Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Shrinked by Quint

An audio recording of a recent magazine interview sharing my sober journey - past struggles, relapses, and the progress I've made. Honest, unfiltered, and a little rough around the edges - please excuse the language.

In this week's episode, I explore the roots of anger, from its psychological complexities to innovative tools like animation for emotional literacy.  Discover how to understand and better manage this universal human experience.

Quint reflects on the 'Just for Today' card from Alcoholics Anonymous, sharing how its principles continue to resonate with him and influence his daily life. As a psychotherapist, he finds its guidance still deeply relevant, shaping both his personal mindset and his professional approach.

Sobriety can feel overwhelming, like an impossible mountain to climb. But I’ve seen how powerful the "One Day at a Time" (ODAAT) philosophy can be. It’s about focusing on staying sober just for today—not forever. This simple shift eases anxiety, builds momentum, and keeps you grounded in the present. Recovery is a journey of small, daily victories, and ODAAT makes it manageable. Start with today—because today is enough.

It’s often said that Dry January is less about what you’re giving up and more about what you’re making room for—better sleep, clearer thoughts, and a healthier you. This week I want to reflect on Dry January. What are the benefits of Dry January? Could those benefits prove a departure point for a whole new way of life?

This week, I want to extend support to anyone working to manage their drinking during the festive season. It’s a tough time for those of us striving to stay sober—tough, but entirely achievable with the strength of human kindness and the power of genuine connection.

Merry Xmas and ...your health is your wealth! 

 

‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings’

Zuzu Bailey: It’s a Wonderful Life

 

This week, I take a light hearted look at the differences between counselling and psychotherapy. What do these two disciplines have in common, and where do they diverge? Which approach do you think might best support you, or a loved one, in times of crisis?

While it may seem unusual for a psychotherapist to discuss the power of prayer, many therapists acknowledge the role spirituality can play in emotional healing and well-being. This episode looks at how (secular) prayer, can facilitate inner peace. offer a sense of purpose, and reduce stress especially when addressing existential questions, grief, or trauma.

 

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

Mahatma Gandhi

This week I’m looking at anxiety. Well to be precise two types of anxiety, the so called traits and states. Anxiety is a word we all throw around, a feeling we all share but it comes in more forms than most people realise and to understand more about anxiety is to be on the road to managing it better.  

 

“Therapy is not about having the right answers, but about asking the right questions.” – Unknown 

This week, I commend UKCP for its bold initiative addressing AI’s rapid advancements in psychotherapy. With chatbots and avatars disrupting practices, AI is moving fast and breaking things quickly. But should it be allowed to threaten the core of psychotherapy? Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of this pressing issue.

"The real risk with AI isn't that it will destroy jobs; it's that it will redefine them faster than we can adjust." – Andrew Yang

I’m diving into a fascinating recent discovery in neuroscience: the Default Mode Network, or DMN. It's a system that reveals what our brains are doing when we’re not focused on external tasks, from daydreaming to self-reflection. Join me as we explore its impact on our minds and wellbeing.

 

“The discovery of the default mode network has transformed our understanding of the brain, showing that even at rest, it is anything but silent, orchestrating thoughts that define our identity.”

Marcus E. Raichle

Where do you find a good therapist? At the very time when a person is at their wits end in trying to get help with a mental health issue for themselves or a loved one, many are faced with an irritating journey of discovery to find a reputable therapist. In this episode I try to provide guidance on what makes a good therapist and where to find them. 

"A good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease." — William Osler

In this episode of Shrinked by Quint, I dive into the evolution of ‘asymmetric living’ which explores how the pursuit of constant comfort can undermine our resilience. Drawing on several books (Comfort Creep, The Comfort Crisis, and Asymmetric Living), the podcast argues for the paradox - discomfort could be the key to growth and fulfilment.

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this episode of Shrinked by Quint, I dive into one of my favourite topics: the use of animation in mental healthcare. Using addiction as a focal point, I demonstrate how animation can simplify the complex and challenging aspects of this condition. More than just simplifying, animation makes the conversation around addiction creative and relatable, helping to foster a deeper emotional connection and understanding. I also explore how the adaptability and emotional resonance of animation can enhance prevention efforts, raise treatment awareness, and build meaningful connections with patients.

“The greatest ideas are the simplest.” – William Golding

"First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you"          F Scott Fitzgerald. 

