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Mastering Therapy

Natalie Stott

Welcome to the Mastering Therapy Podcast with me, Dr. Natalie Stott, a clinical psychologist. If you're a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor looking to expand your skills, gain confidence, and discover fresh ways to make an impact with your clients, this is the show for you.

We all know that creating meaningful change for our clients is incredibly fulfilling, but let’s face it—this work can be challenging, especially if you feel like you don’t have a big team around you. Mastering Therapy is a weekly podcast that can be your go-to source of professional development and connection, where therapists can learn from one another, share practical insights, and navigate the challenges of therapy together.
Join us as Natalie sits down with experienced practitioners who dive into the nitty-gritty of what really happens in a therapy session. You’ll get a front-row seat to their methods, language, and strategies, as well as honest conversations about potential pitfalls and what to look out for.

Whether you specialise in working with adults, children, or use a particular modality—or even an integrative approach—there’s something here for everyone who wants to add practical tools to their therapy toolkit.
To stay up-to-date with new episodes and access valuable resources, visit www.masteringtherapy.com. You can also connect with us on social media and subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!

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  • 27 episodes
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  • S5 · E41
    Today · 45 min

    S5E7 Narcissism in Therapy: Moving past social media labels | Dr Ruth-Ann Harpur

    S5E7 Narcissism in Therapy: Moving past social media labels | Dr Ruth-Ann Harpur What do you do when a client arrives in therapy convinced that their partner, parent or sibling is a narcissist? In this episode, Dr Natalie Stott speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Ruth Ann Harpur about the sizeable gap between narcissism as a clinical concept and narcissism as social-media shorthand for somebody who has behaved badly. The conversation also tackles the difficult boundary between a painful relationship and abuse. Ruth explains why coercive control, financial restriction and physical violence require direct assessment, careful attention to safety and appropriate specialist support. Narcissism and abuse are not synonyms. Harm should be named clearly without turning a diagnosis into a moral verdict. They also consider critical parents, therapist anger and the point at which consuming yet another video about narcissism stops helping a client build a life beyond the relationship. Content note: This episode discusses emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, financial abuse and physical violence. Guest Information: Dr Ruth Ann Harpur is a clinical psychologist specialising in relationships and issues of narcissism. Her work includes supporting people with narcissistic traits, people affected by damaging or abusive relationships, and couples seeking to understand difficult relational patterns. She also creates educational content about narcissism, personality and relationships. Website: https://www.ruthannharpur.co.uk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drruthannharpur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drruthannharpur/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drruthannharpur Resources mentioned: - *Disarming the Narcissist* by Wendy T. Behary: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781684037728/disarming-the-narcissist/ - *Rethinking Narcissism* by Dr Craig Malkin: https://www.drcraigmalkin.com/ - Heal NPD videos by Dr Mark Ettensohn: https://www.healnpd.org/videos - The Nameless Narcissist YouTube channel, mentioned in the discussion of self-esteem regulation: ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/podcast ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn AIRNOTE AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Priced at only £14.99 per month. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (1 month free trial using to code 30FREE) SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S5 · E40
    October 22 · 46 min

    S5E6: How to Find Your Therapy Niche with Josephine Hughes

    S5E6: How to Find Your Therapy Niche with Josephine Hughes Do therapists really need a niche, or is this simply another piece of marketing advice that makes private practice feel more complicated than it already is? In this episode, Dr Natalie Stott speaks with counsellor and Good Enough Counsellors podcast host Josephine Hughes about finding the clients you genuinely want to work with. They explore why being trained to work with a wide range of people can make narrowing your focus feel uncomfortable, particularly when you are worried about finding enough clients. Josephine explains that a niche does not have to box you in. It gives potential clients, colleagues, search engines and AI a clearer signal about the work you offer. A client may never search for “single-incident trauma”, but they might search for help after a road accident or because they panic every time they get behind the wheel. They also discuss what happens when you are highly skilled in an area you no longer enjoy, whether you need to be an expert before choosing a specialism and why your niche can change as your practice develops. Josephine shares a practical exercise for identifying the common thread running through the clients you most enjoy working with. If the instruction to “find your niche” has left you staring blankly at your website biography, this is a useful place to begin. KEY TAKEAWAYS A niche helps clients recognise that your work is relevant to them. Clients often search using situations and everyday experiences rather than therapy terminology. Different presentations may share an underlying emotional theme or “root”. Choosing a niche does not prevent you from accepting other suitable referrals. You can test your wording, notice who responds and adapt your focus over time. You do not need to become an expert before beginning to develop a specialism. Reviewing three clients you worked particularly well with can reveal useful patterns. The work you are good at is not necessarily the work you want to build your practice around. GUEST Josephine Hughes is a BACP Accredited Counsellor who mentors therapists as they develop their private practices. She hosts the Good Enough Counsellors podcast and runs the Good Enough Counsellors community on facebook Josephine’s free handout mentioned in the episode Josephine Hughes Good Enough Counsellors podcast ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/podcast ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn AIRNOTE AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Priced at only £14.99 per month. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (1 month free trial using to code 30FREE) SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: Supervisor platform SUPERVISOR PLATFORM: Visit www.supervisorplatform.com to search supervisors You can list your profile for free for 3 months Guide

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  • S5 · E39
    October 15 · 32 min

