Ever caught yourself dissecting your pain like a lab sample instead of actually feeling it? Welcome to intellectualisation - the defence mechanism that trades vulnerability for vocabulary. In this episode of Freud Made Me Do It, we unpack how turning your feelings into theories keeps you safe… and stuck.

Whether you’ve ever monologued about your trauma while your therapist quietly wondered if you were still human, or you’ve mastered the art of sounding fine while falling apart, this one's for you. We’ll explore where intellectualisation comes from, why it masquerades as insight and how it quietly hijacks intimacy, healing, and your ability to actually connect.

With real-life examples and the kind of humour that stings a little, you’ll finally understand why your emotional essays aren’t getting you anywhere - and what to do instead.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

Are you falling in love with someone’s potential - or just expertly ignoring reality? In this episode of Freud Made Me Do It, we dissect the defense mechanism of idealisation: that sneaky little habit of turning ordinary humans into untouchable gods (and being shocked when they bleed). From worshipping lovers to overestimating mentors, we’ll unpack the roots of idealisation, the early wounds it masks, and the emotional crashes it sets you up for. You'll learn why putting people on pedestals always ends in dust, and how to step into relationships (and self-worth) with both eyes open. Packed with sharp examples, therapist truth bombs and the signature sarcasm you’ve come to love, this is your wake-up call in podcast form.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

Is it anxiety - or is it your hormones going rogue?

In this essential episode of SoulPath Alchemy, psychotherapist Annie O’Brien unpacks how perimenopause is frequently misdiagnosed as mental illness - and why so many women are left feeling broken, medicated, and misunderstood.

If you’re experiencing mood swings, insomnia, panic attacks, brain fog or rage that seems to come out of nowhere, you’re not alone - and you’re not mentally ill. You might be perimenopausal, and what you really need is the right support, not a psychiatric label.

We’ll break down:

This episode is part clinical, part spiritual, and all truth.
And it's time someone told you the difference.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

Ever felt more like a child than a lover?
Welcome to the relationship dynamic where one of you holds the power… and the other holds their tongue.

In this darkly funny Relationship Autopsy, we slice into the quiet death of intimacy caused by hierarchy, control and emotional correction. From snack-shaming to sulky silences, we unpack the signs you're being parented - not partnered.

Expect laughs & truth bombs.
Short, savage and soul-saving.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

They said “I’m just not ready for anything serious” - but somehow they were ready for sleepovers, shared playlists and borrowing your charger for three months straight.

In this episode, we break down the psychology of emotional unavailability, commitment phobia and the infamous almost relationship. Whether you’ve dated a walking red flag or someone who says all the right things but vanishes when it matters, we’re naming the patterns.

From avoidant attachment to ghosting, hot-and-cold texting, breadcrumbing and the classic “I’m not looking for anything serious right now” speech - we’re not just calling it out, we’re breaking it down.

If you’ve ever been stuck in a situationship, waited to be chosen, or fallen for potential instead of reality - this one’s for you.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

Why do people cheat? What really drives emotional affairs and betrayal? And why do some become the other person -the secret, not the story?

In this episode, we explore the psychology of infidelity from all angles: the one who cheats, the one betrayed and the one they turn to. We’ll look at the unconscious patterns that lead to cheating, the emotional blueprint behind being the other woman or man and the deep ache of being almost loved. From attachment wounds to fantasy bonds, this is a raw, honest conversation about unmet needs, betrayal trauma and the hidden dynamics behind affairs.

Whether you're healing after infidelity, questioning a relationship, or trying to understand your own past, this episode brings clarity to the shadows most people avoid.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

In this Soul Path Alchemy episode, we take a deep psychological and spiritual dive into the beloved film Because of Winn-Dixie. Exploring themes of childhood loneliness, grief, emotional healing, and the sacred bond between animals and humans, we reflect on how this quiet story holds profound truth. We unpack Winn-Dixie’s role as an emotional field regulator, the psychodynamics of Opal’s relationship with her emotionally unavailable father, Gloria Dump’s archetype of the wise woman and Otis’s silent trauma repair through music. With references to Bollas’ “unthought known” and felt-sense perception, this episode is for anyone seeking comfort, catharsis or a deeper understanding of love, abandonment and the healing power of presence. A must-listen for fans of psychological film analysis, soul work and animal-assisted healing.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing, and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

Gaslighting isn’t just lying. It’s a slow erasure - of memory, meaning and self-trust.

In this episode, we take a scalpel to gaslighting: what it is, how it works and why it’s one of the most psychologically damaging forms of manipulation.
From subtle distortions to outright denial, gaslighting chips away at your sense of reality until you start to second-guess your own eyes, instincts and sanity.

We’ll unpack the psychoanalytic roots, the stages of erosion and what it really means when someone tells you “you’re too sensitive.”

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does. Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing, and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project

Somatisation — Freud Made Me Do It

What happens when you swallow every emotion, silence every need, and smile through clenched teeth?
Your body starts talking.

In this episode, we explore somatisation - the unconscious process where psychic pain takes physical form. From chronic pain to mystery illnesses, we’ll trace how unspoken feelings often show up as very real symptoms.

This isn’t about “it’s all in your head.” It’s about what’s been pushed so deep it has nowhere else to go.
Let’s talk about migraines, IBS, fatigue, pelvic pain - and the real feelings underneath them.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity, and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does. Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing, and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music by - Grand project - Majestic Sky Outro

Identification with the Aggressor - Freud Made Me Do It

Sometimes the only way to survive is to mimic the very person who hurt you.
In this episode, we’re diving into identification with the aggressor - a subtle but powerful defense mechanism where your psyche, under threat, begins to adopt the traits of the one in power. The bully. The critic. The controller.

We’ll unpack how this shows up in childhood, relationships, leadership, parenting - and how it quietly rewrites your sense of self.
This one’s not light - but it’s liberating. Because once you spot it, you get to choose differently.

Soul Path Alchemy is a space for depth, clarity, and the quiet turning of truth. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for - gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does. Soul Path Alchemy is a podcast exploring the deeper layers of human experience; through psychology, soul work, healing, and truth. Each episode is a conversation between the seen and unseen, where emotional insight meets spiritual clarity. If something in this moved you, following and sharing helps it reach others on their own Soul Path. This podcast is for anyone drawn to depth, transformation, and the quiet remembering of who they really are. If this episode speaks to something in you, it may speak to someone else too. When you follow, share, or simply stay connected, it helps this work reach the people it’s meant for; gently, naturally, in the way real alignment always does.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on my life experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples used are made up - complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.

Music Credit - Majestic Sky Outro by Grand Project