This Trusted Place with John-Paul Davies: Mental Health, Therapy & Becoming a Therapist

John-Paul Davies
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  • MENTAL HEALTH

🎙️ Welcome to This Trusted Place with John-Paul Davies  Honest conversations and reflections on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and the realities of becoming and being a therapist in private practice. Whether you're a therapist, aspiring to become one, or simply someone curious about the inner world of emotional growth and healing, this podcast offers grounded insights and personal stories that connect.Hosted by John-Paul Davies, a former City solicitor who retrained as a psychotherapist in 2007, the show explores: Changing careers into therapy What it’s really like being a therapist and making a living as a helping professional Mental health and emotional wellbeing topics inc. relationships, narcissism, trauma, navigating imposter syndrome and burnout, boundaries, self-worth and growth  Bisexuality 🔗 Watch the video versions on YouTube: youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP  🌐 More about John-Paul: thistrustedplace.co.uk If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review — it makes a big difference. Thank you for listening.

  1. APR 15

    S11 | E6 Coming Out as Bisexual (or Gay) In A Marriage: When It Goes Wrong (And How to Heal)

    Send us Fan Mail Hi, I’m John-Paul, and a warm welcome back to the channel. Today’s conversation is an important and often emotional one - what happens when sexual identity is disclosed within a relationship, particularly when disclosure comes after the relationship has already been established and it doesn't go well. For many people, it can feel like a shock, or even a betrayal, but it can also be the beginning of something more integrated, and potentially more connected. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joshua Gebhart, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specialises in working with mixed-orientation couples, particularly where one partner identifies as gay or bisexual within a previously 'heterosexual' relationship. We explore: • Why disclosure can feel so destabilising • The difference between identity and behaviour • What happens when sexuality hasn’t been fully understood or expressed • The role of shame, secrecy, and compartmentalisation • How couples move through crisis into something more stable • Why “stay together or break up” is often the wrong question • What actually helps relationships survive, or end well If you or someone you know is navigating this, I hope this offers some clarity and reassurance, that there are options, and that you’re not alone in it. ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) 🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. ‘Life Unlimited’ Course testimonials include: "John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." "The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend." If anything in this video resonates with you, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, I read every one. Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    46 min

  2. APR 7

    S11 | E5 From Doctor to Therapist: Why and the Reality of Training

    Send us Fan Mail Hi, I’m John-Paul Davies and welcome back to the channel. In this conversation, I’m joined by Dr Henry Aughterson (currently working as a doctor and training to become a therapist at Re-Vision in London) to explore what it’s really like to train as a therapist, especially when coming from a medical background. We talk about the differences between the medical model and psychotherapy, the depth and challenge of therapy training, and the personal journey that often sits underneath the decision to become a therapist.  In this video, we explore: • Moving from medicine into psychotherapy • The limitations of the medical model in addressing mental health • What therapy training is actually like (and how intense it can be) • The balance between intellect and emotion in becoming a therapist • Social prescribing and the role of community in wellbeing • Building an authentic presence on social media as a therapist • Advice for anyone thinking about training Henry also shares openly about his own experiences of mental health, identity, and navigating uncertainty, something many people considering this path will relate to. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. 📹 More videos like this: Why I Became a Therapist (From Law to Therapy) (https://www.youtube.com/...) A Day in the Life of a Therapist (https://www.youtube.com/...) 5 Things I Love About Being a Therapist (https://www.youtube.com/...) If anything in this video has touched something for you, or you're considering your own path into therapy, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, I read them all. And if you’d like to follow Henry’s journey, I’ll include his Instagram below. https://www.instagram.com/doctor_mentalhealth?igsh=MXdjMng0MTB0eTE1Zg== Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    40 min

  3. MAR 25

    S11 | E4 How Much Should You Charge as a Therapist? (And When to Raise Your Fee)

    Send us Fan Mail In this video I’m talking about one of the most difficult and important questions when starting or running a private practice: How much should you charge? There’s no single “correct” fee for therapy, which is exactly why this can feel so confusing. In this video, I explore a more grounded way of approaching your pricing, one that takes into account your financial reality, your local context, and the psychological factors that can lead many therapists to undercharge. I also share how I’ve approached setting and increasing my own fee over time, and why I believe demand, rather than comparison, can be a helpful guide. If you’re starting out, or thinking about raising your rate, I hope this gives you something to work from. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. ‘Life Unlimited’ Course testimonials include: "John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." "The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend." Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    11 min

  4. MAR 11

    S11 | E3 The Impact of Becoming a Dad (and How to Prepare For it)

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, I’m joined by therapist and coach Gavin Lashley to explore a topic that often may not get enough attention the psychological journey of the non-birth partner, affectionately, “Dad”. Gavin is an integrative therapist working with CBT and Internal Family Systems, and he’s also a relatively new father himself. Together, we explore what it really means to become a parent, not just practically, but emotionally and relationally. We talk about: • The identity shift of becoming a Dad • Protecting and providing versus connecting and regulating • Hormones, expectations and the pressure on modern Dads • Community, isolation and the changing role of grandparents • The impact on intimacy and the couple relationship • Psychological preparation before the baby arrives • Resentment, repair and communication under pressure • Trauma anxiety and the fear of “getting it wrong” • Why perfection isn’t the goal, repair is You can find out more about Gavin and his work here: Website: (https://www.gavinlashleytherapy.com) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/gavinlashleytherapy/) Gavin also wrote a blog article exploring different approaches to fatherhood using the analogy of ecosystems, which links really well to this conversation: (https://www.gavinlashleytherapy.com/blog/cultivating-fatherhood/) ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) 🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. ‘Life Unlimited’ Course testimonials include: "John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." "The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend." Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    51 min