    S5E5: Practical AI for Therapists: Green, Amber and Red Uses

    S5E5: Practical AI for Therapists: Green, Amber and Red Uses How can therapists make practical use of AI without handing over sensitive information, clinical judgement or half the contents of their inbox? In this solo episode, Dr Natalie Stott explores how AI has moved beyond simple chatbot prompts. Today’s tools can listen, create, research and act on your behalf. That brings useful opportunities for clinical work and private practice. It also introduces risks that cannot be solved by removing a client’s name and hoping for the best. Natalie introduces a green, amber and red framework for assessing AI use. She also explains the differences between consumer chatbots, clinical scribes, agents and AI builders. Practical examples include creating accessible therapy worksheets, rehearsing psychoeducation through voice mode, preparing for appraisal, auditing a private-practice website and using AI as a research or marketing assistant. The episode also considers AI scribes, agent permissions and why human review remains essential. Resources mentioned: Airnote: AI Scribe for therapists ICO Guidance on AI AI SEO AUDIT-to use with agents Free AI health Check ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/podcast ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn AIRNOTE AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Priced at only £14.99 per month. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (1 month free trial using to code 30FREE) SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: Supervisor platform SUPERVISOR PLATFORM: Visit www.supervisorplatform.com to search supervisors You can list your profile for free for 3 months Guide

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  • S5 · E38
    October 8 · 38 min

    S5E4: How Therapists can start and grow a business | Dr Jo Carlile from PEAR

    S5E4: How Therapists can start and grow a business | Dr Jo Carlile from PEAR What happens when a therapist has a business idea but no idea how to build it? In this episode, Dr Natalie Stott speaks with clinical psychologist and Pear founder Dr Jo Carlile about moving from private practice into entrepreneurship. Jo explains why she now sees every private therapist as a founder. She also shares how her therapist identity helped her spot gaps in the way people find therapy and in the support available to private practitioners. This is a candid conversation about the parts of building a business that are rarely covered in clinical training. Jo talks about finding the right co-founder, getting help when you are not remotely techy and testing an idea before spending heavily on it. She also explains why she and her co-founder stepped back from fundraising after realising that the expected pace did not fit the lives or business they wanted to build. Natalie and Jo also discuss one of the hidden costs of founder life: the work does not stay neatly in the room. There is always another email, post or idea waiting. They explore what sustainable ambition can look like when clinical work, parenting and personal life all need real space too. If you have ever thought, “I could build something, but where on earth would I start?”, this episode offers a refreshingly practical answer. Start small. Talk to people. Test whether anybody wants the thing. Then build from what you learn. KEY TAKEAWAYS - Private therapists already run businesses, even when “entrepreneur” is not part of their professional identity. - A business idea can develop gradually from noticing gaps in your own work and the wider therapy landscape. - Support does not have to mean finding a co-founder. It can come from networks, mentors and people with complementary expertise. - Early-stage businesses benefit from testing demand before investing heavily in a polished product. - Fundraising can bring money and momentum, but it can also change who sets the pace and who you answer to. - Clinical work often has a natural boundary. Founder work can spread into evenings, weekends and mental space unless you contain it deliberately. - Visibility may never feel like the enjoyable part of the job. It can still be useful when it serves a clear purpose. Guest Information: Dr Jo Carlile is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Pear, a therapy matching platform and therapist community. Pear helps people find a therapist and offers its therapist members community and marketing support. Website: https://www.ilovepear.com Email: jo@ilovepear.co.uk Social media: Website: Resources - Pear therapy matching platform and therapist community: https://www.ilovepear.com ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/podcast ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn AIRNOTE AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Priced at only £14.99 per month. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (1 month free trial using to code 30FREE) SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

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  • S5 · E37
    October 1 · 48 min

    S5E3: Working With Sexual Abuse: Disclosure, Memory and Intimacy | Dr Kelly Savery

    CONTENT NOTE This episode discusses sexual abuse, including childhood sexual abuse, trauma memory, shame and the effects of abuse on sex and relationships. Please listen in a way that prioritises care of yourself EPISODE SUMMARY How do you name possible sexual abuse without turning therapy into another experience in which something is being done to the client? In this episode, Dr Natalie Stott speaks with counselling psychologist and EMDR trained Dr Kelly Savery about working with sexual abuse and sexual trauma. They explore the language of victimhood and survival, the care required around first disclosures and what to do when a client has not named what happened. Kelly offers ways to raise concerns tentatively while leaving control with the client. The conversation also explores fragmented trauma memory. Do clients need a clear, chronological account before therapy can help? Kelly explains why therapists can work with present-day shame, disgust and bodily responses without trying to excavate a complete narrative. The episode closes with the impact of this work on clinicians. Kelly discusses supervision, peer connection, caseload management and her approach to staying present without visualising traumatic material. Timestamps 6:24 — Language: victim vs. survivor 15:49 — Fragmented memories & historical disclosures 43:48 — Hope & recovery GUEST Dr Kelly Savery is a counselling psychologist, EMDR-accredited practitioner and CAT therapist. She is the founder of Taproot Psychology and specialises in supporting adults affected by sexual abuse and sexual trauma. Dr Kelly website: https://www.drkelly.uk/ Taproot Psychology: https://www.taprootpsychology.com/ RESOURCES Trauma Memory animation, using a filing-cabinet metaphor to explain dissociative memory: https://youtu.be/P0DeP2ZfYy0?si=h1j-B9CUezQWTUVM Self-paced course for people experiencing sexual-intimacy difficulties after sexual abuse: https://www.drkelly.uk/ Dr Kelly Savery’s trauma retreats and intensive trauma therapy: [CURRENT PROGRAMME LINK REQUIRED] Training and supervision for therapists working with sexual abuse, intimacy and sexual pleasure: [TRAINING LINK REQUIRED] Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S5 · E36
    September 24 · 43 min

