A Bunch of Therapists

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
🎬 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 #BullyingRecovery #ShameHealing #MentalHealthUK #TraumaTherapy #CounsellingManager

From Unconventional Adoption to Finding Her Calling in Counselling | Amy Sharpe | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 11

🎧 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 distressThis 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: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #AdoptionStory #AnxietySupport #MentalHealthUK #IntegrativeCounselling #TherapyTraining

From South London Gangster Family to Counsellor, Lecturer and Supervisor | Bonny Allyson | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 10

🎧 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 trainingThis 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 ThursdayFollow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media:YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists#TherapyUK #TraumaRecovery #PTSDHealing #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy #TherapyTraining

From Anger and Addiction to Creating Services for Marginalised Communities | Neil Bennett | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 9

🎧 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: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists
#TherapyUK #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthEquality #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy

The Business of Caring For and Treating Children of Emotionally Immature Parents | Amy Launder | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 8

🎧 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: @ABunchofTherapistsTVTikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapistsInstagram: @abunchoftherapistsFacebook: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: A Bunch of TherapistsLinkedIn: 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.
 
 

From Post-Natal Depression to Combining Therapy and Fitness | Claudine van de Vyver | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 7

🎧 Join us for a fascinating and inspiring conversation with psychotherapist and fitness instructor Claudine van de Vyver as she shares her remarkable journey from experiencing crippling post-natal depression to becoming a therapist who uniquely combines body and mind work. This honest discussion opens up crucial conversations about post-natal mental health, dyslexia, and body dysmorphia.
In this powerful episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Claudine courageously shares:• Her experience of crippling post-natal depression over two decades ago• How life-changing therapy sparked her ambition to become a counsellor• Overcoming dyslexia fears to complete counselling training• Simultaneously training as both a therapist and yoga teacher
This deeply inspiring conversation offers valuable insights for anyone exploring the mind-body connection, working through post-natal challenges, or interested in overcoming academic fears to pursue their dreams.
🔍 Episode Highlights:• Post-natal depression and seeking therapy• Overcoming dyslexia to complete counselling training• The connection between body and mind in healing• Combining therapy practice with fitness instruction• Creating safe spaces in both therapy room and fitness studio
🎬 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: www.linkedin.com/company/a-bunch-of-therapists
#TherapyUK #PostNatalDepression #MindBodyConnection #DyslexiaSupport #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy
A Bunch of Therapists Podcast brings you authentic conversations about mental health and therapy. New episodes weekly.

The Challenges and Joys of Training to Become a Counsellor | Mandy Wax | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 6

🎧 Join us for an insightful and honest conversation with Mandy Wax, Senior Course Lead at The Awareness Centre Training School in London, as she shares the realities of learning to become a counsellor. This candid discussion opens up crucial conversations about the intellectual, emotional, and practical challenges of counselling training.
In this essential episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Mandy openly shares:• Her transition from schoolteacher to psychotherapist• Leading students through three years of intensive integrative counselling training• The transformative yet challenging nature of counselling education• Real struggles students face in their training journey
This deeply informative conversation offers valuable insights for anyone considering counselling training or currently navigating their studies in the field.
🔍 Episode Highlights:• The reality of counselling training challenges• Finding work-life balance during study• Struggles with finding placements• The pressure to work for free • The joyous and transformative aspects of learning therapy
🎬 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: www.linkedin.com/company/a-bunch-of-therapists
#TherapyUK #CounsellingTraining #MentalHealthEducation #TherapyStudents #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy
A Bunch of Therapists Podcast brings you authentic conversations about mental health and therapy. New episodes weekly.

From the Music Business to Working in Prisons as a Therapist and Beyond | Philippa Madden | A Bunch of Therapists Podcast | Episode 5

🎧 Join us for a profound and moving conversation with integrative counsellor and trauma therapist Philippa Madden as she shares her extraordinary journey from the music business to becoming a specialist in trauma work. This raw and honest discussion opens up crucial conversations about grief, career transitions, and finding purpose through healing.
In this powerful episode of A Bunch of Therapists podcast, Philippa courageously shares:• Her transition from music industry to therapy after a relationship breakup• Processing the loss of her father who died when she was just three years old• Her transformative work with violent criminals in the prison system• How conversations at The Awareness Centre sparked her therapeutic journey
This deeply moving conversation offers valuable insights for anyone exploring career changes, working through grief, or interested in trauma therapy and rehabilitation work.
🔍 Episode Highlights:• Career transition from music business to therapy• Processing childhood grief and father loss• Working with offenders and complex PTSD• The role of personal therapy in professional development• Lola, Philippa's dog's, training as a therapy dog 
🎬 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: www.linkedin.com/company/a-bunch-of-therapists
#TherapyUK #TraumaRecovery #CareerChange #GriefHealing #MentalHealthUK #LondonTherapy
A Bunch of Therapists Podcast brings you authentic conversations about mental health and therapy. New episodes weekly.