Ep 81: How to Navigate Identity Transitions, Stay Authentic and Embrace Change

Welcome to a very personal episode on the podcast, one where I'm not showing up as Lydia the somatic psychotherapist but as Lydia the woman. Sharing my personal journey over the last few months in the hope of helping those who listen. For the last 6 months, I have been doing deep trauma processing and this episode is a raw, honest conversation of what that looks like. I talk about facing my deepest wounds, and how It felt to learn about the protective mask I'd created to keep true vulnerability away. Matt and I also chat about embodiment and what that truly means, our work together and the reality of returning home to yourself and your body in the aftermath of trauma. I want this episode to show despite the pain and vulnerability of trauma processing, what you gain from doing it makes life so much richer. I hope you enjoy it and it resonates in some small way, if this episode resonates I'd love to hear your feedback (either leave it below in or personally send me it) . I guess it's confirmation that being so vulnerable and sharing so honestly is worth it so I'd be open to recording more of these episodes knowing it helps people on their journey. Sending love Lydia Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

This week I am releasing a special I am Arla episode featuring Myself and Devika plus our special guest Carina Talla.  In this episode, we talk about the healing powers of inner child work and how that can help women thrive despite the traumatic wounds from childhood. Devika and Carina share their perspectives as survivors and I give insight as a somatic psychotherapist creating a gorgeous conversation packed with insight and strength. Carina Talla is a healing coach, inner child healing expert, and the founder of the How To Heal™ Method, a 12-step methodology for healing from childhood trauma. A modernised approach to inner child healing that combines trauma-informed science, psychology, holistic healing, and spirituality.Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

I'm back with another guest episode, this week I'm joined by Psychological coach Lucy Spicer. In this episode we explore Perfectionism and high-performing anxiety, what are they? and why might you struggle with this? The reward vs struggle that comes with Perfectionism and high-performing anxiety. Why perfectionism often drives people to set unrealistically high standards for themselves and how can people strike a balance between striving for excellence and avoiding the pitfalls of perfectionism?How Impostor syndrome can hold individuals back from embracing their accomplishments. We explore strategies to help recognise and overcome impostor feelings in both personal and professional contexts.How high-performing anxiety can lead to burnout, again exploring what coping mechanisms or mindfulness practices help manage anxiety and prevent burnoutHow to navigate social media and societal pressures that exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, sharing some advice to help you navigate external influences while maintaining a healthy self-image. Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

This week I am joined by Dr Maya @drmayashetreatMaya is a neurologist, herbalist and expert on integrating psychedelics/master plants into the healing journey for deeper self-discovery. In this week's episode, we explore: Our personal journeys using psychedelics/master planets and how they have influenced our perspective on healing and personal growth.We explain what psychedelics/master plants are and debunk some common myths and misconceptions. We chat about forming a respectful relationship with Planet Medicine and how to know if you are ready to incorporate them into your healing journey.The role of mushrooms and cannabis in trauma healing and resilience building. How do these substances work to address trauma, and what scientific or anecdotal evidence supports their effectsLastly, some key lessons Dr Maya has learned about the responsible and safe use of psychedelics plus some key insights on how to integrate what comes up. Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

I'm Back with another solo episode, this week talking about ways you can have a balanced and healthy healing journey. In this episode, I explore the opposite of triggers aka glimmers and chat through what they are, why they are crucial to any healing journey, how they help us navigate daily stress and why any deep work you do should have time spent finding your glimmers. I share insight on how they help regulate your NS compared to triggers which dysregulate and give some somatic ways you can check in, connect and explore what Peter Levine describes as your felt sense.  I also chat through the importance and benefits of this and share ways you can reflect on the topics discussed in real-time for your own healing journey. Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

I'm back for another guest episode with Dr Jessica @jessicaleighphd This week I am joined by Dr Jessica who is a clinical psychologist from the US, someone I love on socials as she creates such good content around normalizing therapy, therapists, & mental health.In this episode we discuss Normalizing mental health and debunking some myths/trends seen on social media. Why social media is not therapy and ways you can use it effectively for positive mental well-being. What is self-compassion, why it is important and how to cultivate that for ourselves and others around us.Jessica IG Jessica TiktokJessica's Podcast Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

Join me for this week's podcast as I delve into the ever-evolving landscape of human identity and ways you can embrace change. Life is a series of transitions, whether by choice or circumstance, and these shifts in identity can be both liberating and challenging. I discuss techniques to navigate the phase of 'shed and step into' whilst staying authentic and embracing change. Embodied Feminine Retreat I have spaces for therapy clients, if interested please email me at [email protected], trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

I'm back for season three and this week I'm joined by fellow psychotherapist Tasha Bailey. In this episode, we explore:What inner child healing is and how to do this in a therapeutic space. The importance of self-love and the many variations this can take.How therapy helps you heal and uncover self-awareness  How creativity brings a different layer to uncovering your true self Instagram: @realtalk. therapist Purchase Tasha's book HERE Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast, this week I'm delving into a fascinating and transformative approach to personal healing and self-discovery.  I explore a model called Internal Family Systems which is a therapeutic framework that offers insights into our inner world and provides tools for healing and integration.  Learning about this was something that helped me greatly in my own personal therapy, it gave me so much insight into parts of self allowing me to deeply heal and grow. In this episode, I explain what IFS isThe parts of our sub-personalities: managers, firefighters and exile workI discuss the traits, purpose and how to work with each part of the self. Ways to integrate IFS into your own healing journeyInquire about somatic therapy Somatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]

This week I'm joined by Emma Davey, trauma therapist specialising in narcissistic abuse and founder of the  My Nara App. In this week's episode, we discuss:What Narcissism actually isRed flags to look out forThe impact Narcissistic abuse can have on an individualWhat a trauma bond is and how to start breaking free from one How to build trust after an abusive relationship How to heal after an experience with a narcissistic person You can find Emma at @mynara.app www.mytraumatherapy.co.ukSomatic, trauma informed Psychotherapist (Msc) Instagram @selflove.lydiaYoutube - selflovelydia TikTok @selflove.lydiaPinterest @[email protected]