The Check-In With Podcast

Healing Through Community: Eugene Ellis on Therapy "Racial trauma exists in all races." Summary In this episode of the Check- in With podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Eugene Ellis, founder of Baatn Therapy, about his journey from music to psychotherapy. Eugene shares insights on the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy, the role of body awareness in healing, and the com...

The Essence of Leadership "Do less, have more impact." Summary In this conversation, Dr. Saiqa Naz discusses the multifaceted nature of leadership, emphasising the importance of authenticity, continuous learning, and the challenges faced by leaders, particularly those from underrepresented groups. She explores grassroots leadership in therapy, the significance of titles, and the need for...

The Journey of a Mental Health Advocate "It's okay to step back." - SN Summary In this engaging conversation, Dr. Saiqa Naz shares her journey into psychology, her advocacy for mental health equality, and the importance of cultural competency in psychological services. She discusses her leadership experiences, the challenges of navigating systemic barriers, and the significance of re...

Healing Across Cultures: Trauma, Grief, and the Therapist’s Journey “Be kind to yourself.” In this powerful combined episode of The Check-In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson sits down with Andrea, an integrative psychotherapist specialising in cultural and intergenerational trauma, for an honest and deeply human conversation about what it means to heal personally and professionally. Together, th...

The Healing Power of Creative Expression "Nothing grows from comfortability." Summary In this episode of the Check - in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson engages with drama psychotherapist Ariete Santos, exploring her journey into mental health, the significance of drama therapy, and the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health. They discuss the importance of self-awareness in therapy...

The Inspiring Journey of Hadiqa Ilyas "Everything happens for a reason." Summary In this episode of the Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Hadiqa Ilyas, a young entrepreneur who launched her agency, The Content Club, at just 23. Hadiqa shares her journey into social media marketing, the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur, and the lessons learned from her fa...

The Journey of a Clinical Psychologist "It takes a lot of effort to socialise." Takeaways Aylana's journey into psychology was influenced by her sister's autism and ADHD. Personal experiences of social anxiety motivated Alana to study psychology. Empathy in therapy is enhanced by lived experiences of anxiety. Balancing personal reflection with objectivity in research is challengi...

The Essential Guide to Self-Care for Therapists "Self-care routines are essential for therapists." Takeaways Self-care routines are essential for therapists' mental and emotional well-being. Practicing energy psychology techniques can benefit both therapists and clients. Grounding and centring techniques help maintain presence during sessions. Setting boundaries is crucial for effect...

Navigating Private Practice: Insights from Mandi Freger "Therapy is about change." Summary In this episode of the Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson interviews Mandi Freger, a seasoned professional in behavioural health with extensive experience in autism services and energy psychology. They discuss Mandi's journey into private practice, the importance of mentorship, and the...

Healing Through Connection: Carly Rizzo's Journey "This work is so rewarding and meaningful." Summary In this episode, host Calvin Anderson engages in a deep conversation with Carly Rizzo, a licensed Associate Professional Counsellor, about her journey into therapy, the complexities of working with trauma, and the importance of self-disclosure in therapeutic settings. Carly shares he...

Waving: More Than Just Movement "I don't want to abuse dance." Summary In this episode of the Check In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson engages with Alexandra Filippidou, a renowned movement artist and dance educator, exploring the intricate relationship between dance and mental health. Alexandra shares her journey into the world of waving, the emotional challenges she faced, and how dance serve...

Part 2 Unlocking the Secrets of Intuitive Swimming "The breath is a big mental shift." Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson speaks with Brian Holiday about his unique approach to swimming, focusing on intuitive swimming techniques that prioritise awareness, balance, and enjoyment over traditional methods. Brian shares his philosophy on swimming, emphasising the importance of mental s...

