Summary

In this conversation, I sit down with a fellow counsellor and therapist Dave Jones and explore the journey of healing through counselling, emphasising the importance of connection, community, and holistic practices. Dave talks about his practice and how he incorporates nature, breathwork, and cold therapy and the positive impact these practises can have on mental health. Dave also opens up about his challenges of addiction and how he moved through this and trained as a counsellor and built his counselling practice. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of counselling, and ultimately advocating for a more integrated approach to mental well-being.

Takeaways

The journey of healing is deeply personal and transformative.

Connection and community play a vital role in mental health.

Holistic practices like breathwork and cold therapy can enhance well-being.

Overcoming addiction often leads to a greater sense of purpose.

Counselling is not just about fixing problems but fostering growth.

Nature can be a powerful ally in the healing process.

Anxiety can serve a protective purpose when managed effectively.

The breath is a powerful tool for emotional regulation.

Creating a safe space is essential for effective counselling.

Personal experiences can enrich the counselling process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:24 The Impact of Yoga on Mental Health

03:58 Dave's Journey to Counseling

09:10 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose

15:13 The Role of Personal Experience in Counseling

20:54 Counseling Approach and Philosophy

23:23 Understanding Behavior and Change

26:47 The Gender Dynamics in Therapy

30:19 The Role of Nature in Therapy

33:54 Breathwork and Cold Therapy in Counseling

43:42 The Power of Simple Techniques in Mental Health

58:24 Introduction to the Therapy Room

58:57 Connecting with Dave and His Practice

59:26 artsEntertainment-intro-high-long.wav

Summary

Episode 7 is a personal experiences of two friends, myself and my beautiful friend as we navigate the complexities of neurodiversity, and the challenges of parenting neurodiverse children. We share their struggles the impact of labels on identity.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding and celebrating neurodiversity while also addressing the need for resilience in a predominantly neurotypical world. In this conversation, we discuss the pressing need for balance in education, particularly regarding neurodiversity, and how the educational systems often fail to accommodate the diverse needs of children, leading to feelings of inadequacy and confusion.

We talk about the importance of celebrating individuality and creating supportive environments for all children. Reflecting on the impact of social media on youth and the evolution of education, advocating for a shift towards more inclusive practices. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the journey of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one's true self.

Takeaways

Awareness of neurodiversity is growing, but challenges remain.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of neurodiversity.

School experiences can be challenging for neurodiverse children.

ADHD and autism often coexist and can mask each other.

Parenting neurodiverse children requires understanding and adjustments.

Labels can be both helpful and stigmatizing for individuals.

Self-medication is a common coping mechanism for anxiety.

Understanding one's own mental health journey is crucial.

There's a lack of balance in education for neurodiverse children.

Teaching sign language in schools could foster inclusivity.

Not all autistic children are the same; individuality matters.

Educators need better training on child development and neurodiversity.

Neurotypical children can thrive in neurodiverse environments.

Creating supportive environments is essential for child development.

Social media can contribute to anxiety and confusion among youth.

The education system is outdated and needs to evolve.

Embracing individuality is crucial for personal growth.

Thinking outside the box can lead to better educational practices.

Chapters

08:19 Understanding Neurodiversity

11:05 Personal Experiences with Neurodiversity

14:19 Educational Challenges and Realizations

17:06 Parenting and Neurodiversity

20:08 The Impact of Social Anxiety and Addiction

24:41 Voices from the Past: Childhood Experiences with ADHD

26:37 Understanding ADHD: The Journey of Discovery

28:26 The Noise Within: ADHD and Its Impact

29:30 Social Anxiety and Adult Realizations

31:03 Navigating Neurodiversity: Labels and Stigmas

33:09 Parenting and Awareness: A Personal Journey

35:35 The Balance of Support: Celebrating Neurodiversity

38:03 Education and Neurodiversity: A System in Need of Change

41:15 Creating Inclusive Environments: The Role of Education

43:53 The Responsibility of Parents: Nurturing Development

47:35 Rethinking Education: The Need for Change

50:49 Celebrating Individuality: Beyond Labels and Boxes

55:04 The Impact of AI on Employment

55:49 Neurodiversity and Education Reform

59:50 Embracing Individuality and Self-Acceptance

01:06:36 Understanding Neurodiversity and Mental Health

01:11:35 The Importance of Balance in Life

01:25:26 Thinking Outside the Box

As always, thank you so much for listening and supporting me on my little podcast journey. Your support means so much to me. Keep sharing and keep talking.

As of course do bob me a message with any thoughts, advice or guidance you may need.

https://www.jsinclairtherapies.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/jscounselling.org.uk

https://www.instagram.com/jsinclairtherapies/

Takeaways

• Therapy is about understanding oneself better.
• Self-compassion is crucial for personal growth.
• Nature can be a powerful healing resource.
• The inner critic often stems from fear.
• SoulCollage allows for personal expression and exploration.
• Healing is a continuous journey, not a destination.
• Empowerment comes from self-discovery and understanding.
• Therapists facilitate a process rather than fix problems.
• Mindfulness practices can enhance self-awareness.
• Personal experiences shape therapeutic approaches.

Summary

In this engaging and gentle conversation I am joined my the lovely Jen Walsh, were we explore the multifaceted world of therapy. Discussing personal journeys, the evolution of therapeutic practices, and the importance of self-compassion. We delve into the role of nature in healing, the concept of the inner critic, and the innovative therapeutic tool of SoulCollage. The discussion emphasises empowerment through self-discovery and the continuous nature of healing, highlighting the unique experiences that shape each therapist's approach.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Therapy and Connection

02:52 Journey into Therapy: Personal Experiences and Growth

05:43 The Evolution of Therapeutic Approaches

08:47 Navigating Personal Challenges and Professional Growth

11:50 Understanding the Inner Critic and Self-Compassion

14:44 The Role of Nature in Healing

17:50 Exploring SoulCollage as a Therapeutic Tool

20:42 Empowerment and Self-Discovery in Therapy

23:47 The Concept of Healing and Its Complexity

Thank you again for all your support. Please do rate, follow and share with anyone who may benefit from any of these conversations.

If you would like to find out a bit more about Jen's work you can visit here website www.yourtruenature.online or send her an email enquiry info@yourtruenature.online

and contact her on 07946724650