A Bunch of Therapists

A Bunch of Therapists
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
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Ever wondered what makes therapists... therapists? Step into a world where mental health professionals become the storytellers, sharing their own raw, unfiltered journeys and insights. Join hosts Michaela McCarthy and Dipti Solanki as they flip the script, turning candid conversations with fellow therapists into powerful revelations about the human experience - from both sides of the couch. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: tiktok.com/@a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: instagram.com/abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/a-bunch-of-therapists

  1. FEB 5 · VIDEO

    Dual Heritage, Belonging & Finding Your Place | Mary-Claire Wilson

    This honest discussion explores how early experiences of not belonging can shape our sense of self, and why therapy became the catalyst for understanding and embracing her unique identity. This episode explores themes of dual heritage identity, racial identity, belonging, feeling like an outsider, and cultural displacement. 🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with psychotherapist and trainer Mary-Claire Wilson as she shares her transformative journey from feeling like an outsider in two different worlds to becoming a specialist who helps others navigate the complexities of dual and multi-heritage identity. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Mary-Claire openly shares: • Growing up in a village in Nigeria with her mother's family • The experience of dual heritage in a Nigerian community • Moving to the UK with her White father to a small village in Norfolk • Being singled out as the only person of dual heritage in both environments • Asking herself as a child: 'what's wrong with me?' • Feeling profoundly different and like an outsider • Studying at Oxford University and continued feelings of not belonging • Training as a primary school teacher • Experiencing a persistent feeling of emptiness she couldn't shake • Seeking therapy to address her emotional struggles • The transformative and healing power of her own therapeutic journey • The decision to change careers and train as a psychotherapist • Specialising in dual and multi-heritage identity work • Lecturing for various counselling and psychotherapy organisations • Running workshops on inclusion and social equity • Using her lived experience to support others navigating identity This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating dual or multi-heritage identity, struggling with belonging, or seeking to understand how cultural displacement shapes our sense of self. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Dual heritage identity and cultural displacement • Feeling like an outsider in multiple environments • The impact of being visibly different in predominantly White spaces • Racial identity development and self-perception • Childhood experiences of not belonging • Identity struggles at university and in professional settings • The persistent feeling of emptiness and disconnection • Therapy as a path to understanding and accepting yourself • Career transition from teaching to psychotherapy • Specialising in dual and multi-heritage therapeutic work • Creating inclusive spaces and challenging social inequity • Using lived experience to support clients authentically • Finding belonging and peace with your identity 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every other Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #DualHeritage #Identity #Belonging #RacialIdentity #MultiCultural #Inclusion #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #SocialEquity

    35 min

  2. JAN 22 · VIDEO

    Abandonment, Anger & Attachment Theory | Alina Badescu

    This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone struggling with abandonment fears, anger management, relationship difficulties, or seeking to understand how early experiences shape our adult lives. 🎧 Join us for a warm and deeply personal conversation with integrative therapist Alina Badescu as she shares her transformative journey from childhood abandonment and anger issues to becoming a counsellor who helps others heal through understanding attachment. This honest discussion explores how early childhood experiences shape our relationships, and why discovering Attachment Theory became the catalyst for profound personal and professional transformation. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Alina openly shares: • Growing up in Romania in the countryside with her grandmother and aunt • The shock of being reclaimed by her mother and moving to town • Struggling to adjust to living with parents she barely knew • Developing abandonment and anger issues in childhood • How these unresolved issues impacted her romantic relationships • The strain on her bond with her own children • Facing workplace challenges stemming from unhealed trauma • Coming to England in 2013 and working a succession of dead-end jobs • Hitting crisis point during the Covid pandemic • Discovering a Facebook video about Attachment Theory that changed everything • The pivotal decision to train as a counsellor • How therapy transformed both her personal and professional life • Using her lived experience to support clients with similar struggles • Finding compassion for herself and others through healing work 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Early childhood separation and its lasting impact • Abandonment trauma and attachment patterns • How unresolved childhood issues affect romantic relationships • The impact of parental trauma on parenting your own children • Anger as a response to unmet emotional needs • Career and workplace challenges rooted in trauma • Life transitions and crisis as catalysts for change • The transformative power of understanding Attachment Theory • Training as a therapist following personal healing • Using lived experience to support clients authentically • Breaking cycles of trauma through therapeutic work • Finding hope and healing after crisis 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every other Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #AttachmentTheory #Abandonment #AngerManagement #RelationshipHealing #TraumaRecovery #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #CounsellingTherapy #PersonalGrowth

