Hello Therapy: Mental Health Tips For Personal Growth

How do you actually cope with all the pressure and stress that comes with the festive season? In this episode of the Hello Therapy podcast, I'm joined by Health Psychologist, Jo Rodriguez. We talk about the real, often hidden challenges that people face around Christmas. Together, we explore everything from fatigue, family dynamics, loneliness, and the overwhelming “perfect Christmas” pressur...

What does it really mean to find your inner strength and embrace a new version of yourself after adversity, and how can stepping outside the traditional therapy room open up transformative change? This powerful conversation explores how reconnecting with nature, embracing values, and facing life’s toughest moments can transform our approach to healing and personal growth. Dr. Kate Mason shares her...

Experiencing a feeling of things being unreal or feeling detached from 'real life' and not sure what to do? This episode can help. This week, I am talking to Dr Claudia Hallett, Clinical Psychologist and lead of the UK’s only specialist depersonalisation and derealisation service at the Maudsley in London, to demystify DP/DR and offer a practical path through the fear and confusion it cr...

Are you feeling constantly frazzled, even though nothing major seems to be going wrong? In this episode of the Hello Therapy podcast, I'm joined by clinical psychologist, Dr. Tess Browne to explore the powerful impact of "micro stressors", those everyday pressures that silently drain our energy. The conversation delves into how these small stressors affect our nervous system, especi...

Grief can feel like an overwhelming tsunami, leaving us unsure how to simply survive those first devastating days and weeks.  In part 2 of this compassionate conversation with clinical psychologist and grief specialist Dr. Monika Wieliczko, we discuss practical strategies for navigating loss at every stage of the journey. From those first days of shock through to long term adjustment, this episode...

Have you ever wondered if your grieving experience is “normal” or struggled to find the right words about loss? This week, I'm joined by clinical psychologist and grief specialist, Dr. Monika Wieliczko. We have an open conversation about the realities of grief. Together, we explore why grief often feels isolating, how and why society shies away from openly discussing bereavement, and the prof...

Are you wondering if your mood swings, sleepless nights, or sudden changes in your body might be more than just “life stress”?  This week, I'm joined by Dr. Gill Shields, an experienced NHS GP and British Menopause Society specialist.  Gill sheds light on what perimenopause really is, busting myths about hot sweats being the defining symptom and revealing that there are over 70 recognised sym...

Are you tired of tossing and turning and want to know if a good night's sleep is ever possible? In the first episode of season 4 of the Hello Therapy podcast, I'm joined by clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Maja Schaedel where we unravel the mysteries and challenges of sleep. Maja shares her extensive experience from the NHS Sleep Disorder Centre and her private Good Sleep C...

Feeling lost, directionless, or unsure of what’s next?  In the final Summer Session, I am breaking down one of life’s biggest questions: How do I figure out what I really want? This episode offers practical tools and mindset shifts to help you find clarity and reconnect with your sense of purpose— without the pressure of finding "the one right thing." Through the lens of Acceptance and C...

Feeling unmotivated? Struggling to get started on tasks you know you need to do?  In the second episode of the Summer Sessions, we dive into the psychology of motivation and what to do when you just “can’t be bothered.” Whether you're facing burnout, procrastination, or low energy, you'll learn five evidence-based strategies to overcome mental blocks and take action—even when you’re not...

Wish you could feel more confident in yourself but don’t know where to start?  In this first episode of Hello Therapy’s Summer Sessions , I explore the truth about confidence: it’s not something you’re born with - it’s something you build . Through evidence-based psychology and practical mindset tools , you’ll learn how to boost self-confidence in real, sustainable ways. Whether you’re doubting yo...

Have you ever experienced mysterious physical symptoms that doctors just can’t explain? This week, I'm joined by Clinical Psychologist, Dr Hannah Sugarman. We unravel the complexities of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). We demystify what these symptoms are, discuss the stigma and psychological impact around diagnoses like Functional Neurological Disorder and chronic pain, and explore how...

Misconceptions about OCD are widespread, often reduced to stereotypes like excessive hand washing or tidiness.  In this episode I am dispelling myths and uncovering what its really like to live with OCD, drawing upon two decades of therapy room insights. I discuss the significant ways OCD can disrupt daily life, how it can affect mental health, and undermine a person’s sense of self and identity....

Are unclear or weak boundaries creating tension in your relationships?  In this essential conversation, I’m joined by psychotherapist Lizandra Leigertwood to unpack the role of personal boundaries in relationships and how learning to set them can transform your emotional wellbeing. We dive into the psychology of boundary-setting , including how childhood trauma , attachment styles , and family dyn...

Struggling to move on from past mistakes?  Caught in a loop of “what ifs” and self-blame?  You’re not alone - and there is a way forward. In this powerful solo episode, I explore how to deal with regret using practical, evidence-based tools from psychology and therapy. You’ll learn why regret is a normal and even useful human emotion, and how to stop it from spiraling into shame or rumination. Fro...

Ever wondered how EMDR works or whether it could help you or someone you support? This week I'm joined by Dr Gurpeet Kaur, a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR practitioner. We have an honest, myth-busting conversation about everything EMDR.  We break down the science and explain how this therapy gets right to the root of problems, not just trauma or PTSD, but anxiety, shame, and those stuck feel...

Do you often feel insecure in your relationship or worry that your partner doesn’t love you enough?  In this episode, I unpack the concept of attachment anxiety - where it comes from, how it develops from our earliest experiences with caregivers, and how it can lead to unhelpful patterns in our romantic relationships. I outline the main signs of attachment anxiety and the coping strategies - somet...

Ever wonder how chronic pain impacts not just your body, but your mindset and life?  This week I'm joined by Dr. Amber Johnston, a leading Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, to unpack the science behind pain. We talk about breaking the cycle of fear and avoidance, how stress amplifies pain, and practical steps to reclaim your life.  Whether you’re battling pain or supporting someone...

Does anxiety rule your life? In this episode I discuss five common habits that anxious people tend to do which can keep anxiety going. I also provide actionable strategies to manage and cope with anxiety. I explore the detrimental effects of worry and overthinking, avoidance, catastrophising, hypervigilance, and the desire to eliminate anxiety.  To help you manage anxiety effectively, I talk throu...

Are you parenting a neurodivergent child and struggling with all that can entail? This episode can help. I am joined by Clinical Psychologists Dr Jo Mueller and Dr Lauren Breese to discuss the complexities of neurodivergent parenting. We explore common misconceptions about neurodivergent children, the challenges of managing meltdowns and sensory overload, and the mental health struggles faced by p...

Are you wondering - how do I improve my mental health and wellbeing? Maybe you are looking for guidance on the habits that foster good mental health? Look no further - in this episode I describe my TOP 5 TIPS for good mental health. From breaking out of autopilot mode to learning the art of self-compassion, I cover practical ways to enhance your well-being. Discover how to be more present in every...

How do I stop caring what others think?  This is a question I get asked regularly.  This last episode of Season 2 answers these questions and more! I share 10 practical tips for overcoming the fear of being judged by others. These strategies include understanding why we care so much, recognising the spotlight effect, stopping mind reading, and reframing rejection. I also discuss how to manage anxi...

 Do you ever wonder why self-doubt seems to hold you back, even when you're capable of so much more?  This week I am joined by Natasha Scullane, a psychotherapist trained in CBT and EMDR. We delve into the complexities of self-doubt, particularly among women and explore the roots of self-doubt, its impact on personal and professional success, and the societal pressures that exacerbate these f...

What happens when the anticipated joys of parenthood take an unexpected turn into the high-stakes world of the neonatal intensive care unit?  I am joined by Dr Frankie Harrison, a clinical psychologist, who shares her personal and professional journey through the NICU experience. We discuss the profound emotional and psychological challenges that parents face when their newborns are admitted to th...

Telling someone that you struggle with OCD can be very difficult and overwhelming. In this episode I provide practical strategies for having open and meaningful conversations about OCD, whether you're experiencing it or supporting someone who does. I discuss how to manage expectations for that initial conversation, managing disappointment, and how to explain OCD symptoms in relatable ways usi...