Today I’m talking to Matthew Campling. Matthew has, throughout his career, combined writing with his therapeutic interests.  He has been working with clients since 1994, gaining a Diploma in client-centred therapy, a BA honours in client-centred therapy, and a Masters Degree in general psychotherapy.  He also has post-graduate qualifications in EI (Emotional Intelligence) and CBT for Anxiety and Depression.

The start of Matthew's therapeutic journey was his own situation.  He had two breakdowns before he was 21, the second after having had anorexia nervosa for a couple of years.  Each time, having to put himself back together, with very little outside help (this was in South Africa during the apartheid era) he learned about the psyche.  His began putting this into practice working as an advice writer, agony uncle, for various publications. Then he became a therapist.  He's written three books on eating disorders, including Diary of A Male Anorexic, a memoir. 

During lockdown Matthew published five novels on a variety of subjects.  He has also had 11 plays produced.  Recently he has been a member of The Pink Singers, London's LGBTQ+ community choir.  Matthew returned to working as a therapist six months ago, and as well as taking up more work with clients with eating disorders and other issues; he's also working with survivors of historical clerical abuse.  

In the episode today, Matthew talks about his own recovery journey, exploring what helped and hindered this. He talks about finding the right kind of support; dealing with the eating disorder voice and gently questioning this;  avoiding over-control in treatment and how this can be hugely detrimental; the 12 Type Enneagram; leaning into your intuitive system, emotions and going within; writing books, including his memoir ' Diary of a Male Anorexic', and more. I hope that you enjoy the conversation.

To get in touch with Matthew:

Website: - https://www.matthewcampling.com/

Email: - [email protected]

Diary of a Male Anorexic (book) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Diary-Male-Anorexic-Recovery-Apartheid/dp/1916180337

This week's sponsor:

WeShape - Katie Bramlett:   http://www.weshape.com/freedom

Harriet Frew's current offers: -

Bite Size Eating Disorder Therapy Membership

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Online 10 Steps to Intuitive Eating Course with Harriet Frew - 50% off with code FREEDOMISPOSSIBLE

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Online Event - Inspiring Prevention of Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues

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