Maryam Riaz is a Muslim BACP-accredited psychotherapist and senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. In this interview with Robbie Curtis, she shares her unique experiences navigating the world of psychotherapy training and academia and the relevance of social justice for counselling training and practice, a current Leeds Beckett counselling student.

As the only person of colour during her counselling training and the first person of colour to open a private practice in Bradford city centre, Maryam shares some of her experiences of racism and prejudice, and advocates for all counselling and psychotherapy training providers to embed themes of social justice and societal discrimination into their training programmes. Maryam offers perspective on working within a hospital chaplaincy team in Bradford, where she collaborated to enhance cultural and faith awareness in mental health settings. She brings to light how her foundations in Islamic psychotherapy have shaped her integrative approach, blending spirituality and pastoral care seamlessly into her practice.

The podcast explores the role of liberation psychology in personal and professional growth. Maryam discusses the need for therapists to address internalized oppression and biases, as detailed in her chapter ‘Social Justice Informed Therapy and Racially Minoritised Individuals’, co-authored with Nahid Nasrat, in ‘The Handbook of Social Justice in Psychological Therapies: Power, Politics and Change’ (Sage, 2023). Maryam highlights the challenges and opportunities of working in diverse yet often segregated communities, advocating for systemic change through genuine collaboration and inclusion. In going beyond tokenistic approaches to diversity, Maryam emphasises the necessity of empathy and non-judgmental support in creating a more inclusive therapeutic environment. In academia, Maryam illuminates the importance of merging academic research with community engagement to drive social justice and systemic change.

Maryam shares her insights on how diverse representation in education enriches learning experiences and prepares students for real-world applications. With a focus on social justice, Maryam emphasises the impact of diverse voices in education, and shows how embracing these differences can foster significant personal and professional growth for students.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents

What if your identity is a tapestry of diverse threads, each contributing to a complex, vibrant whole? This episode invites you to uncover the intricate intersections of queerness and autism with our insightful guest, Danny, an autistic and queer existential coach. Danny's journey of self-discovery as a queer person with a late autism diagnosis sheds light on the unique experiences of feeling like an outsider while embracing the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence. Through personal stories and reflections, we explore the nuanced overlap of queer and autistic identities, emphasizing the richness and authenticity they bring to life.
Our conversation delves into the intertwining nature of gender and sexual identities, examining concepts like "autigender" and the impact of societal pressures. With poignant narratives from the restrictive era of Section 28 in the UK, we discuss the complexities of navigating identity amidst homophobic bullying and varying societal acceptance. Danny shares their experiences in academia and coaching, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation for marginalized communities. By critically examining traditional perspectives and incorporating subjective experiences, we consider how educational programs can evolve to embrace inclusivity and diversity.

We also tackle broader societal issues, such as internalized stigma and the responsibilities we all share in fostering understanding and safety for marginalized groups. Danny guides us through the political landscape, exploring the potential for progressive change and the crucial role empathy plays in bridging divides. This episode challenges us to engage with diverse viewpoints and advocate for inclusive, meaningful dialogues. With a focus on promoting social change through empathy, we aim to inspire listeners to embrace a more inclusive and authentic approach to understanding identity.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

CW: Suicide, trauma, abandonment, sexual abuse, alcoholism, rape, slavery, self-harm, homophobia.

What happens when privilege, trauma, and leadership intersect within the walls of a boarding school? We invite you to join our compelling conversation with Tom Greaves, Piers Cross, and Jonny Lovett, as they unravel their personal journeys through the labyrinthine world of boarding education. This episode challenges the notion of resilience, questioning whether the experiences of isolation, bullying, and the emotional voids left by early separation can be classified as trauma. We explore the ways these experiences shape leaders, with figures like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump as potential case studies shaped by their past.

