A Bunch of Therapists

From Music Business to Desert Retreats: Blending Eastern Wisdom with Western Therapy | Ben McKie | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 21

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 Intro01:40 Why Ben went into therapy 05:00 Believing fabricated stories about yourself that are different from the truth 06:45 Growing up in different countries08:03 Ben’s Dad who was a monk 10:44 Setting up desert retreats 14:45 Sitting in an Oasis15:36 The beginning of the desert retreats19:35 The transformation that happens in the desert20:43 Therapy alone isn’t enough21:55 Eastern philosophy, medicine and wisdom23:00 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #EasternWisdom #ExecutiveCoaching #CareerTransition #AlternativeTherapy #DesertRetreats #MentalHealthUK #PersonalGrowth #TherapyTraining

How to Break Free from Toxic Relationships: Boarding School Trauma, Attachment & Healing | Dr Jane Halsall | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 20

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 centre05:01 Treatment centres being geared towards men 05:44 Jane’s own challenges surfacing 08:10 Jane’s experience at boarding school10:30 Struggling to fit in, bullying and feeling isolated11:40 Attachment Style and being ‘hard’ in relationships12:50 Is everyone traumatised?13:40 The traits of being traumatised15:34 Feeling guilty about being privileged and traumatised16:26 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 loss21:30 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 patterns32:04 Jane’s final message to viewers and listeners33:30 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #AttachmentTherapy #ToxicRelationships #BoardingSchoolTrauma #GriefTherapy #CounsellingPsychology #RelationshipTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

From Childhood Bullying to CBT Pioneer: 50 Years of Innovation in Therapy | Professor Windy Dryden | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 19

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 Introduction01:10 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 career04:00 Dropping out of University and going to Israel to a Kibbutz04:40 Returning to University and beginning his career as a therapist 08:35 Rational Emotive Psychotherapy09:58 Windy’s career progression11:28 Windy’s experience at Goldsmiths and being turned down for lecturing jobs 14:10 Windy’s stammer15:15 Going to America for CBT training 19:14 Rational Emotive Psychotherapy being ‘wiped out’ in the UK20:25 Writing 290 books 22:46 Single session therapy30:53 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #CBT #ProfessorWindyDryden #ONEplusTherapy #SelfAcceptance #Procrastination #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #TherapeuticInnovation

How to Overcome Shame Around Sex | Julie Sale Part 2 | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 18

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 shame15:55 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 bedtime20:53 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #RelationshipDiversity #SexTherapy #Intimacy #Shame #MentalHealthUK #RelationshipTherapy #TherapyTraining

How to Be Your True Self: Family, Sexuality & Mental Health | Hilton da Silva | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 17

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 3313:00 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 community16:17 How Hilton knew he was gay & dating girls 17:29 Making LGBTQ+ friends & the freedom they feel to be open in London18:52 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 Vagnismus24:26 Couple’s Therapy common challenges  25:05 Relationship Problems25:38 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 identities32:20 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #LGBTQTherapy #RelationshipTherapy #MentalHealthUK #SexTherapy #TherapyTraining #InclusiveTherapy

From Addiction to Grief: How to Rebuild Your Life After Unimaginable Loss | Nina Stephenson-Camps | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 16

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 lossThis 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 Therapy06:10 Being Promoted While Working in PR & Having a Breakdown07:37 Nina's Solo Travelling & Stopping Drinking 10:20 Nina's Dynamics with Female Bosses13:00 Nina's Transition to Freelancing & Using Meditation Techniques15:28 Not Being Concerned By Others Perception 17:28 How Nina Works with Teams & Organisations19:20 Developing Compassion in a Corporate Space20:20 Nina's Husband's Diagnosis 26:50 Nina and her Families Conversations About Death29:50 Nina's Husbands Death30:50 Nina's Experience of Grief & Navigating Other Peoples' Projections33:00 Watching Her Daughters' Go Through The Grief of Losing Their Dad38:55 Nina's New Capacity Levels for Work 40:00 The First Year of Grief Isn't the Hardest41:05 Nina's Advice for Listeners42:40 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: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #GriefSupport #AddictionRecovery #Bereavement #SingleParenting #Resilience #MentalHealthUK #LifeCoaching #WidowSupport

Fighting Perfectionism, Black Beauty Standards and Reconnecting with Your Inner Child | Xena James | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 15

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 counsellingThis 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 worldChapters: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 Adolescent05:50 How Xena Processes Herself & Inner Child Work06:23 Feeling Like a Failure For Going to Therapy07:37 Finding & Meeting Your Own Needs09:40 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 Education18:20 Inner Child Work 19:31 Xena on Talking to Her 12 Year Old Self 21:40 Reparenting Yourself Through Therapy22:37 Xena's Current Role & Being a Student at The Awareness Centre23:14 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists#TherapyUK #Perfectionism #InnerChild #SocialWork #Burnout #SelfAcceptance #MentalHealthUK #BlackBeauty #TherapyTraining

From Rock Bottom to Award-Winning Therapist | Ben Kaye | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 14

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 degreeThis 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 therapistChapters: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Parents' divorce and life derailment at 1505:30 Working in the City and feeling stuck09:00 Substance use as coping mechanism09:32 Mental breakdown at 3711:50 Accessing drug and alcohol services13:10 Rehab experience in Bournemouth13:30 Chemsex explanation14:45 Rehab in Bournemouth19:20 Mental Health & Being Believed20:14 Working in Drug & Alcohol Services as an Addictions Therapist20:29 Grooming & Cuckoo'ing20:50 LGTBQI Specific Therapy 22:58 Training to Become a Counsellor 23:20 Volunteering at a Drug & Alcohol Charity23:54 Launching the Charity's First LGBTQ Recovery Group24:52 Creating a Chemsex Drop In Clinic25:46 Launching the Charity's First LGBTQ Webchat Facility26:20 Therapy Training & Psychology Masters27:48 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 Therapist31:16 Male Prison Population & MSM 32:12 Ben's Message to Listeners Who Are Struggling32:40 Being Listened to vs. Feeling Heard35:00 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists#TherapyUK #LGBTQTherapy #AddictionRecovery #ChemsexSupport #MentalHealthUK #SubstanceMisuse #TherapyTraining #RecoveryStory

From Working Class Roots to Psychosexual Therapy | Julie Sale | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 13

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 Intro01:00 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 Lifestyle09:40 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 Treatment19:18 The Psychological Componenet of Infertility 20:50 Going to Counselling for Infertility and Having a 'Bad' Therapist22:39 Starting Psychotherapy Training25:00 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: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #ClassIdentity #FertilitySupport #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

From Bullying and Shame to Helping Others Heal | Seda Albay | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 12

🎧 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 trainingThis 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
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