    S5E2 What Community Psychology can teach every therapist | Dr Ron Dodzro

    S5E2 What Community Psychology can teach every therapist | Dr Ron Dodzro How much of what brings someone to therapy can really be understood by looking at the individual alone? In this episode, Dr Natalie Stott is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Ron Dodzro, also known as The Accessible Psychologist on social media, to explore community psychology and what changes when therapists widen the lens beyond the person sitting in front of them. Drawing on his work in prisons and with young people affected by community violence, Ron discusses what it means to formulate the systems around a person, particularly when those systems may be contributing to their distress. He shares how his work has extended beyond individual therapy to include parents, teachers, prison officers and wider organisations. Natalie and Ron also explore power and trust in therapy, including a striking example where Ron’s attempt to protect a young man’s confidentiality inadvertently made him feel less safe. They discuss race and therapist identity, what our ideas about “professionalism” might communicate to different clients, and why sharing a demographic with someone doesn’t necessarily mean they will experience you as the right therapist for them. An episode about looking beyond the individual and becoming more curious about what sits around the therapy room as well as what happens inside it. Guest Information: Dr Ron Dodzro is a clinical psychologist whose work spans trauma, community psychology and community violence. He has worked within the prison system and now works predominantly in community, charity and private settings, including with children and young people affected by community violence. He is also co-founder of Psychologists the Streets Deserve (PTSD) providing psychological therapy, training and consultancy around trauma, PTSD and community violence. Ron shares his work online as The Accessible Psychologist Find Ron: Instagram: The Accessible Psychologist Organisation/Website: Psychologists the Streets Deserve (PTSD) ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/podcast ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn AIRNOTE AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Priced at only £14.99 per month. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (1 month free trial using to code 30FREE) SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E37
    September 17 · 56 min

    S5E1: What if compassion makes a client feel worse? | Professor Paul Gilbert

    S5E1: What if compassion makes a client feel worse? | Professor Paul Gilbert What do you do when a client understands compassion perfectly well, but rejects it, distrusts it or feels worse when you introduce it? Professor Paul Gilbert developed Compassion Focused Therapy for precisely the clients who cannot simply “be kinder” to themselves. In this episode, he explains the three clinical shocks that helped shape CFT. This is for those moments when clients can produce more balanced thoughts but deliver them in a cold or hostile tone. Many people experience kindness as weak, undeserved or almost toxic. For others, receiving care might activate painful memories held within the attachment system. Dr Natalie Stott, Host and clinical psychologist discuss empathic bridging, the importance of social trust and why receiving compassion from others can be particularly difficult. Paul also revisits the familiar three circles model. He explains threat, drive and the system often called “soothing” through their evolutionary functions, including the role of connection in helping us return to a regulated state. The conversation finishes with practical ways to bring compassion into everyday behaviour. These include changing the emotional tone of self-talk, practising one compassionate skill at a time and validating the emotion underneath an immediate reaction. Guest Information: Professor Paul Gilbert is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Derby. He is the founder of Compassion Focused Therapy and the Compassionate Mind Foundation. His work has shaped clinical understandings of compassion, shame, self-criticism and threat. Website: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/ CFT Trainings CFT conference ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/podcast ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E35
    August 24 · 19 min

    Season 5 trailer: Out September 17th 2026

    Mastering Therapy is back for Season 5. And this season we’re going quite a few places. We open with Professor Paul Gilbert, founder of Compassion Focused Therapy, getting very practical. We talk through how to work with clients that really dislike the very concept of compassion despite in therapy recognising they might really need it I’m talking to Dr Ron, The Accessible Psychologist, about community psychology, diversity, working in UK prisons and why he thinks being anti-diagnosis can sometimes be a position of privilege. There’s Dr Kelly Savery on working with survivors of sexual abuse, including the conversations about sex and intimacy that therapists can be reluctant to have. And we’re going beyond the clinical work too. Josephine Hughes joins me to talk about niching and finding the work you really want to do. Blake Roberts from Therapy with Blake talks about social media, visibility and why therapists find putting themselves online so uncomfortable. I also speak to Jo from Pear about building a therapy matching service, fundraising and moving into the business world. And, twelve months after our first conversation, ChatGPT is back. This time we get further into AI and therapy, safety, ethics and what we should be telling clients who are already using AI between sessions. There are also conversations on ACT, narcissism and plenty more. Have a listen to the trailer for a few clips from what’s coming. Season 5 starts Thursday 17th September, with a new episode every Thursday through to December. Follow Mastering Therapy now so you don’t miss the first episode and make sure you get yourself on the mailing list.

