There are a few problems with therapy. It’s often hard to access, it can be costly, it’s hard to find the time to engage with a therapist and there is still, of course, a huge stigma around it.

But we know that it is a scientifically proven method of improving mental wellness. It improves brain chemistry and can reprogram neuropathways to help a person function in more helpful ways.

And that’s why I love the premise of Owen O’Kane’s latest book “How to be your own Therapist”. Teaching you the key fundamentals of therapy and how to apply these to your own life, alongside targeted tasks that only take 10 minutes a day.

All these techniques are steeped in a range tools including CBT, CFT, mindfulness, IP therapy, EMDR which why I absolutely trust and value Owen’s work so much.

Owen O’Kane, psychotherapist and former NHS Clinical Lead has been on the podcast before. We talked about where he grew up in Northern Ireland during 'The Troubles,' the perfect training ground for understanding the anxious mind due to the conflict and fear that existed in the region. He’s also a former palliative care nurse. Owen heard first-hand the biggest regrets people have on their death beds and as a result, learnt about the stresses and worries we shouldn't hold onto.

Today we also talk about:

Psychological flexibility

Not allowing your happiness to be so cheap

Micro injections of intention and introspection

Therapy is less about Indulgence and more about courageousness

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