I’m diving back into a topic that hits close to home for me: alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism. 

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in the world, and many of us struggle with it. In this episode I’ll share what AUD is, how to spot it, and my personal and clinical experiences on how to treat it.

"First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you"          F Scott Fitzgerald. 

Today, I’m diving into part one of a topic that hits close to home for me: alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism. 

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in the world, and many of us struggle with it. In this episode I’ll share what AUD is, how to spot it, and my personal and clinical experiences on how to treat it.

"Your body is your home; learning to love and accept it is the first step toward peace."

This week, I'm doing something a little different in response to several requests on the website: a guided meditation. Personally, I find guided meditations incredibly grounding and a great way to reconnect with the body. They're calming, restorative, and there's plenty of evidence to show how they promote better sleep. I've never written or recorded one before, but here it is. I hope you find it helpful and relaxing!

In this episode of Shrinked by Quint, I delve into the influence of animated characters on our understanding of mental health issues. Focusing on Winnie the Pooh, I discuss how animation effectively illustrates psychological concepts that enrich our daily lives. I highlight how the gentle and approachable nature of animation makes it an ideal medium for modelling solutions, as the beloved characters navigate their emotional challenges with empathy and support.

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." — Ludwig Wittgenstein

In part one, I explored the history of animation; in part two, I focus on how animation specifically addresses mental health issues. I start by discussing how animation facilitates communication for individuals with low literacy or special educational needs. Next, I examine its applications in supporting those facing anxiety, depression, or recovery from substance abuse. Finally, I highlight how animation can enhance the growing field of psychoeducation, making complex concepts more accessible for both trainee therapists and clients.

In this episode of Shrinked by Quint, I’m thrilled to explore one of my favourite subjects: the transformative power of animation in mental health. We’ll take a captivating journey through the history of animation, highlighting how Walt Disney masterfully put the ‘emotion in motion’. I’ll also delve into why animation is a game-changer in industries like finance and IT, and make the case for why it deserves a bigger role in healthcare, especially in psychotherapy.

"It is far easier to open a person's mind than to change it"

Arthur Schopenhauer

In this episode of Shrinked by Quint, I dive into the evolution of psycho-education, showing how psychotherapy has transformed from an exclusive practice into a global phenomenon. I explore how psychological concepts now enrich daily life, influence language, and drive personal and organisational growth. Tune in to discover how these insights can enhance your well-being and effectiveness.

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." John Dewey

Which is better for treatment: pills or therapy? 

I delve into the critical debate comparing psychotherapy and SSRIs for treating depression and anxiety. This episode unpacks the mechanics and effectiveness of SSRIs -medications like Prozac and Zoloft that adjust brain chemistry- and contrast them with the introspective journey of psychotherapy. 

With contributions from Dr Roger Mcfillin, I explore how each method addresses symptoms, the deeper issues at play, and their suitability based on individual needs. Whether you're contemplating starting therapy, considering medication, or seeking a blend of both, this episode guides you through understanding some options for your mental health journey.

‘…For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. “ Hamlet. 

What is happiness? Am I as happy as I can be? How could I be happier? 

In this episode I dive into the world of happiness and perception. Is happiness to be chased or should we be happy for what we have? Perhaps ‘champagne moments’ of happiness just happen to us as John Lennon believed. 

I try to untangle the cat’s cradle of threads that ensure happiness. I begin with a fascinating look back at the origins of happiness, tracing its roots from ancient luck and fortune to its modern connotations. I then plunge into the modern consumerist landscape, where advertising, social media and FOMO trigger addictive cycles of dopamine and put us on the "hedonic treadmill." 

I explore Aristotle's timeless wisdom on eudaimonia—defining happiness as a meaningful life well-lived. And a deep dive into therapeutic strategies to guide us through the maze of modern happiness. Peppered with expert opinions, this episode promises to transform your understanding. It might even make you happy! 

An unexamined life is not worth living. Plato. This inaugural podcast sets the tone for the series, exploring psychotherapy's role in mental health treatment and the importance of personal reflection in our hectic world.    In the series we’ll tackle issues like anger, addiction, and trauma, and be guided by the latest clinical research. Committed to well-researched, peer-reviewed information, this podcast aims to enrich lives through personal self-reflection and the practice of psychotherapy.