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  • S4 · E35
    June 18 · 24 min

    BONUS: When Clients Disappear: The Reality of Therapy Endings (PT2)

    BONUS: When Clients Disappear: The Reality of Therapy Endings (PT2) Ever had a client vanish just before their final session? Or wondered why endings can feel so awkward sometimes for everyone in the room? This bonus episode of Mastering Therapy is a practical guide to therapy terminations, with a clinician’s eye on what really happens (and what goes unsaid). The conversation explores messy endings, why clients “ghost”, and how therapists can plan for sessions that fizzle or never happen at all. Expect practical tools on handling your own reactions, scripts for easing those tricky conversations, and fresh reflections on when saying “goodbye” does or doesn’t mean the work is finished. Useful whether you’re NHS-based or in private practice. No mention of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but plenty to chew over all the same. The host is Dr. Natalie Stott, clinical psychologist, founder of Mastering Therapy and host of the Mastering Therapy podcast. Timestamps What Kind of Ending Is This? 2:56 When Clients Ghost 7:00 Planned Endings & Practical Options 13:10 Therapist-Led Endings 20:07 Resources mentioned: What to do when guide HERE Clients' perspectives on therapy termination - PubMed 6 Strategies for Ethical Termination of Psychotherapy | Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy Do all therapists do that when saying goodbye? A study of commonalities in termination behaviors - PubMed Termination of psychotherapy: a systematic review - PMC ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E34
    June 11 · 31 min

    BONUS: What to do when... a client goes blank during therapy Sessions

    What really happens when a client goes blank in therapy? This episode dives into dissociation and distress in therapy sessions. Dr Natalie Stott helps make sense of those in-the-room moments where clients disconnect or shut down. Instead of offering set techniques, she shares what clients say actually helps, mistakes therapists often make, and how to understand what's really going on beneath the surface. There’s a strong focus on noticing before intervening, working collaboratively, and pacing sessions with care. Highlights include: 01:15 What clients need when dissociating 04:11 Perfectionism and the urge to fix 10:13 Client quotes on what dissociation feels like 14:05 Distress vs dissociation—key differences 21:05 Therapist errors and how to avoid them Resources mentioned: GET THE WHAT TO DO WHEN GUIDE.... ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

    • Transcript
  • S4 · E34
    June 4 · 22 min

    Bonus: What to do when... you are asked a personal question by a client

    Do you wonder how much of yourself to share with clients in therapy? Self-disclosure in therapy can feel like a tightrope walk,one foot in humanity, one in professionalism, and absolutely no brick walls in sight. In this sharp, practical episode, Dr Natalie Stott explores the everyday moments when clients ask about your personal life, and how your answer (or non-answer) shapes the relationship. Get clear on the difference between purposeful self-disclosure and those accidental reveals, like a stray photo on LinkedIn or being spotted with your dog at the park. We talk genuine connection, boundaries, and those inevitable “Are you married?” curveballs. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the unscripted art of being real in the consulting room. TIMESTAMPS 01:17 Common client questions therapists get (and what throws us) 05:07 The four types of self-disclosure—yes, even the accidental ones 08:10 Why small disclosures can strengthen trust and reduce shame 11:01 Red flags: When disclosure meets your own needs, not your client’s 15:11 Online presence: your digital self is always in the room 18:06 Practical ways to respond to personal questions (without making it weird) Guest Information: Social media: https://instagram.com/masteringtherapy Website: www.masteringtherapy.com ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E34
    May 28 · 22 min

    Bonus: What to do when... you're wrapping up the therapy session

    How do you end your therapy sessions? This episode looks at the art of closing a clinical hour in therapy by host Dr Natalie Stott. The discussion focuses on those crucial last few minutes of a session, how they shape the client's week, and what endings can reveal about both therapist and client. The episode covers practical ideas, common challenges in managing endings, and reflects on the role of therapist self-awareness. Full of practical tips and honest reflections, this episode offers a thoughtful approach to a part of therapy training many miss. Highlights include: 00:25 Why endings in therapy matter 02:52 How memory works in therapy endings 05:02 Attachment patterns and client behaviour at the end of sessions 10:01 Practical time management and clear closing routines 13:05 Handling “hand on the door” disclosures Guest Information: Dr Natalie Stott is a Clinical Psychologist and host of the Mastering Therapy podcast. She creates practical CPD-style episodes, workshops and resources for psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors who want to build confidence and skill in the therapy room. Follow Dr Natalie Stott on Instagram Get notified about the workshops ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E33
    April 30 · 39 min

    S4E11: When Compassion Meets Cash: The Therapist’s Money Dilemmas | Dr Katja Windheim

    S4E11: When Compassion Meets Cash: The Therapist’s Money Dilemmas | Dr Katja Windheim Let’s talk about the money elephant in the therapy room. In this episode, clinical psychologist Katja Windheim aka “The Money Psychologist”— joins us to dissect why charging, chasing payments, and setting fees make therapists squirm more than the average tax return. We get specific about how feelings, professional culture, and early training all shape our relationship to cash and what to do when your compassionate side wants to offer therapy for the price of a sandwich. Expect practical tips on strong financial boundaries, cancellation policies that don’t make you hate your diary, and why money talk belongs in supervision just as much as client dynamics. There’s no magic wand here, but you might start seeing your terms and conditions in a whole new light. TIMESTAMPS 02:55 Where the “Money Psychologist” idea came from 10:39 Self-funding, cancellations, and client attendance patterns 15:37 Making cancellation policies that actually work for you 22:26 The awkward business of clients who can only afford limited sessions 24:14 Sliding scales—pitfalls, resentments, and alternatives 27:20 Signs you’re pricing out of guilt or financial stress 33:05 What happens when a client’s money stress enters the therapy room 35:37 If your boundaries are all over the place, where to start KEY TAKEAWAYS Discuss and repeat your cancellation policy at multiple points, including during initial sessions and in reminder emails. Treat financial boundaries with the same seriousness as therapeutic ones, and actually bring them to supervision. Avoid piecemeal flexibility—if you bend the rules for one, you’ll end up resenting the lot. Sliding scales quickly get complicated; consider offering limited low-cost slots, doing third-sector work, or creating community resources instead. Before diving into a piece of work, clarify up front how many sessions a client can fund, and plan accordingly. If you’re regularly overbooking or undercharging, pause and get support—consider a business mentor, peer discussion, or a coach. Money worries in clients often show up in the room—name the discomfort, don’t avoid it, and be aware of your own triggers. GUEST Katja Windheim is a clinical psychologist working under the name “The Money Psychologist”. She specialises in helping therapists untangle the practical and emotional knots around money, fees, and boundaries within their practices. She regularly runs live Zoom webinars on the emotional side of money in independent practice. Recorded versions of these are available for purchase on her website. She also offers small group coaching for those professionals who wish to explore this further. If you'd like to hear news and updates about these offers, please sign up to her newsletter on her website. RESOURCES The Money Psychologist website Connect with Katja on LinkedIn Access to future workshops and coffee mornings: Free Resource: Reflective audio on managing late cancellations & DNAs ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E32
    April 23 · 56 min

    S4E10: Understanding Maternal Rage: A Guide for Therapists | Dr Caroline Boyd

    S4E10: Understanding Maternal Rage: A Guide for Therapists | Dr Caroline Boyd EPISODE SUMMARY Is it just anger—or is it maternal rage? Dr. Natalie Stott sits down with Caroline to unpack why mothers feel rage so acutely, and why it matters to name it as a distinct experience. We look at the four contextual forces shaping maternal anger, how cultural myths make mothers feel inadequate, and how therapists can best support clients when rage is shrouded in shame. The episode covers practical steps for mapping client “parts”, bringing the body into therapy, and normalising anger in the context of motherhood and clinical practice. There’s also discussion on therapist disclosure, staying mindful of your own triggers, and ways to deepen your work with mothers. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gets a mention in passing, but this conversation keeps the focus crisply UK-centric. TIMESTAMPS • 00:00 Definition and importance of maternal rage • 00:10 Four contextual forces behind maternal anger • 08:05 Therapist perspectives: bringing your own experiences into sessions • 10:40 Asking mums about their own upbringing and anger • 15:12 Mapping parts, parts work, and nervous system regulation • 21:13 Impact of childhood experiences on adult anger • 27:04 Using body awareness for anger management • 41:06 Mapping parts and relating to “adult self” • 44:32 Therapist disclosure and managing activation • 51:00 Courses and resources for therapists and mums KEY TAKEAWAYS • Maternal rage is distinct from everyday anger—it’s shaped by societal, cultural, and personal forces. • Mapping parts (IFS-informed) helps clients understand protective, wounded, perfectionist, and avoidant pieces of themselves. • Normalising anger, referencing current research, and naming its prevalence helps reduce client shame. • Therapists should sensitively explore how anger was held and expressed in clients’ upbringing. • Body-based techniques and nervous system regulation are essential for helping mothers manage anger. • Consider the impact of perfectionism and inner critic parts, which often drive maternal distress. • Therapist disclosure needs careful consideration—check your motives and the client’s readiness before sharing. GUEST Clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd has over 10 years' experience working in the NHS and mental health settings, and she supports parents from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. Caroline offers anger courses, workshops and 1:1 therapy, alongside training and supervision, in her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub. Caroline is the author of Mindful New Mum, and her published research explores mothers' experiences of intrusive thoughts about their babies. Her work has been featured in You magazine, Grazia, the Telegraph, and BBC R4’s Woman's Hour. She is an Ambassador for UK perinatal mental health charity, PANDAS, and appeared as an expert guest on ITV’s daytime show, This Morning, to discuss postpartum depression. Caroline shares psychology ideas on Instagram and in the media to help parents feel less alone and more connected - to themselves and their children.d writes extensively on maternal rage, using parts work and body-based approaches. Contact her- Website Instagram RESOURCES • Caroline’s maternal rage course for mums use MASTERINGTHERAPY code for £100 OFF Training & Supervision for therapists: HERE The course helps mums move from anger and shame to understanding and repair - in just six, manageable video lessons designed to fit around busy family life. You don’t need to be experiencing full-blown rage to benefit. Many mums take the course simply to understand their emotions better and reconnect with themselves and those they love. It’s for every mum who’s ever felt stretched too thin by: 🎯 Broken sleep that leaves you on edge 🎯 The invisible mental load that never ends 🎯 Toddler meltdowns that test every ounce of patience 🎯 Feeling unseen or unsupported by your partner or family 🎯 The pressure to do it all perfectly and sacrifice your own needs Ghosts in the nursery reference ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E31
    April 16 · 44 min

