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 

 

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