Welcome to the Breaking Through Therapy charity podcast, where we raise money for NHS Charities Together. This pod is sponsored by Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice and Rooms for Therapists.

This is the only podcast that supports you to come on the show with your therapist, at least one year later, to talk about the breakthroughs you made along your journey, and its impact on your life ever since. So this is the mental wellness podcast for people interested in having talking therapy, professionals who deliver talking therapy - and everyone in between!

What better way to celebrate the first birthday of Breaking Through Therapy, than with some of the best breakthrough tools of season one? We showcase 12 incredible therapy techniques - one from each of the 12 episodes over the last year. 

Join me in this deeply reflective episode, as I delve into the some of the key techniques and highlights you can use to promote your own self-healing and growth, or bring to your own therapy.

These tools created immense breakthroughs for clients in their lives - and you witness them here. 

This series represents a combination of so many different therapy approaches: from CBT to inner child work, from groups to one-to-one and online therapy. Which techniques did you find the most helpful, and which ones will you be recommending to your friends, colleagues and family?

Listen in, and call to memory your favourite episodes for overcoming of trauma, sexual assault, health conditions, anxiety, stress, birth trauma, eating disorders, depression, addictions and more. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow Dr Esther Cole and Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® 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:

Donate to NHS Charities Together

Lifespan Psychology:

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® 

Lifespan Business Owner Support Squad (BOSS) Coaching 

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile 

Lifespan Psychology Instagram 

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn

Lifespan Psychology Facebook Page 

Omega 6:3 Ratio Testing Publication

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 contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999or 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 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 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) 

Best wishes,

Dr. Esther Cole

Founder | Clinical Director | Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice ®

“Private therapy for all walks of life: all ages, all stages, all backgrounds”.

Landline: 0800 285 1565

Mobile: 07500 565 182 

Watch our promotional video on our website:

https://www.lifespan-psychology.com/

Listen to self-help tips from people with their therapists on the Breaking Through Therapy podcast and raise money for NHS Charities Together

https://www.breakingthroughtherapy.com

Instagram: @lifespan_psychology

Amazon Book: Psychological Therapy for Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychological-Therapy-Paediatric-Acquired-Injury/dp/0367276208/ 

Blog featuring podcasts and articles on parenting, child mental health and burnout:

https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/blog

Please be aware that we do not provide a crisis service. If you are in need of urgent assistance, please contact your GP, or out of hours number on 111, the Samaritans on 116 123, or attend the nearest Accident and Emergency Department. 

E-MAIL DISCLAIMER

This e-mail may contain private or advantaged information, is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed.

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: [email protected] 

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 787% increase in autism diagnosis

Dr Rosie Gilderthorp’s article: Are we over diagnosing autism?”

Chris Packham series: Inside Our Minds

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 heartfelt episode on improving toddler, and parental mental health, in the face of developmental delays, we are joined once again by “Kaly”. Kaly’s birth experience with pre eclampsia had left her and her baby grappling with profound physical and psychological traumas. Kaly knew they as parents, and their infant Georgia, needed support with the milestones of crawling, walking, talking, and social communication. 

Joined by her passionate Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, Helen Viana, we explore Kaly’s journey through early child-parent interventions, and the importance of nurturing a supportive family environment and professional network. 

Throughout their conversation, the story of a child facing delayed development unfolds, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of families during challenging times, and in raising a neurodiverse child in the COVID-19 pandemic with limited professional resources. 

Online therapy sessions were a lifeline, as parents and therapist worked together to enhance the child's motor skills, speech and social interactions. Discover how this approach empowered the family to navigate daily challenges and foster a more supportive and understanding environment for Georgia. 

From breakthroughs in pre-potty training communication, to the empowerment that comes from open dialogue, we uncover strategies that parents can use to connect with their children, and in meaningful ways with school settings.

In a world where there are long waiting times for help which still carries stigma, the stories shared in this episode highlight the power of community, professional support, and breaking free from shame. 