    S4E9 Changing emotion with emotion in EFT | Dr Anna Oldershaw

    S4E9 Changing emotion with emotion in EFT | Dr Anna Oldershaw EPISODE SUMMARY Most therapists are comfortable talking about emotions, but Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) takes things several steps further. In this episode, Dr. Natalie Stott sits down with Dr Anna Oldershaw, consultant clinical psychologist and EFT trainer, to demystify the nuts, bolts, and chairs of EFT. They explore why “changing emotion with emotion” is central, the art of letting clients discover their own “Rome”, and why the therapy is more than a rebranding of common practice. Whether you’re curious about chairwork, anxious about secondary anger, or wondering how EFT fits in alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you’ll leave with something practical for your next session. TIMESTAMPS 00:03 What is Emotion Focused Therapy, and why does it matter? 02:20 How Dr. Anna Oldershaw stumbled upon EFT (and SPEAKS therapy for anorexia) 05:39 Can you integrate EFT with schema therapy or ACT? 07:35 Chairwork: making internal parts less terrifying 09:38 EFT’s view on emotions: adaptive, maladaptive, and what’s really going on when clients say they’re “just angry” 16:54 Working with clients’ own process, not parachuting in with answers 26:31 The nuts and bolts of running a chair task (and what to do if things go off piste) 31:19 What can clients do between sessions to keep the work alive? 45:24 Interested in training in EFT? How to start KEY TAKEAWAYS • Use “chairwork” to facilitate clients’ dialogues with critical or protective parts—let them find their own insights, not yours. • Distinguish between primary adaptive emotions (helpful, situation-relevant), primary maladaptive emotions (old wounds replaying), and secondary emotions (reactions to other feelings). Don’t take clients’ first answers at face value. • When chairwork risks a shouting match between parts, focus on building assertiveness in the “experiencing” chair and softening of the critic—don’t force a negotiation. • Listen for process “markers” as sessions begin to decide which EFT task (chair, focusing, imagery) will actually fit. • To boost client awareness between sessions, ask them to notice and name when certain inner critics or feelings emerge—no need to “fix”, just notice. • Be careful about overlaying your own formulation. Use conjecture gently, reflect back, and let the client’s experience lead. • If a client experiences blocks (i.e., “I can’t go there”), work with the blocking part directly—don’t bulldoze through. GUEST Dr Anna Oldershaw Consultant clinical psychologist, internationally accredited EFT trainer and supervisor, and director of the Emotion Focused Therapy Institute. Specialises in eating disorders and developed the SPEAKS therapy approach for anorexia. RESOURCES FREE EFT training- apply HERE Emotion Speaks Overview of Emotion-Focused Therapy, research, and videos 🔗 Link here Core Skills Training (Level 1) Four-day EFT training focused on core tasks you can use immediately (Next course in May 26) 🔗 Booking link Advanced Empathic Attunement For therapists wanting to refine moment-to-moment emotional work 🔗 Booking link SPEAKS Therapy (Eating Disorders) Integrates Emotion-Focused Therapy and Schema Therapy 🔗 Training link | 🔗 Book link • Les Greenberg’s EFT videos and further resources: Emotion Focused Therapy Institute UK – Video Resource ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: AIRNOTE | AI SCRIBE FOR THERAPISTS AirNote is an affordable AI-powered note-taking app designed specifically for therapists in private practice. It securely transcribes sessions and creates professional clinical notes, without the price tag of many traditional AI scribes. Early user price is at £9.99 p/m, no hidden costs. Available to mac users only DOWNLOAD AIRNOTE (FREE TRIAL available) AIRNOTE

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  • S4 · E30
    April 2 · 40 min

    S4E8: Beyond Diagnosis: Building Confidence in Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice | Dr Jo Mueller & Dr Lauren Breese

    S4E8: Beyond Diagnosis: Building Confidence in Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice | Dr Jo Mueller & Dr Lauren Breese EPISODE SUMMARY This episode of Mastering Therapy welcomes clinical psychologists Dr. Lauren Breese and Dr. Jo Mueller of the neurodiversity practice (alongside Dr Sibohan Higgins) for a sharp, practical exploration of adult autism and neurodivergent parenting. They discuss the misconceptions that trip up therapists, why autism isn’t synonymous with mental health struggles, and the surprisingly liberating power of discussing neurodivergence early. There’s a clear rundown of adapting therapy for autistic adults—including navigating unpredictable sessions, sensory overwhelm, and boundaries that actually protect your client’s (and your own) battery. Whether you’re staring at daunting NHS assessment paperwork or questioning how direct to be, this episode is packed with straightforward guidance and a few witty asides. 02:24 Autism Misconceptions 05:07 Trauma and Autism 06:26 Raising Neurodiversity 10:05 Neuroaffirming Framing 15:21 Adapting Therapy 21:58 Assessment Paperwork 26:50 Late Diagnosis Triggers 29:43 Parenting Pressure Points 32:06 Protect Your Battery 36:15 Resources and Wrap Up Guest Information: Dr. Lauren Breese and Dr. Jo Mueller are clinical psychologists and co-founders of The Neurodiversity Practice. They work with neurodivergent people and their families, offering therapy, consultancy, and training. Their work includes an online community for neurodivergent parents and resources for clinicians. Website: The Neurodiversity Practice Resources discussed Training for practitioners The Neurodivergent Parent Space (support community run by the guests) Autistic Girls Network website Jo's Blog The Hidden 20% Podcast The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast Deborah Kingston’s EMDR training for neurodivergent presentations https://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/ Resources mentioned: ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: Supervisor platform SUPERVISOR PLATFORM: Visit www.supervisorplatform.com to search supervisors You can list your profile for free for 3 months Guide

