Relational Lives Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to our latest episode, where we tackle the tricky habit of self-criticism! We’re unpacking why we beat ourselves up, how that inner critic takes over, and what we can do to bring in more kindness. With personal insights and actionable steps, this episode is all about making peace with yourself, one compassionate moment at a time.  

In This Episode:  

What’s Behind Self-Criticism? We look at why we’re so hard on ourselves and how the inner critic becomes a loud character in our heads.

The Inner Critic’s Role: Discover how this voice might have once helped us but now oversteps, and why it won’t just go away.

A Kinder Alternative: We talk about bringing in a compassionate character—understanding, firm, and warm—to balance things out. 

Personal Reflections: Hear our stories of sleepless worries before recordings and body image battles, showing how compassion can shift the narrative.

Being Alongside Yourself: Learn why it’s not about fixing the pain but being with it differently.

Building Compassion: Practical ideas on growing that kinder voice, even when it feels unfamiliar.

Takeaway Tips: We finish with three simple steps to stop the self-beatdown and start being kinder.

Three Takeaway Tips:  

Check Your Compassion: Notice if you can give kindness to others, receive it from them, or offer it to yourself, start where you’re at.  

Spot the Blocks: Reflect on what stops you from being kind to yourself, maybe it’s feeling lazy or self-indulgent and challenge those beliefs.  

Label and Shift: When your inner critic gets noisy, name it (“My critic’s chatty today”), then invite your compassionate voice to step in with warmth and understanding.

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. 

Resources Mentioned:   Curious about compassion-focussed therapy? Search online for more on how it helps ease suffering and boosts mental wellbeing!

Connect With Us:

Got a question or want to share your inner critic’s favourite lines? Email us at Relationallives@gmail.com.

Subscribe for more episodes on mental health, self-compassion, and managing tricky thoughts. 

Next Episode Teaser:

We’re looking at how we can understand our own attachment styles in relationships. Don’t miss it! 

Thanks for Listening! If this episode resonated, please leave a review on Podbean or share it with a friend. See you next time as we keep exploring how to navigate the messy but marvelous human brain! 

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of anxiety—what it is, why it happens, and how our brains can sometimes trick us into a cycle of worry. Join us as we explore the evolutionary roots of anxiety, the fight-or-flight response, and how modern overthinking turns our natural alarm system into a source of stress. We’ll share personal stories, and offer three practical takeaway tips to help you understand and manage your anxiety. Whether you’re dealing with social anxiety, performance fears, or just everyday worries, this episode is your first step toward making sense of it all. Tune in and start taming your tricky brain today!   Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.    Show Notes:   Episode: Understanding Anxiety: Unpacking the Brain’s Alarm System Welcome to our latest episode where we tackle the big topic of anxiety! We’re peeling back the layers of this common experience to help you understand what’s really going on in your brain and body. From catastrophizing to sweaty palms, we’ve got you covered with insights, relatable stories, and actionable advice.   In This Episode:

• What is Anxiety? We break down the brain’s built-in alarm system and how it can’t tell the difference between a real threat (like a lion chasing you) and an imagined one (like a looming deadline).
• The Tricky Brain: Discover how our evolved ability to think ahead and imagine scenarios can fuel worry, overthinking, and even physical symptoms like a racing heart or dry mouth.
• Personal Reflections: We share our own experiences with anxiety, including performance fears tied to past humiliations and the pressure of big upcoming events.
• The Vicious Cycle: Learn how avoidance and overpreparation can keep anxiety alive—and what to do instead.
• Takeaway Tips: We wrap up with three simple, practical strategies to start understanding and managing your anxiety today.

Three Takeaway Tips:

1. Name It to Tame It: Give your anxiety a name (like “Little Miss Anxiety”) to create distance and recognize when it shows up.
2. Reflect on the Roots: Look back at your past experiences—school pressures, family dynamics, or hormonal shifts—to uncover where your anxiety might come from.
3. Spot the Patterns: Identify habits like avoidance or overpreparing that keep your anxiety going, and start journaling to track them.

