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

In this episode, I'm so pleased to welcome Mark Brayne, a hugely experienced psychotherapist specialising in the trauma treatment - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 

We begin with Mark's fascinating career and his reasons for becoming a trauma therapist, through his previous career as a BBC journalist and foreign correspondent, including him interviewing George Michael from Wham! when they visited China back in the 1980s. 

We then cover the complexities of trauma, the effectiveness of EMDR, and the nuances of attachment-focused EMDR therapy, including:

 - an Introduction to EMDR, as Mark explains the fundamentals of the therapy, its phases, and how it differs from traditional therapeutic approaches.

- Understanding Trauma: the conversation covers the various types of trauma, including 'big T' and 'small T' trauma, and how they impact individuals.

- The Role of the Nervous System: Mark discusses how the nervous system processes trauma and the importance of understanding this in therapy.

- Mark takes me through an exercise in 'real time' to identify a core memory and then explains next steps.

- Bilateral Stimulation: An explanation of how bilateral stimulation works in EMDR and its significance in processing traumatic memories.

- Attachment-Focused EMDR: Mark explains the concept of attachment-focused EMDR and how it simplifies the standard protocol for better outcomes.

- Practical Applications: practical insights on how EMDR can be applied in therapeutic settings, including online therapy adaptations.

- Mark gives some great advice for anyone coming into the profession who wants to train as a therapist

Mark's website links :https://braynework.com/ and https://emdrfocus.com/faces/mark-brayne/

Thank you for watching listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'FOLLOW' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

Website at: https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on my YouTube channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.*** 
 
'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: 

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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***

In this episode, I welcome Tom Ward-Thomas, a writer and actor, to discuss his journey with bisexuality. We look into his personal experiences, societal perceptions, and the importance of representation in media. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of bisexuality, the importance of representation, and the journey of self-acceptance. Watch for hopefully an engaging conversation that highlights the richness of diverse sexual identities.

Key Topics Discussed:
  - Tom shares his background and how he identifies as bisexual.
  - Discussion on the journey of self-acceptance and acknowledgement of bisexuality.
  - The effects of acknowledging one's sexuality on mental health.
  - Tom discusses the challenges faced by bisexual individuals in navigating relationships and societal perceptions.
  - Tom reflects on his dating history and the realisation of his bisexual identity.
  - The impact of societal expectations and stereotypes on bisexual individuals.
  - The importance of accurate representation of bisexuality in film and television.
  - Tom's involvement in projects that aim to normalise bisexuality and showcase diverse narratives.
  - Encouragement for those exploring their bisexual identity to seek support and be open about their experiences.
  - The significance of having trusted individuals to confide in.

Tom also shares his current projects, including a short film on the festival circuit and upcoming writing projects.

Tom’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomwardthomas/

Tom’s IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4792976/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Bisexual Brunch Podcast: https://bisexualbrunch.buzzsprout.com/

Thank you for watching. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE and FOLLOW to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

My podcast with the audio of this video is at: https//www.buzzsprout.com/2067601

Website at: https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.*** 
 
'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: 

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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 episode, I welcome Dave Birchmore, a career transition expert, who shares insights on navigating career changes using his innovative model, VIA NOVA. This model, meaning "new path," is designed to help individuals successfully transition from one career to another.

Dave talks about his background in healthcare as a radiographer, his shift from a corporate role to entrepreneurship and, most recently, founding VIA NOVA to assist others in career transitions. We then talk in detail about the model itself, with me applying it to my own experience of becoming a therapist and subsequently setting up a private therapy practice. The 7 steps of the model we talk about are as follows:

    1. Value: identifying transferable skills.
    2. Imagine: the importance visualising future career aspirations.
    3. Affordability: understanding all of the financial implications of a career change.
    4. Now What: deciding whether to stay in the current role or pursue a new path.
    5. Overcoming Barriers: addressing any mental, physical, and social obstacles to career change.
    6. Validation: confirming decisions with support from peers and mentors.
    7. Action: taking definitive steps towards the new career.

Along the way we also talk about the potential challenges in career transitions, such as the  emotional and financial hurdles faced and the societal pressures associated with leaving established careers. Dave gives lots of advice for aspiring career changers, including the importance of reaching out to those who have made similar transitions and an emphasis on the value of passion and fulfilment in one's career.

Dave's website and social media links:
www.vianova.life
https://www.facebook.com/vianova
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbirchmore
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vianovalife
https://www.youtube.com/@vianovaplanning

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'FOLLOW' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on my YouTube channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.*** 
 
'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: 

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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

Breaking Free From Trauma: A Conversation with Trauma Therapist and Author Philippa Smethurst  

In this episode, I welcome experienced therapist and author Philippa Smethurst to discuss the complexities of trauma, its manifestations, and ways to heal. Philippa shares insights from her recently published book, "20 Ways to Break Free From Trauma," and explores the various symptoms and responses associated with trauma.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Introduction to trauma and its significance in therapy.
- Philippa's background and her journey from Tiananmen Square into trauma specialisation.
- The definition of trauma and its broad impact on individuals.
- Different manifestations of trauma, including anger, depression, and loneliness.
- The importance of understanding trauma as a multifaceted experience.
- Insights from Philippa's book, including some of the many symptoms of trauma.
- The role of the body in processing trauma and the concept of sensory motor therapy.
- The impact of external events, such as news and global crises, on personal trauma.
- The concept of post-traumatic growth and finding purpose after trauma.
- Practical self-help strategies and exercises for trauma recovery.
- The significance of therapeutic relationships in healing trauma.

Guest Information:

- Philippa Smethurst is a trauma specialist and author of "20 Ways to Break Free From Trauma." She has over 30 years of experience in the field and is passionate about helping individuals understand and heal from their trauma.

Resources Mentioned:

- Philippa's book: "20 Ways to Break Free From Trauma": https://philippasmethurst.com/bookshop 
- press release about the book: https://philippasmethurst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Press-Release-F3.pdf

Follow Philippa:

- YouTube Channel: Break Free from Trauma, https://youtube.com/@philippasmethurst
- Newsletter Sign-Up: https://philippasmethurst.com/news#contactform7 
- Website: philippasmethurst.com
- Instagram: 20waystobreakfreefromtrauma/
- X: @philippatherapy
- Facebook: philippatherapy
- LinkedIn: Philippa Smethurst
- Link to Philippa being interviewed by Sir Terry Waite, former hostage and human rights advocate about trauma and the book: https://youtu.be/Er1ayJyE8Ys?si=X1wNLf09bXsDputU

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to follow to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.*** 
 
'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: 
"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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

Training to be a therapist can have a profound impact on relationships. In this episode, I address a subscriber's question about how therapy training affects romantic and close relationships. While I can't provide specific advice, I offer reflections on the potential effects and how to navigate them.
Therapy training can help us develop better communication skills and boundaries, which can really benefit our relationships, but it's important to acknowledge that change may not always be easy, especially in long-standing relationships. Ultimately, therapy training can lead to personal growth and improved relationships, but I think it's important to approach it with realistic expectations and a willingness to work on ourselves. Let me know your thoughts as ever, I'd love to hear them!

Here's the subscriber's question: 

'I'm currently going through training to become a therapist (very early on) 

I'm a little concerned that once I'm super aware of my relationships and my personality etc, that I'm going to try and change my wife / give advice to, or push ideas onto her, around her personality traits and I'd obviously like to leave my personal relationship alone. 

How do you navigate seeing traits in someone close to you, that you dislike or don't align with?'

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to SUSBCRIBE for more content like this!

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on my YouTube channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.*** 
 
'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: 

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

#TherapyTraining #Relationships #PersonalDevelopment

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 episode, I  show you around my therapy room with some advice on setting up a therapy room at home. Based on my own experience, I discuss various elements that can enhance both the therapist's and clients' experiences, including lighting choices, comfortable seating, time management, digital interaction and temperature control. 

As ever, do let me know your thoughts and experiences on setting up a therapy room, including any tips you've found helpful. 

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more content like this, it would be much appreciated

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on my YouTube channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel homepage. Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.*** 
 
'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: 

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." and

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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 episode, I welcome Lee Rasberry, a trainee therapist, to discuss his potential career transition from engineering to counselling. Lee shares insights from his journey, including challenges, passion, and has lots of valuable advice for those considering a similar path.

Key Points:

1. Lee's background: his experience in engineering and product management, completing an MBA at Warwick Business School and discovering a passion for psychology and organisational behaviour.

2. His catalysts for change: major life events, such as becoming a parent and the COVID pandemic, prompted Lee to re-evaluate his career, as well as personal experiences with counselling that ignited his interest in becoming a therapist.

3. Deciding to pursue counselling: Lee's realisation that a human-centered career path is likely to suit him better than his role in engineering, looking at the importance of self-reflection and identifying personal values.

4. Training at Matrix College: he talks about the integrative counselling degree course that he's  currently studying, the balance of academic work and practical experience within the program.

5. Great advice for Aspiring Therapists: Lee has lots of suggestions for ideas to bear in mind in making the career change: 

1 - What you do tomorrow doesn't devalue what you did today or yesterday.

2 - Change is inevitable, in you and in the world.

3 - Listen to your gut, give the cognitive muscle a rest.

4 - Explore and understand your values - recognise when they change.

5 - Seek new experiences that get you in touch with different sides of yourself.

6 - Expand your circle, look for variety in your connections.

7 - You cannot mitigate all the risk, dangers and unknowns. Change will cost time and money.

8 - You may never know if you don't have a go.

9 - Think about what you are moving away from, and towards.

10 - Think about the WORK, and HOW the work is done.

6. Challenges Faced: he talks about the potential challenges faced including balancing study, work, and family life while managing stress and deadlines.

7. Future Aspirations: Lee's goal of establishing a private practice while keeping an open mind about potential career developments as he encourages listeners to trust themselves and explore their passions.

Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'SUBSCRIBE' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

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

Subscriber’s question: ‘I'm struggling with this question right now. I've had a long career in technology, but am burned out from it and need to do something else. I also started getting counselling myself a few years ago and find it helpful and very interesting.

I'm also very much an introvert, and not really a people person at all, although I'm very sensitive and empathetic. How the heck do i know if i could be a good counsellor? Does a masters program sort of transform you into one?

Thanks!’

This podcast is a response to the above subscriber's question about how to know if one would be a good counsellor, given that they don't consider themselves a great "people person" and are more introverted.  It also addresses a comment from another viewer about the need for a "portfolio career" to earn enough as a therapist. 

I explore what I think are many of the common traits and qualities of a 'good therapist', such as:

- Curiosity and openness to new ideas      
- Self-reflection and tolerance      
- Empathy and sensitivity      
- Emotional intimacy and vulnerability      
- Active listening and communication skills      
- Optimism and hope      
- Good boundaries 
- Honesty      
- Warmth and kindness    

The podcast also mentions other qualities like creativity, connection to nature, and lack of competitiveness. Looking specifically at the subscriber's question, I suggest that their perception of themselves as not being a "people person" or being introverted may be shaped by their past experiences and environment.   The training and being around other therapists can help transform these beliefs and bring out the qualities that are valued in the profession, encouraging the subscriber to be curious and observant about how they feel in the training environment and to trust their own experience.

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

Today is the release day of Caz Binstead's new book "Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice (Ethics In Action)" (published by Routledge), which also features a short case study on my YouTube channel! 

An excerpt from the Amazon book description: 'This book explores the ethics around everything connected with setting up and running a therapy private practice... The book provides exercises, examples, and vignettes, in addition to the author's own unique working model, to help the reader bring theoretical reflections into their own everyday practice...and... will help private practitioners feel more confident and grounded in their private practice and up-to-date with developing thoughts. It will also appeal to training institutes, supervisors, and students.'

In this podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Caz about her journey to releasing the book and the importance of ethics in private practice. She's an experienced private practitioner, supervisor, writer, and facilitator, with a passion for ethical and thriving practice. She has helped hundreds of therapists with their private practices and believes in the importance of balancing ethical considerations with business growth. 

The book covers various topics, including solidarity, compassion, justice, and the importance of endings in therapy. Caz also runs projects like Trainee Talk and Therapists Create, which provide support and opportunities for therapists and trainees to connect and explore their creativity. If you're interested in learning more about ethical practice and the journey of releasing a book, this podcast is for you.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

Don't forget to check out Caz's new book and support her amazing work. You can find out more about Caz via her website:

www.cazbinstead.com

If you are interested in joining in with any of Caz' projects - #TherapistsCreate or #TraineeTalk, or, to find out more about the #TherapistsConnect community, please email her on [email protected]

And, feel free to connect with Caz on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/caztc 

https://twitter.com/cazbinny 

https://www.instagram.com/night_owl_counsellor/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caz-binstead-385873302?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

https://www.tiktok.com/@cazbinny?_t=8r0YYxI2lLU&_r=1

https://bsky.app/profile/cazbinny.bsky.social

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

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month continues in November! In this podcast, I look into the importance of empathy for men and how it can help manage anger, foster vulnerability, and improve relationships by way of a thought experiment. Imagine a life where your close friends are gone, your internal guidance system is severed, and your worth is solely based on competitive wins or losses. This experiment sheds light on the daily struggles faced by many men - isolation, estrangement, shame, rage, and despair. 

I think empathy is a key to change. By establishing empathy for ourselves and experiencing it from others, we can often understand more and address the root causes of our challenges. Coupled with a commitment to do things differently, empathy becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth and healthier relationships. 

Please do share your reflections and thoughts on this experiment and feel free to email me separately, I'd love to hear your insights. Take care of yourselves and stay tuned for more content.
 
Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

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