EducationHealth & FitnessMental Health

Therapists Talk Therapy

PCI College

'Therapists Talk Therapy’ – a podcast for therapists, by therapists. In each episode, we talk with expert practitioners in their field discussing therapeutic approaches, specialisms, topical and emerging issues, controversies and more. We want to showcase and add to, the professional and specialist knowledge in the area of counselling, psychotherapy and mental health in Ireland. A podcast series from PCI College, Ireland's leading provider of third-level education in the fields of Counselling & Psychotherapy. Learn more by visiting www.pcicollege.ie or write to us at enquiries@pcicollege.ie.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
monthly
Avg 57 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S1 · E45
August 11 · 46 min
Ep. 45 | Irish Catholic Cultural Norms in Psychotherapy
This is the last episode of this season and I am delighted to be speaking to a PCI graduate, Ciara Redmond. Ciara was the runner up for the Martin Kitterick Award for her BSc research thesis which is titled Irish Catholic Cultural Norms in Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Exploration of Psychotherapists' Lived Experiences. In this episode we discuss what brought her to research this topic and explore her findings. These include some important themes of belonging and isolation, obligation versus personal choice and comfort versus shame. Ciara discusses how these issues can show up in the counselling room and can present differently for different client age groups. She also highlights the importance of the therapist being aware of their own values and positions on the topic so as not to unconsciously influence the client. And she highlights the gap in training and CPD in this area. After beginning her career in Social Care, working across the healthcare sector, Ciara transitioned into psychotherapy and now works full-time in her own private practice called Mind Yourself Therapy. Based in Wexford, Ciara provides both online and in-person therapy, supporting clients with a variety of presenting issues. Ciara’s research is very engaging and can be accessed at the link in the description notes for anyone who wants to read it, along with a link to Ciara’s Instagram account. I hope you find something useful in this episode and have enjoyed the season overall. I look forward to being back in the autumn with new topics to explore. Ciara's Thesis: Martin Kitterick Award Winner 2025 - PCI College Ciara's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mind.yourselftherapy?igsh=MXNsdXhleW4ydmdrcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
June 2 · 50 min
Ep. 44 | Becoming a Therapist When English is Your Second Language
In todays episode, we are speaking to PCI graduate Barbara Fiori about her research thesis entitled “My Beautiful Accent: The Experience of Bilingual Trainee Counsellors Providing Therapy in English as a Second Language.” As we discover through our conversation, this may feel like a niche subject but has relevance for a much wider audience. This includes anyone working as a trainer or lecturer with therapy students, as a supervisor and even for any therapist working with clients for whom English is a second language. Barbara guides us through her research process and findings, highlighting both the strengths and challenges of working in a second language. She outlines how important it is to develop a professional identity and to explore people’s relationship with both their mother tongue and second language. Barbara was awarded the Martin Kitterick Award from PCI College and recently received the IACP Undergraduate Research Excellence Award. Barbara is now a pre-accredited integrative counsellor and psychotherapist with the IACP. She works with adults in private practice in Cork and Online. She is a native Spanish speaker, and offers therapy both in English and Spanish. We are so proud of her achievement and very meaningful contribution to the wider therapy literature. Please read Barbara's research at this link https://www.pcicollege.ie/news/martin-kitterick-award-winner-2025/
S1 · E43
May 1 · 58 min
Ep. 43 | Life Lessons from Creativity, Diversity & Music
I am delighted to be joined by PCI Lecturer, Simon Forsyth for a slightly different conversation today. Simon has written an essay called ‘On Flipping & Reversing: Life Lessons from Creativity, Diversity and Women in Hip-Hop’ which encompasses some thoughts, memories, learnings, and unlearnings related to an array of influences on his life and therapeutic practice, including music, Black feminism, personal power, writing, and collaborating. This is a really fascinating and thought-provoking piece of writing which I encourage you to read for yourself through the link in the episode description. We allowed the themes to carry us and no doubt went on a few tangents but I really enjoyed this conversation and hope you do too. While it is personal to Simon’s life, the themes of belonging, self-acceptance and the challenges we experience to these at various systemic