A Bunch of Therapists

Food, Love and Attachment: The Psychology of How We Eat | Dr Andrea Oskis

This episode contains discussion around grief, loss, relationships, attachment, and food psychology.
This episode of A Bunch of Therapists is proudly sponsored by TAC Training School. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a therapist or are looking to enhance your clinical skills, TAC Training School offers a complete, supportive pathway into the profession. From foundation-level counselling courses to their BACP-accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Diploma in Clinical Supervision, their programmes are led by expert tutors and designed to help you grow into a confident, ethical, and skilled practitioner. To find out more, visit http://www.tactrainingschool.com/ and take the next step in your therapy journey.
🎧 Join us for an entertaining and enlightening conversation with academic, cook, Financial Times Book of the Year Author and psychotherapist Dr Andrea Oskis as she shares insights from her new book 'The Kitchen Shrink: How the food we eat is the key to how we love', exploring how food stories from therapy reveal the deeper truths about our relationships and psychological wellbeing.
This thought-provoking discussion explores how food is fundamental to our emotional lives, profoundly affecting how we deal with life's big challenges - love, loss, separation and jealousy.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Dr Oskis openly shares:• How food stories told by clients in therapy explain how we form and sustain relationships• The 'fried egg theory of grief' and what it reveals about loss• The 'hot sauce paradigm' and its connection to relationship dynamics• Combining storytelling, recipes and Attachment Theory in therapeutic practice• How food affects our psychological wellbeing beyond basic nutrition• Understanding the emotional connection between what we eat and how we love• Practical insights for grieving partners and parents of picky eaters• Why there's a lot of discussion about eggs in this episode• How academic research, cooking and psychotherapy intersect• Recognising food as more than just sustenance in our emotional lives
This essential conversation offers valuable guidance for anyone interested in the psychology of food, attachment patterns in relationships, or understanding how our eating habits reflect our emotional world.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• The intersection of food, psychology and relationships• Attachment Theory and how we form connections with others• The 'fried egg theory of grief' explained• The 'hot sauce paradigm' and relationship dynamics• How food stories reveal deeper psychological truths• Using recipes and storytelling in therapeutic practice• Food as a lens for understanding love, loss and separation• The emotional significance of what and how we eat• Consoling grief and supporting parents through food psychology• Why eggs feature so prominently in food and relationship narratives
 
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Work Addiction, Perfectionism and Choosing a Softer Life | Maryane Mwaniki

This episode discusses childhood hardship, caring responsibilities, racism, perfectionism, overwork, stress, and serious health issues.
This episode of A Bunch of Therapists is proudly sponsored by TAC Training School. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a therapist or are looking to enhance your clinical skills, TAC Training School offers a complete, supportive pathway into the profession. From foundation-level counselling courses to their BACP-accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Diploma in Clinical Supervision, their programmes are led by expert tutors and designed to help you grow into a confident, ethical, and skilled practitioner. To find out more, visit http://www.tactrainingschool.com/ and take the next step in your therapy journey. 🎧 Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation with counsellor, coach and public speaker Maryane Mwaniki as she shares her journey from growing up with constant money struggles and caring for her mother from a young age, to becoming a high achiever in a demanding professional world before being forced to confront the cost of overwork.
This thoughtful discussion explores how childhood experiences can shape perfectionism and work addiction, and why slowing down can be the beginning of a more balanced and fulfilling life.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Maryane openly shares:• Growing up in a family affected by ongoing money struggles• Caring for her mother, who lived with chronic ill-health and did not speak English as a first language• Advocating for her family from a young age• Becoming highly driven and high-achieving at work• Studying English and going on to work in Higher Education• Being the only young, Black female in a space dominated by older White men• Building a successful career at pace• Reaching a point of personal stress and overwork that led to serious health issues• Being forced to slow down and re-evaluate her priorities• Addressing what she describes as 'a work addiction'• Retraining as a counsellor after her recovery• Choosing to live a 'softer life' centred more on balance than perfection• Working now as a counsellor, coach and public speaker with individuals, couples and groups
This essential conversation offers valuable insight for high achievers struggling with perfectionism, overwork, and the pressure of trying to 'have it all'.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• Childhood hardship and early caring responsibilities• Growing up with financial pressure and family advocacy• The roots of perfectionism and overachievement• Navigating race, gender and identity in professional spaces• The impact of chronic stress and overwork on health• Recognising and addressing work addiction• Slowing down and re-evaluating priorities• Recovery and career change• Retraining as a counsellor• Living a softer, more balanced life• Supporting individuals, couples and groups through counselling and coaching
🎬 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
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Sex, Relationships and Compulsive Behaviours | Silva Neves

This episode discusses sex therapy, compulsive sexual behaviours, relationship dynamics, monogamy, conversion therapy, sex education, and pornography.
This episode of A Bunch of Therapists is proudly sponsored by The Awareness Centre, a leading counselling and psychotherapy practice in London with over 300 therapists, offering therapy both in person and online. With a range of fee options designed to make support more accessible, no GP referral needed, no waiting list, and appointments available seven days a week. Visit https://https://theawarenesscentre.com/ to find the right therapist for you.
🎧 Join us for a refreshing and insightful conversation with sex and relationships therapist and author Silva Neves as he shares his transformative approach to understanding compulsive sexual behaviours through psychotherapy rather than addiction frameworks.
This honest discussion explores how childhood experiences shape adult patterns, and why compassion and non-judgment are essential when working with complex relationship and sexual issues.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Silva openly shares:• His radical approach to treating compulsive sexual behaviours• Why addiction frameworks don't fit sexual behaviour patterns• Using psychotherapy to understand root causes formed in childhood• The stories behind compulsive behaviours• His perspective on monogamy• Thoughts on conversion therapy• Sex education and its impact• The role of pornography in relationships• Working with clients with compassion and non-judgment
This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone interested in sex therapy, relationship dynamics, or understanding compulsive behaviours from a psychological perspective.
Key Topics Discussed:• Compulsive sexual behaviours and psychological roots• Childhood experiences shaping adult patterns• Moving beyond addiction models in sex therapy• Monogamy and relationship structures• Conversion therapy and its implications• Sex education and awareness• Pornography and relationships• Compassionate, non-judgmental therapeutic approaches• Understanding clients' stories and experiences
🎬 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 other Thursday
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The Footballer Who Became a Therapist | Anthony Bedward

This episode discusses supporting survivors of sexual abuse, undiagnosed dyslexia, overcoming adversity, football, youth work, and vulnerability.
This episode is sponsored by The Awareness Centre.  The Awareness Centre offers counselling and psychotherapy in a way that feels genuinely accessible. From NHS talking therapies, private therapy, and a low cost counselling service, we love that they're making good therapy available to more people. To find out more about their services, please visit https://https://theawarenesscentre.com/
🎧 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist Anthony Bedward. Once a promising footballer, Anthony’s journey took a dramatic turn after an injury forced him to leave the sport behind. Facing undiagnosed dyslexia and leaving school unable to read or write, he went on to build a career as a youth worker and mentor before finding his calling in therapy. Anthony shares the emotional and financial challenges of training as a counsellor, the struggle with vulnerability, especially for young Black men, and his dedication to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and promoting emotional literacy.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Anthony openly shares:• Growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and leaving school without qualifications• His early promise as a footballer and the impact of injury• Building a career as a youth worker and mentor• Facing redundancy and choosing a new path in counselling• Overcoming emotional and financial barriers as a student therapist• The challenge of vulnerability for young Black men• His work supporting survivors of sexual abuse• Advocating for emotional literacy in young men
This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone overcoming adversity, navigating career changes, or interested in the importance of vulnerability and emotional support.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:
• The impact of undiagnosed learning difficulties• Football, identity, and life after sport• Youth work as a foundation for therapeutic practice• Navigating redundancy and career transition• Barriers to training as a therapist• Emotional literacy and vulnerability in men• Supporting survivors of sexual abuse• Advocacy and private practice
🎬 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
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Overcoming an Eating Disorder | Sabine Tendas

This episode discusses eating disorders, cultural stoicism, vulnerability, depression, and body image.
🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Dance Movement Psychotherapist and Transactional Analyst Sabine Tendas as she shares her transformative journey from struggling with an eating disorder in a culture that valued toughness to becoming a therapist who heals through the power of movement and embodied expression.
This honest discussion explores how vulnerability and self-compassion can transform our relationship with our bodies, and why integrating movement into therapy offers profound possibilities.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Sabine openly shares:• Growing up in Sardinia in a culture that encouraged stoicism and toughness• Struggling with an eating disorder as a young woman• The shame and isolation of her eating disorder• Seeking therapy and experiencing the power of being supported and held• Learning to embrace vulnerability through her therapeutic relationship• The inspiration to train as a psychotherapist herself• Being a keen dancer throughout her life• Experiencing the healing power of movement during a period of depression• The realisation that dance could be integrated into therapeutic practice• Training internationally in Dance Movement Therapy• Her journey from Sardinia through Spain and Brazil to the UK• Developing a unique approach combining talking therapy with movement and bodywork• Working with clients to heal distress through physical expression• Using embodied therapy to access what words alone cannot reach• Transforming her own pain into compassionate therapeutic practice
This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone struggling with eating disorders, body image issues, depression, or interested in somatic and movement-based approaches to healing.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• Cultural messages about stoicism, toughness and emotional expression• Eating disorders as a response to emotional pain• The mind-body connection and embodied trauma• The healing power of being held and supported in therapy• Learning vulnerability and self-compassion• Depression and finding solace through movement• Dance and creative expression as therapeutic tools• Somatic therapy and body-centred approaches• Training in Dance Movement Therapy internationally• Integrating multiple therapeutic modalities• Accessing emotions through the body• Healing distress through physical expression• Using lived experience to support clients authentically• The transformative power of movement and embodiment
🎬 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 other Thursday
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From Teenage Dad to Doctorate | Dr Derek McKenzie

This episode contains themes of around racism, colourism, shame, educational inequality, and systemic discrimination.
🎧 Join us for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with psychotherapist Dr Derek McKenzie as he shares his extraordinary journey from facing severe racism and internalised colourism in 1970s South London to becoming a doctor who challenges Eurocentric norms in the therapy world.
This honest discussion explores how childhood adversity and systemic barriers can be transformed into purpose, and why centring Black voices and experiences is essential for authentic therapeutic practice.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Derek openly shares:• Growing up in South London during the 1970s• Facing relentless racism on the streets as a child• Internalising colourist messages from family and society• Experiencing shame at being darker skinned and African• Struggling in school and leaving without learning to read and write• Becoming a young father at 16• Working hard to support his family from a young age• Training as a youth worker• Learning to read and write in his 30s• Aspiring to become a social worker• Excelling in exams but being rejected for a university degree in social work• The pivotal decision to train in counselling instead• Building a private practice as a psychotherapist• Completing a doctorate in recent years• Centring Black authors and voices in his PhD research• Challenging Eurocentric norms in the therapy world• Using his lived experience to transform therapeutic practice
This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating racism, colourism, educational barriers, or interested in decolonising therapy and creating more inclusive mental health spaces.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• Racism and racial trauma in childhood• Colourism and internalised shame about skin colour and heritage• The intersection of racism and educational inequality• Systemic barriers to education and professional advancement• Young parenthood and early responsibility• Resilience and self-education despite institutional rejection• Career pivots and finding your path• The importance of representation in therapy training• Decolonising therapeutic practice• Centring Black voices and Black authors in academia• Challenging Eurocentric norms in mental health• Using lived experience to transform systems• Building authentic therapeutic relationships across difference
🎬 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 other Thursday
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Dual Heritage, Belonging and Finding Your Place | Mary-Claire Wilson

This honest discussion explores how early experiences of not belonging can shape our sense of self, and why therapy became the catalyst for understanding and embracing her unique identity.
This episode explores themes of dual heritage identity, racial identity, belonging, feeling like an outsider, and cultural displacement.
🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with psychotherapist and trainer Mary-Claire Wilson as she shares her transformative journey from feeling like an outsider in two different worlds to becoming a specialist who helps others navigate the complexities of dual and multi-heritage identity.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Mary-Claire openly shares:• Growing up in a village in Nigeria with her mother's family• The experience of dual heritage in a Nigerian community• Moving to the UK with her White father to a small village in Norfolk• Being singled out as the only person of dual heritage in both environments• Asking herself as a child: 'what's wrong with me?'• Feeling profoundly different and like an outsider• Studying at Oxford University and continued feelings of not belonging• Training as a primary school teacher• Experiencing a persistent feeling of emptiness she couldn't shake• Seeking therapy to address her emotional struggles• The transformative and healing power of her own therapeutic journey• The decision to change careers and train as a psychotherapist• Specialising in dual and multi-heritage identity work• Lecturing for various counselling and psychotherapy organisations• Running workshops on inclusion and social equity• Using her lived experience to support others navigating identity
This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating dual or multi-heritage identity, struggling with belonging, or seeking to understand how cultural displacement shapes our sense of self.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• Dual heritage identity and cultural displacement• Feeling like an outsider in multiple environments• The impact of being visibly different in predominantly White spaces• Racial identity development and self-perception• Childhood experiences of not belonging• Identity struggles at university and in professional settings• The persistent feeling of emptiness and disconnection• Therapy as a path to understanding and accepting yourself• Career transition from teaching to psychotherapy• Specialising in dual and multi-heritage therapeutic work• Creating inclusive spaces and challenging social inequity• Using lived experience to support clients authentically• Finding belonging and peace with your identity
🎬 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 other Thursday
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Abandonment, Anger and Attachment Theory | Alina Badescu

