Empathy Corner with Toad Counselling

Tony Matthews

Our podcast looks to challenge the stigma around therapy and explore how it can help anyone dealing with life issues such as identity, career, relationships, and more. We share personal stories and highlight the importance of empathy in therapy. Join us in promoting a more understanding society around mental health.

Episodios

  1. 28/02/2025

    Fighting Through Life – Steve’s Martial Arts Journey

    Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. Life isn’t just about the battles we face while training, it’s about the ones we fight within ourselves. Fighting Through Life is a deeply personal and inspiring podcast that follows Steve’s journey through martial arts, beginning as a teenager seeking strength after experiencing bullying. Growing up with anxiety and depression, Steve turned to martial arts as more than just a class of self-defence training, it became a lifeline, a way to find discipline, confidence, and inner peace. Through the struggles of adulthood, martial arts remained a guiding force, helping him navigate life’s challenges and manage his mental health. Now, as the leader and Sensei of his own club, Steve shares his experiences, lessons learned, and the ongoing mission to help others through the power of martial arts. Join us as we explore resilience, mental health, and the transformative impact of martial arts. Whether you’re on your own journey or simply looking for inspiration, Fighting Through Life is a testament to the strength we can find within. ----- We have created a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for our listeners to join and share their feedback, suggest further discussion topics, and even express interest in being a guest on future episodes. This is a space for open, respectful discussion and support around mental health and personal growth. Join us and be a part of the conversation ----- !Support and Resources can be found ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠

    54 min
  2. 31/01/2025

    A Journey of Resilience with Mario

    Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. In our first episode of 2025, I am honoured to sit down with Mario, a former Royal Marine whose story is as inspiring as it is heartfelt. After dedicating 12 years of his life to the military, Mario faced unimaginable struggles upon leaving in 2018. A marriage breakdown, mental health challenges, and a period of feeling utterly lost left him in a dark place—but his journey didn’t end there. Through sheer determination, the courage to seek help, and an unwavering desire to rebuild his life, Mario began walking his way to healing—quite literally. Taking on multi-day treks to support charities and most recently completing a two-day bike ride from Plymouth to North Devon, Mario discovered how physical endurance could nurture his mental strength. This episode is a raw and vulnerable conversation about overcoming life’s toughest challenges, finding purpose in adversity, and giving back to others while healing yourself. Whether you’ve faced your own battles or simply want to be inspired by someone who refuses to give up, this episode is a must-listen. Let Mario’s story remind us all of the power of resilience, community, and the human spirit. ----- We have created a ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group community⁠⁠⁠⁠ for our listeners to join and share their feedback, suggest further discussion topics, and even express interest in being a guest on future episodes. This is a space for open, respectful discussion and support around mental health and personal growth. Join us and be a part of the conversation ----- !Support and Resources can be found ⁠⁠⁠HERE

    58 min
  3. 02/12/2024

    Depression & Anxiety with Jeff

    Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. In our fourth episode focused on Depression and Anxiety, we sit down with Jeff, a resilient entrepreneur and a dedicated councillor in Devon, who has faced unimaginable challenges in his life. Jeff's journey is marked by profound loss and heartbreak, with the passing of loved ones and the sudden discovery of cancer turning his world upside down. Alongside these struggles, he committed himself to providing end-of-life care for a close friend, fulfilling a promise to ensure they left this world with dignity. As Jeff navigated these turbulent waters, he found himself withdrawing from the world, wrestling with anxiety and depression, and grappling with even the simplest daily tasks. However, amidst the storm, he discovered the hidden courage to confront his circumstances, supported by his loving family and friends. In this episode, Jeff shares his poignant story of resilience, the importance of seeking professional help, and the transformative power of connection and support in reclaiming one's life. Join us as we delve into Jeff's inspiring journey, aiming to foster understanding and compassion surrounding mental health struggles. Whether you’re facing similar challenges or seeking to better understand those who are, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that no one has to navigate their battles alone. We have created a ⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group community⁠⁠⁠ for our listeners to join and share their feedback, suggest further discussion topics, and even express interest in being a guest on future episodes. This is a space for open, respectful discussion and support around mental health and personal growth. Join us and be a part of the conversation !Support and Resources can be found ⁠⁠HERE

    49 min
  4. 31/10/2024

    A Student Counsellors Journey

    Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is advised. In our third episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with L, a student counsellor who opened up about her own personal journey towards a career in counselling and therapy. With compassion and a deep sense of empathy, L shared her experiences of the many challenges she faced on her path, including the ups and downs, worries, fears, and struggles with anxiety and depression that she herself encountered along the way, and met with clients in her work. Throughout the episode, L's inspirational story underscores the vital importance of empathy and compassion in the field of counselling and mental health. Her insights and practical advice will be of immense value to anyone considering this rewarding line of work. As L helped us to understand, being a counsellor requires not only a solid foundation in theory and practice, but also a genuine, compassionate heart, balancing empathy with professionalism. So, whether you are a student counsellor yourself, or someone looking to better understand the importance of empathy and compassion in the mental health profession, this episode is a must-listen. From the personal stories to the practical advice, it's a fascinating and deeply human exploration of what it takes to make a real difference in people's lives. We have created a ⁠⁠Facebook Group community⁠⁠ for our listeners to join and share their feedback, suggest further discussion topics, and even express interest in being a guest on future episodes. This is a space for open, respectful discussion and support around mental health and personal growth. Join us and be a part of the conversation !Support and Resources can be found ⁠HERE

    54 min

Información

Our podcast looks to challenge the stigma around therapy and explore how it can help anyone dealing with life issues such as identity, career, relationships, and more. We share personal stories and highlight the importance of empathy in therapy. Join us in promoting a more understanding society around mental health.