levels and times in our lives feel universal and hugely relevant to both therapists and clients. Simon is an integrative psychotherapist, educator, writer, and music fan, with a passion for creativity and encouraging this in others. He works in Dublin and online, with a particular link to creative, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ folks. His training in the areas of writing and creativity includes a Practitioner Certificate in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes; Journal to the Self instructor training; and creativity coaching trainings with Dr Eric Maisel. In addition to counselling and psychotherapy, Simon also offers support sessions specifically for people looking for some assistance with their creative processes, and mentoring for fellow educators, facilitators, and therapists. He lectures with PCI College and delivers our workshops on Life Writing and Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity. Simon’s self-published essay ‘On Flipping & Reversing: Life Lessons from Creativity, Diversity and Women in Hip-Hop’ can be downloaded at https://nozomicounselling.com/on-flipping-and-reversing/ Sources referenced in the episode: Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life. Aster. Inman, D. (2024). Rapsody introduces Marlanna in ‘Please Don’t Cry’ album. https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/rapsody-please-dont-cry-album-interview-1234878228/ Lorde, A. (2020). When I dare to be powerful. Penguin Taylor, F. (2023). Unruly therapeutic: Black feminist writings and practices in living room. W. W. Norton & Co
April 1 · 53 min
Ep. 42 | Spiritual Bypassing in the Therapy Room
Today’s episode explores the concept of spiritual bypassing which refers to the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid dealing with our painful feelings, unresolved wounds and developmental needs. We use the book ‘Spiritual Bypassing – When spirituality disconnects us from what really matters’ by Robert Masters to guide the discussion. I am delighted to be joined by two PCI Faculty lecturers, Ramesh Ramsahoye and Andrew Twomey for this discussion. Andrew is an IACP accredited integrative counsellor and psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, who works in private practice in Cork and online, since 2010. He holds a BA degree and MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from CIT (Now MTU). He works with PCI College in various roles including Certificate Programme Leader, Faculty Lecturer, & Academic Team Leader for Cork. Ramesh works for PCI College as a Faculty Lecturer, module leader and Academic Team Leader for Kilkenny. Before qualifying as a counsellor, Ramesh taught Art and Art History at secondary level and was also involved in student support. He runs a thriving private practice, Wexford Counselling Service, and enjoys writing articles for publication on diverse topics in the fields of art history and counselling and psychotherapy. In this episode, we spend time with the concept of spiritual bypassing and explore what it means for our work as therapists in terms of how it can show up with clients but also what it means for our own shadow work so that we can fully support clients. We ground ourselves in the purpose of therapy which is integration of all aspects of being human and look at how spirituality, in its various forms, can play an important role in that.
March 2 · 56 min
Ep. 41 | Menopause Awareness for Counsellors & Psychotherapists
I am delighted to be discussing the topic of menopause in relation to counselling and psychotherapy with my guest Niamh Daly. Niamh has been teaching Hatha Yoga since 2004 and is a registered Senior Teacher and Teacher Trainer. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Nutrition Coaching, is a Pilates Mat 1 & 2 teacher and is a Somatic Education Coach. She specialises in menopause for movement professionals and talk therapists, providing balanced, evidence-based training, information and support. Her book ‘Yoga for Menopause and Beyond’ was published in 2024. She runs a range of CPD courses including an IACP accredited course ‘Menopause Awareness and Strategies for Psychotherapists and Counsellors’. Full details for her classes, book and courses can be found at www.yinstinctyoga.com Menopause is receiving a lot of focus recently and in this episode, we take some time to define the relevant terms including late reproductive stage, perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. We explore how these stages can impact people physically, mentally and emotionally. This conversation highlights the many ways in which counselling and psychotherapy can help to support people experiencing the variety of symptoms which can be part of this process and which can feel disconcerting and unpredictable. The role of therapy to allow time and space for reflection during a time of transition, to support informed choices, to provide psychoeducation and to feel all and any feelings is an important area for therapists to be aware of and to feel empowered to provide to their clients.
