Episode 9: A chat with Avni Doshi on Creative Processes

In this episode we discuss authentic friendships, how it feels, the fear that shows up and our stories that get played. We also look at where these stories come from and how they come in the way from having authentic friendships. We also share how authentic friendships can be the medicine to help us come more into our authentic selves. We also get into our friendship, our past experiences with friendships and what has shown up in our work.

In this episode we talk with Liberty Gelderloos who is a certified liquid flow practitioner and a certified womb steam practitioner. We understand what waterflow therapy is, what people experience, as well as the benefits. We each share our own personal experience doing waterflow therapy. We also explore the ancient ritual of womb steaming and how it can support female health. Liberty hosts womb steam circles and supports women struggling with their cycles, or other female issues. She also does waterflow therapy. For more information please contact her on Instagram @sheisliberty Website: www.sheisliberty.com

Psychedelic assisted therapies using plant medicines are a hot topic in the psychology field & beyond. A key question seems to be - can the transcendent experiences stimulated by psychedelics help us safely into better states of mental & emotional health? Wisdom traditions the world over would argue that yes, they can. But how can we best use plant medicines outside of their traditional cultural settings? Or in secular clinical settings? As professionals focused on alleviating suffering, how do we develop new therapies that incorporate plant medicines in ways that are safe & evidence based? In this episode we discuss all this & more with Dr Ava Ghasemi - Clinical Psychologist & certified psychedelic assisted psychotherapist. There's too much in this topic to possibly fit into one episode, so this is definately part one of a series on this fascinating topic. In the meantime, you can find out more about Dr Ava's inspiring work by following her on Instagram @dr.ava.psychologygeek

In this episode, we sit with writer and author Avni Doshi and discuss the creative process. She shares her own experience and journey with creativity. We explore what it means and feels to be in flow, the surrendering that occurs. The gifts uncomfortable situations provide us in meeting the unique artist within.

What are some of the specific issues men face in maintaining their mental health? How do these differ from the issues more common to women? In this episode we jump into our largest group discussion on the podcast so far & discuss all things mens mental health. Joining us are Dominic Watts (Mindful Wellbeing & Sport Performance Coach), Dr Matthew McCourt (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Mohamed Salah (Psychiatrist). We explore their thoughts on the pressures men deal with, the conditioning that many men have had and what, from their experiences working with men, & as men, commonly affect men's mental health. And what helps. You can find Dom, Dr Mathew and Dr Mohamed at the Fee Spirit Collective in Dubai & online. Each of them works with individuals in their own unique way. They also jointly facilitate a free online men's mental & emotional health group once a month. For more information please follow @the_free_spirit_collective

Why do patterns emerge in relationships & why do they persist? In this episode we talk with Emma Cousland, emotion focused couples therapist, about attachment styles & how we can raise our consciousness about how we live, love & parent. You can find Emma at The Free Spirit Collective: https://thefreespiritcollective.earth

In this episode, we sit with Yoga instructor Estefa Pastor and explore Yoga - its different forms and its benefits on mind and body. We discuss how Yoga can be a gateway to understanding the self and the ego. One powerful feature of Yoga practice is in how it strengthens the consciousness within, the observer self, & how from that awareness we can practice being with feelings of discomfort while staying focused on breath & movement. So much more that a way to stay fit & toned, yoga actually teaches us how to show up for our life.

In this episode, we sit with emotional eating and weight loss coach Natassia D'souza and discuss our emotions and its relationship with food and weight loss. The role our emotions play with the foods we choose and how we see ourselves. You can also follow Natassia on @natassiadsouza

In this episode, we explore astrology and using astrology in therapy as a therapeutic process. We discuss with Briar Jacques (our co-host)  who is a therapist and astrologer and understand from her perspective how it can be activating and transformative for people and share our own experiences and insights using them- to deepen our understanding of self.

In this episode we talk with Tugce Balik – sexologist & Tantrika. It’s really a common thing for the ancient philosophies & practices of Tantra to be reduced to just being all about sex. In this conversation with Tugce we explore what Tantra really is & how its deep wisdom can be used to help us reconnect meaningfully to our pleasure, power & creativity.