In this unique episode on overcoming racial inequality, suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder (BPD), we discover how “Bart”, an Irish Traveller, endured a three-year wait for NHS mental health services, to eventually find a transformative connection with Dr. Claire Tobin, Clinical Psychologist.

With the gaps widening in NHS mental health care, and the lack of tailored and culturally sensitive therapies, we gain a window into the power of mentalization-based group and individual therapy in reshaping lives.

Through Bart's story, we shed a light on the impact of relational work, and the journey toward trust in a mental health system that often falls short.

After 18 months of interventions, Bart's revelations about his cultural identity as an Irish Traveller, survivor of trauma and protector, became a turning point in his therapy. This shows us the crucial role of authenticity in healing.

Find out how his instincts shaped his interactions and how moments of conflict and misunderstanding with his therapists became crucial steps in evolving past his diagnosis of BPD.

We discuss the importance of mentalization work and embracing relational uncertainties, to enhance the quality of human connections. Bart's resilience, determination, his emotional and academic intelligence shine through, offering hope, insight and mentorship for others going through life's toughest mental battles.

Resources:

NHS Charities Together: Link to donate

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® - https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/

Lifespan BOSS Coaching - https://bosstoday.co.uk

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile

Lifespan Psychology Instagram

Contact Dr Claire Tobin at The Lighthouse Clinic

Research into Social Inequalities in the Irish Traveller Community:

House of Commons Report

Suicide rates amongst the Irish Traveller community is 6-7 times higher than in settled Irish people

Crisis Numbers:

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Samaritans - 116 123 - https://www.samaritans.org/

Childline - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk/

CALM - 0800 585858 - https://www.thecalmzone.net/

If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please...

In this unique episode of Breaking Through Therapy, we explore the rarely seen courage of a retired man’s experience of overcoming an eating disorder.

“Eric” joins us on the show as we welcome back Joanna Oates, his former Nutritional Psychotherapist. Living well with a diagnosis of bipolar depression, Eric shares his inspiring journey through perfectionism, self-sabotage and alcoholism; as well as incredible weight loss and 14 years of sobriety.

Together, they uncover how their collaboration not only addressed Eric’s immediate concerns about addictive eating patterns, but also guided him through a sustainable weight loss journey several years after gastric band surgery.

An effective technique was “stepping stones” by Robert Diltz. Eric learned to visualize his goals amidst life's pressures, particularly during the challenges of directing a show. This compassionate approach, enriched by faith and community support, offered Eric a framework to enhance his mental resilience and manage stress and emotional eating more effectively.

Balanced nutrition and its role in emotional well-being take center stage, as Eric shares how refining his eating patterns under Joanna's guidance improved his mood and energy. The power of food diaries, and experimenting with food choices, were important in fostering long-term positive changes and prolonging Eric's life and quality of life.

This conversation highlights the significance of open dialogues in therapy, the empowering dynamics of therapeutic relationships, and the invaluable support of finding a therapist who embraces both similarities and differences. This is a relationship developed over several years and life-chapters, which would be irreplaceable with artificial intelligence.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health, resilience and the client-therapist relationship. Help us spread the word by sharing this episode and fundraising through our page for NHS Charities Together!

Resources:

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice®

Lifespan BOSS Coaching

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin

Lifespan Psychology Instagram

Joanna Oates:

Email: hello@joannaoates.com

Website: https://joannaoates.com

Crisis Numbers:

NSPCC

Samaritans - 116 123

Childline - 0800 1111

CALM - 0800 585858

If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999 or attend your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department. If you are listening from overseas, please find out the local equivalent charities and government mental health services in your country.

Theme Tune Credit: Bliss by Luke Bergs / bergscloud (No Copyright Music)

In this unique and compelling episode of Breaking Through Therapy, Autism and ADHD coach “Alfi”, and insightful Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Katie Adolphus, join us to unravel the complexities of autism diagnosis.

As we trace the evolution of our understanding of neurodiversity, with particular reference to women, Alfi shares her personal narrative of navigating societal norms. She describes the often misunderstood world of social communication and interactions with other people, both in her personal life and in the workplace.

Her story sheds a poignant light on the challenges and triumphs faced by autistic people. It underlies the power of telling compassionate stories about ourselves and our histories.

Their exploration with Dr Cole continues with a deep dive into the autism assessment process in later life, and the concept of masking. Dr. Katie provides a thorough breakdown of the assessment steps she undertook with Alfi, revealing the nuanced experiences of autistic individuals, who often feel compelled to conceal their true selves.

Alfi enriches this discussion by distinguishing the everyday social adjustments most of us make, from the profound act of masking, which is a painful and exhausting suppression of self and identity. She also challenges the traditional medicalised language used to describe the mental health impacts on autistic individuals.

In their later discussions with Dr Cole, the transformative impact of an autism diagnosis takes centre stage. From previous suicidal thoughts, Alfi's relief and newfound understanding post-diagnosis, articulate the emotional and physical toll of living in a neurotypical world.

We uncover the concept of autistic burnout, using relatable analogies to paint a vivid picture of the continuous effort required to navigate life. By discussing misinterpretation of others’ and rejection sensitivity, they highlight the importance of mutual adaptations between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. This episode calls for collective voices towards a more inclusive environment, where finding self-acceptance may be as important as finding one's tribe.

This episode is a must listen for parents of children who may be autistic, autistic people interested in the pros and cons of self-diagnosis versus a formal diagnosis; as well as health professionals and educators with an interest in neurodiversity.

This podcast supports NHS Charities Together, funding projects to improve healthcare for all. Donate the cost of a therapy session, or whatever you can, to help us reach our goal of £10,000 this year.

Resources:

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice®

Lifespan BOSS Coaching

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin

Lifespan Psychology Instagram

Contact Dr Katie Adolphus at the Adolphus Practice

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Study by University of Exeter on