A Bunch of Therapists

This episode contains discussion around ADHD, cultural expectations, gender inequality, relationship breakdown, depression, and career transitions. Join us for an inspiring and honest conversation with counsellor and former DJ Joy Zheng as she shares her transformative journey from struggling with self-worth in a society that valued boys over girls, to building a thriving private practice in London. This compelling discussion explores how overcoming cultural expectations, navigating ADHD, and embracing therapy can lead to profound personal reinvention and professional fulfilment. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Joy openly shares: • Growing up in China and internalising messages about her worth as a girl • Being diagnosed with ADHD and struggling through school • Finding creative escape through music and the DJ scene • Building a successful career as a DJ in Shanghai • Meeting her husband through the music industry and moving to London • The devastating impact of relationship breakdown and lost dreams • Experiencing depression and feeling lost after separation • A pivotal conversation that sparked her interest in therapy • Training as a therapist whilst managing ADHD and learning in English • Overcoming academic and group work challenges • Building and growing her private practice in London • Redefining self-worth beyond societal and relationship expectations • Creating a new life on her own terms This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with self-worth, navigating ADHD, recovering from relationship loss, or considering a career transition into therapy. Key Topics Discussed: • Cultural gender expectations and internalised feelings of inadequacy • ADHD in school settings and the lack of support • Using creativity as a coping mechanism • Career building and finding your place in the world • Relationship breakdown and grief • Depression and the journey towards recovery • The transformative power of therapy • Training as a therapist with ADHD and language barriers • Redefining identity after major life changes • Building a successful private practice • Self-worth beyond external validation 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #ADHD #SelfWorth #CulturalExpectations #RelationshipHealing #CareerTransition #DepressionAwareness #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #PersonalGrowth

This episode contains discussion around relationship breakdown, low self-esteem, vulnerable young people, gang involvement, and creative therapy approaches. 🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist ShediYah HatNebMaoo as she shares her unconventional journey from struggling in a turbulent relationship with low self-esteem to becoming a compassionate therapist who helps vulnerable young people imagine new possibilities for their lives. This honest discussion explores how therapy can transform our confidence and self-belief, and why creative, person-centred approaches are so powerful when working with young people facing difficult circumstances. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, ShediYah openly shares: • Her unconventional journey into therapy as a young mother • Struggling in a turbulent relationship with low self-esteem • Being encouraged to try therapy by her partner's probation officer • Feeling unsafe leaving her children with someone else • Finding a therapist who allowed her to bring her children along • How therapy helped her rebuild her confidence • Contemplating a career change whilst raising young children • Spending 4 years volunteering before committing to training as a counsellor • Working with children and young people, many of whom are vulnerable • Supporting young people with experience of gangs • Using gentle, person-centred approaches in her work • Incorporating creative therapy and dreamwork into her practice • Helping young people to 'imagine something else for themselves' • Her role as a lecturer and Clinical Supervisor This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone working with vulnerable young people, navigating difficult relationships, or interested in creative therapeutic approaches. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Seeking help whilst managing childcare responsibilities • The impact of turbulent relationships on self-esteem and confidence • Therapy as a catalyst for personal transformation • The power of person-centred approaches • Creative therapy and dreamwork with young people • Supporting vulnerable young people and those affected by gangs • Building hope and possibility with young people facing adversity • The journey from client to therapist • Volunteering and career transitions • Clinical supervision and training others • Reimagining futures for young people in difficult circumstances 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #YoungPeoplesMentalHealth #CreativeTherapy #PersonCentredTherapy #VulnerableYoung People #GangInvolvement #FamilyTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining #DreamworkTherapy

This episode contains discussion around child loss, cancer, bereavement, grief, family resilience, and rebuilding after tragedy. 🎧 Join us for a deeply moving and inspirational conversation with psychotherapist Charlotte Allocca as she shares her extraordinary journey through unimaginable loss, from the devastating diagnosis of her daughter Rose's rare bone cancer to rebuilding her life and finding profound purpose through helping others navigate grief. This gripping and honest discussion explores how loss can transform us, and why finding the right support and community is essential for healing after bereavement. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Charlotte openly shares: • Becoming a mother in her late 20s filled with anxiety and self-doubt • How she embraced motherhood with confidence by the time her daughter Rose was born • The shock of Rose's diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer • Two years of hospital visits, surgeries and intensive treatment • Witnessing her daughter's remarkable resilience throughout her illness • The moment doctors declared nothing more could be done • Rose passing away at home aged 8 • The profound grief and loss that followed • Facing additional difficult challenges whilst trying to rebuild her family's life • Struggling to find the right therapeutic help during her bereavement • Finding solace in volunteering for a bereavement charity • The decision to train as a therapist herself • Running a private practice in London and the Isle of Wight • Using her experience to support others through loss and grief This essential conversation offers invaluable guidance for anyone navigating child loss, bereavement, grief recovery, or seeking to rebuild their life after tragedy. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • The journey into motherhood and early parenting anxieties • Childhood resilience and coping with serious illness • The impact of child loss on families • Navigating grief and bereavement after losing a child • Finding appropriate therapeutic support during loss • The role of community and bereavement charities • Rebuilding family life after tragedy • Training as a therapist following personal loss • Using personal experience to support grieving clients • Finding purpose and meaning after loss • The healing power of helping others   🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #ChildLoss #Bereavement #GriefTherapy #Loss #FamilyResilience #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining #BereavementSupport #MentalHealth

This episode contains discussion around ADHD, overwork, male vulnerability, family trauma, ancestral trauma, and career transitions. 🎧 Join us for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation with Gestalt psychotherapist Simon Jacobs as he shares his remarkable journey from building a highly successful advertising business to discovering his true calling in therapy, uncovering how childhood competitiveness and hidden family trauma shaped his adult struggles with overwork and perfectionism. This honest and inspiring discussion explores how becoming a father can trigger profound personal transformation, and why understanding ancestral trauma is essential for breaking free from inherited patterns of behaviour. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Simon openly shares: • Growing up as an artistic child with a high-achieving mother • Struggling at school because of his ADHD • Finding solace and expression through creativity • Building a highly successful career in the advertising industry • Being encouraged to be competitive from childhood • Overworking and obsessing over failures in his business • The overwhelming pressures of work, relationships and fatherhood • His transformative experience seeking help from a therapist • Making the bold decision to pivot careers within weeks • Beginning his own therapy training and leaving advertising behind • Running a successful private practice and long-running men's therapy group • Becoming a facilitator in Family Constellations therapy • Addressing ancestral trauma and difficult family dynamics • Breaking down barriers around male vulnerability This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with overwork, competitiveness, ADHD, or the pressures of balancing career success with family life and personal wellbeing. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Living and thriving with ADHD • The impact of high-achieving parents on childhood development • Competitiveness and perfectionism in business • Overwork, burnout and obsessing over failure • Male vulnerability and seeking help • The transformative power of fatherhood • Career transitions from corporate success to therapeutic practice • Men's therapy groups and creating safe spaces for vulnerability • Family Constellations therapy and ancestral trauma • How hidden family dynamics affect present-day behaviour • Breaking free from inherited patterns and family trauma • Using creativity as a coping mechanism and form of expression 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #MaleVulnerability #ADHDSupport #FamilyConstellations #AncestralTrauma #GestaltTherapy #CareerTransition #Overwork #MensTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around family relationship breakdown, young people's mental health (including self-harm and suicide ideation), body-based therapy approaches, and post-pandemic challenges. 🎧 Join us for an insightful and compassionate conversation with Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor Jo Small as she shares her journey from growing up in a northern town before mental health was widely discussed to becoming a specialist in body-based therapy and working extensively with young people. This essential discussion explores how our bodies communicate what words cannot, and why understanding the physical language of emotions is crucial for healing troubled relationships and supporting young people in today's challenging world. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Jo openly shares: • Growing up in a northern town before mental health was widely discussed • How she would have benefitted from therapy during her parents' relationship breakup • Her transformative experience working with a Gestalt therapist • Using specific techniques to repair troubled relationships, particularly with her father • Training as a Gestalt therapist, trainer and supervisor • Working extensively with the body to understand emotional communication • How gesture, posture and physical feelings reveal what clients are experiencing • Her work in schools supporting young people's mental health • How challenging life has become for children and teenagers post-pandemic • The impact of social media on young people's wellbeing • Recognising and interpreting the language our bodies speak This essential conversation offers valuable guidance for anyone curious about body-based therapeutic approaches, working with young people, or understanding how thoughts and feelings manifest physically. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • The importance of mental health support during family breakdown • Gestalt therapy techniques for repairing damaged relationships • How the body communicates emotions through gesture and posture • Working therapeutically with physical feelings and sensations • Young people's mental health in schools • The post-pandemic impact on children and teenagers • Social media's effect on young people's wellbeing • Body-based approaches to therapy and healing • Training and supervising in Gestalt therapy • Recognising what your body is telling you about your emotional state Chapters: 00:00 From Difficult Childhood to Becoming a Therapist 02:36 Addressing Self-Harm and Post-Pandemic Challenges in Schools 08:50 The Here and Now: Awareness and Relational Patterns 14:57 Using Gestalt to Repair a Difficult Father Relationship 18:28 How Embodied Practice Reveals Emotions and Anxieties 26:18 Marathons, Authenticity, and Social Media's Impact 30:22 The Value of Self-Disclosure in Podcast Conversations 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #GestaltTherapy #YoungPeoplesMentalHealth #BodyBasedTherapy #FamilyRelationships #PostPandemicMentalHealth #SocialMediaImpact #SchoolMentalHealth #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around anxiety, depression, male vulnerability, and pandemic mental health experiences. Join us for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation with counsellor, business-owner and economist Sorin Floti as he shares his unconventional journey from post-communist Romania to becoming a therapist in London, sparked by his own mental health struggles during the pandemic. This inspiring discussion explores how personal crisis can lead to profound career transformation, and why understanding our own mental health challenges is often the first step towards helping others. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Sorin openly shares: • Growing up in post-communist Romania and moving to the US for university • Working towards a Masters Degree when Covid disrupted everything • Being removed from usual routines and coping mechanisms during the pandemic • Experiencing anxiety and depression for the first time • His transformative experience with phone therapy and a skilful practitioner • How therapy helped him manage his mental health during lockdown • Recognising the potential for a counselling career through his own healing • Balancing his practice in London with work as a business-owner and economist • The challenges of overachieving and self-criticism • Breaking down barriers around male vulnerability • Why men often struggle to seek help and express emotions This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone who has experienced pandemic mental health challenges, career transitions, or struggles with perfectionism and self-criticism. Key Topics Discussed: • The mental health impact of pandemic disruption and isolation • How personal therapy experiences can inspire career changes • Overachieving, perfectionism and the pressure to succeed • Self-criticism and developing self-compassion • Male vulnerability and breaking down emotional barriers • Why men find it difficult to seek mental health support • Balancing multiple careers and finding your calling • The transformative power of skilled therapeutic intervention • Cultural perspectives on mental health and therapy • From client to practitioner: using personal experience professionally   🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #MaleVulnerability #PandemicMentalHealth #AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness #CareerTransition #Overachieving #SelfCriticism #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around nomadic childhood experiences, career transitions, therapy training, and alternative therapeutic approaches. Join us for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with psychotherapist, executive coach and businessman Ben McKie as he shares his remarkable journey from the music business to founding innovative therapeutic projects that blend Eastern wisdom with Western psychological practice. This thought-provoking discussion explores how following your calling can lead to unexpected paths, and why stepping outside traditional frameworks can create profound opportunities for healing and growth. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).  In this compelling episode, Ben openly shares: • How his nomadic childhood shaped his worldview and approach to life • His journey into therapy as a young father working in the music business • The pivotal moment of turning down a lucrative job to follow his therapeutic calling • Building and running a successful private practice for several years • Growing frustrated with traditional therapeutic approaches and seeking alternatives • Founding innovative projects that integrate Eastern wisdom with Western psychology • Juggling private client work with desert retreats in Egypt • Developing social impact projects across the UK • The lies we tell ourselves and how to recognise them • What really happens when we courageously leave our comfort zone • Why doubt can actually become our greatest ally in personal growth This essential conversation offers profound insights for anyone questioning conventional paths, seeking deeper meaning in their work, or curious about innovative approaches to healing and personal development. Key Topics Discussed: • The impact of nomadic childhood experiences on adult perspectives • Career transitions and following your authentic calling • Integrating Eastern wisdom with Western therapeutic practice • Building alternative therapeutic frameworks outside traditional models • The role of doubt in personal and professional growth • Creating meaningful work that aligns with your values • Desert retreats and experiential therapeutic approaches • Social impact projects and community healing • Recognising and challenging the lies we tell ourselves • The transformative power of leaving your comfort zone Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Why Ben went into therapy  05:00 Believing fabricated stories about yourself that are different from the truth  06:45 Growing up in different countries 08:03 Ben’s Dad who was a monk  10:44 Setting up desert retreats  14:45 Sitting in an Oasis 15:36 The beginning of the desert retreats 19:35 The transformation that happens in the desert 20:43 Therapy alone isn’t enough 21:55 Eastern philosophy, medicine and wisdom 23:00 Returning from the desert and working online  27:20 Working in the music industry  28:38 Ben’s career change  30:00 Pushing against authority  31:25 The newer generation coming to therapy  32:54 Ben’s values as a therapist and being brave  33:51 The Greater Good Consultancy  38:00 Exposing ourselves to other ways of seeing and being  39:28 Ben’s final message  39:54 Outro 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #EasternWisdom #ExecutiveCoaching #CareerTransition #AlternativeTherapy #DesertRetreats #MentalHealthUK #PersonalGrowth #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around boarding school experiences, grief, attachment trauma, addiction, and toxic relationships. 🎧 Join us for a profound and insightful conversation with Counselling Psychologist Dr Jane Halsall as she shares her transformative journey from career change to specialising in grief and attachment, uncovering how early boarding school experiences shaped her ability to trust and form meaningful relationships. This honest and enlightening discussion explores how personal therapy can reveal hidden trauma, and why understanding our attachment patterns is crucial for breaking free from toxic relationship cycles. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Dr Halsall openly shares: • Her mid-twenties career pivot from her original path to studying Psychology • Training in Addiction Counselling and working at a women-only rehab facility • How witnessing trauma in others revealed her own unresolved issues • The profound impact of boarding school on her ability to trust and form relationships • Using personal therapy to understand her own attachment patterns • Specialising in grief and attachment as a Counselling Psychologist • Working with clients who struggle to form and maintain relationships • The psychology behind toxic relationships and why they're so difficult to escape • The art of sitting with yourself and developing self-awareness • Practical insights for breaking destructive relationship patterns This essential conversation offers valuable guidance for anyone struggling with relationship difficulties, trust issues, or the lasting effects of early separation and institutional experiences. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • The long-term psychological impact of boarding school experiences • How early separation affects adult attachment and relationships • Recognising and addressing unresolved trauma through therapy • Understanding the psychology of toxic relationships • Why we repeatedly find ourselves in harmful relationship patterns • The role of grief in attachment and relationship healing • Developing the capacity to sit with difficult emotions • Career transitions and finding your therapeutic calling • Using personal experience to inform professional specialisation • Practical strategies for building healthier relationship patterns Chapters: 00:00 Intro  01:03 How Jane found herself in the world of therapy  02:36 Jane’s placement in a women’s only rehab centre 05:01 Treatment centres being geared towards men  05:44 Jane’s own challenges surfacing  08:10 Jane’s experience at boarding school 10:30 Struggling to fit in, bullying and feeling isolated 11:40 Attachment Style and being ‘hard’ in relationships 12:50 Is everyone traumatised? 13:40 The traits of being traumatised 15:34 Feeling guilty about being privileged and traumatised 16:26 How Jane’s family & friends viewed her going to therapy  17:56 What Jane has learnt from the world of therapy  18:34 Grief and the different types of loss 21:30 Is phone use and social media problematic? 22:35 How working with grief has changed Jane as a person and as a single parent  24:26 Toxic relationships and the subtle changes  26:30 Attachment styles  28:16 Family trauma and recreating patterns 32:04 Jane’s final message to viewers and listeners 33:30 Outro  🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #AttachmentTherapy #ToxicRelationships #BoardingSchoolTrauma #GriefTherapy #CounsellingPsychology #RelationshipTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around childhood bullying and stammering. 🎧 Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Professor Windy Dryden, one of the most influential figures in modern psychotherapy, as he shares his remarkable 50-year journey from a bullied schoolboy with a stammer to becoming a pioneering force in CBT and creator of revolutionary ONEplus therapy. This fascinating and wide-ranging discussion explores how personal adversity sparked a lifelong passion for understanding human psychology, leading to groundbreaking contributions that have shaped therapeutic practice worldwide. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Professor Dryden openly shares: • How childhood bullying and stammering ignited his interest in feelings and motivations • His transformative experience on a kibbutz in Israel • The early development and evolution of CBT as a therapeutic approach • Creating ONEplus therapy - a revolutionary single-session therapeutic method • His prolific writing career spanning 290 books on psychotherapy • The crucial difference between self-esteem and self-acceptance • Tackling procrastination through innovative 'anti-crastination' techniques • What can realistically be achieved in just one therapy session • Insights from five decades at the forefront of therapeutic innovation This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for therapists, students, and anyone interested in the evolution of modern psychotherapy and the power of turning personal challenges into professional purpose. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • The origins of CBT and its development over the decades • How personal adversity can fuel professional innovation • ONEplus therapy and single-session therapeutic interventions • Self-acceptance versus self-esteem in therapeutic practice • Procrastination and practical strategies for overcoming it • The academic journey from personal struggle to professorship • Writing and sharing knowledge across 290 published works • What makes therapy effective in different timeframes • The evolution of psychotherapeutic approaches over 50 years Chapters: 00:00 Guest Introduction 01:10 How Windy got into the world of psychology through having a stammer  03:09 Windy’s father's relationship with money and deciding Windy’s career 04:00 Dropping out of University and going to Israel to a Kibbutz 04:40 Returning to University and beginning his career as a therapist  08:35 Rational Emotive Psychotherapy 09:58 Windy’s career progression 11:28 Windy’s experience at Goldsmiths and being turned down for lecturing jobs  14:10 Windy’s stammer 15:15 Going to America for CBT training  19:14 Rational Emotive Psychotherapy being ‘wiped out’ in the UK 20:25 Writing 290 books  22:46 Single session therapy 30:53 Windy’s current writing  31:46 Building a relationship with a client during single session therapy 37:27 Windy’s thoughts on the NHS’ first contact being an assessment 38:12 Windy’s one piece of advice for listeners 39:02 Outro  🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #CBT #ProfessorWindyDryden #ONEplusTherapy #SelfAcceptance #Procrastination #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #TherapeuticInnovation

This episode contains discussion around sex, shame, intimacy, and relationship diversity. 🎧 Join us for the second part of our fascinating conversation with psychosexual psychotherapist and trainer Julie Sale as she tackles the big questions about love, intimacy, and what's truly 'normal' in relationships. With her trademark irreverence and humour, Julie addresses some of the most common concerns people have about sex and relationships, offering expert insights that challenge conventional thinking about intimacy and connection. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Julie openly discusses: • Why there's so much secrecy and shame around sex in our society • What actually constitutes 'normal' when it comes to relationships and intimacy • Whether your sex life is over if you don't share a bed with your partner • Understanding and embracing relationship diversity beyond traditional models • How shame impacts our ability to connect intimately with others • Practical insights from her work as founder of CICS (The Contemporary Institute for Clinical Sexology) • Breaking down myths and misconceptions about sex and relationships This essential conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone questioning what's 'normal' in their relationship or struggling with shame around intimacy and sexual expression. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Challenging societal norms around sex and relationships • Understanding the roots of sexual shame and secrecy • Exploring different relationship models and what works for different people • Practical advice for couples navigating intimacy challenges • The impact of shame on sexual and emotional connection • What psychosexual therapy can offer individuals and couples • Redefining 'normal' in relationships and sexual expression • Julie's irreverent and humorous approach to serious topics Chapters: 00:00 Intro  01:22 Training as a Sex Therapist  01:46 Why specialising in fertility wasn’t the right decision for Julie  04:07 Training as a Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist  04:35 Setting up The Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (CICS) 07:28 You can’t avoid yourself in the subject of sex and relationships  08:24 What is sex and relationship therapy, and how is psychosexual therapy different from psychotherapy?  09:48 What is ‘good sex’ and what are the external factors impacting our sex lives? 10:39 Why sex carries a lot of shame, according to Julie  13:34 Where do you go to learn about sex? 14:38 Psychotherapy is obsessed with trauma, not shame 15:55 Older generations vs younger generations  16:30 The loss of relational connection  17:41 One relationship can’t meet all our needs  17:58 The Romance Myth  19:09 Sex doesn’t always happen at bedtime 20:53 Having more than one intimate relationship  22:41 Outro 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #RelationshipDiversity #SexTherapy #Intimacy #Shame #MentalHealthUK #RelationshipTherapy #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around mental health in the family, bipolar disorder, coming out, and psychosexual therapy. 🎧 Join us for a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation with psychosexual and relationship counsellor Hilton da Silva as he shares his journey from Brazil to London, navigating family mental health challenges, and finding freedom to be his authentic self. This honest and inclusive discussion explores how early experiences with mental health in the family shaped Hilton's path to becoming a specialist in psychosexual and relationship work, offering valuable insights for people in relationships of all kinds. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Hilton openly shares: • Growing up in Brazil and experiencing mental health problems in his family from a young age • How his brother's bipolar disorder and erratic behaviour impacted the entire family • Moving to live with a relative as a teenager due to family circumstances • Finding his way as a queer person and the challenges of growing up LGBTQIA+ • His decision to move to London where he felt freer to be his true self • Training to become a therapist and specialising in psychosexual and relationship work • Supporting clients with sexual dysfunction, shame, intimacy, and communication issues • Working as Team Leader for Wandsworth Talking Therapies This essential conversation offers inclusive and sound advice for people in every sort of relationship, however they identify, and valuable insights into how personal experiences can inform therapeutic specialisation. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • The impact of family mental health challenges on young people • Navigating cultural and family expectations around sexuality and identity • Finding freedom and authenticity through geographical change • How psychosexual and relationship therapy works in practice • Supporting clients with sexual dysfunction and intimacy issues • Addressing shame and communication problems in relationships • Conflict avoidance and its impact on relationships • Creating inclusive therapeutic spaces for all relationship types • The connection between personal healing and professional calling Chapters: 00:00 Intro  1:15 Why Hilton went to therapy & his brother's journey to being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder  06:54 Hilton’s decision to move away as a teenager  09:35 Hilton’s experience as a gay, cisgender man living in Brazil and hiding his sexuality as a teenager  10:13 How Hilton’s mum discovered his sexuality  11:35 The fear of being asked to leave your home because your sexuality isn’t accepted  12:10 Hilton’s first experience of therapy at 33 13:00 Why Hilton came to London  14:07 Hilton’s unexpected journey to becoming a therapist  15:30 Hilton’s best therapist & the importance of finding the right therapist as being part of a marginalised community 16:17 How Hilton knew he was gay & dating girls  17:29 Making LGBTQ+ friends & the freedom they feel to be open in London 18:52 Transphobic crime in Brazil  20:00 Hilton’s journey to training to become a therapist  21:32 Hilton’s marriage to a fellow therapist  22:24 What is Psychosexual Therapy  22:47 Vagnismus 24:26 Couple’s Therapy common challenges   25:05 Relationship Problems 25:38 The benefit of going to therapy  27:38 Avoidant-Conflict  28:24 How Hilton works now  30:15 Working with the LGBT community, keeping up with the younger generation & different identities 32:20 The most common issue that people bring into the therapy room with Hilton  34:00 Hilton’s final message for listeners  35:15 Outro          🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #LGBTQTherapy #RelationshipTherapy #MentalHealthUK #SexTherapy #TherapyTraining #InclusiveTherapy

