In this interview, Caz Binstead talks to Myira Khan about her book - Working Within Diversity – A Reflective Guide to Anti-Oppressive Practice in Counselling and Therapy. 

Myira Khan - Biography
Myira is a multi-award-winning Accredited Counsellor, Supervisor, Coach and Counselling Tutor, the Founder of the Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN), and author of Working Within Diversity – A Reflective Guide to Anti-Oppressive Practice in Counselling and Therapy (published July 2023).
Myira has over 14 years of clinical experience, alongside delivering workshops, training and events internationally on Working Within Diversity and anti-oppressive practice and is a regular keynote speaker and presenter at conferences and events.
Working Within Diversity, both the book and the accompanying workshop and training series, is a culmination of her counselling and supervision experience alongside her extensive teaching and training experience delivering workshops on identity, culture and diversity, to create a robust foundation and framework for anti-oppressive practice in therapy, supervision, coaching and all practitioner-led practices and professions, across all modalities.
As the Founder of the Muslim Counsellor and Psychotherapist Network (MCAPN), established over 10 years ago, Myira runs the network for Muslim counsellors, therapists and psychologists, offering support, CPD opportunities and raising the visibility of Muslim practitioners. A visibly Muslim, ethnically-minoritized, neurodivergent/ADHD practitioner, Myira represents a diverse and intersectional identity within the therapeutic and coaching professions, supporting the establishment of diversity, anti-oppressive practice and culturally-attuned practice within the profession, alongside promoting counselling and coaching to ethnically-minoritized, Muslim, neurodivergent and under-represented, marginalised and intersectional communities and clients.

Caz Binstead - Biography

Caz is an experienced therapist, facilitator, supervisor, and published writer working full-time in private practice. She specialises in the growth and maintenance of both ethical, and, thriving practice, and was instrumental in the creation of the Private Practice Toolkit at the BACP, acting as private practice executive divisional lead on the project. As co-lead for the platform #TherapistsConnect, she was the creative lead on their two-day conference, ’Private practice 2021: surviving and thriving in uncertain times’. Caz is a keynote speaker on this subject, and has also held numerous workshops, and appeared on popular podcasts. She is excited to co-author a new book on relational ethics in private practice, with a counselling psychologist colleague (due to be published by Routledge) .

Links: Caz’s professional website is: https://cazbinstead.com/ . 
And you can find her on social media too:
https://twitter.com/cazbinny ; https://www.instagram.com/night_owl_counsellor/

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

Dr Peter Blundell (@drpeterblundell) interviews Jeremy Sachs. 

Jeremy Sachs is an integrative psychotherapist and lecturer—originally from London, now based in Glasgow—specialising in trauma recovery with a deeply intersectional lens.  

He's also a Narrative Exposure Therapist who has worked extensively across challenging contexts, including caring for pre-teens and adolescents with HIV, individuals experiencing homelessness, and survivors of sexual abuse across genders.  

For six years, Sachs led recovery groups for male survivors of sexual abuse (including boys, trans, and non-binary individuals) at SurvivorsUK and has since continued developing inclusive therapeutic programmes. 

He contributes to psychologically informed research—consulting for organisations like the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Movember, and Younger Lives—and lectures at institutions such as the Tavistock Relationships and the London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy.

He writes regularly for publications including BACP’s Private Practice Journal, Therapy Today, and Happiful Magazine, and sits on the BACP Research Committee. He’s also a trustee at Wellbeing Scotland, a charity providing trauma-informed support, and hosts The Trauma Talks podcast.

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

@drpeterblundell interviews Mandy Gosling, she is a UKCP and MBACP accredited psychotherapist, researcher and author, specialising in long-term grief experienced by adults who were bereaved as children.

 As a bereaved child herself, aged 9, Mandy completed a MA Research in 2016 to understand the long term impact of childhood bereavement.  ABC Grief – Adults Bereaved as Children, was formed from this research to share knowledge and resources for individuals, and professionals, in this specialist area of bereavement and grief.  Her central focus of private  practice is working with individuals who experienced childhood loss and she runs workshops in London.  She is the Clinical Lead at It’s Time Charity who support young adults with the experience of parental loss, and facilitates their group therapy. 

