From my Counselling years to your listening ears. Hello and welcome.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling completely emotionally exhausted — like you’ve taken on someone else’s pain? You may be practising sympathy instead of empathy. In this episode of We Are All Fine, your host, Heidi Lester, unpacks the difference between empathy and sympathy — and why understanding it can completely change how you connect with others. You’ll learn how to listen,...

Looking Inward: Self-Reflection Tips for Personal Growth and Development In this episode of We Are All Fine, I explore the transformative power of self-reflection — what it really means, why it matters, and how to make it a daily practice for genuine personal growth. Self-reflection isn’t about overthinking or self-criticism — it’s about curious awareness. It helps you pause, notice your inner wor...

In this episode of We Are All Fine (W.A.A.F — Flawed, Insecure, Nervous, and Emotional), counsellor and psychotherapist Heidi Lester explores the roots of self-doubt — that quiet inner voice that questions your worth, your instincts, and your decisions. You’ll learn: • Why self-doubt shows up and how it keeps you stuck in overthinking • How it often hides beneath perfectionism, people-pleasing, an...

Quick question: how many times have you said “yes” this week when deep down you wanted to say “no”? In this episode, join me, your host Heidi Lester WAAF I explore why that two-letter word — no — feels so heavy, and how you can start saying it with clarity, confidence, and kindness. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re rude or selfish. In fact, a well-placed no protects your energy, your time, and your r...

Do you ever find yourself saying yes when you really want to say no? Maybe you agree to extra work, attend an event you’re not excited about, or stay quiet when you’d rather speak up — all because you don’t want to upset anyone. That’s people-pleasing. In this episode, join me, Heidi Lester, counsellor and psychotherapist, as I break down what people-pleasing really is, why we fall into the habit,...

In this episode of We Are All Fine, I explore the journey of rediscovering yourself after depression lifts. Even when the worst has passed, it’s common to feel disconnected from your interests, relationships, and sense of self. Join me as I explain why this happens, and I will offer practical strategies to reconnect with your emotions, hobbies, and authentic identity — gently and intentionally. If...

Loneliness is a universal human experience — yet social media, external pressures, and the expectation to “fit in” can make it feel even more intense. In this episode, I will explore why we feel lonely, what triggers these feelings, and practical strategies to manage them. You’ll hear guidance from me, a counsellor and psychotherapist, on acknowledging loneliness without shame, connecting with oth...

Leaving home and starting university is one of the biggest transitions in young adulthood. It’s exciting, scary, overwhelming, and hopeful — often all at once. In this episode, I talk about the emotional rollercoaster of moving away from home, why those feelings are completely normal, and practical ways to handle homesickness, social anxiety, academic pressure, and loneliness. You’ll also hear enc...

Do you often feel like you’re not good enough in your relationships? You’re not alone. In this episode, I explore why these feelings arise, from early experiences and social comparisons to attachment styles and our inner critic. Most importantly, I share practical strategies to help you shift these patterns, build self-compassion, and create healthier, more secure connections with yourself and oth...

Do you ever catch yourself replaying conversations, worrying about “what ifs,” or feeling stuck in endless loops of thought? You’re not alone. In today’s episode of We Are All Fine, I’m diving into the messy but totally normal habit of overthinking — why it happens, how it affects us, and most importantly, what you can do to break free. We’ll explore: Why our brains are wired to overthink The phys...

Feeling Socially Anxious in New Places? Here’s How to Manage It Walking into a new place can feel overwhelming — whether it’s a class, party, job, or café. Social anxiety is normal, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. In this episode, I share practical tips for managing social anxiety in new environments. I'm your host, Heidi Lester, a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with 25 years of experience w...

Positive affirmations are everywhere — but do they really work? In this episode, we explore the science behind affirmations, why they sometimes feel awkward or fake, and how to create affirmations that truly help you build confidence and kindness toward yourself. You’ll learn: • What positive affirmations really are • Why your brain might resist them at first • How affirmations can rewire your bra...

Welcome to episode 23 of WAAF – The Podcast Where You Feel Heard, Normal, Validated, and Understood. I’m your host, Heidi Lester, a Counsellor & Psychotherapist with 25 years’ experience supporting thousands of young people navigating life’s challenges. Today’s episode tackles one of the most common questions I hear: “How can I stop my negative thoughts?” If your mind has been spinning with anxiou...

Have you ever tried to open up to someone, only to feel ignored, shut down, or completely unseen? In this episode, we explore the frustrating and painful dynamic of emotionally unavailable people — the ones who seem close enough to keep you hanging on, but never truly let you in. We unpack: • What emotional unavailability actually looks like • Why it hurts so much to be on the receiving end • Why...

Ever had a thought pop into your head that made you go, “Wait — what?! Where did that come from?” In this episode, we break down: • What intrusive thoughts actually are • Why they happen (even when you don’t want them to) • What makes them worse — and what can help you manage them Join me, Heidi Lester, your host. I've over 25 years of counselling experience working with young people just like you...

Welcome to We Are All Fine - I am a counsellor and psychotherapist, and in this episode, we get honest about something we all feel — but don’t always give ourselves permission to say out loud: “I’m not okay.” Whether you're feeling burnt out, sad for no clear reason, anxious in your own skin, or just... off, this episode reminds you that being human means being messy sometimes. You don’t need to b...

Have you ever caught yourself endlessly scrolling, only to feel like you’re falling short of everyone else? Or exhausted from trying to keep up with what you think you should be doing? In this episode, we delve into comparison fatigue — the mental and emotional exhaustion that arises from constantly measuring yourself against others. We will be exploring the following together: Why your brain is w...

You’ve made it through exams, deadlines, group chats, goodbyes, burnout, and a million decisions. And now everything’s... quiet. This is WE ARE ALL FINE — a podcast for young people, and here is episode 18 a reflective show to help you rest, make sense of the silence, and gently figure out what’s next. There’s a strange space between endings and beginnings. A kind of emotional waiting room. You’re...

Rejection hurts. Whether it’s not getting the job, being ghosted, falling out with a friend, or feeling invisible at home, being told "no" can feel personal and painful. In this episode, we unpack the sting of rejection, why it hits so hard, and how you can face it without letting it define you. Learn tools to help build emotional resilience, challenge the stories rejection tells you about yoursel...

Worrying is part of being human, but what if you could do it better? In this episode, I introduce the concept of "worrying in stages"—a mindful, structured approach to managing anxiety without being consumed by it. I'm your host, Counsellor and psychotherapist Heidi Lester. Join me as I walk you through a practical framework for dealing with uncertainty in steps, so that worry becomes a tool, not...

An episode for anyone with family. Trying to be yourself and grow within a unit is hard. But it's part of where you are at. Join me today as we learn 7 ways you can make your way through family, with you intact. It's not easy, but it's possible. It's so important to acknowledge feelings around family dynamics that can often be painful and challenging. Follw me on Tik Tok, Facebook, Instagram and Y...

Breakups can feel like the end of the world, but they can also be the start of something new. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak. Whether you’re fresh out of a relationship or still healing from one long past, this conversation offers tools and expert-backed advice to help you move forward with strength and self-compassion. I have a 10-point survival guide...

In this episode, we dive into five practical and powerful ways to build genuine self-respect. Whether you're rebuilding after a setback or just looking to strengthen your self-image, these strategies will help you stand taller, set better boundaries, and treat yourself with the dignity you deserve. I am a counsellor and psychotherapist with decades of experience working with and supporting young p...

Mental health matters — especially during young adulthood, when you're juggling college, work, social pressure, and figuring out who you are. In this episode, we're breaking down 8 simple, science-backed strategies to boost your mental well-being. Whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, or just want to improve your mindset, these tips are doable, proven, and tailored to your life stage. From my...

It's exam season, and I know that means exam stress for many of you. Exam stress is the feeling of anxiety or pressure that students experience before, during, or even after an exam. It happens when you're worried about doing well, feel unprepared, or fear failure. Let me help you work out what to do with the anxiety and stress you are feeling. It's all normal, but there are ways you can approach...