Resources Mentioned:

• Check out Ross Harris’s brilliant animation videos on YouTube, like “The Struggle Switch,” for a quick and clear look at how we get stuck in anxiety cycles. Links below!
  • The Struggle Switch - YouTube

Connect With Us:

• Have a question or want to share your anxiety story? Reach out to us at Relationallives@gmail.com
• Subscribe for more episodes on anxiety, including future deep dives into social anxiety, panic attacks, and worry.

Next Episode Teaser: We’re looking at how to stop beating yourself up about things. Don’t miss it!   Thanks for Listening! If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a review on Podbean or share it with a friend. See you next time as we continue to explore the messy, marvelous human brain!

Welcome to Relational Lives!

Join psychotherapists Ali and Ros as we kick off our new podcast, bringing you free, accessible insights into mental health, relationships, and how our minds and bodies work.

After years of dreaming about this (since 2018!), we’re finally here and we’re so excited to share this journey with you. In this trailer, we introduce ourselves, our mission, and why we’re stepping out of our comfort zone to create something for you.

As therapists, we know private therapy isn’t cheap, so we’re offering bite-sized help and education on topics that matter—relationships with ourselves, others, and everything in between. No topic is off-limits, and it’s for all ages!

What to Expect:

Practical tips and therapist insights you can use every day Deep dives into mental health, the brain, and human connection Future guest experts and topics you suggest (get in touch!) A raw, real ride as we learn and grow alongside you

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. 

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome to Relational Lives

0:30 - Why We Started This Podcast

1:20 - Our Goal: Free Mental Health Support

2:00 - What’s Coming Up & How to Join Us

Get Involved: Have a topic you want us to cover?

Subscribe now and hit the bell so you don’t miss our first full episode—we’ve got exciting stuff lined up!

Welcome to our latest episode, where we unpack attachment styles and how they influence your relationships. We’re diving into the science of connection, sharing relatable stories, and offering actionable steps to help you navigate your own patterns with more awareness and compassion.  

In This Episode:   What Are Attachment Styles? We explain how early experiences with caregivers shape your ability to connect.

Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. 

Secure Attachment (Green): A felt sense of safety—knowing someone’s got your back, allowing you to explore the world confidently (around 3:00, 00:03:12:04).  

Anxious Attachment (Red): Craving closeness due to unpredictable caregiving, often leading to a need for reassurance (around 7:00, 00:06:46:00).  

Our Stories: We share how anxiety shows up in parenting (waiting for people to text) and dating (preoccupation with responses) (around 9:00, 00:09:17:21).  

Avoidant Attachment (Blue): Seeking distance after consistent unavailability in childhood, often cutting off emotions to cope (around 11:00, 00:11:13:04).  

The Push-Pull Dynamic: Why anxious and avoidant styles often attract, creating a challenging cycle in relationships (around 17:00, 00:16:46:12).  

Takeaway Tips: We wrap up with three steps to understand and work with your attachment style (around 20:00, 00:19:51:20).

More on Attachment Styles:  

Secure (Green): You feel a deep sense of “I’m okay” and can communicate needs clearly (00:03:12:04). You’re comfortable with emotional closeness, can regulate your own emotions, and work through conflict to repair relationships. If a dynamic becomes unhealthy and communication doesn’t help, you’re more likely to walk away (hosts’ notes, 09:58, 02/04/2025).  

Anxious (Red, Approach): You crave closeness, fear abandonment, and may be hypervigilant about distance, often needing reassurance and contact (00:06:46:00). You might feel, “I’m not okay without someone else.”  

Avoidant (Blue, Distance): You value independence, struggle with emotional closeness, and may unconsciously shut down emotions to avoid feeling overwhelmed (00:11:13:04). You often feel, “I’m okay on my own—I don’t need anyone.”

Three Takeaway Tips:   Reflect on Your Childhood: Think about your early experiences with caregivers, were they consistent, unpredictable, or distant? This can reveal your default style (00:23:47:09).  

Notice Your Behaviours: Spot patterns, like seeking constant contact (anxious) or pulling away (avoidant) and how they feel in your body (00:24:16:04).  

Practise Secure Behaviours: Try open communication, like saying, “I need space now” or “I need to hear back from you,” to build healthier connections (00:25:40:12).

Resources Mentioned:   We reference the Therapists Uncensored podcast for their colour-coded approach to attachment styles—check it out for more insights: https://therapistuncensored.com.

Connect With Us: Have a question or want to share your attachment style story? Reach out at Relationallives@gmail.com. Subscribe for more episodes on relationships, mental health, and self-awareness.     Thanks for Listening! If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Podbean or share it with a friend. See you next time as we continue to explore the messy, brilliant human experience!  

 

In this episode of Relational Lives, couples therapist Michael Preston opens up a thoughtful conversation about the inner emotional worlds of men in relationships. He reflects on the challenges men often face when trying to connect emotionally with their partners, and how cultural expectations can shape, and sometimes limit their capacity for vulnerability. Michael discusses the role of father–son relationships, the power of emotional language, and the importance of non‑sexual touch in building closeness and safety. Throughout the conversation, he invites men to recognise their own emotional needs and highlights how seeking support can lead to deeper, more authentic connections.

00:00 Introduction to Men in Relationships

01:55 Michael's Background and Experience

02:21 Men's Emotional Connection Challenges

05:52 Understanding Men's Needs Beyond Sex

08:44 Cultural Expectations and Emotional Vulnerability

11:16 Changing Parenting Dynamics

12:39 Building Emotional Vocabulary

15:36 Accessing Inner Emotions

19:14 The Myth of Men's Emotional Expression

21:18 The Importance of Validation

26:36 Personal Experiences and Empathy

28:08 Navigating Vulnerability in a Dangerous World

31:13 The Emotional Landscape of Male Relationships

37:46 Sexual Intimacy vs. Emotional Connection

46:09 The Importance of Non-Sexual Touch

52:41 Building Emotional Vocabulary in Relationships

 

📍 Resources mentioned:

www.michaelprestonlpc.com

Couples In Focus Podcast  

✨ We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?   What should we do more of (or less)?   Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics? Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

✨ Drop us a message:

relationalives@gmail.com Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

✨ Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

✨ Disclaimer:

Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

✨ Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk   Music by: Stile Tree Studio  

✨This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image. It may be distressing or triggering, especially if you are currently struggling. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if you need to. If you are affected by eating difficulties, consider reaching out to a GP or mental health professional, or contacting an eating disorder support service in your area for help. ✨

 

In this episode of Relational Lives, Ali opens up about her deeply personal journey with an eating disorder. She traces her story back to childhood experiences of emetophobia and the cultural pressures that shaped her relationship with body image and control. Ali reflects on how her eating disorder evolved, the impact it had on her family, and her time in an adolescent mental health unit. Through her recovery, she explores the central role of community, the transformative power of good therapy, and the nourishment—both physical and emotional, that supports healing. Ali shares thoughtful insights and hope for anyone navigating similar struggles.

#EDAW2026 #eatingdisordersawareness

00:00 Introduction to Eating Disorders Awareness Week

00:45 Ali's Personal Journey with Emetophobia

03:22 Cultural Influences on Body Image and Eating Disorders

06:28 The Development of Restrictive Eating Behaviors

09:32 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Eating Disorders

12:33 Seeking Help: The Role of Medical Professionals

15:31 Admittance to a Psychiatric Adolescent Unit

18:29 Experiences in the Treatment Facility

21:33 Community and Belonging Among Peers

23:49 The Struggles of Reintegration into Family and School Life

26:42 Triggers and the Return to Restrictive Eating

29:38 Reflections on Recovery and Ongoing Challenges

30:37 The Dormant Struggles of Anorexia

32:42 The Impact of Relationships on Recovery

36:39 Hitting Rock Bottom: The Turning Point

39:45 Finding Help: The Role of Support Systems

42:38 The Importance of Nourishment in Recovery

45:40 Understanding the Complexity of Identity

48:42 The Therapist's Journey: Empathy and Collaboration

52:40 The Role of Music in Healing

 

📍 Resources mentioned:

The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat

We want to hear from you:

What did you love most?   What should we do more of (or less)?   Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics? Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?

