In this eye-opening episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker welcomes Dr Alice Loving, an expert in child protection, attachment, and trauma-informed social work. With over 14 years of experience working with families in community and residential settings, Dr Loving has pioneered innovative methods to support families in crisis. Her PhD research on "change facilitators" and "change inhibitors" has not only informed her work but has also shaped her mission to transform the social care system.

Dr Loving introduces her revolutionary video intervention approach, a mentalisation-based tool designed to enhance parental sensitivity and strengthen attachment. This episode dives deep into her passion for relationship-based practice, her vision for reforming social care, and practical strategies that can benefit parents, teachers, carers, and professionals.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:

• Carers Card UK (Sponsor): Gain access to thousands of discounts, support, and a community designed to empower carers. Visit Carers Card UK to learn more and claim your exclusive benefits today.
• Dr Alice Loving’s Two-Day Online Training: Explore evidence-based techniques for integrating attachment and mentalisation into practice.

Dr Loving highlights how attachment and mentalisation are foundational for fostering strong, supportive relationships within families. She explains the significance of understanding a child’s emotional world and how parents can better connect with their children through reflective tools like video intervention. This approach not only strengthens parent-child relationships but also equips carers and professionals with strategies to manage challenges effectively.

Drawing from her extensive research, Dr Loving discusses "change inhibitors" like denial, unresolved trauma, and low mentalisation, which can hinder progress in families. She contrasts these with "change facilitators" such as reflective practices and empathy-building tools that promote healing and growth. By focusing on these dynamics, carers, parents, and teachers can better navigate complex family challenges and support children more effectively.

Dr Loving calls for a proactive approach to social care that focuses on early intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration. She envisions a system where professionals work together in integrated teams to provide targeted support for families. This approach, she argues, is essential for preventing crises and ensuring long-term positive outcomes for children and their caregivers.

00:00:00 - Episode Introduction and Carers Card UK Sponsorship 00:01:26 - Welcome Dr Alice Loving: Social Work Trailblazer 00:03:14 - Alice’s Journey into Child Protection and Social Work 00:12:08 - Exploring Attachment, Trauma, and Mentalisation 00:20:32 - Change Inhibitors vs. Change Facilitators in Families 00:29:10 - The Video Intervention Model: A Transformational Tool 00:40:22 - Reforming Social Care: A Vision for the Future 00:53:19 - Practical Advice for Social Workers, Parents, and Carers 01:04:00 - Closing Remarks and Resources for Listeners

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In this transformative episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker explores the concept of resilience—what it means, why it’s essential for managing stress, and how to cultivate it in yourself and those you care for. Andy breaks down practical strategies to build resilience, emphasising its importance for caregivers, educators, parents, and leaders alike.

Drawing from real-life experiences, powerful analogies, and actionable advice, Andy offers a comprehensive guide to navigating life’s challenges with strength and grace. Whether you’re seeking ways to manage stress during the holiday season or looking to model resilience for others, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in the face of adversity while fostering calm, confidence, and growth in those around them.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:

• Carers Card UK: The UK’s #1 card for carers, offering discounts, support, and a sense of community. Learn more at Carers Card UK.
• Able Hub: Access exclusive content, events, and over 45 certified online courses on topics like self-care, neurodiversity, and conflict management. Try it free for 14 days at Able Hub.

Understanding Resilience Andy explains resilience as the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going despite adversity. It’s not about avoiding stress but about navigating it effectively and learning from challenges.

Emotional Regulation and Awareness Resilient individuals are emotionally aware and capable of processing their feelings healthily. Andy shares techniques like mindfulness and grounding to manage heightened emotions.

The Growth Mindset Reframing challenges as opportunities is a cornerstone of resilience. Andy offers strategies to shift from “I can’t” to “What can I try next?” using problem-solving and incremental progress.

Connection and Trusted Relationships Andy emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people who recharge your energy and help you stay motivated.

Building Confidence Through Small Wins Celebrate small successes to boost self-esteem and resilience. By recognising progress, you lay the foundation for handling bigger challenges.

Stress as a Tool for Growth Stress can be beneficial when viewed as a muscle-building exercise. Andy explains how changing your perception of stress can positively impact your resilience.

Practical Strategies for Everyday Resilience Andy shares a personal story about how martial arts helped a student build resilience through incremental progress, offering inspiration and actionable insights for listeners.

• 00:00:00 – Episode Introduction and Carer’s Card UK Sponsorship
• 00:02:15 – Resilience and Managing Stress During the Holiday Season
• 00:03:09 – Why Resilience Matters for Caregivers and Educators
• 00:06:06 – Reframing Challenges with a Growth Mindset
• 00:07:01 – Building Strong Relationships and Connections
• 00:09:38 – Creating a Coping Strategy Toolkit for Everyday Challenges
• 00:12:06 – Embracing Routines and Optimism for Stability
• 00:15:04 – Real-Life Story: Martial Arts and Resilience Building

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss future conversations on caregiving, mental health, and personal growth. Subscribe to the Able to Care Podcast on your favourite platform.

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• Instagram & TikTok: @abletocarepodcast
• LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram: @AbleTraining

Visit Able Hub to join a thriving community of caregivers, educators, and leaders. Gain access to exclusive resources, courses, and events to support your personal and professional growth.

In this transformative episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by the legendary Geoff Thompson—acclaimed author, playwright, and speaker—to explore themes of fear, forgiveness, and personal transformation. Geoff shares his remarkable journey from facing adversity to creating profound works of art, including his stage play Fragile and his feature film collaboration with Orlando Bloom.

With his deep insights into resilience, spirituality, and the power of truth, Geoff offers listeners a guide to turning life's challenges into light and empowerment.

This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone navigating fear, seeking forgiveness, or striving to live a life rooted in truth and kindness.

🎧 Resources Mentioned:

Geoff Thompson’s TED Talk: The Fear Pyramid

The Forgiveness Project Website

Recommended Reading:

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Key Messages:

Redefining Forgiveness

Geoff explains forgiveness as a transformative act of letting go—releasing entanglement and restoring balance through reciprocity, not necessarily pardon.

Overcoming Fear Through Action

Geoff reveals how he confronted his deepest fears, including vulnerability and judgment, and found empowerment by repeatedly stepping into discomfort.

The Power of Truth

Through his creative work and personal growth, Geoff illustrates the magnetic pull of truth in attracting opportunities and repelling negativity.

Kindness as a Transformational Tool

Geoff emphasises self-compassion and the impact of daily acts of kindness on personal and collective growth.

Living as an Example

By embodying truth, kindness, and resilience, Geoff shows how personal transformation can inspire and uplift others.

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Episode Introduction and Carer's Card UK Sponsorship

00:01:18 - Welcome Geoff Thompson: Author, Playwright, and Transformational Speaker

00:03:12 - Geoff’s Journey to Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose

00:12:24 - Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom and Healing

00:20:45 - Creating Fragile: The Power of Vulnerable Storytelling

00:31:02 - The Magnetic Pull of Truth in Creativity and Life

00:41:36 - Kindness and Self-Compassion: Practical Steps to Positive Change

00:52:12 - Geoff’s Advice for Caregivers and Educators on Facing Challenges

01:00:24 - Closing Reflections and Resources for Listeners

Stay Connected!

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LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram: @abletraining

TikTok: @abletocarepodcast

Looking for More Resources?

Visit our Able Hub website for courses, podcasts, and support resources to empower caregivers, educators, and advocates. Join the Able Hub community to gain exclusive access to content supporting your personal and professional growth.