The Therapy Files: Recent Episodes

Callum Jones & 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

View Details

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

View Details

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.

View Details

We are back after what feels like far too long!

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down in what was their February 2023 episode - better late than never, right? In this episode, they investigate disability and its impact on the counselling space.

References used in this episode:

  1. Lefebvre, H. (1991). The Production of Space. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. Blackwell Publishing.
  2. Reeves, A., Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2018  2nd edn.
  3. Reeve, D. (2014) 'Psycho-emotional disablism and internalised oppression', in J. Swain, S. French, C. Barnes and C. Thomas (eds) Disabling Barriers - Enabling Environments, 3rd Edition, London: Sage, pp. 92-98.
  4. Bachelard , G. (1994). The Poetics of Space. Translated by Maria Jolas. Beacon Press.

View Details

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

View Details

Join Callum & Craig for another episode of the Therapy Files. In this episode, they consider Counsellors & Psychotherapists and their experiences of mental health. As two individuals who have experience of mental illness, they consider their own personal views and reflect on how their lived experiences of mental health have positively impacted their work as a qualified therapist and a trainee respectively.

References consulted for this episode:

  • Benziman, G., Kannai, R. and Ahmad, A. (2012). The Wounded Healer as Cultural Archetype. CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture, 14(1).
  • Page, S. (1999). The shadow and the counsellor : working with darker aspects of the person, role and profession. London ; New York: Routledge, pp.72–92.
  • Sherman, M. (1996). Distress and professional impairment due to mental health problems among psychotherapists. Clinical Psychology Review, 16(4), pp.299–315.

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

In this episode, join Callum & Craig as they sit down together to discuss what it's like being a trainee counsellor.  Callum being ther qualified one offers advice and support to Craig as he sets out on his trainee counselling journey - and to all those trainees listening in to the episode, of course as well as those who may be part of the general public or those who are toying with the idea of venturing into this profession.  A friendly, informal episode over a cup of tea between friends - what more could you want for a Sunday afternoon?

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down again with Cathal Reid - a schoolteacher and men's mental health activist from Ireland. This week, they examine Men's mental health support and Cathal & Craig share the story of how they discovered Mentell a national men's mental health charity based in Stockport, England, UK that promotes the notion that talking with other men can help. As in the past, sitting in circle around a fire and offloading their troubles can help men better understand themselves. and others in a profound and remarkable way. So, pull up a seat and join us as we continue this double-bill on masculinity and men's mental health

Interested in Mentell and fancy joining a circle either online or in person? Visit www.mentell.org.uk and sign up if you feel ready to join in a circle, or even if you just want to know more about the charity.

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • Homepage| Campaign Against Living Miserably
  • Mentell - Men, is it time to Talk?
  • Making Space| Open Door
  • Pieta House - Ireland | Darkness into Light
  • Novas

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down for another episode of the Therapy Files Podcast. In this episode, they welcome Cathal Reid, as schoolteacher and a Men’s mental Health activist from Ireland. This episode looks at how the socially constructed concept of masculinity is tightly intertwined with mental health – it also examines some of the effects that masculinity has on one’s mental health. Discussion is centred around personal lived experiences interspersed with some academic research and, as always, some statistics. If this sounds like something that may interest you, pull up a chair and join us.

References used in this episode:

  • Grayson Pery, The Descent of Man (2016)
  • Tessa Wright, Gender & Sexuality in Male Dominated Occupations (2016)
  • R. W. Connell, Gender and Power (1987)
  • Ingram & Torgal (2019) 'Longitudinal associations between features of toxic masculinity and bystander willingness to intervene in bullying among middle school boys' in Journal of School Psychology.
  • Terrence Real (1998), I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Trigger warning: This episode comes to you with a trigger warning attached - this episode could be a challenging listen. If you don't feel able to listen to this episode, we understand and we respect that. We believe in looking at the challenging topics and sharing important discussions. We're feminists and we believe that that means looking at both sides of the coin.