February 3 · 1 hr
Ep. 40 | Social Justice in the Therapy Room
I am delighted to discuss the topic of social justice and therapy with my guest Shane Hickey-O’Mara. We explore what it is like to be a therapist working today with the many political, social and cultural issues which are impacting both the therapist and client. I feel Shane brings a unique insight to this conversation as he is both a qualified psychotherapist who graduated from PCI College in 2024 and in the same year was elected as a local councillor for the Social Democrats and proudly represents Limerick City North on Limerick City & County Council. Shane works as a freelance integrative psychotherapist and as a Sessional Therapist with GOSHH in Limerick City and is also a member of the Violet Psychology therapist collective, working primarily with LGBTQIA+ & Neurodivergent clients. Currently, he is studying for a Diploma in Integrative Adolescent Psychotherapy with the Greenane Centre. Outside of psychotherapy, Shane is a Theatre Director who has worked with theatre groups locally, nationally, and internationally since 2011. From 2020-2024, Shane was the Artistic Director of County Limerick Youth Theatre. He is passionate about the intersection of creative work, arts facilitation, and psychotherapy. Shane lives in Limerick with his husband, Emmett, and two year old dog Obie. In the episode, we explore what drew Shane to both psychotherapy and politics and how these aspects of his life inform each other. He believes that there is a strong crossover of skills and that therapists are well placed for political activity. We discuss the inherently political nature of therapeutic work and the range of ways which therapists can take action, in line with their ethics and values, which can help to mitigate against feelings of overwhelm or hopelessness which can result from this work.
January 8 · 59 min
Ep. 39 | To Call Myself Beloved - A Client's Perspective of Therapy
This episode is all about hearing the clients perspective on what therapy is like. Eina McHugh is a creativity and creative leadership expert, a coach, educator, trainer, speaker and consultant. An Entrepreneurial Specialist with University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, an Irish Fulbright Scholar and an Associate of the Institute of Public Administration, Eina leads at the forefront of experiential learning and human development. She supports people, from all backgrounds, to express creativity in life and leadership. She is also an author of the acclaimed memoir, 'To Call Myself Beloved', first published by New Island Books in 2012 which remains a groundbreaking, hugely readable book, a classic appreciated by clients, therapists, and general readers alike. It has received a range of very positive reviews over the years including this is ‘a brave voice…a necessary perspective’ by the Irish Counsil for Psychotherapy newsletter, ‘reads like fiction but could help readers discover the rewards of caring for their souls’ by the Journal of Analytical Psychology and ‘a reminder of the power of psychotherapy, the extraordinary courage of the client’ by the Irish Examiner. I was delighted to speak to Eina about the idea to write the book, the process of both writing and therapy for her as a client and the act of sharing such a personal piece of writing with the world. Her book is available to buy on Amazon and I would strongly encourage students, therapists and clients to read it. Readers can directly contact Eina on einamchugh@gmail.com
Dec 1, 2025 · 1 hr
Ep. 38 | Long term and chronic illness - a personal and professional perspective
Niamh is an accredited psychotherapist with over 10 years’ experience. She runs a busy private practice, is an associate lecturer with PCI College, and is a mother of two children. She is living with a long-term illness and so brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work in trauma and mental health. Aoife currently works in private practice in Insight Matters in Dublin, working with both adults and adolescents. Aoife has a strong interest in and considerable experience working with Transgender/gender-diverse adolescents and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She also likes to work with parents who need support, a space to breathe, and freedom to explore what is arising for them. Her city centre practice affirms all neurodiversity and identities. Aoife has a deep interest in people and the human spirit/condition, and believes in the power of positive, affirming relationships. Aoife is also an academic lecturer with PCI, currently lecturing on the BSc. Programme and the MSc. Child and Adolescent programme. She is passionate about lifelong learning and is a PhD candidate at the Technological University of Shannon (TUS), exploring the meaning of relational safety in psychotherapeutic spaces. We look at the language around this topic and the fundamental difference between an acute illness or injury and a chronic or long term illness. We explore the impact of certain body parts or symptoms being the focus of attention and how this can impact a person’s sense of self, as well as a lack of trust in their bodies as conditions can flare up unpredictably. We highlight the fact that 80% of people diagnosed with autoimmune conditions are female. These factors have distinct psychological and emotional impacts which clients will bring to the therapy room. We clarify the role of the therapist to meet the whole client and hold the space for them to express the range of emotions they may be feeling safely and without judgement or an attempt to ‘fix’ anything as they may experience in other places. There are many other aspects and ones we may return to discuss in more detail in the future as we feel strongly how important it is to raise awareness of an issue which can remain invisible as both clients and therapists live with long term and chronic illness. I want to sincerely thank Niamh and Aoife for sharing their stories with me on the podcast. I hope you find this discussion helpful. Learn more about today's episode below: http://Www.aoiferyan.ie Insight Matters - Counselling & Psychotherapy Services Dublin City
S1 · E37
Nov 3, 2025 · 48 min
Ep. 37 | Contracting with Clients as a Therapeutic Frame
Today, we are discussing contracting with our clients and exploring what this means in theory and practice. We discuss how a therapist's understanding of, and comfort with, contracting can evolve through their career so that the contract provides a therapeutic frame for the work, as opposed to something which can feel like a block or needs to be gotten out of the way so the real work can begin. I am delighted to be joined by David Kelly and Colm Early for this episode. David Kelly is a pre-accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the IACP. He runs a private practice in Dublin with a focus on long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, and is currently completing an MSc in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at Trinity College Dublin. David has published and presented research on the psychodynamics of scrolling, and previously coordinated the PCI Counselling Service. He now supports students as a Student Development and Progression Officer and associate lecturer with the College. In addition, he works with Spectrum Life as a Client Care Counsellor in an EAP setting. Colm works as a clinical supervisor, psychotherapist and faculty lecturer with PCI College. He is year head for year two on the BSc programme. He maintains a private practice online, and he is interested in cross-cultural counselling and the psychoanalytic discourse.