The emotional landscape of boarding school life is vast and complex, leaving indelible marks on personal relationships and emotional development. Our guests recount stories of betrayal, isolation, and the struggle to express emotions while reconciling privilege with vulnerability. These narratives illuminate a cycle of trauma that transcends generations, with familial bonds often strained by the experiences of being sent away. As we discuss the broader societal implications, we examine how ingrained behaviors from such privileged backgrounds can hinder authenticity and connection in adulthood.

Throughout our discussion, we address the psychological impacts of boarding school, including the strategic survival personalities cultivated within these institutions. The conversation delves into class disdain and the societal disconnects perpetuated by such education systems. With anecdotes from public figures like Richard Branson and Bear Grylls, we shed light on the long-lasting effects of these formative years. As our guests share their paths to healing, we emphasize the importance of addressing these deeply rooted issues for both personal and societal transformation, highlighting ongoing projects aimed at fostering understanding and change.

One of our panelists touches on themes of homophobia. Whilst this was not explicitly explored or condemned, the TaSC network and all those involved in the podcast do not support homophobic views or beliefs of any kind.

You can find out more about our chair and panelists here:

Connect with Ester on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-wheeler-458a55167?originalSubdomain=uk

Jonny's private practice website: https://springtidescotland.com/

The trailer for Piers’ upcoming documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stMvUcsZzlM

Follow Tom to keep up to date with his upcoming show about male friendships: https://www.instagram.com/tdrgreaves/?hl=en

Resources mentioned in the episode (books unless otherwise stated):

Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery

Nick Duffell, The Making of Them & Boarding School Survivor Workshops

Suzanne Zeedyk, The Connected Baby - 2011 Documentary

Richard beard, Sad Little Men

If… – 1968 Film

Jennifer Freyd, Betrayal Trauma: Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse: The Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse

Joy Schaverien, Boarding school: the trauma of the ‘privileged’ child

Richard Branson, Losing My Virginity

Bear Grylls, Mud, Sweat and Tears

John Peel, Margrave of the Marshes

David Niven, The Moon’s A Balloon

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

Ranulph Fiennes, Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

Fight Club – 1999 Film

David Cameron, For the Record

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

What happens when a conservative evangelical embarks on a transformative journey toward progressive Christianity? Join us in an interesting conversation with Simon J. Cross as he unpacks his remarkable shift in faith and ideology. Simon reflects on his evangelical upbringing and the limitations he encountered within traditional evangelical frameworks. He explores how he balances his deep-rooted Christian identity with progressive values, offering profound insights into the importance of change as a cornerstone of his theology and worldview. Through his work at the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and social science, Simon delves into relational theology and mental well-being.

In our exploration of evolving Christian theological perspectives, Simon challenges traditional notions of a distant, omnipotent deity. Instead, he presents a compelling case for a relational understanding of God, one that is deeply affected by human suffering and social injustice. This chapter ties together themes from post-Holocaust theological developments and liberation theology, and addresses the dual role Christianity plays in Western society - both as a force for liberation and oppression. Simon's experiences in mentoring and his reflections on the diversity within Christianity offer listeners a nuanced perspective on faith's role in contemporary issues.

We move on to discussing interfaith and intra-faith dialogue, the preservation of community spaces and rituals, and the concept of Christian Anarchism, exploring how tradition may be rethought to maintain relevance in modern society and consider the mental health benefits of communal activities. We also dive into the concept of challenging imaginary borders, especially in the context of national boundaries and migration. Finally, Simon discusses his work as Chair of the Progressive Christianity Network, and talks about the diversity of its current membership and how people can get involved.

'In the episode, Robbie regrets not always using the most inclusive language - for example 'brother or sister' rather than 'sibling', and apologises to all affected by this.'

The 'Mill Hill' mentioned is the unitarian Mill Hill Chapel, in Leeds: 

https://www.millhillchapel.org/ 

https://www.unitarian.org.uk/congregation/leeds-2/

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

Can understanding primal fears reshape our polarised society? Join us for an interesting conversation with Kirk Schneider, an esteemed psychologist in existential-humanistic existential-integrative psychotherapy. Kirk shares his groundbreaking concept of the "polarized mind," a state driven by primal fear and anxiety, and reflects on how his upbringing, political interests and the US' response to the Iraq War shaped his thoughts on societal issues. Drawing insights from Otto Rank and Ernest Becker, he emphasises the importance of addressing our inner lives and existential struggles to foster a more harmonious society.