We delve into the experiences of parents who have turned their unique challenges into sources of strength and empowerment, advocating for their child who learns to advocate for herself. Join us in this reflective exploration of resilience, post-traumatic growth and a celebration of 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

Helen Viana email

Winnicott - Winnicott, D. W. (1960). The Theory of the Parent-Infant Relationship. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 41, 585-595.

Anna Freud - Freud, A. (1946). The psycho-analytic treatment of children. London: Imago Publishing.

Transform Autism Charity 

Pre-potty training research

Schum, T. R., Kolb, T. M., McAuliffe, T. L., Simms, M. D., Underhill, R. L., & Lewis, M. (2002).

Narrative Therapy ideas i.e. “Sneaky Poo”.

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) 

Join us as we explore the complex journey of Long COVID recovery in this fascinating episode using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr Cole brings a fellow member of the Long COVID fatigue management group she attended on the show - “Mabel”. Together with Dr. Georgia Parratt, a Specialist Clinical Psychologist who facilitated the group, they discuss the emotional and physical hurdles Mabel faced, and how the group provided crucial coping strategies and support. 

Mabel, who experienced the virus during the pandemic's first wave, shares her story of resilience and adaptation. They explore how she navigated the challenges of Long COVID, and repeated bouts of COVID, all while facing a lack of awareness and support until 2023. 

By letting go of a tug of war with the Long COVID fatigue monster, we learn to prioritise time for self-care and recovery. These practices can lead to greater long-term productivity and well-being. 

Dr. Georgia Parratt guides us through effective strategies for managing symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue using ACT. Mabel shares her personal experience of balancing identity with health struggles, and the importance of planning, pacing, and prioritising daily activities. 

Through personal stories, the trio uncover the common struggles of feeling misunderstood and unsupported, and the power of community in offering validation and reducing isolation. This is a must listen for anyone experiencing respiratory illnesses and those caring for, or offering treatment to, others living with chronic conditions. 

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 and resilience.

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 - https://bosstoday.co.uk

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin

Lifespan Psychology Instagram

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn

Lifespan Psychology Facebook

Dr Georgia Parratt: Private psychological therapy - [email protected]

Long COVID Resources:

Your local Long COVID clinic can offer services such as counselling and psychotherapy, physiotherapy for lung rehabilitation, mindfulness groups and fatigue groups. Contact you GP for further information.

https://www.nwlondonicb.nhs.uk/your-health-services/Covid-19/resources-self-management-post-covid-syndrome

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/articles/selfreportedcoronaviruscovid19infectionsandassociatedsymptomsenglandandscotland/november2023tomarch2024

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 findout 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 fascinating episode, we explore the profound relationship between nutritional therapy, mental and physical well-being. Health Entrepreneur, Dave Ives, joins us to discuss the root causes and solutions for chronic inflammation. “Rachel”, a resilient heart attack survivor, shares her transformative journey of healing; one that challenged conventional medicine and highlighted the power of personalised nutrition for all of us.

Despite being active, fit, and health-conscious, in 2017 Rachel underwent emergency heart surgery and was fitted with three stents. It was a wake-up call that led her to deeply investigate what had gone wrong beneath the surface, when she’d invested over £20k on supplements in her lifetime.

Together, we delve into everything from the underestimated dangers of inflammation in the body, to the nuanced balance between omega-6 and -3 (hint: they’re like the accelerator and brake of your body’s inflammatory responses!).

Learn why your diet, genetics and absorption rates matter more than you might think, and how omega 6:3 ratio testing can guide your wellness choices and personalised nutrition.

Whether you're curious about preventative medicine, seeking alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments, or exploring how nutrition intersects with mental health, this episode is packed with tools for resilience, renewal, and real change. Ending with an exploration of childhood nutrition and the increased diagnosis of emotional and neurodevelopment disorders in childhood, this episode is a masterclass in preventative healthcare.

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 and resilience.

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®

Recommended omega 6:3 test kit and supplements in our Zinzino shop

Victorian Diet

Dr Tracy Marks on inflammation from omega 6 rich foods

Medical health benefits of Omega 3

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

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin

Lifespan Psychology Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifespan_psychology/?hl=en

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn

Lifespan Psychology Facebook

Contact Dave Ives, Healthpreneur - LinkedIn

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 findout the local equivalent charities and government mental health services in your country. 

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

Join us for a heartfelt exploration of a profound and challenging journey through birth trauma and post-natal depression. In this powerful episode of Breaking Through Therapy, Dr. Esther Cole is joined by Integrative Psychotherapist, Cris Prade, and special guest “Kaly". Kaly courageously shares how she navigates birth trauma, post-natal depression, and deep healing through connecting with a lost inner child in 2018. 

Kaly explores the pain of surviving life-threatening pre-eclampsia, the emotional and physical toll it took on her, and the breakthroughs she made with Cris’s therapeutic guidance. 

In a truly inspiring way, Kaly’s story of overcoming birth trauma and pre-eclampsia is testament to resilience and hope, as she resources herself for the complexities of two successful births, despite the fear and uncertainty that surrounded them. The second successful birth in 2024, Kaly believes would not have been possible without Cris’ guidance, in the post-natal period, several years before.

Through raw honesty and professional insights, this episode sheds light on the mental health challenges new mothers can face, the trauma and stigma surrounding post-natal depression, and the importance of compassionate therapy and self-reflection in finding a way forward beyond suicidal thoughts.

The conversation highlights the critical role of a robust support system, involving family and healthcare providers, in helping new mothers through such overwhelming experiences. By sharing these stories, we aim to inspire and empower other parents who might be facing similar challenges. 

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 and resilience. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, share this episode and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience. This podcast supports NHS Charities Together, funding projects to improve healthcare for all. Donate the cost of a therapy session or whatever you can -

Lifespan Psychology's fundraiser for NHS Charities Together

Resources:

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

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

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile - http://linkedin.com/in/dr-esther-cole-multi-award-winning-consultant-psychologist-3b8b0061

Lifespan Psychology Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifespan_psychology/?hl=en  

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/lifespan-psychology-the-diverse-practice%C2%AE?trk=similar-pages 

Lifespan Psychology Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/people/Lifespan-Psychology/100089486434005

Cris Prade Contact Details:

https://www.vitalkompass.com

https://www.instagram.com/vitalkompass

Post-Natal Depression Resources:

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/treatment/

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 contact your GP, or GP Out of Hours number on 111, the Samaritans on 116 123. You can 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) 

How do you stay sober for years after tsunami and war-related PTSD? In this powerful episode of Breaking Through Therapy, host Dr. Esther Cole sits down with Beth Ashley-Smith, a psychotherapist specialising in trauma, addiction, and ADHD; and her former client, “Rob”, a journalist and war correspondent who battled PTSD, alcohol addiction, anger and suicidal intent. 

Rob shares his deeply personal journey from witnessing mass casualties as a journalist in Thailand in the tsunami of 2004, to losing himself in addiction and anger; and ultimately finding hope through therapy, 12-step fellowship groups, and spirituality.

Beth and Dr. Cole explore the complexities of PTSD, the stigma surrounding male mental health, and the challenges of embracing faith in recovery, whilst being a parent of small children. Rob reflects on his resistance to therapy, his biggest breakthroughs, and how his perspective on spirituality shifted over time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with addiction, faith or anger following traumatic events, as well as for mental health professionals looking to better understand the lived experiences of their clients.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, share this episode and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health and resilience. 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. Visit the link in the show notes to contribute!

Lifespan Psychology's fundraiser for NHS Charities Together

Resources:

Bessel van der Kolk (2014) - The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.

Contact Beth Ashley-Smith:

https://www.bethanyashleysmith.co.uk

Beth Ashley-Smith Instagram

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice®

Lifespan BOSS Coaching

Dr. Esther Cole - Linkedin

Lifespan Psychology Instagram

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn

Lifespan Psychology Facebook

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