S1 · E36
Oct 1, 2025 · 41 min
Ep. 36 | Willie Egan on 125 West St. Episode
Welcome back to a new season of the Therapists Talk Therapy podcast. We are starting off with a friend of the College, Willie Egan. We discuss the publication of his first novel, '125 West St.' which includes an exploration of how he came to be a therapist, the role that PCI College co-founder Liam McCarthy played, the process of writing the book and Willie's way of incorporating his authentic self and creativity in his work. We also discuss the need to take some risks and try new things in life. '125 West St.' is out now on Amazon and Kindle and will be released shortly on Audible.
S1 · E35
Jul 1, 2025 · 53 min
Ep. 35 | Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Orthorexia: A Qualitative Exploration
This is the second of our Graduate Webinar episodes where we speak to the runner-up of the Martin Kitterick Award. This award is given to a fourth-year BSc thesis judged to be of very high quality with relevant and contemporary knowledge that deserves to be shared with the wider profession. This is a recording of a live event that was held recently for PCI students and alumni. I was delighted to be joined by faculty lecturers Colm Early and Ramesh Ramsahoye for the discussion. Our guest speaker is Lynn McGovern, and her thesis is titled 'Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Orthorexia: A Qualitative Exploration'. Orthorexia is not an official diagnosis, but it is defined as an obsession with healthy eating. It can be hard to identify, as it generally does not focus on calorie intake and can take many forms. However, it is extreme and can have serious health impacts. We explore how disordered eating can present, the impact of social media, and the need to be very clear on your role in a larger team of support to work with someone with this kind of presenting issue. Lynn also gives us insight into the challenges of picking a research topic and her approach to research and writing through a lens of curiosity. Lynn McGovern is a psychotherapist and psychologist currently practicing in Naas. Her first study on orthorexia ("The experience of orthorexia from the perspective of recovered orthorexics") was published in 2021, and the material from her 2024 thesis will also be published in the academic literature. Having experienced orthorexia herself, Lynn is very passionate about this topic and would love to see it recognised as an official eating disorder. Her other areas of interest include neurodiversity, relationship issues, including domestic abuse, nervous system regulation, and chronic illness. You can connect with Lynn at www.lighthousetherapy.ie or on Instagram @lighthousetherapy_Ireland.
S1 · E34
Jun 2, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 34 | Exploring the Impact of Psilocybin on the Psychotherapeutic Experience
Welcome to our Graduate Webinar episode. This is a recording of a live event held for PCI students and alumni recently, where we invited the winner of the Martin Kitterick Award to discuss their research with us. The award is given to the BSc Year 4 research thesis, which is judged to be of a very high standard, with knowledge to contribute to the wider profession. This year's winner was Eoin Shanahan with the thesis titled 'Exploring the Impact of Psilocybin on the Psychotherapeutic Experience'. This is a very relevant topic, and Eoin approaches it with great care to explore the opportunities, the risks and the questions we don't yet have answers for. He aimed to humanise the data and make it more accessible for both clients and therapists. Eoin is a PCI graduate and works in private practice in Lucan. Please see his Instagram account 'woundedhealerireland' by clicking here. Please click here to read Eoin's thesis. A special thank you to PCI College faculty members Carol Gregg and Philomena Clarke, who hosted this event.