In navigating some of the complexities of modern life, Kirk and Robbie delve into the tension between contemporary diversity and the nostalgic longing for simpler times. We discuss the allure and pitfalls of quick fixes versus the desire for a more contemplative existence. By exploring Emmanuel Levinas' ideas on recognizing shared vulnerabilities, we discuss the necessity of creatively engaging with diverse perspectives to bridge our societal divides. We also explore shedding light on the underlying fears that drive polarisation and the importance of addressing them to foster coexistence.

Finally, we explore the political landscape through the lens of liberalism and conservatism, examining some of their tendencies and the dynamics of polarisation. By sharing practical insights from bridge-building dialogues, like those from the Experiential Democracy Dialogue and Braver Angels, we discuss tools that might be helpful in fostering understanding across ideological divides. We finish by discussing the role of fear in shaping reactive behaviours and the transformative potential of connectedness and embodied presence. Our hope is that this conversation might support appreciation for the power of meaningful, emotionally restorative interactions.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

What if your personal and political identities could revolutionize your approach to therapy? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dwight Turner, a renowned psychotherapist and social activist, who intricately weaves his journey from a British Caribbean upbringing, school, and military experiences to his transformative time in Berlin. Dwight shares how his exposure to therapy and political literature ignited a passion for integrating activism with his clinical work, challenging the traditional boundaries of psychotherapy.

In this episode, we discuss the need for diversity and decolonization within the therapy field. We explore Dwight's role at the University of Brighton, emphasizing the integration of feminist and political perspectives into the training of humanistic psychotherapists. We also look at the importance of therapists' ethical self-awareness to prevent bias projection, advocating for training programs that reflect historical and political contexts. This discussion underscores the collective responsibility of the psychotherapeutic profession to evolve, incorporating voices and narratives from minority communities to foster inclusive and impactful practice.

In this episode, Dwight provides invaluable insights into maintaining professional boundaries while challenging oppressive systems, emphasizing the potential for political change within clients through the therapeutic relationship. This episode is a call to action for therapists to stay engaged in political discourse and advocate for sustained social change beyond the election cycles.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

How can psychologist tackle social injustice in mental health services and drive systemic change? Sally Zlotowitz—co-founder of Psychologists for Social Change and Chief Executive of Art Against Knives—shares her journey from cognitive neuropsychology to the world of community psychology. Sally’s personal narrative—witnessing, for instance, the impact on her family pet shop of corporate expansion—shows the deep interconnections between psychology, activism, and social justice that have shaped her career, politics, and philosophy.

This episode explores the layers of psychology's Eurocentric and individualistic roots, scrutinizing depoliticization within the psychological field. Sally discusses the importance of embracing social context, collective action, and participatory action research in community psychology. Her stories reveal how these approaches can challenge the traditional medical model, bringing forth methodologies that empower marginalized communities. Discussing into her co-founding role in Psychologists for Social Change, Sally shares how the community confronts austerity, advocates for systemic shifts, and offers solidarity and action against a backdrop of global crises.

The dialogue goes on to examine the evolving roles of therapists in championing economic and racial justice. Highlighting the impact of mutual aid during hard times and the potential for collaboration between health services and community organizations, Sally discusses how local action can lead to changes. As we navigate the challenging landscape of social, economic, and global issues, this episode highlights the power of community engagement and the relentless pursuit of a more equitable world.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

What is it like to stand at the crossroads of identity, ancestry, and social change? David Weaver joins us to share his insights on the therapy profession's role in societal transformation. With his unique perspective as a social worker, political advisor, and leadership consultant, David unravels the threads of personal history and professional ambition, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and profound.

In dialogue with John Wilson, David covers the complex terrain of systemic racism within the therapy field, dissecting how economic strains, like the ongoing cost of living crisis, exacerbate this problem. David encourages us to look at actionable solutions, stressing the urgency of embedding diversity and social justice into the fabric of psychological services. The conversation calls on therapists and communities to work together in crafting a future where mental health can flourish within a diverse society. At the heart of David’s experiences and perspective is the possibility of hope. He takes us through the power of voting, community dialogues, and the need for political advocacy to amplify the voice of mental health in policy-making circles.

As we chart the intersection of mental well-being and political action, David's expertise shines a light on the importance of hope and engagement in the democratic process. He takes us through the power of voting, community dialogues, and the need for political advocacy to amplify the voice of mental health in policy-making circles. This isn't just an episode; it's a testament to the collective responsibility we share to foster change and a reflection on the legacy we aspire to leave for the generations that follow. Join us as we navigate these pivotal conversations with David Weaver and envision a world where resilience is not just imagined but actively built, one community at a time.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

Navigating the complicated maze of community mental health is no small feat. Will Higham joins us with insights reflecting his experience from years of working in community mental health across the UK. In conversation with Cassandra Geisel (MBACP), TaSC member with experience in working in community based suicide prevention, we gain an understanding of co-production in mental health services and the necessity for responsive, justice-oriented healthcare systems. As we traverse the shifting political terrain of the UK, Will's personal experiences become a lens through which we examine the broader implications of mental health policies and the urgent need for government-led health initiatives. The conversation looks at the current state of mental health in the UK and how it is at a point of humanitarian crisis. Something different needs to happen. Can we rely on the upcoming elections to spark that change?

Forming alliances within the healthcare sector, especially in mental health, is akin to a delicate dance—one that requires balance, precision, and an acute understanding of community needs. Our discussion turns to the challenges of integrating smaller community groups with larger NHS structures, the significance of equitable funding, and the balance between clinical and social health models. We discuss the importance of clinicians venturing beyond the confines of therapy rooms to engage in deep partnership work, and the transformative power of such alliances in strengthening mental health support services for everyone involved.

The conversation goes on to reflect on the critical role of local initiatives in propelling national health missions forward, particularly in the realm of mental health. The conversation examines the nuance between therapy sessions and a client's socio-environmental conditions. We explore how policy decisions impact communities grappling with health inequalities and the importance of recognising the gaps in care that are often filled by grassroots organisations. How do we, as therapists, learn from the knowledge and assets that exist in community spaces? What does collaboration across the mental health sector look like? The conversation ends in a call to action for cross-sector collaboration, recognizing the collective effort required to address the mental health crisis and inspire a more resilient, healthy society.

Website: Together, we can transform community mental health (rethink.org)

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents 

What are the intersections of faith, culture and counselling? Myira Khan and Mick Cooper—with Nicola Blunden as Chair—explore our personal identities as a Muslim woman and Jewish man, and how this intersects with our professional training and identities. Through open dialogue, we discuss how global events shape our clinical practice and the unique perspectives we bring to the therapeutic space and training by our faith and cultural identities. We also talk about the prejudices and microaggressions we have faced in the counselling and professional world beyond.

How does identity impact on professional life? Myira and Mick reveal the weight of representation and the complexities of navigating professional spaces with unique cultural and faith perspectives. We share personal accounts of the delicate balance between being voices for our communities and individual expression. We confront the invisible struggles and stereotypes faced in interfaith spaces, and emphasize the importance of privilege awareness and proactive steps to dismantle harmful biases.

In this thought-provoking episode, we culminate with rich discussions about the personal significance of religious attire, such as Myira's choice to wear the hijab, and the judgments faced by individuals. Our exchange underlines the importance of compassion and open communication in training and counselling services. Join us to understand the emotional and mental challenges practitioners face to celebrate the value of community and support among peers across different faiths and cultures, and the profound impact on existence and belonging.

This Podcast is sponsored by Onlinevents