Let's Open Up

HPFT Talking Therapies
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  • Mental Health

Let's Open Up is the mental health podcast from Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies, exploring emotional wellbeing through honest, open and relatable conversations. Hosted by members of the NHS HPFT Talking Therapies Digital Team, each episode brings together people with lived experience, mental health professionals and special guests to discuss the topics that matter most to our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you're accessing therapy, supporting a friend or family member, working in healthcare, or simply interested in understanding mental health better, this podcast is for you. Together, we'll explore what therapy is really like, perinatal mental health, living with physical health conditions, neurodiversity, emotional wellbeing and much more. Our aim is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels able to join the conversation, challenge stigma and learn from one another's experiences. New episodes every fortnight.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    S1 E5 About Therapy - Talking to Tap: "A dedicated time to yourself"

    What makes therapy effective? How important is the relationship between you and your Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)? And why is it important to set aside dedicated time for your sessions? In this episode of Let's Open Up: About Therapy, Dr Ruth Schumacher continues her conversation with Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) Tap, exploring what happens once therapy begins and what helps people get the most from the process. Tap explains the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, understood and supported by your clinician creates the foundation for meaningful change. Together, they discuss the collaborative nature of low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including the role of workbooks, goal setting and activities between sessions that help turn conversations into practical action. They also explore some of the realities of attending therapy, including why it's important to minimise distractions, create protected time for yourself, and actively engage both during and between sessions. Finally, Tap explains how questionnaires are used throughout treatment to track progress and guide support. Whether you're thinking about starting therapy or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers an honest and practical look at how therapy works. In this episode, we discuss: What the therapeutic relationship is and why it mattersHow PWPs and clients work together collaborativelyThe role of homework and activities between sessionsHow CBT workbooks support treatmentWhy therapy works best when you have dedicated, distraction-free timeWhat clinicians mean by "active involvement"How questionnaires help monitor progress and shape treatmentWhat can help you get the most out of therapy As Tap explains, therapy is much more than a weekly conversation. It's a collaborative process that combines support, practical tools and real-life application to help people make meaningful changes. Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and self-refer today: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk Coming up next: In Episode 6, Tap takes us inside the therapy toolkit, introducing some of the practical techniques used to support people experiencing stress, anxiety and low mood. We'll explore how thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected and look at some of the strategies that can help break unhelpful cycles and improve wellbeing. Join us as we continue to open up about therapy.

    S1 E5 About Therapy - Talking to Tap: "A dedicated time to yourself"

  2. Sep 30

    S1 E4 About Therapy - Talking to Tap: “It’s just a conversation”

    Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you're not sure what to expect. In this episode of Let's Open Up About Therapy, Dr Ruth Schumacher is joined by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) Tap. They explore, from the inside, what it is really like to work with a PWP in NHS Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies.  Tap shares how PWPs work with people experiencing common mental health difficulties such as stress, anxiety and low mood, and explains what low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) involves. Together, they discuss what happens first, what goes on in sessions, and why, to give you a glimpse behind the scenes.  If you've ever wondered what goes on in Talking Therapies; whether you have to lie on a couch, or what it's like to speak with a PWP for the first time, this episode offers a reassuring insight into the reality of opening up.  One message shines through: despite some worries people may have before reaching out, it's often much simpler than they imagine. As Tap explains, it's just a conversation.  In this episode, we discuss:  What a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) doesCommon reasons people access Talking Therapies Understanding stress, anxiety and low mood What "low-intensity" CBT means How to access NHS Talking Therapies What happens if you refer Treatment options including one-to-one, group and online support What to expect from your sessions with a PWP Why seeking support can be less daunting than you might think Whether you're considering support for yourself, a friend or family member, this episode provides a helpful introduction to the first steps of working with a PWP.  Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and refer yourself via our website: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk Connect with us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies Coming up next: Tap returns to answer some of the questions people are often too afraid to ask. What is a therapeutic relationship? Will you have homework between sessions? How involved do you need to be for it to work? And what can you do to get the most out of your sessions?  Join us as we continue to open up about therapy.

    S1 E4 About Therapy - Talking to Tap: “It’s just a conversation”

  3. Sep 16 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: Before We Open Up About Therapy

    Before we open up about therapy, let's start with the basics. In this bonus episode, Dr Ruth Schumacher introduces Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and explains some of the common words and phrases you'll hear throughout the series. Whether you're curious about therapy, considering seeking support yourself, or simply want to better understand how NHS Talking Therapies works, this episode provides a helpful introduction. Together, we'll explore: What NHS Talking Therapies isHow to access support and self-referCommon terms such as CBT, PWP and high-intensity therapyThe different types of support availableWhat to expect from this podcast seriesWhy every therapy journey is uniqueThis episode is designed as a guide to help you get the most from the conversations that follow. Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and refer yourself via our website: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk Follow ‘Let's Open Up’ on your preferred podcast platform to hear new episodes as they're released. Connect with us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies Next up: Misha shares her personal story about what led her to therapy after her son asked 'Mum, why don't you go to therapy?'