S1 · E33
May 1, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 33 | The Role of Assessment Pre and Post Therapy
Today, we are discussing the role of assessment pre- and post-therapy with John Wills. John outlines the many reasons he actively uses evidence-based assessment tools in his client work. These include identifying and prioritising presenting issues and symptoms, informing case conceptualisation, measuring risk and measuring progress. We discuss how these tools can be used collaboratively and in an empowering way with clients. We also discuss a specific assessment type, the Hogan Personality Inventory, which John offers to clients who are coming to the end of their therapy. This can help clients to increase self-awareness and compassion and support themselves in challenging future situations. John is a psychologist and CBT practitioner, specialising in anxiety disorders. He has a keen interest in the role of personality disorders in clinical presentations. John is a faculty lecturer and year head with PCI College and works with schools in the area of cyberbullying and wellbeing.
S1 · E32
Apr 1, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Ep. 32 | Working as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist
In this episode, we explore what it means to be a child and adolescent psychotherapist. We look at how it can be different from adult psychotherapy in terms of its theoretical framework and practical application with clients. This also highlights how knowledge of working with children and adolescents can actually strengthen your work with adults. We examine some aspects of this work which people who don't work in the area may thing are challenging and highlight the essential role of training in this area. Sorca McGrath is the Programme Leader of the Masters in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy with PCI College. She is a psychotherapist, play therapist and supervisor. She is Vice Chairperson of the Irish Association of Psychotherapy and Play Therapy's national executive committee and is a member of Disability Psychotherapy Ireland. She specialises in the use of creative psychotherapy approaches with neurodiverse people and in attachment and trauma work. Philomena Clarke is a faculty lecturer and Academic Team Leader with PCI College. She is an accredited therapist working in private practice and with adolescents in both an education facility and a community youth reach setting. She trained as an integrative therapist working with adults, couples and adolescents. She is currently completing a Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy with PCI College to further enhance her work.
S1 · E31
Mar 1, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Ep. 31 | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Counselling & Psychotherapy
In this episode, we have a panel discussion on the topic of EDI in counselling and psychotherapy with my guests Jim Hutton, Ray O'Neill, Ejiro Ogbevoan, Ravind Jeawon and Jude Coughlan. The panel guests have a wealth of lived experience and knowledge in this area, with several being members of the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy's EDI Committee. We explore the formation and activities of the EDI committee which includes organising a yearly conference, organising networking events for clinicians, liaising with the IACP Journal and training providers. We highlight the vital role of power in therapy and how therapists need to be aware of it and actively managing it with their clients. We acknowledge the rapid changes happening globally and in Ireland, along with the fear and discomfort that can come with that, and EDI topics generally. However, we end on a hopeful note that recognises the need for self-compassion and curiosity as we grow and work through the complex layers we each have around EDI issues as humans and therapists. Episode Links: IACP EDI Committee https://iacp.ie/edi-committee IACP Guidelines for working with adult autistic clients https://iacp.ie/Guidelines-for-Counsellors-and-Psychotherapists-working-with-Adult-Autistic-Clients Black Therapists Ireland https://www.blacktherapistsireland.ie/
S1 · E30
Jan 31, 2025 · 55 min
Ep.30 | Working with Suicide in the Therapy Room
Today we are discussing the topic of suicide as an issue we may encounter in our client work. I am joined by Shane Morrow and Aisling Reidy for this important discussion. Shane is an integrated therapist working from a cognitive base and has been working as a counsellor since 2005. He has worked with schools in Northern Ireland and in the community, including Lifeline, the crisis intervention telephone service. Shane is a faculty lecturer with PCI College, as well as Year Head for years three and four. Aisling is an accredited therapist and supervisor with a wide range of training. This includes an MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Supervision and Reflective Practice, suicide intervention training and mindfulness. She is also a qualified yoga teacher. Aisling works in private practice in Galway, is an associate lecturer with PCI College and runs educational programmes in the HSE's National Counselling Service. In this episode, we explore the practical reality of working as a therapist with the issue of suicide after our core training. Shane and Aisling share personal and professional examples from their own lives. These examples show that suicidal ideation and behaviour can be viewed as a spectrum. We are all on that spectrum and can move along it, in both directions, at various stages of our lives. It is also important to remember that we may meet clients in pre-contemplation, in active crisis or after a suicide attempt. These are distinct phases and require different responses. We discuss useful theoretical and practical approaches to working with suicidal clients. Both Aisling and Shane emphasise the importance of a strong support network for the therapist in this work. We hope you find this discussion useful in your own practice.