Drop us a message:

relationalives@gmail.com Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!

Disclaimer:

Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits:  

Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk   Music by: Stile Tree Studio  

56:37 Final Thoughts: Seeking Help and Support

For a decade, RED (Rise Every Day) January has inspired thousands to move more, feel better, and support one another through the darkest month of the year. Now, it’s taking a bold new step forward — and it starts with you. 

Join the nationwide warm-up to RED January 2026 at redjanuary.com.  

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for an inspiring conversation with Hannah Beecham, founder of Red January, as she shares the deeply personal story behind this life-changing initiative. Born from her own family’s battle with depression — watching her mum struggle through the winter blues and finding solace in simple side-by-side walks — Hannah reveals how a single act of connection sparked a global movement. At just 29, she turned helplessness into hope, creating a challenge that’s now helped countless people rise every day with gentle movement, community support, and real behavioral change. 

From its evolution to a community interest company to exciting new research on its impact, this episode explores why January — with its short days and post-holiday slump — needs a splash of red more than ever. Whether you’re signing up for 2026 or seeking motivation now, Hannah’s journey is a reminder that small steps, shared stories, and self-compassion can light the way through the toughest seasons.  

Timestamps   00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Hannah Beecham   01:06 – What is Red January? Rise Every Day Explained   02:34 – The Inspiration: Hannah’s Mum’s Battle with Depression   04:45 – Family Walks: Finding Connection Side by Side   06:20 – Turning Helplessness into Action: Starting the Challenge   07:59 – The First January: Small Goals, Big Impact   10:00 – Evolution from Daily Runs to Flexible Movement   11:18 – Why January? Tackling the Darkest Month   13:10 – Behavioral Activation: Science Behind the Movement   14:43 – Winter Blues, Christmas Pressures & Red’s Role   16:06 – Community Power: Sharing Stories and Support   18:00 – Red January Today: A Community Interest Company   20:00 – New Research: Measuring Real Change   22:00 – Global Reach: Anyone, Anywhere Can Join   24:00 – Advice for Getting Started: Motivation When It’s Hard   26:00 – Pets, Family & Everyday Wins   28:00 – Future Plans: Advocacy and Expansion   30:00 – Hannah’s Journey: From Personal Pain to Purpose   32:00 – Mum’s Legacy: Walking Together Still   34:00 – Call to Action: Sign Up for 2026   36:00 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Sign Up for RED January 2026: https://join.redjanuary.com/ (Free to join, set your own movement goal)

Connect with us  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us, and we might cover it in a future episode.

Drop us a message at relationalives@gmail.com or anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT.

We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.  

Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment, and more mental health topics. 

If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.  

Disclaimer Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 

Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  

Credits  Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk   Music by: Stile Tree Studio   Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio

 

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for a deeply moving conversation with Julie Russell, who shares the tender and inspiring story of her son Fraser, born with a rare life-limiting genetic condition. From the shock of his diagnosis hours after birth to the profound care provided by their local children’s hospice, Julie reflects on the joy, love, and support that defined Fraser’s two short years.   With music therapy at the heart of their journey, she highlights how it brought connection, comfort, and celebration of life, even in the face of loss. Now, Julie and hospice music therapist Vicky have co-edited a powerful book amplifying family and practitioner voices in paediatric palliative care.   This episode is a heartfelt reminder to live fully in the moment and honour every life, however brief. Have tissues ready, this is a story of love, resilience, and legacy. Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome & Honouring Fraser’s Story
• 02:01 – Julie’s Journey: Fraser’s Diagnosis at Birth
• 04:31 – From SCBU to St Thomas’ NICU: A Terrifying Start
• 06:15 – Bonding Through Crisis: “I Just Needed to Be With Him”
• 08:36 – Discovering the Children’s Hospice: A Turning Point
• 11:28 – Music Therapy: Building Connection and Joy
• 15:29 – Family Life at the Hospice: Sibling Support & Normal Moments
• 18:00 – Celebrating Fraser: Birthdays, Christmas, and Love
• 22:43 – The Final Days: A Peaceful, Supported End of Life
• 27:32 – Grief, Legacy, and Staying Connected to Fraser
• 36:26 – The Book: Collaborative Voices in Music Therapy & Palliative Care
• 40:11 – Why Family Stories Matter in Paediatric Palliative Care
• 43:34 – Co-Editing with Vicky: Honouring Lived Experience
• 46:02 – The Power of Music Therapy: Life-Changing for Families
• 47:57 – Closing Reflections: A Good Life, A Good Death
• 48:32 – Thank You & Call to Action

Connect with us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us, and we might cover it in a future episode. Drop us a message at relationalives@gmail.com or anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before. Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment, and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.   Links to the book: Music Therapy in Children’s Palliative Care Collaborative Family and Practitioner Voices https://tinyurl.com/5n833vtd: https://amzn.eu/d/83U3jqJ https://tinyurl.com/3ybk3bbw https://julesrussellillustration.co.uk/ - Jules Russell Illustrations   Disclaimer Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. Credits

• Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk
• Music by: Stile Tree Studio
• Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives as we sit down with Philippa Smethurst, author of 20 Ways to Break Free from Trauma, to explore the complex world of trauma and recovery. Inspired by the varied responses to the pandemic, Philippa shares her insights on trauma responses beyond fight or flight, using powerful metaphors like the trauma thermometer and jam jars to explain how overwhelming experiences can shake us up like a Coke bottle. From the isolating nature of trauma to the hope of post-traumatic growth, she offers practical strategies—like breathing exercises and self-compassion—to help release the “fizz” of trauma. With references to her book’s tools, including the “Trauma Kit” and stories like the Japanese kintsugi bowl, Philippa highlights how small steps can lead to resilience and healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and navigate trauma with clarity and hope.   Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Philippa Smethurst
• 01:14 – Inspiration Behind 20 Ways to Break Free from Trauma
• 02:22 – Understanding Trauma Responses: Beyond Fight or Flight
• 04:00 – The Trauma Thermometer: Too Much and Too Little
• 06:26 – The Coke Bottle Metaphor: Trauma’s Lasting Fizz
• 08:36 – How Trauma Distorts Relationships
• 10:38 – Judging Trauma Responses: A Common Pitfall
• 13:23 – The Brain Under Trauma: Overwhelm and Disconnection
• 16:13 – Strategies for Healing: Releasing the Fizz Slowly
• 22:43 – The Role of Self-Care in Trauma Recovery
• 27:32 – Philippa’s Breathing Exercise for Calming the Nervous System
• 36:26 – The Long Haul: Patience and Faith in Healing
• 40:11 – Post-Traumatic Growth: The Kintsugi Metaphor
• 44:27 – Practical Tools: The Child’s Slide Breathing Exercise
• 46:06 – Keeping On: Small Steps for Big Change
• 47:24 – Compassion and Self-Care: The Heart of Recovery
• 49:15 – Stories of Resilience: Terry Waite and Post-Traumatic Growth
• 50:58 – Philippa’s Book and Resources for Healing
• 51:55 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

Follow Philippa Smethurst

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@philippasmethurst
• Newsletter: https://philippasmethurst.com/news#contactform
• Order 20 Ways to Break Free from Trauma: https://philippasmethurst.com/bookshop (Currently £13.79 on Amazon)
• Blogs: https://philippasmethurst.com/news | https://talkingtrauma.substack.com/