In this episode, Callum & Craig sit down to talk about the topic of Male Rape. This is an issue which has huge stigma around it and we want to put voice to this important topic to raise awareness of it. In previous episodes we have spoken candidly about many feminist and women's issues issues and we have been staunchly on the side of women. Yet, we realise that rape is something that unfortunately happens to all genders and so felt it important to look at this from the man's perspective. We touch on statistics, context in which these experiences may happen and how this might impact an individuals' sense of self and one's perception of masculinity if it has happened to you. We also cover male rape in popular culture as well as how we would work with those with experience of this in a counselling context.

References used in this episode

  1. Lowe, M. & Rogers, P. (2017) The Scope of Male Rape: A Selective Review of Research, Policy, and Practice. Journal of Aggression and Violent Behaviour.
  2. Fisher (2013). Female Perpetrated Adult Male Sexual Victimization
  3. Ornella, A. (2020) The Forgotten Victims: Exploring the Reasons Male Rape is Still Under-Represented Today. Criminology and Sociology Hull, Student Research Journal.
  4. Walker, J. Archer, J., & Davies, (2005) Effects of Rape on Men: A Descriptive Analysis.
  5. Mysterious Skin (2004) [Film]
  6. Coronation Street (2018) [TV Series]
  7. Hollyoaks (2014) [TV Series]
  8. Shawshank Redemption (1994) [Film]
  9. Oz (1997) [TV Series]
  10. Hell (2011) [Film]

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • Survivors
  • Rape Crisis
  • RAINN
  • Rape & Sexual Violence Project
  • Galop - LGBTQ+
  • LGBTQ+ Foundation

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig this week as they sit down, 'behind bars' and have a chat about the institutional space of the prison. The duo consider important issues such as the history of prisons - how did they begin and are they what they are meant to be today? They also take a look at the benefits of the system as well as the inherent flaws. How is gender impacted in prison? Moreover, what about race? How about the impact of mental health in prison? Do prisons work as they should, or is an overhaul needed? Curious? Come on in and take a seat - find out all the answers to the above and more - only on the Therapy Files.

References used in this episode:

  • Rubin, T. A. (2018). Prison History. Criminology and Criminal Justice, doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.013.455
  • Banger, C. (2020). The Difference Between Jail and Prison, and the Problem it Creates. Retrieved from: https://www.doranjustice.com/criminal-law/the-difference-between-jail-and-prison#:~:text=Jail%20and%20Prison%20are%20often,sentencing%20longer%20than%20a%20year.
  • Furhmann & Baier (2013). Prisons and Prison Systems: Types and Challenges.
  • https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Mental-health-in-priso...
  • https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmpubacc/400/400...
  • Raphael & Stoll (2009). Do Prisons Make Us Safer? The Benefits and Costs of the Prison Boom.
  • Davis, Y. A. (2011). Are Prisons Obsolete?
  • Ouss, A. (2011). Prison as a School of Crime: Evidence from Cell-Level Interactions. Doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1989803
  • Masters, E. R. (2021). Counseling Criminal Justice Offenders. (2nd ed.).
  • https://www.prisonpolicy.org
  • Pemberton, S. (2013). Enforcing gender: The constitution of sex and gender in prison regimes. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 39(1), 151–175.
  • Birth Companions, Birth Charter for women in prisons in England and Wales , 2016.

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as theey sit down together again for another episode of The Therapy Files. In this episode, the duo tackle the topic of The Death Penalty from an intersectional lens, looking at things like race, gender sexuality and history of the barbaric practice. It's also worth noting that the episode considers the topic around the world and how it's impact has been viewed by the globe in general. Additionally, we consider Counselling and what that may look like on somewhere like Death Row. A conversational, open-minded discussion awaits you, dear listener. What more could you want?

References used for this episode:

  • Atwell, Mary W., Wretched Sisters: Examining Gender and Capital Punishment (Peter Lang Press, 2nd ed. 2014).
  • Millward, J. (2012). Death Penalty Statement (Installation). Retrieved from http://jonmillward.com/blog/psychological-subtleties/death-in-texas-analyzing-the-last-words-of-478-death-row-prisoners/
  • Rinpoche, S. (2012). Letter from Death Row(Installation). Retrieved from http://living-and-dying.org/letter-from-death-row/
  • Steinhauer, J. (2009). Death row may go private in Arizona
  • (installation). Retrieved from http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2010127223_prison24.html
  • Waxman, B. (2012). Death Row Dollars(Installation). Retrieved from http://www.whyy.org/news/itsourmoney/20080417_death_row_dollar.htm
  • Wastell, C. (2005). Understanding Trauma and Emotion: Dealing with Trauma using an Emotion-Focused Approach. Berkshire, United Kingdom: Open University Press.
  • West, L. J. (1975). Psychiatric reflections on the death penalty. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 45(4), 689-700. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-0025.1975.tb01195.x

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum and Craig this week for the continuation of our 'Asylums' episode. In this episode, we take a look at the importance of person centered care within the mental health profession as the other side of the asylums of the past. Now, treatment and care is so much better - although some would argue there's more work to do - there definitely is. A short episode, giving you a whistle stop tour of the what's what and how partially the past can still, on some level, affect the practices of today.

References used for this episode:

  • Mark Davis (2019) Asylum: Inside the Pauper Lunatic Asylums.
  • Erving Goffman (1973) Asylums: Essays on the social situation of mental patients
  • Erving Goffman (2017) Asylums: Essays on the social situation of mental patients
  • Louise Hide (2014) Gender and Class in English Asylums, 1890 – 1914

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down for the first time this year for episode 1 of Season 4! On the Therapy files this episode, the duo consider the historic approach to mental health care and the impact it had on those who lived through it. The first segment of a of a two-part episode, this promises to be an insightful discussion. Do please, pull up a chair and join us!

References used for this episode:

  • Mark Davis (2019) Asylum: Inside the Pauper Lunatic Asylums.
  • Erving Goffman (1973) Asylums: Essays on the social situation of mental patients
  • Erving Goffman (2017) Asylums: Essays on the social situation of mental patients
  • Louise Hide (2014) Gender and Class in English Asylums, 1890 – 1914

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down for the final time in 2021.  In this final episode of the year, they consider the importance of recognising and understanding invisable disabilities and illnesses.  This episode is part of the Therapy Files Podcast Mini Series on Disability. Do make sure you check out the other episodes too! All that remains is for us to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. We're looking forward to returning in 2022.

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down with proud Feminist Disability Activist, Charlotte Faragher and discuss the perceptions surrounding that unspoken taboo - as society would have it - of Dis/Ability & Sex. Over the next 40 or so minutes, you'll hear honesty and frank discussion about this topic and how it feels as a person with a disability to be seen as 'othered' and different. However, what this episode seeks to do is challenge that taboo of Dis/Ability and Sex and normalise discussions around it. Sex and intimacy is something that anyone deserves to experience whether they are able-bodied or otherwise.

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

This week, join Callum & craig as they sit down for part 2 of Callum's interview with Craig where he's in the hot seat considering questions put to him around the topic of disability and lived experience of it.  In this episode, discussion turns to real life examples of Ableism & Disablism along with some anecdotal recalls of being stuck on trains!  The duo also consider language and it's uses in everyday life when used in daily life!  So, put the kettle on and find something nice to munch on as you pull up a pew and join us for part 2 of this interview!

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as Callum puts Craig in the hot-seat and interviews him about all things dis/Ability.  A personal and in-depth look at Craig's experiences around living with a disability - part one of this interview promises to be thought provoking and it offers up some of the challenges and issues that individuals still face from society when living with a disability in the 21st Century Today.

Part 2 to follow this coming Saturday 06/11/2021.

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they sit down with Dr. Peter Blundell of #TherapistsConnect to discuss the notion of Boundaries.  In this episode we cover questions such as:

  • What are boundaries?
  • Why do we need them in our lives?
  • What is the importance of them within Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Dr Peter Blundell is one of the founders of #TherapistsConnect, the director of Open Voices a hybrid psychotherapy and counselling publisher.  Moreover, Peter is a practicing therapist and academic, lecturing in Counselling & Psychotherapy at Liverpool John Moores University here in the UK. 

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they settle down for another episode of The Therapy Files Podcast. This week, they explore the notion of Cults.  What is a cult? Are they good or bad? Is there a place for them in today's modern world?  Find out the answers to all these questions and many more, only on The Therapy Files!