S1 · E29
Jan 1, 2025 · 52 min
Ep. 29 | Integrated Bodywork Therapy
In this episode, Margaret welcomes Ray Tonge. Ray is a humanistic and integrative psychotherapist with over 19 years of experience and has been a faculty lecturer at PCI College for the past 7 years. Throughout his career, he has developed a keen focus on exploring the body and the unconscious within the therapeutic space. He is particularly interested in recognising ingrained holding patterns within the body and how these patterns can be shifted through observation and movement. Based in Dublin, Ray works with individuals and facilitates groups, workshops, and experiential personal development courses, drawing from Humanistic, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Integrative Body Work approaches, including bioenergetics. His work aims to help clients cultivate greater physical awareness and develop tools to enhance their freedom and control over psychological, emotional, and physical responses to life’s challenges. Fully accredited member with IACP, IAHIP and ICP. Read more about the training Ray is involved in. https://ippireland.com/training-psychotherapy-the-body-within-the-therapeutic-relationship-new.php'
S1 · E28
Dec 1, 2024 · 1 hr 18 min
Ep. 28 | The Use of Technology within Therapy
In this episode, we are exploring the range of ways in which therapists can use technology including the provision of sessions as well as organisation and payment systems, administration functions for notes and homework tasks and communication with clients. We talk about the issues which need to be considered when making the decision to use any type of technology, both for the therapist and client. These include practical, legal, ethical and financial aspects. The importance of conscious decision-making around the why or why not is highlighted, as well as the need for ongoing reflection. I was delighted to be joined by a panel of PCI Associate lecturers for this fascinating discussion. Sharon Manifold is an integrated therapist and clinical supervisor. She currently works online in private practice and has several years experience of working with people of all ages and life stages in a variety of group and individual settings. Sean Lonergan is a CBT therapist with over 14 years experience of working with adults in the UK and Ireland, in person and online. He is also a CBT clinical supervisor. Craig Barry is a psychotherapist and supervisor working in private practice. He also facilitates the Aware bipolar programme and works with various EAP programmes. Linda is a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, working with individuals, couples and groups in therapeutic and corporate settings.
S1 · E27
Nov 1, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep. 27 | Working with Childless and Childfree Clients
I am delighted to be joined by Jody Day and Robin Hadley to discuss the topic of working with childless and child-free clients. Jody is the founder of Gateway Women, the global support and advocacy network for childless women. She is a psychotherapist, has Ted Talks on the topic and has written a book called ‘Living the Life Unexpected: How to Find Hope, Meaning and a Fulfilling Future Without Children’. Robin Hadley is an associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and a founder member of the campaign group Ageing Without Children. He has conducted a range of research about childless men and has written a book called ‘How to be a Man? Male Childlessness – A Life Course Interrupted’. In this episode, we discuss what pronatalism is and the impact of these pro-birth and reproduction attitudes and policies on those who can’t or don’t want to have children. We explore the many ways people in these situations might need the support of therapy e.g. to work through disenfranchised grief, as well as dealing with feelings of isolation and stigma. We also explore how therapists themselves need to be aware of internalised pronatalism and how this might impact their work. Please see the following links for more information on this topic: https://gateway-women.com/ https://www.robinhadley.co.uk/ The Are Kids For Me Podcast link - https://open.spotify.com/show/0pisu2SafDohhsqxnh6MhZ?si=cfa1fe3e146c4dcf
S1 · E26
Oct 1, 2024 · 49 min
Ep. 26 | Ageism and Therapy
Welcome to a new season of episodes of Therapists Talk Therapy. We start off with a discussion about ageism with my guest, Dr. Teresa Graham. Teresa works in private practice as a Counselling psychologist. She is a certified mediator and works as a Humanist celebrant. She is an associate lecturer with PCI College. We discuss what ageism is and how it can impact older people’s mental health and engagement with therapy. Teresa highlights the different narratives around this topic e.g. the wellness and beauty industry, the medical model and the housing crisis. These narratives influence overt behaviour and covert attitudes. They can also be internalised by older people leading them to feel incompetent and vulnerable. Teresa encourages us to reflect on and challenge these narratives. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes