Send us a text

In this episode, I welcome Lee Raspberry, a trainee therapist, to discuss his potential career transition from engineering to counselling. Lee shares insights from his journey, including challenges, passion, and has lots of valuable advice for those considering a similar path.

Key Points:

1. Lee's background: his experience in engineering and product management, completing an MBA at Warwick Business School and discovering a passion for psychology and organisational behaviour.

2. His catalysts for change: major life events, such as becoming a parent and the COVID pandemic, prompted Lee to re-evaluate his career, as well as personal experiences with counselling that ignited his interest in becoming a therapist.

3. Deciding to pursue counselling: Lee's realisation that a human-centered career path is likely to suit him better than his role in engineering, looking at the importance of self-reflection and identifying personal values.

4. Training at Matrix College: he talks about the integrative counselling degree course that he's currently studying, the balance of academic work and practical experience within the program.

5. Great advice for Aspiring Therapists: Lee has lots of suggestions for ideas to bear in mind in making the career change:

1 - What you do tomorrow doesn't devalue what you did today or yesterday.

2 - Change is inevitable, in you and in the world.

3 - Listen to your gut, give the cognitive muscle a rest.

4 - Explore and understand your values - recognise when they change.

5 - Seek new experiences that get you in touch with different sides of yourself.

6 - Expand your circle, look for variety in your connections.

7 - You cannot mitigate all the risk, dangers and unknowns. Change will cost time and money.

8 - You may never know if you don't have a go.

9 - Think about what you are moving away from, and towards.

10 - Think about the WORK, and HOW the work is done.

6. Challenges Faced: he talks about the potential challenges faced including balancing study, work, and family life while managing stress and deadlines.

7. Future Aspirations: Lee's goal of establishing a private practice while keeping an open mind about potential career developments as he encourages listeners to trust themselves and explore their passions.

Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'SUBSCRIBE' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

Subscriber’s question: ‘I'm struggling with this question right now. I've had a long career in technology, but am burned out from it and need to do something else. I also started getting counselling myself a few years ago and find it helpful and very interesting.

I'm also very much an introvert, and not really a people person at all, although I'm very sensitive and empathetic. How the heck do i know if i could be a good counsellor? Does a masters program sort of transform you into one?

Thanks!’

This podcast is a response to the above subscriber's question about how to know if one would be a good counsellor, given that they don't consider themselves a great "people person" and are more introverted. It also addresses a comment from another viewer about the need for a "portfolio career" to earn enough as a therapist.

I explore what I think are many of the common traits and qualities of a 'good therapist', such as:

- Curiosity and openness to new ideas
- Self-reflection and tolerance
- Empathy and sensitivity
- Emotional intimacy and vulnerability
- Active listening and communication skills
- Optimism and hope
- Good boundaries
- Honesty
- Warmth and kindness

The podcast also mentions other qualities like creativity, connection to nature, and lack of competitiveness. Looking specifically at the subscriber's question, I suggest that their perception of themselves as not being a "people person" or being introverted may be shaped by their past experiences and environment. The training and being around other therapists can help transform these beliefs and bring out the qualities that are valued in the profession, encouraging the subscriber to be curious and observant about how they feel in the training environment and to trust their own experience.

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

Today is the release day of Caz Binstead's new book "Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice (Ethics In Action)" (published by Routledge), which also features a short case study on my YouTube channel!

An excerpt from the Amazon book description: 'This book explores the ethics around everything connected with setting up and running a therapy private practice... The book provides exercises, examples, and vignettes, in addition to the author's own unique working model, to help the reader bring theoretical reflections into their own everyday practice...and... will help private practitioners feel more confident and grounded in their private practice and up-to-date with developing thoughts. It will also appeal to training institutes, supervisors, and students.'

In this podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Caz about her journey to releasing the book and the importance of ethics in private practice. She's an experienced private practitioner, supervisor, writer, and facilitator, with a passion for ethical and thriving practice. She has helped hundreds of therapists with their private practices and believes in the importance of balancing ethical considerations with business growth.

The book covers various topics, including solidarity, compassion, justice, and the importance of endings in therapy. Caz also runs projects like Trainee Talk and Therapists Create, which provide support and opportunities for therapists and trainees to connect and explore their creativity. If you're interested in learning more about ethical practice and the journey of releasing a book, this podcast is for you.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

Don't forget to check out Caz's new book and support her amazing work. You can find out more about Caz via her website:

www.cazbinstead.com

If you are interested in joining in with any of Caz' projects - #TherapistsCreate or #TraineeTalk, or, to find out more about the #TherapistsConnect community, please email her on info@cazbinstead.com

And, feel free to connect with Caz on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/caztc

https://twitter.com/cazbinny

https://www.instagram.com/night_owl_counsellor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caz-binstead-385873302?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

https://www.tiktok.com/@cazbinny?_t=8r0YYxI2lLU&_r=1

https://bsky.app/profile/cazbinny.bsky.social

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month continues in November! In this podcast, I look into the importance of empathy for men and how it can help manage anger, foster vulnerability, and improve relationships by way of a thought experiment. Imagine a life where your close friends are gone, your internal guidance system is severed, and your worth is solely based on competitive wins or losses. This experiment sheds light on the daily struggles faced by many men - isolation, estrangement, shame, rage, and despair.

I think empathy is a key to change. By establishing empathy for ourselves and experiencing it from others, we can often understand more and address the root causes of our challenges. Coupled with a commitment to do things differently, empathy becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth and healthier relationships.