  4. Sep 16

    S1 E3 About Therapy - Misha's Story: "You Need Time to Process"

    What is therapy really like once you step inside the room? Does it look like the versions we see on television and in films, or is the reality something quite different? In this episode of Let's Open Up: About Therapy, Dr Ruth Schumacher continues her conversation with Misha as she reflects on her expectations of therapy before she started and how those expectations compared to her real experience. Misha shares how she initially imagined therapy as a detached conversation with a therapist sitting behind a desk. Instead, she discovered a collaborative process that encouraged self-reflection, practical learning, and personal growth. She talks openly about completing exercises between sessions, working through emotions that surfaced during therapy, and the importance of giving herself time to process what she was learning. Together, Ruth and Misha explore: What Misha expected therapy to be like before startingHow her actual experience challenged common misconceptions about therapyThe role of homework and practising skills between sessionsWorking at a pace that felt supportive and manageableWhy personal reflection and self-care were important during therapyThe idea of "learning fast but processing slowly"Making sense of emotions, thoughts and long-standing patternsThis honest conversation offers valuable insight into the therapeutic process and highlights that therapy is often about more than what happens during a session. Real change can continue to develop between appointments as new ideas, emotions and perspectives begin to take shape. Please note: Misha's experience is unique to her. NHS Talking Therapies offers a range of evidence-based therapies, and each person's treatment journey will be tailored to their individual needs. Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and refer yourself via our website: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk Follow ‘Let's Open Up’ Therapy on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Connect with us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies Coming up next: Hear from Tap, a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner working within NHS Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies as we continue to explore what therapy is really like, how it works, and what you can expect when reaching out for support.

    S1 E3 About Therapy - Misha's Story: "You Need Time to Process"

  5. Sep 16

    S1 E2 About Therapy - Misha's Story: “Thank You for Changing My Life”

    How can therapy help you change lifelong patterns and respond differently to difficult situations? In this second episode of Let's Open Up: About Therapy, Dr Ruth Schumacher continues her conversation with Misha as she reflects on the lasting impact of her one-to-one Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Misha shares how therapy helped her become more aware of her thoughts, behaviours and self-worth, enabling her to break unhelpful patterns and set healthier boundaries. She talks openly about learning to pause before reacting, understanding her triggers, and responding to challenging situations in ways that better support her wellbeing. Together, Ruth and Misha explore: How the behavioural side of CBT helped create positive changeRecognising and breaking lifelong patterns of people-pleasingLearning to respond rather than react to difficult situationsBuilding self-awareness, boundaries and self-worthThe impact therapy had on Misha's relationships and daily lifeHer advice for anyone considering seeking supportIn an honest reflection, Misha describes therapy as life-changing and explains why she felt compelled to thank her therapist for the difference it made. Please note: Misha's experience is unique to her. NHS Talking Therapies offers a range of evidence-based therapies, and each person's treatment journey will be tailored to their individual needs. Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and refer yourself via our website: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk Follow ‘Let's Open Up’ on your preferred podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Connect with us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies Coming up next: Misha reflects on her expectations of therapy, how the reality compared to what she imagined, and what surprised her most about the experience.

    S1 E2 About Therapy - Misha's Story: “Thank You for Changing My Life”

  6. Sep 16

    S1 E1 About Therapy - Misha's Story: "Mum, why don't you go to therapy?"

    What is therapy really like? What happens in a session? And can it actually help? In the first episode of Let's Open Up: About Therapy, host Dr Ruth Schumacher speaks with Misha, who shares her personal experience of accessing NHS Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies following years of difficult experiences and emotional challenges. After her son asked a simple question, "Mum, why don't you go to therapy?", Misha decided to give it a try. What followed was a journey that would help her better understand herself, challenge long-held beliefs, and learn practical tools to improve her wellbeing. Together, Ruth and Misha explore: What led Misha to seek therapyHer first experiences of group and one-to-one therapyWorking with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT)How thought diaries helped her recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking patternsThe impact therapy had on her self-awareness and confidenceThis honest and inspiring conversation offers a real-life glimpse into therapy and may help answer some of the questions you have about taking that first step. Please note: Misha's experience is unique to her. NHS Talking Therapies offers a range of evidence-based therapies, and each person's journey will be tailored to their individual needs. Find out more about Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies and refer yourself via our website: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk  Follow ‘Let's Open Up’ on your preferred podcast platform to be the first to hear new episodes. Connect with us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies Coming up next: Misha shares more about her therapy journey, including behavioural strategies she learned through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a message of encouragement for anyone considering therapy.

    S1 E1 About Therapy - Misha's Story: "Mum, why don't you go to therapy?"

  7. Trailer

    Trailer - Welcome to Let's Open Up: Talking Therapies

    Something new is coming to Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies. Let's Open Up... is a new mental health podcast from HPFT Talking Therapies, exploring emotional wellbeing through honest conversations with people who have lived experience, mental health professionals and special guests. Whether you're in therapy, supporting someone you love, working in mental health, or simply interested in wellbeing, this podcast is for you. Topics include: What therapy is really like Perinatal mental health Living with physical health conditions Neurodiversity Emotional wellbeing and more Launching on 16 September with three episodes available from day one, followed by a new episode every fortnight. Follow now on your preferred podcast platform and be part of the conversation. Follow us on social media: @HPFTTalkingTherapies

  • 1 Trailer
    6 Episodes

Trailer

About

Let's Open Up is the mental health podcast from Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies, exploring emotional wellbeing through honest, open and relatable conversations. Hosted by members of the NHS HPFT Talking Therapies Digital Team, each episode brings together people with lived experience, mental health professionals and special guests to discuss the topics that matter most to our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you're accessing therapy, supporting a friend or family member, working in healthcare, or simply interested in understanding mental health better, this podcast is for you. Together, we'll explore what therapy is really like, perinatal mental health, living with physical health conditions, neurodiversity, emotional wellbeing and much more. Our aim is to create a welcoming space where everyone feels able to join the conversation, challenge stigma and learn from one another's experiences. New episodes every fortnight.

Information

  • Creator
    HPFT Talking Therapies
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Let's Open Up
  • Show Website
    Let's Open Up