Mandy publicly speaks on this topic and is a contributing author in the anthology entitled My Mother’s Story – Gone Too Soon.  She has been published in articles for BACP Therapy Today magazine, and UKCP New Psychotherapist magazine, highlighting the long-term impact of childhood bereavement.   She has been interviewed on BBC Woman's Hour and has contributed to various podcasts to bring awareness to this topic.  Mandy is part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group  for Childhood Bereavement with the charity Winston’s Wish,  and is a subject matter expert for At A Loss Charity on adults bereaved as children.  She is part of their All-Party Parliamentary Group – Grief Support and the Impact of Death on Society. 

She is currently undertaking her  PhD at The University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, Netherlands, under the guidance of Prof. dr. Geert Smid.  This investigation is to add to the scientific knowledge of long-term grief in adults who were bereaved as children.   

For more information visit www.abcgrief.co.uk or www.mandygosling.co.uk  and social media platforms LinkedIn Facebook Instagram
 
 
 

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

Therapists Connect Podcast – Episode with Jeanine Connor
In this compelling episode, Dr. Peter Blundell is joined by Jeanine Connor, MBACP, MSc, MEd, BSc (Hons)—a psychodynamic psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, prolific author, and editor with over 25 years of experience in the field.

Jeanine shares her unique journey through psychotherapy, publishing, and editorial work, offering sharp insights into the inner worlds of children and adolescents. With wit, warmth, and clarity, she reflects on her writing process, the challenges of working with Gen Z clients, and what therapists can learn from the raw, unfiltered language of young people.

Author of three acclaimed books—including You’re Not My F*cking Mother and Stop F*cking Nodding - Jeanine’s work challenges and inspires therapists to truly hear and understand the voices of youth. This is a powerful, thought-provoking conversation that will resonate with practitioners across modalities.

Jeanine's Links and socials 

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

#TherapistsConnect Podcast – Episode with Martin Fenerty
 

In this rich and thoughtful conversation, Dr. Peter Blundell interviews person-centred therapist Martin Fenerty about his life, work, and the values that shape his practice. Martin reflects on his early influences, what drew him to the person-centred approach, and the realities of working in today’s therapeutic landscape. With warmth and honesty, he shares personal insights into what it means to build authentic therapeutic relationships, navigate professional challenges, and stay grounded in humanistic values.

Whether you’re a student, a seasoned therapist, or simply curious about the person-centred approach, this episode offers both inspiration and depth. Tune in for a moving and meaningful dialogue between two passionate therapists.

https://www.instagram.com/mjfcounselling/

www.mjfcounselling.com

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

In this episode of the #TherapistsConnect podcast, Dr. Peter Blundell interviews Dr. Jay Beichman about his life, work, and his latest book on pluralism in counselling and psychotherapy. Dr. Beichman shares insights into his writing process and explores how pluralistic approaches are a broad church and that there are many different conceptualisations of what it means to be 'pluralistic'.

The conversation also delves into pressing issues within the profession, including the SCoPEd framework and its potential implications for therapists. Dr. Beichman and Dr. Blundell discuss the challenges and debates surrounding professional regulation, access to employment, and the evolving landscape of the field.

Additionally, the episode addresses the realities of work-life balance for therapists. Dr. Beichman provides personal reflections on navigating these challenges while staying true to his values as a practitioner.

This engaging and thought-provoking discussion offers valuable perspectives for therapists, trainees, and anyone interested in the complexities of modern counselling and psychotherapy. Tune in to gain fresh insights and join the ongoing conversation about the future of the profession.

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

Here we interview author Caz Binstead on her years of work as a specialist in private practice. We talk about her writings, courses, and her work with both students and those new to the sector; the BACP Private practice toolkit; her community work and the release of the forthcoming book, Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice (Binstead, C; Sarantakis, N).

Caz Binstead is an experienced private practitioner, supervisor, writer, facilitator/visiting lecturer. Specialising in the growth and maintenance of ethical and thriving practice, she was instrumental in creating the Private practice toolkit at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She acted as divisional lead on the project. In addition to having many papers published in this area, she is also the first author of the book, Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice (Binstead, C; Sarantakis, N): https://amzn.eu/d/jeh2nWq

Caz is co-lead of the popular community platform #TherapistsConnect (and founder of their student community #TraineeTalk), and was the creative director and a keynote speaker at the two-day conference, Private Practice 2021: Surviving and Thriving in Uncertain Times. She has hosted and run workshops at two BACP student conferences, and through her extensive work in this area, has helped hundreds of therapists with their private practice. 

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

The podcast episode titled "Self-Care for Therapists" discusses the importance of self-care for mental health professionals. Dr Peter Blundell interviews therapists about their strategies for self-care exploring how to avoid burnout, manage stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The conversation emphasizes the need for therapists to prioritize their well-being, create boundaries, and engage in reflective practices. The episode offers practical tips and real-life examples to help therapists stay resilient and effective in their roles.

Chloe Foster runs Sussex Rainbow Counselling, a service that specialises in providing support and therapy to the LGBTQ+ community. For more detailed information or to contact Chloe, visit the Sussex Rainbow Counselling website or their Email Counselling Academy.

Sam Hope is an experienced trainer who has been working in EDI/Anti-oppressive practice for over a decade. Sam’s book Person Centred Counselling for Trans and Gender Diverse People is available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Tom Smithson set up New Horizon counselling in 2018. He's a BACP registered therapist supervisor, and tutor with many years of extensive therapeutic experience.

Dr Mish Seabrook offers therapy, supervision, training, and consultancy and now adds coaching to her skills in serving others. She is BACP registered & accredited.

Ellis J Johnson is a qualified Psychodynamic Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and a queer, trans man of colour. He delivers training to counsellors in working affirmatively around gender and also delivers training in trans awareness and anti-racist practice.

Maxine Walsh has been a counsellor and psychotherapist for 11 years with four years of experience in private practice. She has been accredited by the Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists since 2019.

Dianne Sotomey is the bestselling author of her new book “Check Your Thoughts! Your Life Depends on It”! - How your thoughts shape your everyday life and who you become. She is also a UKCP-registered psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and trainer.

Dr Peter Blundell (he/him/his) is an academic, researcher, lecturer, trainer, and consultant.  He is a counsellor/psychotherapist, a social worker, and a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University.

Article:
Aujla, M., & Narasimhan, M. (2023). The cycling of self-care through history. The Lancet, 402(10417), 2066-2067.

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#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

In this episode titled "Principles and Values," Dr Peter Blundell and Caz Binstead, co-leads of #TherapistsConnect, discuss the facilitation of their online therapist community. They delve into the importance of creating safer spaces for therapists online, emphasizing anti-oppressive practices essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. The conversation explores the core values that underpin these safer spaces, such as respect, confidentiality, and empathy. Additionally, they address the risks and challenges associated with developing a public community, particularly concerning the vulnerability of sharing personal aspects online. This episode provides valuable insights into building a robust, ethical, and safe online community for therapists.

Unfortunately, we experienced minor coverage issues during this recording, leading to some lost material. This included Peter and Caz referencing their work towards two papers about #TherapistsConnect in general, and, our student community, #TraineeTalk. This was in the context of a discussion about the importance of documenting the hard work undertaken by our platform over the last few years.

The book referred to in the podcast is The Handbook of Social Justice in Psychological Therapies: Power, Politics, Change (Winter & Charura, 2023).

To find out more about the work of #TherapistsConnect search for us on the usual social media platforms, or have a look at our website - www.Therapists-Connect.com

You can find out more about Peter's work via his website.

You can find out more about Caz’s work on their professional website.

Send us a text

#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect

In this episode of the #TherapistsConnect podcast Dr Peter Blundell interviews Chloe Foster. 

Chloe Foster runs Sussex Rainbow Counselling, a service that specialises in providing support and therapy to the LGBTQ+ community. Her practice focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help with issues such as gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship problems, and mental health challenges. Chloe Foster's approach is compassionate and tailored to the unique needs of each client. 

The email counselling service offered by Sussex Rainbow Counselling allows clients to receive support and guidance through written communication. This service is particularly useful for those who prefer the convenience and privacy of remote support. It enables clients to express their thoughts and feelings in writing and receive thoughtful, professional and reflexive responses from Chloe. For more information listen to the episode and access Chloe's book details below. 

For more detailed information or to contact Chloe Foster, visit the Sussex Rainbow Counselling website or their Email Counselling Academy.

Chloe's Website - https://www.sussexrainbowcounselling.com/
Email Counselling Academy (and e-book) - https://www.emailcounsellingacademy.com/product-page/ebook

Links for Peter
Social Media: @drpeterblundell
Website: www.peterblundell.com

Send us a text

#TherapistsConnect is a platform for connecting therapists.
Website: www.Therapists-Connect.com
Twitter: @Therapists_C
Instagram: @TherapistsConnect
Facebook: @TherConnect

Origins of #TherapistsConnect