    33 min

  3. JAN 8 · VIDEO

    From Outsider to Renowned Psychosexual Therapist | Silva Neves

    This episode contains discussion around homophobia, family dynamics, identity, feeling different, sexual health, heteronormative standards, and therapeutic practice. 🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with psychosexual therapist and author Silva Neves as he shares his extraordinary journey from feeling like an outsider in a tiny rural French Alpine community to building a thriving practice in London challenging conventional approaches to sex and relationship therapy. This engaging discussion explores how feeling different can become your greatest strength, and why seeking out environments where you truly belong is essential for personal and professional fulfilment. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Silva openly shares: • Growing up as an only child in a complex family dynamic in the French Alps • Feeling different from an early age and longing to 'see the horizon' • Discovering a diverse London environment on a school trip aged 15 • The bold decision to leave home at 18 with just £50 and a one-way ticket • Working a succession of low-paid jobs whilst building a new life • Finding his calling supporting schizophrenic patients in the community • Discovering a capacity for listening and curiosity about clients • Training as a therapist and specialising in psychosexual therapy • Challenging heteronormative standards in sex and relationship therapy • Building a successful practice and becoming a published author • The transformative power of seeking out where you belong This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone feeling like an outsider, navigating identity, or interested in progressive approaches to sex and relationship therapy. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Growing up feeling different in a small community • Family dynamics and early identity formation • The courage to leave home and start afresh • Finding your people and your place in the world • Career discovery through meaningful work • Psychosexual therapy and relationship dynamics • Challenging conventional approaches to sex and intimacy • The role of curiosity and listening in therapeutic practice • Building a successful therapy practice • Using lived experience to inform professional work 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #PsychosexualTherapy #Identity #RelationshipTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining #PersonalGrowth #SexTherapy #Belonging"

    32 min

  4. 12/18/2025 · VIDEO

    Language, Belonging & Resilience | Ezgi Erik

    This episode contains discussion around migration, language barriers, childhood responsibilities, cultural identity, and personal therapy experiences. Join us for a moving and insightful conversation with therapist, psychologist and researcher Ezgi Erik as she shares her transformative journey from arriving in the UK at age 6 speaking no English to becoming a qualified therapist who specialises in reading the unspoken language of her clients. This powerful discussion explores how early adversity and cultural displacement can become unexpected strengths in therapeutic practice, and why understanding our own migration story is crucial for healing and connection. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Ezgi openly shares: • Arriving in the UK from Turkey at age 6 with no English language skills • Struggling to understand teachers, classmates and school routines • Mastering English largely through watching British soap operas • Becoming a family interpreter and advocate whilst still in primary school • Managing doctors' appointments, bills and adult responsibilities as a child • The profound impact of early childhood displacement and responsibility • Processing her migration experience through personal therapy during counselling training • Discovering how her unusual childhood shaped her therapeutic abilities • Developing exceptional skills in reading body language, tone and non-verbal cues • The advantages of being a non-English speaker in developing emotional intelligence • Launching a career in clinical psychology and running a private practice • Balancing therapy work with psychology research This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone who has experienced migration, cultural displacement, childhood responsibilities, or who is curious about how our early struggles can become our greatest strengths. Key Topics Discussed: • The experience of arriving in a new country as a young child • Language barriers and the challenge of fitting in at school • Parentification: children taking on adult responsibilities • Cultural identity and belonging in a new country • Using unconventional methods to learn language and culture • Processing childhood trauma through personal therapy • How non-verbal communication skills develop in multilingual environments • The connection between migration experiences and emotional attunement • Reading body language and tone as therapeutic superpowers • From struggling child to skilled clinician • Integrating personal experience into professional practice • The role of psychology research in understanding migration and identity   🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #Migration #CulturalIdentity #LanguageBarriers #ChildhoodTrauma #ClinicalPsychology #CounsellingTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining #Resilience