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they return to their seats behind the microphone and prepare for a brand new series of The Therapy Files Podcast.

In this episode, they take a deep dive into the underworld of organised crime - from the Gambino family of America to the Cray Twins of London Town.  They consider the following:

  • What Is organised crime?
  • How did it start and what are its consequences?
  • Is there really more to the Gambino family than guns and gangs, could they in fact be charitable?
  • The place of women in the Italian Mafia
  • Can we ever stop organised crime?

and much more besides! So join us, and take a seat as we take a deep dive into something that goes on around us on a daily basis - although society can often think of crime as a spontaneous act, it is perhaps more organised than one might first realise.

For those interested - at the end of the podcast we touched on Literature and Organised Crime, https://www.novelsuspects.com/book-list/the-best-books-about-organized-crime/ provides us with a few examples if you want to read more!

View Details

We're excited to announce that season 3 is on the way soon!

View Details

Join Callum and Craig as they ponder the topic of Dictators.  Who are they? Where are they?  How many are there in the world at the moment? What is life like under their regimes? We consider all of this and more, with some lighter comedy moments thrown in on what is a sombre, yet relaxed vibe on the final episode of season 2. Rest assured though - we will be back for season 3 going forwards.  Keep your eyes peeled for that.  We would like to dedicate this episode to all those in Palestine who are living through all the tumultuous and horrendous goings on at the moment. #PalastinianLivesMatter  Resources used: Ezrow and Frantz (2011) Dictator and Dictators: Understanding Authoritarian Regimes and their Leaders. Overy and Overy (2005) The Dictators: Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Russia. www.worldpopulationreview.com Want to offer support? Save Palestine Today - Palestine Emergency Appeal | Islamic Relief UK (islamic-relief.org.uk) Need Support? Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen Helplines | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems Contact us?

Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com

Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast

Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast

Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum and Craig as they welcome Marilyn Misandry a - Trans, Fat, and DJing Drag Queen and activist - as they discuss the idea of Fat Liberation and why it's vital that the word 'Fat' begins to be reclaimed as a positive term rather than one which has negative connotations attached to it.  Having Marilyn on this episode was an absolute delight - she was a no-holds barred kind of interviewee and certainly had us reclaiming the word fat by the end of the episode!  Listener's will hopefully find Marilyn as much of a delight as we did!  Pull up a seat and join us as we work to reclaim the word Fat!  Resources/Books used for this episode  Cooper, C. (2016), Fat Activism: A Radical Social Movement. Bristol, UK: HammerOn Press. Strings, S. (2019), Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia. New York: New York University Press. Tovar (2018) You Have the Right to Remain Fat Hagien (2019) Happy Fat: Taking up Space in a World in a World That Wants to Shrink You Orbach, S. (2016) Fat is a Feminist Issue. Find Marilyn on Instagram @marilynmisandry

Contact Us:

Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com

Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast

Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast

Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they return from their short podcast hiatus ready and raring to go. In this episode, they open up a discussion surrounding suicidal thoughts, ideation and the completion of suicide. We understand that this episode may be a challenging listen; and we respect that, and if you need to listen to the podcast in more than one sitting, that’s absolutely fine. Or even if you’d like to skip this one, we won’t be offended. However, we very much do hope that you’ll find the strength to join us as we open up a discourse around this important topic. It’s worth noting that we decided to go for this topic to raise awareness of suicide and mental health. As devastating as suicide is, we wanted to make others aware that it does happen, and there are people struggling out there who require support. Often those who have suicidal thoughts are met with stigma even now. We look at this topic from all angles, including historical, social, psychological and cultural. We also touch upon our own experiences and challenges around the topic of suicidal thinking and mental health. Perhaps now, more than ever when mental health is at large in society alongside Covid-19, is the time when we should be opening this discussion.

If you need support and have been affected by the episode after listening, we encourage you to reach out for support. The organisations below are more than happy to offer support where they can, and please don’t forget that our inbox is always open too.

Resources:

· Neelman, J. 1996 - Suicide as a crime in the UK: legal history, international comparisons and present implications

· Durkheim, E. (2018) Suicide, a Study in Sociology

· When suicide was illegal - BBC News

· Alvarez (2020) The Paradox of Suicide and Creativity: Authentications of Human Existence.

· Suicide facts and figures | Our policy and research (samaritans.org)

Support

· Contact Us | Samaritans

· Helplines | Mind

· We are Rethink Mental Illness

· Shining a Light on Suicide | Together we can help prevent suicide – Particularly useful for suicide awareness training. But also offers advice and support – Specific to those in Greater Manchester.

· The Alliance of Suicide Prevention Charities (tasc-uk.org)

· Mental Health UK - Forward Together (mentalhealth-uk.org)

· Home | Papyrus UK | Suicide Prevention Charity (papyrus-uk.org)

· Preventing suicide together - NSPA

· TRH Charity – Suicide Awareness

Contact Us:

thetherapyfiles@gmail.com

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they welcome back returning guest, Feminist activist and artist from Switzerland, Nina Angst. In this episode, they take a long hard look at the case of Sarah Everard who was brutally murdered earlier this year in March when she was walking home. Alongside the case, the discussion also touches upon the education of young men and boys, and how important it is to ensure that the right messages are getting across to them so that the world can be a safer space for all. We also touch upon the persecution of women in society in general in the 21st century, both from an international swiss perspective and a UK perspective. This episode might be hard listening for some, and that's okay - take breaks if you need to, but the messages we put out there in this episode are done in order to educate the listener around what is a timely reminder.

Walking home is not just a woman's right, not just a man's right but a human right. Behaviour such as that displayed from Everard's murderer must be quashed and quashed quickly. We stand with Sarah Everard's family in the loss of her life that should have never happened. Our thoughts are also with the 136 families who lost a woman over the last year (2020) due to despicable actions of their killers. Due to the nature of discussion the episode is marked 'Explicit' to be on the safe side.

__________

Resources

__________

  • Sarah Everard: Met PC Wayne Couzens charged with murder - BBC News
  • Jess Phillips reads lists of UK women killed in last year - BBC News
  • Peggy McIntosh: How to recognize your white privilege — and use it to fight inequality | TED Talk
  • ‘The time for men to step up is right now!’: what all men can do to help end violence against women | Society | The Guardian

__________

Need Support?

__________

Women's Aid

Rape Crisis

The Survivor's Trust

Victim Support

If you are listening from Switzerland and need support you can contact the following organisations:

https://www.opferhilfe-schweiz.ch/

https://www.frauenberatung.ch (for women only)

https://vergewaltigt.ch/

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they discuss the ins and outs of social media and the impact it has on mental health in today's society. In this episode, they are joined by their guest Fran Ellis, a mental health activist, avid traveller and horror movie enthusiast as they try to figure out the answer to 'Is Social media a tool for good or evil?' This episode covers all things from what is social media, how it can be used, to the pressure faced by a generation who have grown up with the possibility to put their lives online; including the potential effects that having a life online can have on one's mental health, and much more. Thoughts and feedback, as ever are very much welcomed.

_______

Resources/Books

_______

Bonanno, R., & Hymel, S. (2013). Cyber Bullying and Internalizing Difficulties: Above and Beyond the Impact of Traditional Forms of Bullying. Journal Of Youth & Adolesccence, 42(5), 685-697.

Espelage, D. L., Swearer, S. M. (2003). Research on school bullying & victimization: What have we learned and where do we go from here? School Psychology Review, 32, 365-383.

Hunter, N. (2012). Cyberbullying. London, United Kingdom: Raintree.

Kowalski, R. M., Limber, S. P. & Agatston, W. P. (2012). Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age. (2nded.). West Sussex, United Kingdom: Blackwell.

Litwiller, B., & Brausch, A. A. (2013). Cyber Bullying and Physical Bullying in Adolescent Suicide: The Role of Violent Behavior and Substance Use. Journal of Youth & Adolescence, 42(5), 675-684. Doi:10. 1007/s10964-013-9925-5

Miller, C., Costa, E., & Haynes, N. (2016). How the World Changed: Social Media.

_______

Need support?

_______

Visit the following organisations for support if you need it after listening to this episode:

  • Home | Mind
  • Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
  • How to access mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

_______

Contact us

_______

  • Via email: thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com
  • Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast
  • Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast
  • Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

View Details

Join Callum & Craig as they take a look at what many consider to be a controversial topic of High School Massacres.  What are they?  Why have they happened in the past and how does someone get to the point that they feel the need to start a massacre?  This might be a tough listen for some, but as history dictates we're not a podcast which tends to shy away from the hard hitting topics.  Also in this episode, Callum talks a little about his PhD reseearch as the two issues are inextricably linked.  We hope you enjoy the episode.  Thoughts and feedback welcome, as always. _______ Books/Titles referred to in this episode ______ Cullen, D. (2019). Columbine. (3rd ed.). London, United Kingdom: Riverun. Department of Peace and Conflict Research Uppsala University. (1999). States in Armed Conflict. Klebold, S. (2016) A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy. USA: Crown Publishers. Knoll, J. L. IV, & Annas, G. D. (2016). Mass shootings and mental illness. In L. H. Gold & R. I. Simon (Eds.), Gun violence and mental illness (p. 81–104). American Psychiatric Association. Larkin, W. R. (2007). Comprehending Columbine. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Temple University Press. Lee, J. H. (2013). School shootings in the U.S. public schools: Analysis through the eyes of an educator. Review of Higher Education and Self-Learning. 6, pp. 88–120. Warren, L. J., Mullen, P. E., & Ogloff, J. R. (2011). A clinical study of those who utter threats to kill. Behav Sci Law 29(2):141–154, 21374705. ________ Resources/Video's mentioned  _______ https://www.ted.com/talks/sue_klebold_my_son_was_a_columbine_shooter_this_is_my_story?language=en (Sue Klebold's Ted Talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azRl1dI-Cts (Aaron Stark's Ted Talk)

_________ Need support or want to contact us? ________

Contact us at thetherapyfiles@gmail.com Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (UK)

View Details

Join Callum, Craig and their first ever podcast guest Nina Angst from Switzerland as we tackle the heavy, yet important topic of Relationships and Consent. This episode includes frank discussion around attitudes towards sexual consent. It also involves discussion around types of sexual violence and why it's important to talk about this topic, it is for this reason that this episode has been marked 'Explicit'. A huge thank you to our guest Nina for sharing her personal experiences. This episode wouldn't have been possible without your input so, thank you for being frank and honest with us. This is what our podcast is all about. We chose to raise awareness in hope that it will make others realise that they are not alone.

DISCLAMER: Craig now realises that Thames Valley isn't in Yorkshire, apologies for the error. Moreover, he referred to Lucy Fry's novel as an example of a Polygamous relationship when actually, on finding his copy after mentioning it in the episode, he realises that this book examines Polyamory rather than Polygamy - the two are very different.

______________________

Resources

______________________

  • Nina's video: A Letter to My Rapist - You can find Nina on Instagram @nyjna
  • Love has No Label video
  • Thames Valley Police: Tea and Consent

______________________

Books & sources mentioned in this episode

______________________

  • Thema Bryant Davis. (2011). Surviving Sexual Violence: A Guide to Recovery and Empowerment
  • Susan Brownmiller (2013). Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape.
  • Hlkje Charlotte Hanel. (2018). What is Rape? Social Theory and Sexual Analysis.
  • Michael Plaxton (2015). Implied Consent and Sexual Assault: Intimate Relationships, Autonomy and Violence.
  • Savisyouth.org
  • loveisrespect.org
  • William H Roach & Aspen Health Law and Compliance Center (2003). Medical Records and the Law. (3rd ed.).
  • Lucy Fry Easier ways to Say I love you (2020, Mryaid.

______________________

Need Support after listening today?

______________________

Women's Aid

Men's Aid

NSPCC

Rape Crisis

The Survivor's Trust

Victim Support

If you are listening from Switzerland and need support you can contact the following organisations:

https://www.opferhilfe-schweiz.ch/

https://www.frauenberatung.ch (for women only)

https://vergewaltigt.ch/

View Details

Join Callum & Craig for their 6th Episode as Callum takes us on a journey to,'The Dark Side of The Mind'.  In this episode we shine a spotlight on serial killers and just why there seems to be a global fascination with these individuals.  If you're a fan of true crime, then this is one episode that you're sure to enjoy!  So come on in, take a seat and let's set the world to rights!

Books mentioned in this episode:

Antfield (2020) The Atlantic : Active Serial Killers Bonn (2014) why we love serial killers: the curious appeal of the worlds most savage murderers Blundell (2010) Serial killers: the worlds most evil Ramsland (2006) inside the minds of serial killers: why they kill Schmid (2006) Natural Born Celebrities: serial killers in American culture

If you would like to contact us regarding this or any of our other episodes, then please feel free to email us at thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com

View Details

In a change to scheduled programming due to the recent Lockdown in the UK, join Callum & Craig as they take a look at the topic of Lockdowns. This episode includes looking at the history of lockdowns as a concept; how lockdown is not necessarily a new thing prior to Covid-19 and how this current lockdown has impacted on the world and its mental health. Come on in, grab a cuppa and put the world to rights with us as we discuss the impact of the world's current living situations.

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Snowden, (2019) Epidemics and Society: from the black death to present
  • Cohen (2020) Surviving Lockdown: human nature in social isolation
  • Sudbury (2014) Global Lockdown: race, gender, and the prison industrial complex

Other things mentioned in this epispde:

  • BBC News article (2020): 'Hundreds of Musicians protest outside Westminster'
  • Calm App
  • eMoods App
  • Dailyo - Diary, Journal, Mood Tracker

Where to seek support if needed:

  • Samaritans
  • Mind

Want to contact us? Feel free to email therapyfilespodcast@gmail.com

View Details

Happy New Year  to one and all from us here at The Therapy Files!  We hope you had a restful time over the festive period and feel ready to face 2021 head on.  If not (or even if you are) and you're finding January a sluggish start to the year, pull up a pew as we have a new podcast for you.  In this episode, Callum and I explore our 2020 goals and discuss them in depth - we then move on to our 2021 goals before telling you how you can set your own 2021 goals.  Need some help?  No problem, we've got you covered as we take a look at the SMART method!   Also in this episode, stay tuned to see what we have planned for the rest of this year as we take a sneak peak into the future of The Therapy Files Podcast!  If you've set goals after listening to this podcast, we'd love to know, let us know what your 2021 goals are!

Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Mick Cooper (2019) Integrating Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  • Volsky (1965) The Outcomes of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
  • De Shazer (1985) Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy.

Would you like to contact us?

We'd love to hear from you with any questions, comments or feedbavk that you might have.  You can email us at the therapyfilespodcast@gmail.com 

View Details

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Since we touched briefly on the concept of grief in our last episode, we thought it would be a good shout to go with a theme and delve a little deeper! Join us as we take an exploratory look at the concept of grief through the lens of counselling theory , combined with a discussion of our personal experiences. This episode was supposed to be released on 18th January 2021, but we figured what's better than one podcast? The answer is 2 podcasts!

Warning: This episode is fairly long - perfect if you have a long drive ahead of you, but if you need to take breaks additional to the ones in the audio - please do. It'll always be here when you come back!

If you need support after listening to this episode you can visit the following charities:

  • Winston's Wish
  • Cruse Bereavement Care
  • Mind
  • Alliance of Hope: For suicide loss survivors
  • Grief in Common

Would you like to chat to us or give us some feedback? We'd love to hear from you. Please Email us via thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com.

Music from Alitu & Epidemic Sounds

View Details

Join us fresh off the back of  success from our first episode last month!  Today, we bring you our second appropriately festive themed episode.  Pull up a pew and grab a hot beverage and a mince pie as we take a closer look at mental health during the Christmas period. _____ Contact us! We'd love to hear from you! thetherapyfilespodcast@gmail.com _____ Need support after hearing this episode?  Use the following links for advice and support :) 

Money & Mental Health  StepChange Men's Aid Woman's Aid Galop: LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity

View Details

For our first episode, we take a look at Bullying and the impact it can have on others lives. If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode, please do seek support through one of the services below.  There is always someone out there  to offer help when needed.

www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

www.mind.org.uk/

www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2oeIws2M7QIVD9PtCh2BrQxnEAAYASAAEgLbjfD_BwE

www.bullying.co.uk/

www.sparkle.org.uk/