Are you wondering if your mood swings, sleepless nights, or sudden changes in your body might be more than just “life stress”?

This week, I'm joined by Dr. Gill Shields, an experienced NHS GP and British Menopause Society specialist.

Gill sheds light on what perimenopause really is, busting myths about hot sweats being the defining symptom and revealing that there are over 70 recognised symptoms - many of which are overlooked or misunderstood. We discuss why you don’t need a blood test to validate how you’re feeling, the misleading legacy of past HRT research, and the importance of individualised care. Gill also sheds light on what happens to our weight in perimenopause, and the lifestyle changes that can help support your body and your mind during this time of life.

By the end of the episode you'll know when it’s time to visit the doctor, how to advocate for yourself in healthcare settings, and why being well-informed is key to getting the support you deserve.

Highlights include:
2:01 Understanding perimenopause symptoms
06:20 When to see your doctor
10:17 Lifestyle changes and supplement efficacy
17:16 Weight gain and body changes
23:56 The truth about HRT
30:56 Common misconceptions and final advice

This week's guest:
Dr Gill Shields completed her medical training at Imperial College London in 2006 and went onto work in several London hospitals before completing her GP training in 2011.

Along with her MBBS/BSc/MRCGP she has Diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sexual and Reproductive health and has FSRH letters of competence in IUDs (coils) SDI (contraceptive implants). She holds the Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health Advanced Menopause Certificate and is a British Menopause Society specialist.

Dr Gill Shields is a GP partner within the NHS and PCN Women’s Health Lead. She runs regular specialist menopause clinics, group menopause consultations and general women’s health clinics. She enjoys listening to her patients and helping them make the best decisions around their health with support of the most up to date evidence based medicine.

Website
Instagram

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

-> JOIN OUR SUBSTACK <-

Be part of our growing community for free - Join now

-> NEED THERAPY? <-

For private psychology services and therapy in person (London/Hertfordshire) or online, please visit Harley Clinical Psychology.

-> SOCIALS <-

Subscribe to Dr Liz's YouTube channel

Follow Harley Clinical on Instagram

Follow Dr Liz White on TikTok

-> DISCLAIMER <-

The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.

Are you tired of tossing and turning and want to know if a good night's sleep is ever possible?

In the first episode of season 4 of the Hello Therapy podcast, I'm joined by clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Maja Schaedel where we unravel the mysteries and challenges of sleep. Maja shares her extensive experience from the NHS Sleep Disorder Centre and her private Good Sleep Clinic, offering practical insights into why sleep is so essential for our health, how different sleep disorders manifest across age groups, and what we can do to improve our nightly rest.

You'll will learn about the surprising links between sleep and conditions like dementia and anxiety, the realities of insomnia, and actionable strategies for managing sleep disruptions, plus some myth-busting around sleep routines. Whether you've struggled with sleepless nights or just want to understand how to sleep better, this episode is full of valuable tips and eye-opening science.

Highlights include:
08:55 Common sleep disorders explained
19:18 Teen sleep patterns and challenges
28:59 Understanding sleep efficiency
37:46 Strategies for 3am wake-ups
50:22 Mental health and sleep connection
57:30 Top tips for better sleep
01:02:16 Sleep retreats and professional passion

This week's guest:
Dr Maja Schaedel is a clinical psychologist and a sleep expert and has worked with people with sleep difficulties for over 20 years. She runs The Good Sleep Clinic and she founded The Good Sleep Retreat in 2023. Maja also works as the lead psychologist in one of the UK’s leading NHS sleep disorder centres at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital. She regularly speaks on the subject of sleep in the media, including The Telegraph, The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, BBC 4’s Woman’s Hour and Channel 5’s “Breaking the Taboos” on sleep in the menopause.

Instagram

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

-> JOIN OUR SUBSTACK <-

Be part of our growing community for free - Join now

-> NEED THERAPY? <-

For private psychology services and therapy in person (London/Hertfordshire) or online, please visit Harley Clinical Psychology.

-> SOCIALS <-

Subscribe to Dr Liz's YouTube channel

Follow Harley Clinical on Instagram

Follow Dr Liz White on TikTok

-> DISCLAIMER <-

The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.

Feeling lost, directionless, or unsure of what’s next?

In the final Summer Session, I am breaking down one of life’s biggest questions: How do I figure out what I really want?

This episode offers practical tools and mindset shifts to help you find clarity and reconnect with your sense of purpose—without the pressure of finding "the one right thing." Through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I explore how chasing constant happiness and avoiding discomfort can leave us stuck - and how meaning often lies on the other side of uncertainty.

Instead of waiting for a lightning bolt of clarity, this episode encourages you to take small, values-aligned actions that help you feel more grounded and authentic in your choices.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why there’s no single “right” purpose—and that’s freeing
✅ How the “happiness trap” keeps us feeling stuck
✅ Seven practical tools for finding direction and meaning
✅ How to notice what energizes vs. depletes you
✅ Why values—not goals—are the real compass
✅ The role of discomfort and struggle in meaningful growth
✅ How to make aligned decisions even in uncertainty

Who this episode is for:
This conversation is especially helpful for people who:

• Feel adrift, stuck, or uncertain about life direction
• Are facing a major transition or decision
• Struggle with perfectionism or pressure to “find their purpose”
• Want tools rooted in real psychology, not toxic positivity
• Crave grounded, compassionate advice for life clarity

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

-> JOIN OUR SUBSTACK <-

Be part of our growing community for free - Join now

-> NEED THERAPY? <-

For private psychology services and therapy in person (London/Hertfordshire) or online, please visit Harley Clinical Psychology.

-> SOCIALS <-

Subscribe to Dr Liz's YouTube channel

Follow Harley Clinical on Instagram

Follow Dr Liz White on TikTok

-> DISCLAIMER <-

The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.