  5. FEB 22

    S11 | E2 When You Tell Your Partner You’re Bisexual: What Happens Next

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when someone discloses that they’re bisexual within a relationship? For some couples it’s straightforward, but for others it can bring up shock, fear, confusion, or insecurity for both partners. In this video I share some reflections on why disclosure can feel destabilising at first, how both people’s reactions are understandable, and how couples can move toward integration over time. I also talk about common myths around bisexuality, including fears about infidelity or commitment and why honesty, while sometimes painful, can ultimately deepen connection. If you or your partner are navigating this situation, I hope this offers some reassurance and perspective. I’ll also be exploring this topic further in an upcoming interview with Dr Joshua Gebhardt, a therapist who works with mixed-orientation couples. My bisexuality playlist for all the full videos:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzuc1SEOTxi2ytIA_kG2JG_7Evikg8E0 ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) 🎁 My FREE personal development course Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    11 min

  6. FEB 12

    S11 | E1 Starting to See Clients as a Therapist: Taking the Pressure Off Yourself

    Send us Fan Mail Starting to see clients for the first time can feel surprisingly nerve-wracking. In this video I share some reflections on how to steady yourself in those early sessions and what really matters when you first sit down with a client. I talk about four foundations you can rest on: what you already bring as a person, the active role of the client, the power of the relationship between you, and the wider support that holds you as a therapist. I think a helpful aim isn’t to perform or impress, but to create a safe, attentive human connection. If you’re just beginning to see clients, or about to start, I hope this offers some reassurance and perspective. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎁 My FREE personal development course Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. Life Unlimited Course testimonials include: "John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." "The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend." Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    11 min

  7. JAN 29

    S10 | E 10 We're More Connected Than Ever – So Why Are We So Alone?

    Send us Fan Mail Human Connection in a Digital World In this video, I’m sharing a practice version of a talk I gave for Rail Wellbeing Live on one of the most important foundations of good mental health: connection. After 15 years as a therapist, I’ve come to see connection, to ourselves, to others, and to the wider world, as central to wellbeing, meaning, and resilience. In this talk, I look at: • Why connection is vital for both mental and physical health • Why so many people feel increasingly disconnected, despite knowing this • How our survival, reward, and connection systems shape the way we relate • Practical ways to strengthen connection with ourselves • How digital media, social media, and AI can both support and undermine connection • The role of face-to-face relationships, nature, and small moments of human contact This is a reflective, practical talk rather than a polished studio video, shared here for anyone interested in wellbeing, mental health, and how we stay human in an increasingly digital world. If you find this helpful, it would mean a lot if you could like the video, subscribe to the channel, or share it with someone who might benefit. It really helps the channel grow and supports me in making more content like this. ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you’re curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) 🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. ‘Life Unlimited’ Course testimonials include: "John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." "The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend." 📹 For more videos on general mental health topics, here's my playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzuc1SEOTxgkW-m76gMYwIEq_IZUv8sl Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    43 min

  8. JAN 7

    S10 | E9 Thinking About Changing Career and Becoming a Therapist? Watch This Compilation First

    Send us Fan Mail Thinking about a career change? If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to leave a job that isn’t fulfilling and explore something completely new, like becoming a therapist, this video is for you. I share clips from my own journey, plus insights from people making the change right now, to help you feel more ready to take that first step. This video is a compilation of some of the most helpful moments from my videos on career change and therapist training, alongside reflections from people who are currently on that path themselves. We talk about: – What draws people towards becoming a therapist – The emotional and psychological side of training – The importance of self-development, not just theory – Fear, doubt, and how not to let them dominate decisions – Why this path can feel like coming home and coming alive If you’re feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or quietly wondering whether there’s something more meaningful for you, I hope this video helps you listen to that part of yourself that’s already moving you forward. I’d really love to hear about your own experience or where you are on your journey, so please do feel free to comment below. Playlist containing at the full videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzuc1SEOTxjNIi7jqHqNHDcaHqhApCoN 🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) ✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage. Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that. 💬 ‘Life Unlimited’ Course testimonials include: "John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others." "The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend." Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

    12 min
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About

🎙️ Welcome to This Trusted Place with John-Paul Davies  Honest conversations and reflections on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and the realities of becoming and being a therapist in private practice. Whether you're a therapist, aspiring to become one, or simply someone curious about the inner world of emotional growth and healing, this podcast offers grounded insights and personal stories that connect.Hosted by John-Paul Davies, a former City solicitor who retrained as a psychotherapist in 2007, the show explores: Changing careers into therapy What it’s really like being a therapist and making a living as a helping professional Mental health and emotional wellbeing topics inc. relationships, narcissism, trauma, navigating imposter syndrome and burnout, boundaries, self-worth and growth  Bisexuality 🔗 Watch the video versions on YouTube: youtube.com/@JohnPaulDaviesTTP  🌐 More about John-Paul: thistrustedplace.co.uk If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review — it makes a big difference. Thank you for listening.

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