    29 min

  5. 12/04/2025 · VIDEO

    Cult Survivor to Therapist | Bruno Nice

    This episode contains discussion around high control organisations, cults, religious trauma, coercive control, and therapeutic harm. Join us for an eye-opening and deeply personal conversation with counsellor Bruno Nice as he shares his extraordinary journey from being born into a high control religious group to becoming a therapist specialising in cult recovery and organisational trauma. This powerful discussion explores how surviving coercive control can inform therapeutic practice, and why understanding these dynamics is essential for helping others break free from harmful systems. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Bruno openly shares: • Growing up in a high control religious sect from the 1980s • How the group controlled every aspect of his life - music, relationships, movement and identity • Feeling 'different' and struggling to fit in within the group's rigid framework • His parents' concern and encouragement to seek therapy • A traumatic experience with an unethical therapist who later abused other young men • The brave decision to leave the religion and his family home • How his negative therapy experience inspired him to train as a person-centred counsellor • Understanding coercive, threatening and exploitative group behaviours • Specialising in working with current and former cult members • Recognising the signs of high control organisations - religious and secular • The journey from survivor to healer and expert This essential conversation offers profound insights for anyone affected by high control groups, religious trauma, or seeking to understand cult dynamics and recovery. Key Topics Discussed: • What defines high control organisations and cults • Coercive control tactics used to demand total loyalty • The psychological impact of growing up in restrictive religious environments • Identity suppression and the struggle to be yourself • Recognising red flags in religious and secular organisations • The lasting effects of religious trauma • Therapeutic harm and unethical practitioner behaviour • Finding courage to leave family and familiar systems • Person-centred counselling as a healing approach • Supporting survivors of cults and high control groups • From victim to expert: using lived experience in therapeutic practice 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #CultRecovery #HighControlGroups #ReligiousTrauma #CoerciveControl #CounsellingTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining #Trauma #cult #cultsurvivor

    37 min

  6. 11/27/2025 · VIDEO

    Burnout, Anxiety & Living in the Here and Now | James Gellatley

    This episode contains discussion around burnout, anxiety, workplace stress, redundancy, and career transitions. Join us for an inspiring and honest conversation with corporate executive coach and mentor James Gellatley as he shares his transformative journey from a successful 25-year career in the City to discovering his true calling after burnout and redundancy. This thought-provoking discussion explores how personal crisis can lead to profound self-discovery, and why vulnerability and self-awareness are essential for genuine wellbeing and leadership. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, James openly shares: • His 25-year career trajectory in banking, rising to senior level at Credit Suisse • The hidden cost of outward success and the burden of maintaining a professional image • Struggling with burnout whilst hiding health challenges from colleagues and clients • Experiencing long Covid symptoms and the impact on his wellbeing • The fear of vulnerability damaging his reputation in the corporate world • How Credit Suisse's collapse became an unexpected turning point • Facing redundancy, financial responsibilities and loss of identity • Enrolling in a Foundation Course in Counselling at the Awareness Centre • The transformative power of personal therapy and self-reflection • Retraining as an Executive and Teams Coach • Using decades of banking experience to help others find happiness and productivity • Breaking free from workaholism and rediscovering purpose • Living in the here and now and reconnecting with personal needs This essential conversation offers hope and practical insights for anyone struggling with burnout, workplace anxiety, perfectionism, or searching for greater meaning in their career and life. Key Topics Discussed: • The psychology of burnout in high-pressure corporate environments • Maintaining a facade of success whilst struggling internally • The impact of long Covid on mental and physical wellbeing • Fear of vulnerability in professional settings • Career identity and loss of purpose following redundancy • Therapy as a catalyst for career transformation • Transitioning from corporate executive to executive coach • Reconnecting with personal values and needs • Breaking patterns of overwork and self-neglect • Male vulnerability and emotional honesty in the workplace • Finding authentic purpose beyond job titles and status • Mindfulness and living in the present moment 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #Burnout #ExecutiveCoaching #CareerTransition #Anxiety #MaleVulnerability #WorkplaceWellbeing #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining

    33 min

  7. 11/20/2025 · VIDEO

    How To Rebuild Your Life | Joy Zheng

    This episode contains discussion around ADHD, cultural expectations, gender inequality, relationship breakdown, depression, and career transitions. Join us for an inspiring and honest conversation with counsellor and former DJ Joy Zheng as she shares her transformative journey from struggling with self-worth in a society that valued boys over girls, to building a thriving private practice in London. This compelling discussion explores how overcoming cultural expectations, navigating ADHD, and embracing therapy can lead to profound personal reinvention and professional fulfilment. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Joy openly shares: • Growing up in China and internalising messages about her worth as a girl • Being diagnosed with ADHD and struggling through school • Finding creative escape through music and the DJ scene • Building a successful career as a DJ in Shanghai • Meeting her husband through the music industry and moving to London • The devastating impact of relationship breakdown and lost dreams • Experiencing depression and feeling lost after separation • A pivotal conversation that sparked her interest in therapy • Training as a therapist whilst managing ADHD and learning in English • Overcoming academic and group work challenges • Building and growing her private practice in London • Redefining self-worth beyond societal and relationship expectations • Creating a new life on her own terms This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone struggling with self-worth, navigating ADHD, recovering from relationship loss, or considering a career transition into therapy. Key Topics Discussed: • Cultural gender expectations and internalised feelings of inadequacy • ADHD in school settings and the lack of support • Using creativity as a coping mechanism • Career building and finding your place in the world • Relationship breakdown and grief • Depression and the journey towards recovery • The transformative power of therapy • Training as a therapist with ADHD and language barriers • Redefining identity after major life changes • Building a successful private practice • Self-worth beyond external validation 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #ADHD #SelfWorth #CulturalExpectations #RelationshipHealing #CareerTransition #DepressionAwareness #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #PersonalGrowth

    33 min

  8. 11/13/2025 · VIDEO

    Turbulent Relationships & Helping Gang-Affected Youth | ShediYah HatNebMaoo

    This episode contains discussion around relationship breakdown, low self-esteem, vulnerable young people, gang involvement, and creative therapy approaches. 🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Child, Adolescent and Family Therapist ShediYah HatNebMaoo as she shares her unconventional journey from struggling in a turbulent relationship with low self-esteem to becoming a compassionate therapist who helps vulnerable young people imagine new possibilities for their lives. This honest discussion explores how therapy can transform our confidence and self-belief, and why creative, person-centred approaches are so powerful when working with young people facing difficult circumstances. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, ShediYah openly shares: • Her unconventional journey into therapy as a young mother • Struggling in a turbulent relationship with low self-esteem • Being encouraged to try therapy by her partner's probation officer • Feeling unsafe leaving her children with someone else • Finding a therapist who allowed her to bring her children along • How therapy helped her rebuild her confidence • Contemplating a career change whilst raising young children • Spending 4 years volunteering before committing to training as a counsellor • Working with children and young people, many of whom are vulnerable • Supporting young people with experience of gangs • Using gentle, person-centred approaches in her work • Incorporating creative therapy and dreamwork into her practice • Helping young people to 'imagine something else for themselves' • Her role as a lecturer and Clinical Supervisor This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone working with vulnerable young people, navigating difficult relationships, or interested in creative therapeutic approaches. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Seeking help whilst managing childcare responsibilities • The impact of turbulent relationships on self-esteem and confidence • Therapy as a catalyst for personal transformation • The power of person-centred approaches • Creative therapy and dreamwork with young people • Supporting vulnerable young people and those affected by gangs • Building hope and possibility with young people facing adversity • The journey from client to therapist • Volunteering and career transitions • Clinical supervision and training others • Reimagining futures for young people in difficult circumstances 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #YoungPeoplesMentalHealth #CreativeTherapy #PersonCentredTherapy #VulnerableYoung People #GangInvolvement #FamilyTherapy #MentalHealthUK #TherapyTraining #DreamworkTherapy

    26 min
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About

Ever wondered what makes therapists... therapists? Step into a world where mental health professionals become the storytellers, sharing their own raw, unfiltered journeys and insights. Join hosts Michaela McCarthy and Dipti Solanki as they flip the script, turning candid conversations with fellow therapists into powerful revelations about the human experience - from both sides of the couch. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: tiktok.com/@a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: instagram.com/abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/a-bunch-of-therapists

Information

  • Creator
    A Bunch of Therapists
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    A Bunch of Therapists

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