For This Episode

• Trauma Thermometer: A visual tool to understand trauma responses, from the “red zone” (hyperarousal) to the “blue zone” (hypoarousal). View image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19MDNHPnfI5Y4k5xIrGGGTGvfOJOmTV7a/view?usp=drive_link
• Jam Jars Metaphor: From Appendix 2 of 20 Ways to Break Free from Trauma, illustrating how trauma accumulates and can be processed. View image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e5gbchTdzR1wRTI7Psazw0J_v_zaNebD/view?usp=drive_link
• Margaret Forster’s Over: Referenced as an illustration of incident trauma. View book cover: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qk9pusrufnj_3vm-SuyKuhoLhDTmfjCj/view?usp=drive_link
• Breath Practice (p. 37, Chapter One): “Breathe in for a count of four, out for a count of seven, or use the child’s slide technique: inhale through your nose like climbing small steps, then exhale long through your mouth.”
• 20 Pathways to Resilience and Recovery After Trauma: A visual guide to the strategies in Philippa’s book. View image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bXQbyBkpHenI0zG7wV84FpHRUgmumRYj/view?usp=drive_link
• Trauma Kit: “In a medical trauma kit, you may find a stethoscope, needles, a trauma blanket, gloves, scissors… but what might we need in a psychological trauma kit? Because trauma is often hidden inside, we need an even wider array of self-help, and other kinds of help - one size does not fit all. Philippa Smethurst’s new book is your go-to handbook.” View image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17hSkDG9KHgxtl2fdllXMnnEmi5gtHK_W/view?usp=drive_link
• Book Cover: Front cover of 20 Ways to Break Free from Trauma. View image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xmN3LI8Lga1LINDUCrrHxFZN-D3ol7JG/view?usp=drive_link

Connect with us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/

Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us, and we might cover it in a future episode. Drop us a message at relationalives@gmail.com or anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before. Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment, and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.   Disclaimer Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. Credits

• Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk
• Music by: Stile Tree Studio
• Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio

Join hosts Ali and Ros on Relational Lives for a heartfelt follow-on from our autism episode, as we welcome Rose, who shares her inspiring journey of being diagnosed with autism at 15. 

From early signs like shying away from eye contact as a baby to navigating meltdowns and masking in secondary school, Rose opens up about the challenges of sensory sensitivities, emotional overwhelm, and finding her place in a neurotypical world. She reflects on the transformative impact of homeschooling, counselling, and embracing her passion for working with children in a nursery. Rose encourages self-compassion and openness, offering hope to anyone exploring their own autism journey. 

This episode is a must-listen for those seeking to understand autism through a personal lens, filled with resilience and practical wisdom.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Rose 01:19 – Rose’s Autism Journey: Early Signs from Infancy 02:56 – Developmental Delays and Misconceptions About Autism 05:07 – Secondary School Struggles: Meltdowns and Masking 07:11 – A Turning Point: Autism Awareness Day at School 09:07 – Navigating the Diagnosis Process: NHS and Private Routes 11:28 – The Impact of Autism on Family Dynamics 13:38 – Emotional Blockages and the Power of Counselling 15:29 – Homeschooling: Finding Freedom in Intensive Interests 18:00 – Building Self-Awareness and Confidence 22:43 – Sensory Sensitivities: Managing Bright Lights and Noise 27:32 – Rose’s Career: Thriving in a Nursery Environment 36:26 – The Support of Family: A Mother’s Understanding 38:23 – Connecting with a Neurodivergent Cousin 40:11 – Living Independently: Controlling Her Own Space 42:00 – Workplace Support and Managing Masking 43:11 – Strategies for Self-Compassion: Journaling and Cheerleading 44:39 – Finding Balance Through Hobbies: Clay and Watercolour Painting 45:35 – Advice for Others Exploring Autism 47:07 – Rose’s Message: “Don’t Diss Your Ability” 48:19 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways  

For This Episode:  National Autistic Society: Learn more about autism and support services https://www.autism.org.uk/

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Credits: Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk Music by: Stile Tree Studio Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio