The Therapy Files

Dr. Callum Jones and Craig Johnson

We are a new podcast hosted by two therapists/counsellors. One is qualified while the other is in training. We are interested in discussing topics that matter – both inside the counselling room – issues which are commonly brought into therapy such as grief, anxiety, depression. Yet, we’re also a podcast that has a dual focus, also looking outside of the therapy room at social and political issues which effect the world around us on a daily basis such as mental health awareness and wellbeing. Published on a bi-monthly on 4th & 18th! Want to contact us? Email thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com

  1. 17h ago

    33. Discussing Domestic Abuse with Gemma Lawford

    Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic abuse and may be difficult or emotionally challenging for some listeners. Please listen only if and when it feels right for you. If now isn't the right time, that's completely okay. Your wellbeing comes first, and this episode will still be here whenever you're ready.In this episode of The Therapy Files, Craig and Callum are joined by Gemma Lawford for a sensitive and important conversation about domestic abuse. Together, they explore what domestic abuse can look like, how it can affect people emotionally and psychologically, and why it is so important to move beyond stereotypes or simplistic ideas of who abuse happens to. The conversation considers the impact of control, fear, isolation, shame, and uncertainty, as well as the courage it can take for someone to recognise what is happening and reach out for support. This episode is not intended to replace specialist advice, but to open up thoughtful discussion, raise awareness, and signpost listeners towards support. Please take care while listening, especially if this topic feels close to home. Support If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. National Domestic Abuse HelplineCall 0808 2000 247 — free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. Men’s Advice LineCall 0808 801 0327 — support for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them. Galop LGBT+ Abuse and Violence HelplineCall 0800 999 5428 — support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence. Listeners outside the UK are encouraged to contact local emergency services, domestic abuse charities, or crisis support services in their own country.

  2. 12/21/2023

    31. INCELS: A discussion from the perspective of Men who Identify as Feminists

    TW: This episode alludes to violence and rape culture. Join us, Callum & Craig as we finally sit down after a long hiatus for Episode 31 as we delve into the intricate world of Incels, examining their origins, community dynamics, notable figures, and the ramifications of their beliefs. Incels, short for "Involuntary Celibates," predominantly consist of men congregating in online spaces, attributing their romantic shortcomings to perceived attractiveness. Research by O’Malley et al. (2020) reveals alarming patterns within the incel community, citing misogynistic tendencies, favourability towards violence, and resemblances to extremist groups. These groups revolve around five core beliefs, including the sexual market, demonisation of women, validation of masculinity, perceptions of male oppression, and alarming tendencies towards violence. From a feminist viewpoint, these ideologies are concerning. Incels often propagate anti-feminism, blaming it for disrupting natural selection and contributing to a perceived 'rape culture'. However, this perspective disregards the societal roots of their struggles. As feminists and therapists, we discuss and challenge the complexities surrounding Incels, acknowledging the need for a nuanced approach that addresses underlying societal issues while providing support and interventions to prevent further harm. The episode takes a closer look at Incels and debates whether this group constitutes a terrorist entity. We explore potential strategies for intervention, rehabilitation, and deradicalization, including therapeutic and psychiatric interventions. 📚 References and Sources: O’Malley, R. Et.al (2020). An Exploration of the Involuntary Celibate (Incel) Online Subculture. Speckhard, A. Et al. (2021). Involuntary Celibates’ Experiences of and Grievance over Sexual Exclusion and the Potential Threat of Violence Amongst Those Active in an Online Incel Forum. Lindsay, A. (2022). Swallowing the black pill: Involuntary celibates’ (Incels) anti-feminism within digital society. Morris, S. (2023). Plymouth Shooter Fascinated by Serial Killers and ‘Incel’ Culture, Inquest Hears. Zimmerman, S. (2022). The Ideology of Incels: Misogyny and Victimhood as Justification for Political Violence