This episode contains discussion around addiction, cancer, grief and loss, and bullying. 🎧 Join us for an incredibly moving and inspirational conversation with businesswoman and mindset coach Nina Stephenson-Camps as she shares her profound journey through addiction recovery, devastating loss, and the resilience required to rebuild life in the worst possible circumstances. This open, emotional and wide-ranging discussion explores how Nina transformed her life twice - first overcoming addiction whilst building a successful PR career, and then facing the ultimate test when her husband was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, leaving her to raise two young daughters alone. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Nina openly shares: • Recognising that addiction issues had taken control despite career success in PR • The pivotal moment of seeking help from a life coach • Making the brave decision to quit her job and travel the world for a year • Getting clean and sober and the role therapy played in her recovery • Pivoting from high-pressure corporate PR to freelance mindset coaching • Her husband's devastating late-stage cancer diagnosis • Exhausting all treatment options and facing the reality of terminal illness • Supporting her husband through his final months at home • The unimaginable challenge of single parenting two young daughters through grief • Rebuilding life and finding hope after the worst possible loss This essential conversation offers profound insights into resilience, hope, and the human capacity to survive and thrive after life's most devastating challenges. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Recognising and addressing addiction whilst maintaining professional success • The role of life coaching in early recovery • Using travel and new experiences as part of healing • Transitioning from corporate life to meaningful work • Supporting a partner through terminal illness • Helping children understand and process bereavement • Single parenting whilst processing your own grief • Finding strength you didn't know you had • Building a new life from the ground up • The importance of professional support during crisis Chapters:  00:00 Intro  1:25 Why Nina Went into Therapy 06:10 Being Promoted While Working in PR & Having a Breakdown 07:37 Nina's Solo Travelling & Stopping Drinking  10:20 Nina's Dynamics with Female Bosses 13:00 Nina's Transition to Freelancing & Using Meditation Techniques 15:28 Not Being Concerned By Others Perception  17:28 How Nina Works with Teams & Organisations 19:20 Developing Compassion in a Corporate Space 20:20 Nina's Husband's Diagnosis  26:50 Nina and her Families Conversations About Death 29:50 Nina's Husbands Death 30:50 Nina's Experience of Grief & Navigating Other Peoples' Projections 33:00 Watching Her Daughters' Go Through The Grief of Losing Their Dad 38:55 Nina's New Capacity Levels for Work  40:00 The First Year of Grief Isn't the Hardest 41:05 Nina's Advice for Listeners 42:40 Outro 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #GriefSupport #AddictionRecovery #Bereavement #SingleParenting #Resilience #MentalHealthUK #LifeCoaching #WidowSupport

This episode contains discussion around working as a Social Worker, Covid, burnout, childhood experiences and Black Beauty standards. 🎧 Join us for an empowering and deeply relatable conversation with social worker, counsellor and coach Xena James as she shares her journey from burnout to breakthrough, tackling perfectionism and reconnecting with her inner child. This honest and insightful discussion explores how frontline work during Covid led to burnout, and how therapy became the catalyst for profound personal transformation and self-acceptance. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast, Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Xena openly shares: • Her experience of burnout as a frontline social worker during the pandemic • How an Employee Assistance Programme therapist gave her a 'moment to slow down' • Using social work insights to reassess her own adverse childhood experiences • Struggling with unrealistic standards of Black Beauty whilst growing up • The constant feeling that her natural self was never enough • How perfectionism became a coping mechanism and barrier to authenticity • Her journey towards self-acceptance and embracing her inner child • Successfully balancing teaching social work with coaching and counselling This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with social media pressure, perfectionism, and the journey towards genuine self-acceptance. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Recognising and recovering from professional burnout • The impact of adverse childhood experiences on adult perfectionism • Navigating beauty standards and cultural expectations • How social work skills can inform personal healing • The role of therapy in breaking perfectionist patterns • Reconnecting with your authentic self and inner child • Balancing multiple professional roles whilst maintaining wellbeing • Practical strategies for overcoming perfectionism • The importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world Chapters: 00:00 Intro 1:30 Why Xena Went Into Therapy & Working as a Social Work 2:40 Working as a Social Worker During Covid 3:46 The Journey Leading Up to Therapy & Xena's Experience as an Adolescent 05:50 How Xena Processes Herself & Inner Child Work 06:23 Feeling Like a Failure For Going to Therapy 07:37 Finding & Meeting Your Own Needs 09:40 Image & Perfectionism 10:35 Beauty Standards as a Woman of Colour 15:02 Structural Family Therapy 17:17 Xena's Journey to Becoming a Therapist Through Education 18:20 Inner Child Work 19:31 Xena on Talking to Her 12 Year Old Self 21:40 Reparenting Yourself Through Therapy 22:37 Xena's Current Role & Being a Student at The Awareness Centre 23:14 Outro 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #Perfectionism #InnerChild #SocialWork #Burnout #SelfAcceptance #MentalHealthUK #BlackBeauty #TherapyTraining

This episode contains discussion around addiction, rehab, grooming, cuckoo'ing, and chemsex. 🎧 Join us for an incredibly honest and inspiring conversation with counsellor and campaigner Ben Kaye as he shares his remarkable journey from addiction and breakdown to becoming an award-winning therapist specialising in LGBTQ+ substance misuse and chemsex support. This powerful episode reveals how life can completely change course twice - first when Ben's parents divorced at 15, derailing his university dreams, and again at 37 when a "tsunami of personal circumstances" led to his breakdown and recovery journey. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Ben openly shares: • How his parents' divorce at 15 changed his life trajectory overnight • Working in the City for 20+ years whilst feeling completely stuck • Using substances from age 15 to 37 as a way to change how he felt • His mental breakdown at 37 and the dangerous situations he found himself in • Walking through the doors of a Lambeth drug and alcohol service • His transformative three months in rehab in Bournemouth • Discovering he could retrain and pursue education for the first time since leaving school • Launching Dorset's first LGBTQ+ recovery groups and chemsex support services • Completing his counselling qualifications and psychology master's degree This profoundly moving conversation offers hope and practical guidance for anyone struggling with addiction, identity, or feeling trapped in their circumstances. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • The impact of family breakdown on teenage development • Feeling stuck in careers that don't align with your true self • Substance use as emotional regulation and escape • The chemsex scene and its specific challenges • Finding culturally competent therapeutic support • The importance of being truly heard versus just listened to • How personal struggles can inform professional specialisation • Building LGBTQ+ specific services outside major cities • The difference between MSM (men who have sex with men) and gay identity • Practical advice on finding the right therapist Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Parents' divorce and life derailment at 15 05:30 Working in the City and feeling stuck 09:00 Substance use as coping mechanism 09:32 Mental breakdown at 37 11:50 Accessing drug and alcohol services 13:10 Rehab experience in Bournemouth 13:30 Chemsex explanation 14:45 Rehab in Bournemouth 19:20 Mental Health & Being Believed 20:14 Working in Drug & Alcohol Services as an Addictions Therapist 20:29 Grooming & Cuckoo'ing 20:50 LGTBQI Specific Therapy 22:58 Training to Become a Counsellor 23:20 Volunteering at a Drug & Alcohol Charity 23:54 Launching the Charity's First LGBTQ Recovery Group 24:52 Creating a Chemsex Drop In Clinic 25:46 Launching the Charity's First LGBTQ Webchat Facility 26:20 Therapy Training & Psychology Masters 27:48 The Next Chapter in Ben's Journey & Returning to The Awareness Centre 28:57 Meeting Clients Where They Are 29:50 Shame Around Sex & Behaviours Around Sex and Finding The Right Therapist 31:16 Male Prison Population & MSM 32:12 Ben's Message to Listeners Who Are Struggling 32:40 Being Listened to vs. Feeling Heard 35:00 Outro 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #LGBTQTherapy #AddictionRecovery #ChemsexSupport #MentalHealthUK #SubstanceMisuse #TherapyTraining #RecoveryStory

This episode contains discussion around infertility, IVF, and being hospitalised as a young child.    🎧 Join us for a fascinating and frank conversation with psychosexual psychotherapist and trainer Julie Sale as she shares her remarkable journey from working-class roots in the Midlands to becoming a specialist in sex and relationship therapy.  This honest and wide-ranging discussion opens up important conversations about class, guilt, irrational beliefs, and the true price of success. In this compelling episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Julie openly shares: • Her near-death experience as a child and its lasting impact on her worldview • Struggling with class identity whilst building a successful corporate career • How past experiences resurfaced during her fertility journey in adulthood • Being overwhelmed by irrational beliefs and the stress of infertility • Her transformative therapy experience and decision to retrain as a psychotherapist • Specialising in psychosexual therapy after her own healing journey This profoundly insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in class identity, fertility struggles, career transitions, or understanding how our past experiences shape our professional calling. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • Navigating class identity and imposter syndrome in professional settings • The connection between childhood trauma and adult fertility challenges • Reframing fear and anxiety as excitement and anticipation • Experiencing both good and bad therapy - and knowing the difference • How personal struggles can inform therapeutic specialisation • Practical advice on finding the right therapist and knowing when to leave   00:00 Intro 01:00 Julie's Journey to Becoming a Therapist  02:29 The Perception of Counselling Before The Age of Social Media  03:40 Julie's Yorkshire Working Class Background  05:29 Julie's Approach to University & Work  06:45 A Disappointing Experience in the Corporate World  07:29 Transitioning from a Working Class Family to a Middle Class Lifestyle 09:40 Julie's Experience in Hospital at 5  10:50 Experiencing Infertility  12:48 The Realities of Discussing Your Parents and Family in Therapy  15:20 Rebranding Feeling Terrified to Excited  16:16 Therapy Isn't About Other People - It's About You  17:25 Experiencing Infertility in a Corporate Setting and IVF Treatment 19:18 The Psychological Componenet of Infertility  20:50 Going to Counselling for Infertility and Having a 'Bad' Therapist 22:39 Starting Psychotherapy Training 25:00 How to Find a Good Therapist & When to Leave A 'Bad' Therapist  28:30 Outro    🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #ClassIdentity #FertilitySupport #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

🎧 Join us for a personal and moving conversation with therapist and Counselling Manager Seda Albay as she shares her powerful journey from being targeted by bullies to becoming a therapist for others with similar experiences.  This honest and courageous discussion opens up vital conversations about bullying, shame, isolation, and the long-term impact of childhood trauma on our ability to communicate and connect. In this compelling episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Seda bravely shares: • Her transformation from an outgoing child to becoming isolated after experiencing secondary school bullying • The shame that prevented her from telling her family about her struggles • How the trauma manifested physically, leading to a Colitis diagnosis and hospitalisation • Her journey of becoming self-reliant whilst struggling to communicate her needs • Finding healing through university friendships and therapy training This profoundly insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in bullying recovery, understanding shame, or exploring how personal experiences can inform therapeutic practice. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • The devastating impact of bullying on childhood development • How shame prevents us from seeking help when we need it most • The connection between emotional trauma and physical health conditions • Learning to express repressed emotions through therapy and friendship • From isolation to connection: rebuilding trust and communication • Using personal experience to help clients with similar struggles 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #BullyingRecovery #ShameHealing #MentalHealthUK #TraumaTherapy #CounsellingManager

🎧 Join us for a deeply moving and inspiring conversation with integrative counsellor Amy Sharpe as she shares her remarkable journey from an unconventional adoption story to discovering her true calling in therapy. This honest and heartfelt discussion opens up important conversations about family, belonging, anxiety, and the transformative power of human connection. In this touching episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Amy openly shares: • Her unique adoption story - raised by extended family before being adopted by her godparents at age 11 • Growing up with absent birth parents and the impact on her sense of identity • Struggling with anxieties around the concept of 'home' and belonging • Discovering her vocation through a counselling taster course in her thirties • How therapy helped her understand the root causes of her distress This profoundly insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in adoption experiences, anxiety management, or finding purpose through helping others heal. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • Navigating unconventional family structures and adoption • The lasting impact of early childhood experiences on adult anxiety • From career dissatisfaction to discovering a therapeutic calling • How personal therapy informed professional practice • The importance of processing difficult emotions rather than avoiding them • Creating safe spaces for others to explore their full range of feelings 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #AdoptionStory #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthUK #IntegrativeCounselling #TherapyTraining

🎧 Join us for a remarkable and courageous conversation with counsellor, lecturer and supervisor Bonny Allyson as she shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood surrounded by violence and crime to finding recovery and purpose through therapy. This powerful and honest discussion opens up crucial conversations about trauma, healing, and the transformative power of therapeutic work. In this fascinating episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Bonny bravely shares: • Growing up in a family of South London gangsters, witnessing violence, crime and domestic abuse • Her desperate longing to escape her traumatic situation • How a relative's counsellor's encouragement set her on the path to becoming a therapist • Finding purpose and beginning to heal her own traumas through therapeutic training This deeply inspiring conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in trauma recovery, the healing power of therapy training, or understanding how personal experience can inform professional practice. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • Surviving childhood trauma in a criminal family environment • The journey from victim to survivor to healer • How therapy training can be part of personal recovery • Managing anxiety and PTSD through therapeutic work • The power of positive self-talk in recovery • From personal healing to helping others as counsellor, lecturer and supervisor 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #TraumaRecovery #PTSDHealing #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy #TherapyTraining

🎧 Join us for a powerful and inspiring conversation with trainee integrative counsellor Neil Bennett as he shares his transformative journey from personal struggle to passionate advocacy. This honest and compelling discussion opens up crucial conversations about anger, addiction, racism, and the importance of culturally sensitive mental health services. In this moving episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Neil courageously shares: • Growing up in South London witnessing his community and parents struggle with racism and ostracisation • The disconnect he felt between his parents' immigrant experience and his own identity as a black Londoner • How anger and confusion manifested in addiction and his path to recovery • His transition from service user to volunteer to qualified Health and Social Care professional This deeply insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in community mental health, addiction recovery, or creating inclusive therapeutic services for marginalised communities. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • The impact of racism and community ostracisation on mental health • Navigating identity as a second-generation immigrant • From addiction to advocacy: a personal transformation story • The importance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms • Creating culturally sensitive services through ARC project • Training as an Integrative Counsellor whilst building community services 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthEquality #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy

🎧 Join us for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation with psychotherapist, teacher, clinical supervisor and businesswoman Amy Launder as she shares her journey from teenage aspiration to successful multi-faceted practice. This engaging discussion opens up crucial conversations about the business of caring, emotionally immature parents, loneliness, and the benefits of long-term therapy. In this comprehensive episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Amy openly shares: • Her journey from deciding to be a therapist as a teenager to qualifying in her mid-20s • Early struggles with being taken seriously by clients and herself • Successfully juggling a thriving private practice with other business interests • Her specialisation in treating children of emotionally immature parents This deeply informative conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in building a sustainable therapy practice, understanding family dynamics, or exploring the benefits of long-term therapeutic work. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • Building credibility as a young therapist • The business approach to therapy practice • Treating children of emotionally immature parents • Navigating difficult family relationships • The origins and meaning of 'Flying Monkeys' • Benefits of long-term therapy relationships 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/a-bunch-of-therapists #TherapyUK #TherapyBusiness #EmotionallyImmatureParents #LongTermTherapy #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy A Bunch of Therapists Podcast brings you authentic conversations about mental health and therapy. New episodes weekly.