Mastering Therapy

How do you begin your therapy sessions? Do you use specific questions or perhaps an exercise? Do you sit in silence? Do you do the same thing for everyone?In this episode Dr Natalie Stott invites you reflect on your current session openings . Often overlooked due to routine, how we commence sessions can significantly shape the how the session develops. Drawing insights from a poll conducted among therapists, this episode explores different approaches for making the start of each session impactful and tailored to your client's needs. Natalie breaks the results from the poll into the following sections:02:12 Self reflection04:17 Agenda setting07:08 Client-led beginnings 11:31 Therapist-led approaches14:11 Mindfulness openings 17:48 Creative methods Consider trying a new technique discussed in this episode and see how it influences your therapy practice.  ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes **For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.comTo recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guestFor private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com*****Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channelFollow Mastering therapy on instagramConnect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedInDisclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. 

Good sleep is more than just rest—it’s a foundation for mental health. But what happens when a client’s sleep is affecting their progress, even if they’re not there to address their sleep? In this episode Dr Natalie Stott speaks with CBT-i trained clinical psychologist, Dr Stuart Sadler. With 10-30% of people experiencing sleep issues, it's crucial to be equipped with how we can support our clients. This episode explores subtle ways to support clients facing sleep struggles without it being their primary focus. They cover the effects of medication on sleep architecture and the importance of prioritising quality over quantity of sleep. The discussion also includes strategies for weaning off sleep medication and small habit changes to improve sleep, despite long-standing issues. While sleep hygiene is commonly known, Dr Sadler highlights alternative tools like sleep diaries to support clients that might be struggling.01:58 Understanding sleep medicine04:27 Common sleep issues and their psychological links09:02 Impact of medication on sleep14:34 Practical tips for improving sleep33:15 Additional resources and training ***Guest Info***Connect with Dr Stuart Sadler on his website https://newcastlepsychologist.co.uk or at https://yorktherapyclinic.co.uk** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes **For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.comTo recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guestFor private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com*****Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channelFollow Mastering therapy on instagramConnect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedInDisclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. 

Where do you begin with a client who is grieving? What about if they are experiencing trauma but also grieving? What metaphors do you use to discuss how to make sense of what has happened for your client?In this episode of the Mastering Therapy Podcast, Dr. Natalie Stott and grief specialist Dr. Monika Wieliczko delve into the complexities of grief. They cover everything from the nuances between grief and complicated grief, to balancing life and mourning. The discussion provides a range of insights and practical strategies for supporting clients navigating loss. They discuss innovative tools like the 'grief MOT' and the importance of community resources, and holistic activities in supporting your client through this time. Discover how to approach grief with a trauma-informed lens, understand the impact of attachment styles, and integrate psychoeducation and social support in healing. Filled with metaphors and personal stories, this episode equips therapists and individuals alike with the knowledge to confidently manage grief.04:25 Understanding the grief cycle12:50 Identifying complicated grief17:10 Assessing trauma in grieving clients23:35 Using analogies and metaphors in therapy36:16 Creative outlets for grieving37:01 Conclusion and resources including the grief MOT***Guest Info***Connect with Dr Monika Wieliczko on LinkedInDownload the Grief MOTListen to the Guide to after life podcast HERE (a fantastic resource)6th stage: Finding meaning videoKubler-Ross Stages of Dying and Subsequent Models of Grief - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes **For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.comTo recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guestFor private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com*****Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channelFollow Mastering therapy on instagramConnect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedInDisclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

How do you approach working with clients that have a strong inner critic?This episode features an interview with Dr. Chris Irons, one of the leading psychologists within in the compassion focused therapy world. In this episode they explore managing self-criticism and the inner critic through Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). The discussion unveils practical exercises and tools, such as those available on the Balanced Minds website and the self-compassion app.Key insights include identifying self-critical behaviours, understanding their psychological impacts, and strategies like imagery exercises and compassionate writing to foster self-compassion that can be used with clients.05:05 Identifying and Addressing self-criticism08:35 Exploring the Functions of self-criticism18:22 Visualising the self-critic22:15 Managing distress during therapeutic exercises27:42 Exercises to address the self-critic37:21 Compassionate Mind Training38:48 Resources and tools for Compassion Focused Therapy***Guest Info***Connect with Dr Chris Irons on LinkedInBalanced Minds websiteSelf-Compassion app** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes **For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.comTo recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guestFor private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com*****Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channelFollow Mastering therapy on instagramConnect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedInDisclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. 

Hi! Welcome to the Mastering Therapy Podcast with me, Dr. Natalie Stott, Clinical Psychologist.This is your weekly go to show for psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors looking to enhance their therapy skills, gain confidence, and explore diverse therapy methods. This trailer highlights some of the upcoming season's topics, such as tackling a strong inner critic, working with the neurodivergent population, managing grief, and helping people getting unstuck from perfectionism and people pleasing behaviours. Qualified guests share their insights, practical strategies, and personal approaches to therapy.The mastering therapy podcast is free to download and available on your favourite podcast app. Visit masteringtherapy.com for more information. I look forward to you joining me.