**Trigger Warning, episode discusses child abuse, severe domestic violence, suicide and bereavement**

Summary

In this episode, Gary shares his heartbreaking story of childhood abuse and the murder of his mother. He opens up about the challenges he faced growing up in a difficult environment and the impact it had on his life.

You can find Gary - https://www.instagram.com/quality_brushstrokes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Despite the trauma, Gary demonstrates resilience and a determination to create a better future for himself. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out about abuse and finding ways to cope with the pain. Through his story, Gary inspires others to find strength in the face of adversity and to never give up on their dreams. In this part of the conversation, Gary discusses his journey of overcoming trauma and how he uses his experiences to help others. He shares his training as a psychotherapist and the impact it has had on his life. Gary also opens up about the discovery that his daughter was not biologically his and the emotional toll it took on him. He talks about his work as a therapist and the importance of self-care. The conversation also touches on the power of social media and community in the trades industry, as well as the challenges of managing expectations and dealing with difficult customers. In this conversation, Gary discusses his experiences as a decorator and the impact of mental health on the building trades. He emphasises the importance of treating people with respect and we discuss recognising red flags in potential clients. Gary shares his coping mechanisms and the benefits of being self-employed. We also explores the adverse effects of mental health in the building trades and the stigma surrounding suicide. Gary encourages individuals to seek help and emphasises that they are not alone.

Takeaways