Mindfulness in the Water: Brian Holiday's Journey "Balance is everything." Summary In this episode of the Checking With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Brian Holiday, the creator of Intuitive Swimming, a unique approach to swimming that emphasises mindfulness, empowerment, and a shift in mindset. Brian shares his journey from IT to swimming coaching, detailing how he develo...

The Journey of Healing from Complex Trauma "Living in alignment with one's values is crucial." Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson speaks with Dr. Tammy, a counseling psychologist specialising in trauma recovery. They explore the complexities of childhood trauma, its impact on identity, and the healing process. Dr. Tammy emphasises the importance of safety, compassion, and under...

Mindfulness in Action: Jaskaran Soomal's Journey "A mindful message was driven from prayer." Summary In this episode of The Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Jaskaran Soomal, a multifaceted entrepreneur and mental health advocate. They discuss Jaskaran's journey in creating 'A Mindful Message', a platform aimed at making mental health resources acces...

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Journey with Dr. Tasneem Khan "It's possible to come out of it." Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson speaks with Dr. Tasneem Anwar Khan, a PhD chemist and clinical pharmacist, about her work in understanding trauma and healing, particularly in the context of narcissistic abuse. Dr. Khan shares her personal experiences with covert narcissism, th...

Empowering Women in Construction: Insights from Salma Khan "Never give up, always keep trying." Summary In this episode of The Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Salma Khan, a trailblazer in the construction industry. Salma shares her unique journey into construction, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her advocacy for diversity and in...

The Trauma-Addiction Connection "Recovery is possible." - Karen Hayre Summary In this episode of The Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson engages with Karen Hayre, a UK-trained psychotherapist, to explore the complex relationship between addiction, trauma, and anxiety. Karen dispels common myths about addiction, emphasising that it is not merely a matter of willpower but a conditi...

The Journey of a Therapist: Nishani Jayawardena "Trust your gut." - Nishani Jayawardena Summary In this episode of The Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Nishani Jayawardena, a Sri Lankan-born American therapist and spiritual mindset coach. Nishani shares her journey from being a natural listener in her family to becoming a licensed therapist and eventually founding...

Exploring the Journey of a Therapist "Creativity is the key." - Angie Dulwich Summary In this episode of the Check In With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with therapist Angie Dulwich about her journey into the field of therapy, the impact of the film Inside Out on her practice, and her innovative use of creative tools in counseling. Angie shares her personal experiences, the import...

Part 2 Navigating the Challenges of Overcommitment "What does it look like to say no?" - Rosilda Clark Summary In this engaging conversation, Calvin Anderson and Rosilda Clark delve into various themes surrounding personal development, coaching, and therapy. They explore chronic overcommitment and the importance of setting boundaries, the nuances of imposter syndrome in leadership roles,...

Redefining Success: The Inner Journey "Success is not a finish line to cross." - Rosilda Clark Summary In this enlightening conversation, Rosilda Clark shares her insights on redefining success, emphasising the importance of inner work and self-awareness. She discusses the common struggles faced by high achievers, including self-doubt and the pressure of external validation. The dialogue...

Double Episode Exploring Men's Mental Health: Childhood's Lasting Impact Part 1 "Attachment styles carry into adulthood." "It's okay to express emotions in therapy." - Zorack Aziz Summary In this episode, Calvin Anderson speaks with Zorack Aziz about the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult mental health, particularly in men. They explore how early attachments shape behaviour, the sig...

The Journey to Becoming a Therapist/Transformative Moments in Therapy. "Validation is a powerful skill." - Jenny Collard Summary In this episode of The Check-in with Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with Jenny Collard, a UKCP registered psychotherapist, about her journey into therapy, the transformative power of therapy, and the importance of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). They...

"You can't save everyone." - Sana Khwaja Summary In this episode of the Check-in With Podcast, host Calvin Anderson speaks with therapist Sana Khwaja about her journey into therapy, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the challenges faced by therapists of colour. They discuss the significance of empathy in therapy, the accessibility of mental health services, and the impact o...