In this compelling episode of Breaking Through Therapy, Dr. Esther Cole interviews James and his therapist, Beth Ashley-Smith, to discuss the profound impact of men’s inpatient groups in recovering from addictions, and healing from childhood sexual assault.

James shares his brave journey of confronting this traumatic event from his childhood, which shaped his relationships, and fuelled his struggles with depression and substance misuse. With the support of therapy and a dedicated men’s group, he found the courage to face his past, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover joy and authenticity, in a supportive Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) community.

Beth Ashley-Smith offers valuable insights into therapeutic approaches which include Spirituality; and models like Internal Family Systems (IFS), which guide clients in understanding and balancing their inner emotional dynamics and competing needs.

James shares how he learned to relinquish the need for control, a coping mechanism born from trauma; and how he found a path to healing, personal growth, and self-discovery, including embracing his neurodiversity.

Episode Themes -

• Childhood Sexual Trauma: The long-term impact and the challenges of addressing buried memories.
• Addiction Recovery: The process of healing and rebuilding self-trust.
• Therapy and Vulnerability: The critical role of individual and group therapeutic relationships and community support.
• Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the stigma, encouraging open discussions and sponsoring other men in AA communities.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Breaking Through Therapy podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health, therapy breakthroughs and resilience. Help us spread the word by sharing this episode and supporting NHS Charities Together!

Resources -

NSPCC - Legal guidance for everyone, for how to report child sexual abuse https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/what-to-do-child-reveals-abuse/

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® - https:/www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/referral

Lifespan BOSS Coaching - https://bosstoday.co.uk

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile - http://linkedin.com/in/dr-esther-cole-multi-award-winning-consultant-psychologist-3b8b0061

Lifespan Psychology Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifespan_psychology/?hl=en

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/lifespan-psychology-the-diverse-practice%C2%AE?trk=similar-pages

Lifespan Psychology Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/people/Lifespan-Psychology/100089486434005/

Crisis Numbers:

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Samaritans - 116 123 - https://www.samaritans.org/

Childline - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk/

CALM - 0800 585858 - https://www.thecalmzone.net/

If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999 or attend your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department. If you are listening from overseas, please find out the local equivalent charities and government mental...

In this transformative episode of Breaking Through Therapy, we explore Claire’s journey of resilience and post-traumatic growth following life-threatening bariatric surgery. UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and nutrition and lifestyle therapist, Joanna Oates, was able to help Claire understand that binge eating was connected to a number of very traumatic events since childhood, including sexual assault.

Claire shares her powerful story, navigating the emotional landscape, delving into past traumas and finding healthier coping mechanisms. Joanna Oates helps Claire confront her relationship with food, and emotional triggers, highlighting the profound insights and breakthroughs she achieved during therapy.

Through innovative therapeutic exercises, including a “food and mood diary” and a cathartic lifeline exercise, which charts weights and dates, Claire discovers the roots of her emotional eating and reclaims control over her life.

From a profound journey of self-discovery during the COVID-19 lockdown, to pursuing a newfound culinary passion, Claire's story captures the resilience and brilliance of the human spirit, and power of the client-therapist relationship.

This episode is an inspiring exploration of the intersection of trauma, eating disorders, mental well-being, and the joy of cooking. Tune in as we uncover the healing power of self-compassion, personal boundaries, and culinary empowerment, particularly for those with neurodiverse feeding requirements.

Memorable Quotes

"Therapy isn't just about healing; it's about discovering the strength to reshape your life." Joanna Oates

"Our relationship with food can be our greatest teacher when we learn to listen with compassion." Claire

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Breaking Through Therapy, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more impactful conversations on mental health, resilience and the client-therapist relationship.

Please give generously to NHS Charities Together via our Just Giving page: Lifespan Psychology's fundraiser for NHS Charities Together

Resources:

British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine - https://bant.org.uk

Minnesota Starvation Study (1944) by Ancel Keys demonstrates how starvation and food restriction in prison settings can lead to a lasting preoccupation with food.

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® - https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk

Lifespan Business Owner Support Squad (BOSS) Coaching - https://bosstoday.co.uk

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile - http://linkedin.com/in/dr-esther-cole-multi-award-winning-consultant-psychologist-3b8b0061

Lifespan Psychology Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifespan_psychology/?hl=en

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/lifespan-psychology-the-diverse-practice%C2%AE?trk=similar-pages

Lifespan Psychology Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/people/Lifespan-Psychology/100089486434005/

Crisis Numbers:

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Samaritans - 116 123 - https://www.samaritans.org/

Childline - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk/

CALM - 0800 585858 - https://www.thecalmzone.net/

If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999 or attend your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department.

If you are listening from overseas, please find out the local equivalent charities and government mental health services in your country.

Theme Tune Credit: Bliss by Luke Bergs / bergscloud (No Copyright Music)

In this episode of Breaking Through Therapy, for NHS Charities Together, we are joined by the world-class, internationally trained Health Psychologist, Dr. Joy Wong, and her client, Kate. They discuss the power of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to overcome various life challenges.

Discover how Dr. Joy’s application of CBT techniques, including mindfulness imagery & visualisation, reframing thoughts, breathing and behavioural exercises helped Kate manage work stress, grief, sleep issues, and social anxiety.

About Dr. Joy Wong

Dr. Joy is a highly experienced Health Psychologist specializing in CBT. She received her education and training in the UK, USA, and in Hong Kong. Her passion for understanding human behaviour led her to further her studies in suicidal and self-harm behaviours in young people.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Joy has helped numerous clients improve their mental health and overall well-being. She enjoys working with people, from all walks of life, who are motivated to get better and achieve their therapeutic goals. You can book sessions with Dr. Wong at Lifespan Psychology by visiting https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/team/dr-joy-wong. She looks forward to connecting with new clients and embarking on a journey towards positive change together.

Please give generously to NHS Charities Together via our Just Giving page: Lifespan Psychology's fundraiser for NHS Charities Together

Here are the other links and resources in this episode:

Lifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® - https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/work-with-us

Lifespan – BOSS Coaching - https://bosstoday.co.uk

Dr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile - http://linkedin.com/in/dr-esther-cole-multi-award-winning-consultant-psychologist-3b8b0061

Lifespan Psychology Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lifespan_psychology/?hl=en

Lifespan Psychology LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/company/lifespan-psychology-the-diverse-practice%C2%AE?trk=similar-pages

Lifespan Psychology Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/people/Lifespan-Psychology/100089486434005/

Rooms For Therapists - https://www.roomsfortherapists.co.uk

Philosopher’s Quote Epictetus: “Men are disturbed not by things but the view they take of them”.

Crisis Numbers:

NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Samaritans - 116 123 - https://www.samaritans.org/

Childline - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk/

CALM - 0800 585858 -