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  • S4 · E29
    March 26 · 37 min

    S4E7: Online Therapy Across Borders: Risk, Cover, Compliance | Dr Tess Browne

    S4E7: Online Therapy Across Borders: Risk, Cover, Compliance | Dr Tess Browne EPISODE SUMMARY What happens when your therapy room has no borders—literally? In this episode, Dr. Natalie Stott and Dr Tess Browne tackle the practical realities of working with clients overseas, from risk management to insurance headaches. If you’ve debated taking your private practice global, wondered about how to safeguard clients abroad, or been baffled by tax as a travelling clinician, this one’s for you. The discussion steers clear of legal jargon, focusing instead on the right questions to ask your insurer, accountant, and yourself. There's also a free downloadable with all questions you need to be asking so scroll down to get it TIMESTAMPS 00:48 The real-world challenges of working with clients abroad 02:00 How Dr Tess Browne built her global practice online 04:12 What makes risk manageable (and when it gets tricky) 08:04 Screening and safeguarding clients across borders 15:08 Insurance, licensing, and crucial questions for your provider 27:07 Navigating tax if you work overseas or with international clients 33:21 Networks, support, and the reality of ongoing global therapy work KEY TAKEAWAYS Always clarify both your insurance’s worldwide coverage and its legal jurisdiction—“worldwide” isn’t always what it seems. Add a clause to terms and conditions about being UK-based, subject to UK law, and the limits of confidentiality (especially when escalating risk in another country). When onboarding clients abroad, collect in-country emergency contacts and ensure the client’s consent to use them. Make sure both you and the client know the emergency services number in their country—expats often don’t. State your title clearly and honestly (e.g., UK-registered clinical psychologist), especially in countries with protected titles or different regulations. Contact local psychological societies before working with clients in unfamiliar countries—responses are often more helpful than expected. Before changing countries or tax residency, speak to an accountant who understands cross-border income and double taxation. RESOURCES Mastering Therapy website and mailing list: masteringtherapy.com UK Digital Nomad Psychologists Facebook group: [LINK] Supervisor Platform: [LINK] Statutory Residence Test info (HMRC): [LINK] Guest Information: GUEST Dr Tess Browne is a UK-trained clinical psychologist with NHS experience who spent 7 years practising in Hong Kong and now runs a thriving global online practice. Her main clients are often high-achieving expats and perinatal women, making her a pragmatic guide on the ins and outs of overseas therapy. Social media: @drtessbrowne (on IG & LinkedIn) Website: www.drtessbrowne.com Resources mentioned: FREE RESOURCE- Downloadable Overseas toolkit- All the questions you need to ask the relevant people in one neat document ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

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  • S4 · E28
    March 19 · 49 min

    S4E6: The Power of Empathic Confrontation and Mode Mapping: Schema Therapy | Dr Jo White

    S4E6: The Power of Empathic Confrontation and Mode Mapping: Schema Therapy | Dr Jo White Ever had a client say, “I know it’s not logical, but I just feel… defective”? This episode of Mastering Therapy unpacks schema therapy with ISST-certified schema therapist and supervisor Dr Jo White. Hosts Dr Natalie Stott and Jo tackle the origins of schema therapy, why Jeff Young developed it when CBT wasn’t cutting the mustard, and what exactly a “schema” is. Expect practical metaphors, mode maps, and hear how limited reparenting can shift entrenched patterns. From how schemas form in childhood, to the therapist’s role with healthy adult mode, this episode is full of clinical pearls for anyone curious about alternative models or thinking beyond core beliefs. There’s even a nod to chairwork, imagery rescripting, and handling those confrontational moments in therapy. TIMESTAMPS • 00:00 What is schema therapy and why did it emerge? • 04:22 How to explain a schema to clients (metaphors that actually work) • 09:48 Introducing “modes”—and why behaviours matter • 17:58 Limited reparenting: what it is and how boundaries play a role • 21:59 Empathic confrontation: cold tap, hot tap, and getting the balance right • 28:29 Schema therapy in brief: is short-term work possible? • 31:15 Mapping out modes and schemas with clients • 33:53 Experiential techniques: chairwork, imagery, and mode mapping • 40:11 Therapist schemas and supervision: you’re in it too • 45:39 Training routes and schema therapy resources KEY TAKEAWAYS • Use “schema glasses” as a client-friendly metaphor—schemas filter every situation. • Limited reparenting is in-session modelling of healthy adult responses; boundaries are key. • Modes describe how schemas play out: learn to identify vulnerable child, coping, critic and healthy modes. • Empathic confrontation helps clients change entrenched patterns—adjust the “hot and cold” for effectiveness. • Always map modes and schemas collaboratively—help clients spot their emotional triggers and bodily responses. • Imagery rescripting can reduce schema sensitivity; the therapist actively steps in to rewrite old memories. • Long-term schema therapy is ideal, but elements can be adapted for briefer interventions (with caution). Guest Information: Dr Jo White ISST-certified schema therapist, trainer, and supervisor. Experienced in integrating schema therapy into clinical practice and supervision. Clear, practical approach to teaching therapists. Website: https://www.schematherapyworks.co.uk/dr-jo-white Resources mentioned: BESQ - Brief Early Schema Questionnaire Schema youtube Schema blog ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

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  • S4 · E27
    March 12 · 48 min

    S4E5: Stop processing parts without mapping their purpose first (IFS & EMDR)| Dr David Polidi

    What happens when you blend the structured world of EMDR with the nuanced, parts-based approach of IFS? Dr. Natalie Stott sits down with David Polidi—EMDR therapist and “IFS guru” (his clients’ words, not his)—to get practical about integrating Internal Family Systems and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing in complex trauma work. They tackle everything from how to honour protectors (without bulldozing them) to what actually happens in this mysterious “Phase 2.5,” and how to avoid getting tangled in your own parts as a therapist. Plus, the age-old questions: Do you really need bilateral stimulation? And can you use a parts lens without an IFS certificate? No hype, just candour, solid tips, and welcome reassurance for therapists at every stage. TIMESTAMPS • 00:00 Introduction and purpose of blending IFS and EMDR • 02:41 The “Syzygy model” and holding both maps in session • 06:24 EMDR’s Phase 2.5/Discovery Phase—what is it, why is it useful? • 14:43 What to do when protectors hijack reprocessing work • 24:24 When negotiations with parts fail—what next? • 27:13 Why blend models at all? And do you have to pick sides? • 33:15 What happens between sessions? Homework for clients (and therapists) • 36:42 Getting started: books, trainings, and the value of consultation KEY TAKEAWAYS • Always check in with every part—genuine consent trumps protocol when reprocessing trauma memories. • Use “Phase 2.5” (Discovery Phase) with blended protectors—pause, get curious, and only proceed when all parts are on board. • The “fire drill” is a quick, practical tool: name your own therapist parts at the start of sessions and gently ask them to step aside. • Don't bulldoze protectors—forced reprocessing often brings backlash and, at best, patchy results. • EMDR's structure maps well onto IFS’s parts work, but the pace needs to match your client’s system—not your agenda. • It’s OK to use parts language without formal IFS training, as long as you’re respectful, collaborative, and guided by your client’s experience. • Encourage clients to build ongoing relationships with their parts between sessions (quick daily check-ins can genuinely help). RESOURCES S4E5: Stop processing parts without mapping their purpose first (IFS & EMDR)| Dr David Polidi Guest Information: David Polidi is a practising EMDR therapist known for integrating IFS into trauma work. He recently edited a collaborative book on IFS-informed EMDR, gathering voices from trainers, teachers, and therapists innovating at the frontier of blended models. Social media: Website: Resources mentioned: IFS Training Programs | IFS Institute Intro to IFS informed EMDR – EMDR Insight IFS Informed EMDR Training Program — Syzygy Institute David's Book ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals. Mentioned in this episode: Supervisor platform SUPERVISOR PLATFORM: Visit www.supervisorplatform.com to search supervisors You can list your profile for free for 3 months Guide

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  • S4 · E26
    March 5 · 33 min

    S4E4: Therapist Drift. Skill or laziness? | Dr Gracie Mclaven

    S4E4: Therapist Drift. Skill or laziness? | Dr Gracie Mclaven EPISODE SUMMARY Is “therapist drift” a mark of incompetence, or creative clinical freedom? In this episode, Dr. Gracie McLaven sits down with Dr. Natalie Stott to deconstruct the practical realities of blending therapy models, from DDP to EMDR and ACT, in a world obsessed with protocols and evidence bases. The conversation sidesteps the usual platitudes, digging into the messy, human reality of clinical practice, where intuition meets integration and sometimes, the best work happens outside the boxes. Expect a wry look at the NHS, a nod to the limits of randomised controlled trials, and some honest discussion about how to find your therapeutic style amid ever-mounting pressures on frontline services. KEY TAKEAWAYS Using multiple therapy models isn’t always “drift”—sometimes, it’s exactly what complex cases require. The relationship between therapist and client can be more important than rigid protocol adherence. Formulating cases can be fluid—messy minds need not stick to neatly drawn CBT diagrams. Short-term models like CBT aren’t always containing enough for intense trauma work. There are risks in assuming the evidence base is neutral; cultural bias and financial motivations play a role. Feedback cycles with clients—check-ins, reviews, testimonials—are key to knowing whether you’re actually helping. Regular, varied supervision is crucial for independent or integrative practitioners. Guest Information: Dr. Gracie McLaven Clinical psychologist in private practice, with a wide-ranging background in attachment, trauma, and integrative work. Known for her reflective, relationship-focused approach to therapy and strong views on what makes therapy effective. Social media: Website: https://brainbodywealth.co.uk/ Resources mentioned: ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn SUPERVISOR PLATFORM Supervisor Platform is an online directory designed for therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to connect with qualified clinical supervisors. It makes it easy for practitioners to browse, compare, and contact supervisors based on their expertise, approach, and availability, while giving supervisors a professional space to showcase their services. Supervisor Platform (with 3 months free trial code 'WELCOME3') To search for a new supervisor visit HERE For free resources on supervision visit HERE Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

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