clinical Psychologist Dr Michelle Conn. We discuss the difference between a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist and what a therapist brings to their clients at a human level. We also consider the impact of any kind of label whether positive or negative and how tailoring therapy to the individual is deeply important. Dr Michelle also talks to us about her views around chronic pain and how she works with people with chronic pain.

About Dr Michelle Conn:
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist who has worked clinically for over ten years in a range of NHS and private settings with individuals, families and groups at various life stages.  I am experienced in helping people to explore and manage a range of issues including low mood and depression, anxiety problems such as phobias, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, stress related issues, relationship and school/work problems.

I have a particular interest in working with people for whom there is an link between their physical and mental health, and exploring issues such as loss, guilt, changes in role, body image or physical functioning is central to my current role in a NHS general hospital.  In particular, I have specialist skills in helping me to manage the impact of pain and fatigue on every day life.

Contact Dr Michelle here: enquiries@drconn.co.uk

In this week's episode I talk to podcast host Paul Richens about his journey to recovery and the role music has played in this. 

We discuss:

• the power of music to change your mood and to feel emotion
• the evolution of listening to music
• music as a recovery companion
• addiction
• finding friendship with ego in depression
• the impact of alcoholism
• trust and loneliness

This is powerful episode that will help you to think about how you use music in your life. Are you using it to drown out the noise or truly listening?

About Paul:
A male human navigating the early stages of recovery. After decades of addiction, depression, anxiety and fear I've make a change in my life. After admitting I'm powerless over my addiction and my life had become unmanageable I start a 12 step recovery program which provides me with the framework to live an extraordinary life. Getting out of self and discovering a fellowship has been breathtakingly reassuring that I'm not alone. As someone who sees the beauty in music both sound and lyrics I find it useful to link them to my feelings and thoughts in recovery and share that through my podcast on Spotify.

anchor.fm/salads-music-podcast

In this week's episode I talk to Jo Culver, a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist. With experience in both CAMHS and private practice Jo talks to us about a range of issues that can impact a family and how she works with the family unit.

We discuss:

• what actually is family therapy?
• the impact of the pandemic on adolescents and young people
• how people can communicate differently within families
• the importance of considering different perspectives with in the family unit
• how you can counsel anger
• clients being experts in themselves
• working with neurodiversity
• attachment

This episode will help you to consider the dynamics of working within family units and the impact that can be made.

About Jo:
Jo is a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, often referred to as a Family Therapist. This means that she work with families, couples and individuals. Her professional background is within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, (CAMHS), where she has worked for nineteen years, and continues to work there; as part of the Family Therapy team. Her professional background before completing her Family Therapy training was as a CAMHS Social Worker, where she worked systemically with families, often having complex backgrounds with safeguarding and mental health issues within the family. Jo currently works with families where their child / young person experiences mental health issues. These include issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Self-harming behaviour, Eating issues, Trauma, Gender dysphoria, and Attachment. She also work with families where there are neurodevelopmental issues such as Autistic Spectrum Condition and Attentional issues.
Contact Jo here: https://theeaves.org.uk/practitioners/jo-culver/

In today's episode I talk to Emily Verardi who is a wellbeing coach who works with women using a holistic system for sustainable change. Emily talks to us about some of the major themes impacting women's health and wellbeing.

We discuss:

• body image
• restraint versus restriction when it come to approaching weight loss
• how isolating dieting can feel
• the importance of community
• the all or nothing thinking around food, diet and exercise
• how to incrementally turn up the dial on your health to support sustainability

Emily's approach to wellness is so accessible and looks at managing all areas of lifestyle not just focussing on food. This conversation is so important for women at any stage of life.

About Emily Veradi:
Owner of EV Health & Fitness - Mental and Physical Health Online Coaching Program for all women who want to feel their best inside and out.
Website: www.evhealthandfitness.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/806382836746249/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evhealthandfitness/

In today's episode I speak to fellow psychotherapist Chris Faulkner who works with Gestalt and transactional analysis and has a background in grief and loss. Chris introduces us to how the modalities he utilises in his therapeutic practice  impact each client. We discuss the power of metaphor in therapy and how he introduces this to clients and also what happens when there is a  rupture in the therapeutic alliance and how to repair that. Chris is a bilingual therapist and shares with us the differences in working across the British and Hispanic cultures.  I hope you enjoy this episode. 

Contact Chris: chris.faulkner.counselling@gmail.com