Talking Therapy with Alex Howard

In this week's episode, we draw a close to the first season of the Talking Therapy podcast. The team and I have decided to take a short break to focus more on my YouTube series 'In Therapy' but rest-assured, we will be back for season two! I also answer some of your questions on emotional styles, the trauma that can manifest itself in shame, and how to recognise if you are socially anxious.  Until we return, remember to be kind to yourself and go gently.

This week, I discuss the power and importance of state, and how to change the states our body, mind and nervous system are in. I also talk about why people struggle with meditation, and offer some techniques to help. As always, I answer some of your questions – this week around the difference between optimism with toxic positivity, and where the people pleaser pattern comes from (nature or nurture?)

In this week's episode of Talking Therapy, I explain Therapeutic Coaching, the methodology that I co-created, and the one I use with my patients both privately and on In Therapy. I also talk about giving and receiving criticism, and answer your questions about committing to health practices and how often we should have therapy. I'm excited to share that the summer intake for our Therapeutic Coaching course is now open! If you're looking for a change in career, you've dreamed of working with others to optimise and transform their psychology, or you just want to go deeper into your own self-development, this could be the training for you! To find out more, click here https://www.therapeuticcoaching.com/free-webinar and sign up for my free 1-hour webinar.

On this week's episode of Talking Therapy, I talk about the cultural stigma around mental health, how we can learn to ask for help and support, and why men in particular struggle to reach out. I also answer some of the questions you sent in, including one on FOMO/the fear of missing out, and another on the tools you can use to help build awareness of common thought and behavioural patterns.

In this week's episode of Talking Therapy, I reflect on Katie's latest episode of In Therapy and discuss how writing letters can be used as a therapeutic tool. I also talk about how saying sorry can have benefits and drawbacks, and answer some of your questions on dissociation and forgiveness.

On this week's episode of Talking Therapy, I reflect on David's most recent episode where he shared some recent successes. As part of this, I look at the importance of recognising that if we want the circumstances of our lives to be different, we have to do something different. I also talk about looking at what we do on a daily basis and its role in determining change. As always, I answer some of the questions you've sent in; this week, the focus is on gratitude and self-love. Finally, I talk a little bit about FOMO - the fear of missing out - now lockdown is easing in parts of the world.

In this week's episode of Talking Therapy, I go into more detail on what toxic positivity is, what it's not, why it can be harmful, and why when I talk about the dangers of toxic positivity. I reflect on Hannah's most recent episode where we discuss the importance of being open and honest with friends and family about where she is in her recovery journey, and answer some of your questions around this. Finally, I speak about social overwhelm, and share three ways to help avoid it.

In this week's podcast, I reflect on self-love, which is one of the key themes which has come out of Katie's most recent In Therapy episodes. I talk about the three ways you can cultivate self-love, including building self-awareness, challenging your inner critic, and making space for your feelings and emotions. I also talk about social anxieties as lockdown starts to ease in the UK, and how we can help manage these. As always, I answer some of your questions; in this episode, I answer them on how to stop caring about what others think and learn to believe you are enough, and taking on responsibility.

This week, producers Oliver and Rachel take over the podcast and discuss what it's like to make In Therapy and Talking Therapy...

This week, I go into more depth about David's latest episode of In Therapy, where we talk about the impact of suppressed emotions on our mental wellbeing. I also answer some of your questions, including why we should write but not always send apology letters. I also give some advice for people who struggle with the therapeutic relationship.