This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone struggling with abandonment fears, anger management, relationship difficulties, or seeking to understand how early experiences shape our adult lives.
🎧 Join us for a warm and deeply personal conversation with integrative therapist Alina Badescu as she shares her transformative journey from childhood abandonment and anger issues to becoming a counsellor who helps others heal through understanding attachment.
This honest discussion explores how early childhood experiences shape our relationships, and why discovering Attachment Theory became the catalyst for profound personal and professional transformation.
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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Alina openly shares:• Growing up in Romania in the countryside with her grandmother and aunt• The shock of being reclaimed by her mother and moving to town• Struggling to adjust to living with parents she barely knew• Developing abandonment and anger issues in childhood• How these unresolved issues impacted her romantic relationships• The strain on her bond with her own children• Facing workplace challenges stemming from unhealed trauma• Coming to England in 2013 and working a succession of dead-end jobs• Hitting crisis point during the Covid pandemic• Discovering a Facebook video about Attachment Theory that changed everything• The pivotal decision to train as a counsellor• How therapy transformed both her personal and professional life• Using her lived experience to support clients with similar struggles• Finding compassion for herself and others through healing work
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• Early childhood separation and its lasting impact• Abandonment trauma and attachment patterns• How unresolved childhood issues affect romantic relationships• The impact of parental trauma on parenting your own children• Anger as a response to unmet emotional needs• Career and workplace challenges rooted in trauma• Life transitions and crisis as catalysts for change• The transformative power of understanding Attachment Theory• Training as a therapist following personal healing• Using lived experience to support clients authentically• Breaking cycles of trauma through therapeutic work• Finding hope and healing after crisis
🎬 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 other Thursday
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From Outsider to Renowned Psychosexual Therapist | Silva Neves

This episode contains discussion around homophobia, family dynamics, identity, feeling different, sexual health, heteronormative standards, and therapeutic practice.
🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with psychosexual therapist and author Silva Neves as he shares his extraordinary journey from feeling like an outsider in a tiny rural French Alpine community to building a thriving practice in London challenging conventional approaches to sex and relationship therapy.
This engaging discussion explores how feeling different can become your greatest strength, and why seeking out environments where you truly belong is essential for personal 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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Silva openly shares:• Growing up as an only child in a complex family dynamic in the French Alps• Feeling different from an early age and longing to 'see the horizon'• Discovering a diverse London environment on a school trip aged 15• The bold decision to leave home at 18 with just £50 and a one-way ticket• Working a succession of low-paid jobs whilst building a new life• Finding his calling supporting schizophrenic patients in the community• Discovering a capacity for listening and curiosity about clients• Training as a therapist and specialising in psychosexual therapy• Challenging heteronormative standards in sex and relationship therapy• Building a successful practice and becoming a published author• The transformative power of seeking out where you belong
This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone feeling like an outsider, navigating identity, or interested in progressive approaches to sex and relationship therapy.
🔍 Key Topics Discussed:• Growing up feeling different in a small community• Family dynamics and early identity formation• The courage to leave home and start afresh• Finding your people and your place in the world• Career discovery through meaningful work• Psychosexual therapy and relationship dynamics• Challenging conventional approaches to sex and intimacy• The role of curiosity and listening in therapeutic practice• Building a successful therapy practice• Using lived experience to inform professional work
🎬 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
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Language, Belonging and Resilience | Ezgi Erik

This episode contains discussion around migration, language barriers, childhood responsibilities, cultural identity, and personal therapy experiences.
Join us for a moving and insightful conversation with therapist, psychologist and researcher Ezgi Erik as she shares her transformative journey from arriving in the UK at age 6 speaking no English to becoming a qualified therapist who specialises in reading the unspoken language of her clients.
This powerful discussion explores how early adversity and cultural displacement can become unexpected strengths in therapeutic practice, and why understanding our own migration story is crucial for healing 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 and Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC).
In this compelling episode, Ezgi openly shares:• Arriving in the UK from Turkey at age 6 with no English language skills• Struggling to understand teachers, classmates and school routines• Mastering English largely through watching British soap operas• Becoming a family interpreter and advocate whilst still in primary school• Managing doctors' appointments, bills and adult responsibilities as a child• The profound impact of early childhood displacement and responsibility• Processing her migration experience through personal therapy during counselling training• Discovering how her unusual childhood shaped her therapeutic abilities• Developing exceptional skills in reading body language, tone and non-verbal cues• The advantages of being a non-English speaker in developing emotional intelligence• Launching a career in clinical psychology and running a private practice• Balancing therapy work with psychology research
This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone who has experienced migration, cultural displacement, childhood responsibilities, or who is curious about how our early struggles can become our greatest strengths.
Key Topics Discussed:• The experience of arriving in a new country as a young child• Language barriers and the challenge of fitting in at school• Parentification: children taking on adult responsibilities• Cultural identity and belonging in a new country• Using unconventional methods to learn language and culture• Processing childhood trauma through personal therapy• How non-verbal communication skills develop in multilingual environments• The connection between migration experiences and emotional attunement• Reading body language and tone as therapeutic superpowers• From struggling child to skilled clinician• Integrating personal experience into professional practice• The role of psychology research in understanding migration and identity
 
🎬 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
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