  3. 07/19/2023

    30. Fitness & Mental Health with Calvin Williamson

    Get ready for another electrifying episode of The Therapy Files with Callum and Craig! It's a milestone moment as we celebrate our 30th episode with a bang. Join us as we sit down with the seasoned personal trainer, Calvin Williamson, for an eye-opening discussion on the connection between mental health and exercise. With his extensive experience and ongoing Physiotherapy qualification, Calvin is the ultimate fitness guru to shed light on this topic. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the warm-up stretches! You won't want to miss this! References used in this episode Anderson, E. & Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 4, pp. 27. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027 Bell, L. S., Audrey, S., Gunnell, D., Cooper, A., & Campbell, R. (2019). The relationship between physical activity, mentalwellbeing and symptoms of mental health disorder in adolescents: a cohort study. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(138), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0901-7 Ostrow, L., Jessell, L., Hurd, M., Darrow, S.M., & Cohen, D. (2017). Discontinuing psychiatric medications: a survey of long-term users. Psychiatric Services, 68, pp. 1232-1238. Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, D. F. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 8(2), pp. 106. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a Schuch, F., Vancampfort, D., Firth, J., Rosenbaum, S., Ward, P., & Reichert, T. (2017). Physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders. 210, pp. 139-50. Schuch, B. F. & Vancampfort, D. (2021). Physical activity, exercise, and mental disorders: it is time to move on. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 43(3), pp. 177-184. doi: 10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0237 Taylor, C. B., Sallis, F. J., & Needle, R. (1985). The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health. Public Health Reports,100(2), pp. 195-202.

  4. 01/15/2023

    28. Stalking

    Well, hello, one and all. We wish you a happy Sunday, an extremely belated Merry Christmas, and a belated happy new year. Here at the Therapy Files, we’re starting the year off on a bit of a back foot – 2022 ended too quickly – in other words, in between managing our jobs and daily life, amongst a winter cold or two, we found ourselves somewhat surprised to be thrust unceremoniously into a new year! We might be starting 2023 slower than we would have liked, but better late than never, right? We bring you our December 2022 episode on Stalking. A hard-hitting yet critically and often undiscussed area of criminological research – if you hadn’t yet guessed – this is one of Callum’s subjects! In this episode, we cover: · What stalking is · Statistics · Legislation (see links below for updated information) · And as ever, Televisual and filmic representations of stalking. As ever, if you need support after listening to this episode, please use the support resources below: 1. Suzy Lamplugh Trust (www.suzylamplugh.org) - The website of the National Stalking Helpline, providing information and advice on stalking and how to stay safe. 2. Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service (www.paladinservice.co.uk) - The website of the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service, providing information on the service and how to access it. 3. Protection Against Stalking (www.protectionagainststalking.org) - The website of the Protection Against Stalking charity, providing information and support to victims of stalking and their families. 4. Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) - The website of the National Domestic Violence Helpline, providing information on domestic violence, including stalking, and how to access support. 5. The National Stalking Consortium (www.stalkinghelpline.org) - A national organization that provides information, support and training on stalking, as well as a directory of local stalking support services. 6. The UK Network for Survivors of Stalking (www.stalkingvictims.org) - A website that provides information and support to victims of stalking, including a directory of local support services. 7. The police website (https://www.police.uk/) - The website of the police in UK, you can find information about stalking, how to report it and what to expect from the police. References used in this episode  Stalking: findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) Crown Prosecution Service. (2022). Stalking and Harassment. Retrieved from: http://www.cps.gov.uk Corrin, L. (2012). Stalking: new legislation falls short. Retrieved from: http://www.halsburyslawexchange.co.uk

About

We are a new podcast hosted by two therapists/counsellors. One is qualified while the other is in training. We are interested in discussing topics that matter – both inside the counselling room – issues which are commonly brought into therapy such as grief, anxiety, depression. Yet, we’re also a podcast that has a dual focus, also looking outside of the therapy room at social and political issues which effect the world around us on a daily basis such as mental health awareness and wellbeing. Published on a bi-monthly on 4th & 18th! Want to contact us? Email thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com