This Trusted Place with John-Paul Davies: Mental Health, Therapy & Becoming a Therapist

Authenticity: Gently coming into your adult, while dissolving the parts that hold you back. - Lou Lebentz

This is a conversation with psychotherapist Lou Lebentz about how she went from working in the rag trade, then to Capital radio, where she honed her communication skills and developed a passion for people, and finally to becoming a therapist, a role that allows her to make a real difference in people's lives.

Join us for an engaging discussion about how she currently combines a private practice that specialises in trauma, providing essential support to those in need, with running the Trauma Thrivers website, a resource for individuals seeking guidance and community.

Lou also manages her YouTube channel (@LouLebentz), where she shares informative content aimed at helping others navigate their healing journeys. Additionally, we talk about her new trauma treatment course 'the Voyage', designed to guide participants through their healing process, along with lots of other training and public speaking commitments that allow her to reach broader audiences.
 
In another interesting interview, I chat to Lou and share her fascinating journey and how it could help you. Key points from the interview:

• How Lou had 2 separate careers before she found therapist,
• How a focus on the body and mind connection became a focus,
• How her "toolbox" has expanded over the years, 
• Discussion around what trauma is, 
• Importance of therapist self-care and regulation,
• Producing your own personal development course, 
• How can therapists be of most help to their clients,
• Combining a private practice with producing and delivering an online training course,
• Why you might put an online training course together, 
• Being a therapist on social media and public speaking - finding your ‘voice’ and ‘visibility’, 
• Importance of collaboration, teams and community,
• The challenges and advantages of combining being a therapist and being an entrepreneur,
• Therapists having their own support and self-care, 
• Lou’s great advice if you are thinking of starting on this path.

Lou’s web links:

https://traumathrivers.com/
https://www.thevoyageacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/traumathrivers_loulebentz?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/traumathrivers/?ref=share

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Is the transition from one career to another really difficult? An exciting new journey? Somewhere in-between?

This is the first in a series of career change conversations, this particular episode featuring an insightful discussion with psychotherapist Robert Cuming about his journey to a hybrid career of therapist in both successful private practice and part-time employment.

Robert previously worked in leveraged finance at Barclays, where he gained valuable experience in the financial sector. However, he made the courageous decision to change his career path and pursue his passion for helping others by becoming a therapist. In his new role, he now enjoys a diverse portfolio career that combines his work in private practice as a therapist with his involvement at the School of Life, where he contributes to the personal development of individuals. 

This conversation delves into Robert's journey, the challenges he faced along the way, and the rewards he now experiences in his fulfilling career. Key points from the episode:

- How a bizarre intuition sparked a career change from corporate banking, 
- How trying to “do it all” can impact the quality of the training experience, with advice for anyone undertaking the training, 
- How the career change has phases from the initial idea, to the training and then the post qualification practice, 
- How and why a hybrid of part-time training and employment, followed by a hybrid of private practice and employment on qualification can work, 
- How lots of different skills can be learned and personal and professional growth can be achieved both during and after the training, 
- A discussion on marketing and “niching” - is it necessary? A fascinating case for not necessarily needing to specialise,
- The importance of doing the work that you love,
- Why we might “slow down” to “speed up”,
- Monitoring growth in all aspects, personal and professional, 
- Dreamwork and its value as a vehicle for insight.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You might be experiencing burnout. In this podcast, I talk about the symptoms of burnout, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to avoid or overcome it. 

Burnout can creep up on us, especially when we’re juggling too many responsibilities or pushing ourselves too hard for too long. Recognising the signs early on and understanding the causes can help us take action before it gets worse. I’ll also share some strategies that can help you recover and find balance again.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Audio of my free sample course video from my personal development course 'Life Unlimited: Ten Steps to Real Change' available on my website at https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk/life-unlimited 

The course features 10 more half hour videos on subjects like relationships with others, creative imagination and getting to know yourself fully, along with course slides and various exercises. 

The theory is based on compassion focussed therapy and the threat/reward/connection model I based my book, 'Finding a Balanced Connection', on. Threat is our survival part and so the place of fear, anger, hatred etc, reward is the drives and motivations part of us (food, sex, money, status, competing for resources and is therefore place of addictions and dependencies) and our connection part is the place of friendship, affiliation, contentment and love for self and others. 

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Where’s the line between joking and bullying? In this podcast, I explore the role of banter in workplace culture and relationships, how it can sometimes cross a line, and what we can do when it does. Banter can be light-hearted fun, but when it starts to hurt or offend, it’s important to address it.

I start by looking at what banter is, why it’s so common, and then look at the defences people use when they face difficulties with it. I’ll also share what to do if you’ve offended someone with banter and explore its role in personal relationships.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Have you ever felt like a fraud, doubting your own achievements even when you've worked hard for them? That's imposter syndrome, and it’s something so many of us experience at some point in our lives. In this podcast, I’ll explain what imposter syndrome is, why it happens, and share practical tips to help you combat and overcome it. 

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned professional, these feelings of self-doubt can sneak in. But the good news is, they don’t have to hold you back! I’ll walk you through the key steps to overcome imposter syndrome and help you feel more confident in your abilities.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

***NOTE: I’d love to be able to have more stories, experiences and journeys about bisexuality on this channel, whether that’s in-person guests like this one, or reading out someone’s story. If you feel you’d like to do either of these, do just either message me in the comments below, or email me on [email protected] to have a chat about it
Thanks! John-Paul***

Bisexuality 2 covering self-acceptance, definition of bisexuality, bringing it into relationship with others and 'coming out' in various contexts. 

In this podcast, I explore what it means to identify as bisexual, exploring the nuances and complexities of this sexual orientation. I discuss the importance of self-acceptance in this journey, and how embracing one's identity can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others. Additionally, I touch on the often challenging experience of 'coming out' to friends, family, and the wider community, providing insights and support for those navigating this process. 

Do contact me if you'd like to talk about any of the issues raised in this podcast.

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Podcast about why I changed my career from law and being a solicitor to pursuing a fulfilling path in mental health as a therapist and counsellor. In this podcast, I explore the personal motivations and experiences that led to this significant transition. 

I also share some valuable advice for anyone who might be contemplating making a similar change in their professional life. Whether you are currently working in a legal profession or any other field, you may find insights that resonate with your own journey. 

IIf you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

This is a podcast I did for Happiful about depression, what it is and how to overcome it. 

In this episode, we discuss depression, exploring its causes, symptoms, and the various ways it can impact individuals in their daily lives. I share insights that can help listeners better understand this condition, as well as practical tips and strategies for managing and overcoming it. 

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

In this podcast, I explore practical and effective strategies that can help you navigate the complex feelings of loneliness and foster meaningful connections with others. Whether you are feeling isolated or simply looking to strengthen your current friendships, these tips are designed to provide you with valuable insights and actionable steps. 

The Ask Annalisa dilemma article is here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/mar/17/im-lonely-in-my-30s-and-find-it-very-hard-to-make-new-friends, which delves into the challenges of making new friends during this stage of life. 

The piece I wrote for the Marmalade Trust that I mention is here: https://www.marmaladetrust.org/men-and-loneliness, where I discuss the specific struggles that many men face regarding loneliness and the importance of reaching out for support. 

If you find this podcast helpful, please feel free to share it, don't forget to follow the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated and please do feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel more content like this! Thank you, John-Paul  
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk