Mastering Therapy

Natalie Stott
Mastering Therapy

Welcome to the Mastering Therapy Podcast with me, Dr. Natalie Stott, a clinical psychologist. If you're a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor looking to expand your skills, gain confidence, and discover fresh ways to make an impact with your clients, this is the show for you. We all know that creating meaningful change for our clients is incredibly fulfilling, but let’s face it—this work can be challenging, especially if you feel like you don’t have a big team around you. Mastering Therapy is a weekly podcast that can be your go-to source of professional development and connection, where therapists can learn from one another, share practical insights, and navigate the challenges of therapy together. Join us as Natalie sits down with experienced practitioners who dive into the nitty-gritty of what really happens in a therapy session. You’ll get a front-row seat to their methods, language, and strategies, as well as honest conversations about potential pitfalls and what to look out for. Whether you specialise in working with adults, children, or use a particular modality—or even an integrative approach—there’s something here for everyone who wants to add practical tools to their therapy toolkit. To stay up-to-date with new episodes and access valuable resources, visit www.masteringtherapy.com. You can also connect with us on social media and subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!

Episodes

  1. S1E8: Working with Perfectionism | with Natalie Englander

    5 DAYS AGO

    S1E8: Working with Perfectionism | with Natalie Englander

    Are you a perfectionist? This episode explores perfectionism with senior CBT therapist Natalie Englander. They discuss different types of perfectionism, as outlined by Roz Shafran, but also unqiue insights on how perfectionsm can manifest. The conversation explores perfectionism through a CBT lens including cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and the importance of flexibility in therapy. Packed with professional wisdom and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen. Highlights include: 02:16 Types of perfectionism 06:36 Perfectionism in therapy 08:21 Exploring core beliefs and cognitive restructuring 28:15 Behavioural experiments and practical applications 32:35 Recommended resources ** Guest Info ** Natalie Englander's website here The perfectionism therapist Instagram Follow Natalie Englander on Linkedin Resources discussed CBT model of perfectionism BOOK: Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler Egan, S. J., Wade, T. D., Shafran, R., & Antony, M. M. (2014). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of perfectionism. The Guilford Press. ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    37 min
  2. S1E7: Using AI in therapy

    DEC 5

    S1E7: Using AI in therapy

    What do you think about using AI in therapy ? In this week's episode of the Mastering Therapy Podcast, Dr. Natalie Stott dives into how AI can enhance your therapy practice. She shares her 18-month journey of integrating AI into her workflow, discussing various AI applications from note-taking to using AI for feedback on therapy sessions. She discusses the way AI note takers work and recommends the most effective one for therapists. 00:32 Embracing AI in therapy and understanding it 04:27 The Technology adoption life cycle 07:09 Using AI to write therapy notes 10:13 Ensuring GDPR compliance and client consent 18:24 Improving writing with AI 22:31 Analyzing data and interpreting questionnaire scores 24:17 Idea generation 26:00 AI as a Feedback Tool  29:10 AI as a marketing coach 30:46 Final Thoughts To try Heidi health and get 1 month use of Heidi pro for free click here For free resources and downloads mentioned in the podcast click here For the blog article mentioning the various scribes click here ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    32 min
  3. S1E6: Polyvagal Theory | with Dr Rachel Lee

    NOV 28

    S1E6: Polyvagal Theory | with Dr Rachel Lee

    Do you know the basics of polyvagal theory and how you can integrate it into your practice? This episode is with Dr. Rachel Lee, a clinical psychologist and EMDR consultant. Rachel explores the science behind Polyvagal theory, its relevance in psychotherapy, and practical ways to integrate it into clinical practice. Dr. Rachel shares her journey in understanding Polyvagal Theory, the importance of co-regulation, and how our environment influences our nervous system response. This episode is perfect for therapists looking to enrich their practice with robust, physiological strategies for emotional regulation. Highlights: 01:10 Understanding Polyvagal theory 06:45 The traffic light model 07:40 Explaining Polyvagal theory to clients 12:55 Practical applications and techniques 30:35 Resources and further learning ** Guest Info ** Connect with Dr Rachel Lee on Linkedin Download Rachel's polyvagal theory masterclass here Visit Rachel's website here Download Rachel's traffic light model here Resources mentioned: Our Polyvagal World : Stephen Porges and Seth Porges Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory - Deborah Dana ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    33 min
  4. S1E5: Working with people pleasing tendencies | with Dr Hanne Warren

    NOV 21

    S1E5: Working with people pleasing tendencies | with Dr Hanne Warren

    Is people pleasing helpful? How do you approach helping someone to understand why they are stuck in that people pleasing cycle? In this episode, we speak with founder of Thea psychology Dr Hanne Warren. Hanne is a clinical psychologist and specialises in working with women who struggle with issues like people pleasing. Hanne shares her journey from working in the NHS to starting her private practice, focusing on the unique challenges her clients face with people-pleasing behaviours. She shares the importance of diving deep into the roots of people-pleasing, its functions, and the techniques used to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms. From the downward arrow technique to the importance of self-compassion and body awareness, Hanne provides valuable insights and practical tools . Highlights of the episode include: 04:02 - The essence of people-pleasing and why it happens 08:10 - Formulating and understanding client histories 15:30 - The downward arrow technique for uncovering core fears 22:45 - Techniques for building self-compassion and body awareness 30:55 - Realising the costs of people-pleasing and making change Follow Dr Hanne warren on LinkedIn, Follow @theapsychology on instagram Visit theapsychology.co.uk for free resources including a fortnightly newsletter with ideas related to how to build self-worth, tackle people-pleasing and self criticism, and how to handle big feelings (sign up via the website). Other relevant information as mentioned in this episode Accessible and compassionate ACT training courses via ACTivating Your Practice with Dr Dawn Johnson and Dr Richard Bennett - https://activatingyourpractice.newzenler.com/ Apps: The Self-Compassion App Books: ACT Made Simple - Harris CFT Made Simple - Kolts Experiencing Compassion-Focussed Therapy from the Inside Out - Kolts, Bell, Bennett-Levy and Irons  ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr...

    29 min
  5. S1E4 How you begin your therapy sessions

    NOV 14

    S1E4 How you begin your therapy sessions

    How do you begin your therapy sessions? Do you use specific questions or perhaps an exercise? Do you sit in silence? Do you do the same thing for everyone? In this episode Dr Natalie Stott invites you reflect on your current session openings . Often overlooked due to routine, how we commence sessions can significantly shape the how the session develops. Drawing insights from a poll conducted among therapists, this episode explores different approaches for making the start of each session impactful and tailored to your client's needs. Natalie breaks the results from the poll into the following sections: 02:12 Self reflection 04:17 Agenda setting 07:08 Client-led beginnings  11:31 Therapist-led approaches 14:11 Mindfulness openings  17:48 Creative methods   Consider trying a new technique discussed in this episode and see how it influences your therapy practice.   ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    22 min
  6. S1E3: Unlocking sleep | with Dr Stuart Sadler

    NOV 7

    S1E3: Unlocking sleep | with Dr Stuart Sadler

    Good sleep is more than just rest—it’s a foundation for mental health. But what happens when a client’s sleep is affecting their progress, even if they’re not there to address their sleep? In this episode Dr Natalie Stott speaks with CBT-i trained clinical psychologist, Dr Stuart Sadler. With 10-30% of people experiencing sleep issues, it's crucial to be equipped with how we can support our clients. This episode explores subtle ways to support clients facing sleep struggles without it being their primary focus. They cover the effects of medication on sleep architecture and the importance of prioritising quality over quantity of sleep. The discussion also includes strategies for weaning off sleep medication and small habit changes to improve sleep, despite long-standing issues. While sleep hygiene is commonly known, Dr Sadler highlights alternative tools like sleep diaries to support clients that might be struggling. 01:58 Understanding sleep medicine 04:27 Common sleep issues and their psychological links 09:02 Impact of medication on sleep 14:34 Practical tips for improving sleep 33:15 Additional resources and training ***Guest Info*** Connect with Dr Stuart Sadler on his website https://newcastlepsychologist.co.uk or at https://yorktherapyclinic.co.uk ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    37 min
  7. S1E2: Working with grief | with Dr Monika Wieliczko

    OCT 31

    S1E2: Working with grief | with Dr Monika Wieliczko

    Where do you begin with a client who is grieving? What about if they are experiencing trauma but also grieving? What metaphors do you use to discuss how to make sense of what has happened for your client? In this episode of the Mastering Therapy Podcast, Dr. Natalie Stott and grief specialist Dr. Monika Wieliczko delve into the complexities of grief. They cover everything from the nuances between grief and complicated grief, to balancing life and mourning. The discussion provides a range of insights and practical strategies for supporting clients navigating loss.  They discuss innovative tools like the 'grief MOT' and the importance of community resources, and holistic activities in supporting your client through this time. Discover how to approach grief with a trauma-informed lens, understand the impact of attachment styles, and integrate psychoeducation and social support in healing. Filled with metaphors and personal stories, this episode equips therapists and individuals alike with the knowledge to confidently manage grief. 04:25 Understanding the grief cycle 12:50 Identifying complicated grief 17:10 Assessing trauma in grieving clients 23:35 Using analogies and metaphors in therapy 36:16 Creative outlets for grieving 37:01 Conclusion and resources including the grief MOT ***Guest Info*** Connect with Dr Monika Wieliczko on LinkedIn Download the Grief MOT Listen to the Guide to after life podcast HERE (a fantastic resource) 6th stage: Finding meaning videoKubler-Ross Stages of Dying and Subsequent Models of Grief - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    38 min
  8. S1E1: Working with a strong inner critic | with Dr Chris Irons

    OCT 24

    S1E1: Working with a strong inner critic | with Dr Chris Irons

    How do you approach working with clients that have a strong inner critic? This episode features an interview with Dr. Chris Irons, one of the leading psychologists within in the compassion focused therapy world. In this episode they explore managing self-criticism and the inner critic through Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). The discussion unveils practical exercises and tools, such as those available on the Balanced Minds website and the self-compassion app. Key insights include identifying self-critical behaviours, understanding their psychological impacts, and strategies like imagery exercises and compassionate writing to foster self-compassion that can be used with clients. 05:05 Identifying and Addressing self-criticism 08:35 Exploring the Functions of self-criticism 18:22 Visualising the self-critic 22:15 Managing distress during therapeutic exercises 27:42 Exercises to address the self-critic 37:21 Compassionate Mind Training 38:48 Resources and tools for Compassion Focused Therapy ***Guest Info*** Connect with Dr Chris Irons on LinkedIn Balanced Minds website Self-Compassion app ** Check out Mastering Therapy’s Youtube Channel for all podcast episodes ** For notification on up coming episodes and for occasional summaries of tools discussed on the podcast sign up here: www.masteringtherapy.com To recommend a topic you’d like to hear about, or if you’d like to appear on the podcast please get in touch at www.masteringtherapy.com/guest For private psychology services and therapy visit www.drnataliestott.com ***** Subscribe to the Mastering Therapy Podcast YouTube channel Follow Mastering therapy on instagram Connect with Dr Natalie Stott on LinkedIn Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.

    42 min

About

Welcome to the Mastering Therapy Podcast with me, Dr. Natalie Stott, a clinical psychologist. If you're a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor looking to expand your skills, gain confidence, and discover fresh ways to make an impact with your clients, this is the show for you. We all know that creating meaningful change for our clients is incredibly fulfilling, but let’s face it—this work can be challenging, especially if you feel like you don’t have a big team around you. Mastering Therapy is a weekly podcast that can be your go-to source of professional development and connection, where therapists can learn from one another, share practical insights, and navigate the challenges of therapy together. Join us as Natalie sits down with experienced practitioners who dive into the nitty-gritty of what really happens in a therapy session. You’ll get a front-row seat to their methods, language, and strategies, as well as honest conversations about potential pitfalls and what to look out for. Whether you specialise in working with adults, children, or use a particular modality—or even an integrative approach—there’s something here for everyone who wants to add practical tools to their therapy toolkit. To stay up-to-date with new episodes and access valuable resources, visit www.masteringtherapy.com. You can also connect with us on social media and subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!

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