Please do share your reflections and thoughts on this experiment and feel free to email me separately, I'd love to hear your insights. Take care of yourselves and stay tuned for more content.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

In today's podcast, join me as I chat with James Hawes, an experienced therapist and author of 'The Secret Lives of Men', to discuss the topics of men and anger, as well as empathy and intimacy and the effects all of these have on men's lives and relationships.

Anger is a complex emotion that can have a significant impact on men's psychological and physical health. Often associated with protection and survival, it can be a valuable asset if managed consciously, however, if left unchecked, it can have catastrophic consequences. A lack of empathy can similarly strain relationships and hinder personal growth, as can a lack of intimacy, which plays a vital role in healthy relationships.

James is a therapist with extensive experience working with men and has a deep understanding of the impact of these issues on men's lives. During our conversation, he shares his insights into anger, emotional fitness, and the importance of empathy and intimacy. He discusses various therapeutic approaches and exercises that can help men develop emotional fitness and connect with their emotions and emphasises the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for men to explore their emotions and vulnerabilities.

We also touch on the role of banter in male relationships and how it can sometimes hinder vulnerability and intimacy. James provides valuable insights into how men can navigate these challenges and foster healthier connections with others.

In conclusion, anger, empathy, and intimacy are interconnected aspects that significantly impact men's lives and relationships. By developing emotional fitness, cultivating empathy, and embracing vulnerability, men can enhance their overall well-being and create more fulfilling connections with others.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

James' Links:

Link for website - https://synergycounselling.com/
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-r-hawes/
Book from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1916279007?pf_rd_r=J98NF1AGJ2FB9E4WYXMB&pf_rd_p=6e878984-68d5-4fd2-b7b3-7bc79d9c8b60&pd_rd_r=bdc038e5-5dcc-4dee-9f71-8f763282ac09&pd_rd_w=EMxmG&pd_rd_wg=LrgDB&ref_=pd_gw_unk
X - https://x.com/jamesrhawes

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

1. Introduction to Nelly Khanum and her work with therapeutic art at the Fire Pit studio in London.

2. Nelly's personal journey into therapeutic art, finding creativity as a form of escapism and self-expression.

3. Description of the structure and format of Nelly's art therapy workshops, including:

- Challenging participants with activities like blindfolding, using two hands, and passing artwork around.

- Incorporating music, poetry, and affirmations to create a safe and supportive environment.

- Encouraging participants to express themselves freely without judgment or comparison.

4. The benefits of Nelly's art therapy workshops, including:

- Helping participants rediscover their inner child and sense of creativity.

- Building confidence, self-belief, and the ability to 'trust the process'.

- Facilitating connections and learning from one another in a group setting.

5. The challenges Nelly faces, such as coming up with new and engaging workshop ideas, and helping participants feel comfortable opening up.

6. Nelly's perspective on the innate nature of creativity and how it can be expressed in various forms beyond traditional art.

7. Nelly's advice for incorporating creativity and self-expression into everyday life, even in small ways. 8. Information on how to connect with Nelly and the Fire Pit studio, including their social media and upcoming workshops.

Nelly's social link: https://www.instagram.com/nellyk_arts/profilecard/?igsh=cG4wNGVqNjdydDR4

If you enjoy this thoughtful exchange, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated. YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnPaulDaviesTTP?sub_confirmation=1.

For additional resources and insights, be sure to visit my website at: https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk?sub_confirmation=1.

Thank you, John-Paul

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

In this conversation, we explore the importance of ethical considerations and obligations that are involved in being a therapist in private practice, which are so important as we navigate our professional journeys.

We discuss a wide range of topics such as the key role of supervision, which provides therapists with guidance and support, insurance, necessary for protecting both the therapist and clients, the clinical will, outlining a therapist's wishes in case of incapacitation, and contracts, which establish clear boundaries and expectations between the therapist and their clients.

We also spend some time looking at the significant and ever-evolving use of social media by therapists, the importance of continuing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge, and the vital importance of self-care, which is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining a healthy therapist-client relationship.

I hope this conversation will really help anyone who's thinking about these important issues in the field of therapy. Whether you've been in practice a while or are just starting your journey in this field, this discussion is designed to provide valuable insights and practical advice that will be beneficial for your practice.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to review to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do follow this channel and my YouTube channel for more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul

YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

You can contact Michael on: https://clinicalwill.app and https://www.michaeltollerpsychotherapy.co.uk

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

How Music Therapy Can Change Your Life ft Bob Heath

🎵 The Power of Music Therapy: Benefits for Wellbeing and Psychotherapy 🎶

In today's video, I was really pleased to have music therapist Bob Heath as my guest. We discuss the incredible benefits of music, both psychologically and in terms of wellbeing. We also delve into the use of music in psychotherapy and explore what a session might involve. Bob shares his personal journey and experiences as a musician and songwriter, as well as his work in special education and as a music therapist.

Specific topics covered include:

- Bob's journey into music therapy began with his own deep connection to music, including his early experience sparking his curiosity and passion for understanding the therapeutic nature of music and later becoming involved in special education, where he witnessed the profound impact of simple musical techniques on communication and interaction with disabled young people.

- his experience of training as a music therapist at Bristol University,

- how he works with music in the therapy room, creating a safe space where clients can explore music without fear of making mistakes, encouraging clients to write their own songs and using their own words and melodies to capture their feelings and experiences,

- how his work is a life-changing profession that allows him to combine his love for music with a deep sense of purpose,

- advice he would give to people wanting to train, emphasising the commitment required to serve others and the importance of embracing the present moment.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Bob's book link and website details:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Songs-Window-End-Life-Stories-ebook/dp/B09523RQ9V

https://bobheathmusic.com

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk