Hello Therapy: Mental Health Tips For Personal Growth

Are you and your partner navigating the twists and turns of parenthood while trying to keep your relationship strong?   In this episode I sit down with perinatal clinical psychologist, Dr. Naomi Gibson, to explore the emotional shifts and challenges couples face after bringing a new baby into their lives. In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into effective strategies to maintain connection and...

Do mealtimes and discussions around your child's body image leave you feel stressed and frazzled? In this episode of Hello Therapy, I am joined by Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr Anna Colton as we discuss how parents can foster healthy attitudes towards food and body image in their children.  Anna shares practical tips on spotting early signs of eating disorders and managing weight and b...

Are you struggling to understand your teen and their behaviour? Perhaps you are feeling disconnected from them and unsure how to communicate? This week I am joined by Dr Beth Mosley, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and author. We discuss how to navigate parenting teens, focusing on effective communication, understanding mental health challenges, and providing support during exams. Beth shares i...

Do you feel trapped by OCD’s sneaky tricks? In this episode I address common tricks OCD uses to trap individuals in endless cycles of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. I discuss five key tricks: time, urgency, denial, what if, and just in case, and provide practical strategies to counter each. The episode emphasises building awareness and resisting compulsions to break free from OCD's grip....

In this episode we explore the profound impact of reproductive trauma on individuals and their relationships. I am joined by Dr Michelle Tolfrey, Clinical Psychologist and founder of The Loss Collective. We discuss the various forms of trauma associated with the reproductive journey, including infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma. Michelle shares her personal experiences of loss, emphasis...

What if there was a simple yet powerful way to step back from the whirlwind of worry, self-criticism, and negative thinking that's clouding your mind? In this episode, I introduce defusion, a powerful strategy from acceptance and commitment therapy designed to manage difficult thoughts and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and stress. I discuss cognitive fusion and its impact...

Looking for ways to enhance your winter wellness and self care routine? Discover the secrets to thriving through the frosty embrace of winter with our special guest, Chartered psychologist and author Suzy Reading. Suzy shares her expert insights on how the season's environmental challenges impact our mood, hunger, and immune responses. This episode will help you reimagine your relationship wi...

Do you find your Sunday evenings consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread or anxiety as you anticipate the week ahead? What if there was a way to reclaim your Sundays and walk into Monday with confidence and calm? Join me for this first episode of season 2 where I discuss the common phenomena of the Sunday Scaries - the anxiety and dread felt as the weekend comes to a close. I explore the causes...

Feeling festive stress? This episode can help! The Christmas period is often described as the most wonderful time of the year—but for many, it can bring overwhelming stress and anxiety. In this episode, I discuss why festive pressures can take a toll on our mental health and I share five practical, evidence-based strategies to help you navigate the season with calm and clarity. From letting go of...

Are you tired of struggling with low mood and lack of energy every winter? Curious about simple yet powerful strategies to boost your mental health during the cold months? In this episode, I share my FREE DOWNLOADABLE Winter Wellness Toolkit designed to help you feel your best, even during the chilliest times of the year. I break down the impact of reduced daylight on our circadian rhythm, discuss...

Is societal pressure to appear 'strong' preventing men from seeking the mental health support they need? In this episode I am joined by Clinical Psychologist Dr Matt Slavin as we challenge the harmful narratives of toxic masculinity and uncover the hidden layers of men's mental health. We explore how depression often manifests differently in men, and how shame and stigma can act as...

What if savouring life's simple positive moments could boost your mental health and shield you from stress? In this solo episode, I explore the concept of savouring and its benefits for our wellbeing and mental health. Inspired by a simple walk with my dog, I delve into how savouring can increase happiness, protect against depression, and enhance coping with stress. I also take you through tw...

Do you feel like a doormat? Are you tired of putting everyone else in your life first? In this episode I am joined by Elsie Owen, Hertfordshire-based Psychotherapist, to unravel the complex world of people-pleasing, offering insights that could transform your relationships and sense of self. Our discussion will help you identify the tell tale signs of people-pleasing, and you'll learn about h...

Are you a parent feeling the Christmas overwhelm and want some tools to help that? In this episode Dr Liz White is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Gracie McLaven to discuss the mounting stress parents face leading up to and during the Christmas period. They explore common triggers of holiday-related anxiety, such as overstimulation and the mental load of organising festive activities, and provi...

Can individuals with OCD be considered neurodivergent? Dr. Emma Offord, a clinical psychologist and specialist in neurodivergence and OCD, joins me to address this complex question. Our discussion focuses on the complex relationship between OCD, autism, and ADHD, and how they can be experienced by people. Tune in to uncover insights on how neurobiological factors and sensory sensitivities might in...

What if you could transform anxiety with a simple shift in mindset? Discover how self-compassion can be the game changer you've been searching for. In this episode I explore the profound impact of self-compassion on coping with anxiety, and I explain how a critical inner voice can fuel anxiety, whereas treating oneself with kindness can activate the calming parasympathetic nervous system. I g...

Confused about how to help your kids navigate smartphone use, the internet and social media safely? In this episode I am joined by Dr. Marta Deiros Collado, Clinical Psychologist, and Sunday Times best selling author. In this powerful episode, Dr. Martha provides insights into age considerations for smartphone use, digital skills-building, and handling online issues like cyberbullying . Our conver...

Did you know there is a psychological approach to treating OCD that DOESN'T focus on preventing compulsions? To mark OCD Awareness Week, I am joined by Amanda Petrik-Gardner, a licensed clinical professional counsellor specializing in inference-based CBT (iCBT). We discuss the principles of iCBT, which differs from the traditional exposure and response prevention (ERP) approach. Instead, iCBT...

Can your romantic relationship withstand the relentless scrutiny of obsessive doubts? It is the run up to OCD awareness week and on this solo episode of Hello Therapy, Dr Liz White uncovers the intricacies of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), a form of OCD that centers around doubts and intrusive thoughts about relationships. Explore the key symptoms that might indicate you or som...

Like a pebble thrown into a pond, childhood emotional neglect can have a ripple effect into adulthood and beyond. In this episode I am joined by Shelley Bradley-Scholey, an accredited trauma therapist.  We discuss the often invisible scars of emotional neglect, and provide a roadmap for recognizing and addressing these deep-seated issues. Through our conversation, we delve into generational shifts...

Are you in the stormy seas of Perimenopause and feeling overwhelmed, lost and exhausted? To mark Perimenopause Awareness Month, I sit down with Dr. Ella Woods, a clinical psychologist specializing in perimenopause, to demystify this often misunderstood life transition. Together, we explore the myriad of symptoms women may experience, from unpredictable menstrual cycles to heightened anxiety and ni...

What if a sudden life change made you feel like your world was crumbling? In this episode of Hello Therapy I share five evidence-based psychological strategies to manage mental health during difficult and unexpected life challenges. Whether you're dealing with a job loss, a relationship breakdown, or an accumulation of stressors, this episode can provide much needed guidance when difficult ti...

Want to navigate the complexities of modern dating without getting bogged down by anxiety and self-doubt? In this episode I chat with special guest Dr. Mari Kovanen about the impact of modern dating, particularly the role of online dating apps, on mental health. We delve into key strategies for managing the anxieties that come with swipe-based dating, the importance of personal boundaries, and the...

Are you a new Mum struggling with motherhood? You are not alone. In this episode, I chat with perinatal clinical psychologist Dr Romila Ragaven. We discuss the numerous challenges new mums face, including postnatal depression, anxiety, and perinatal OCD. Romila describes the distinction between baby blues and postnatal depression, and we explore the societal pressures and expectations that impact...

Are you struggling with overthinking, anxiety, or feeling stuck in your thoughts?  In this episode, I dive into how to stop overthinking in its tracks, reducing anxiety and worry along the way. I explain how our minds tend to "time travel" between an imagined future and an uncertain past, causing significant anxiety. I share personal anecdotes and practical tips to get grounded in the pr...