27. Counsellors & Mental Health

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

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.

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: Lefebvre, H. (1991). The Production of Space. Translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. Blackwell Publishing. Reeves, A., Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2018  2nd edn. 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. Bachelard , G. (1994). The Poetics of Space. Translated by Maria Jolas. Beacon Press.

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

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: [email protected] Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

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: [email protected] Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

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: [email protected] Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

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: [email protected] Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

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 Lowe, M. & Rogers, P. (2017) The Scope of Male Rape: A Selective Review of Research, Policy, and Practice. Journal of Aggression and Violent Behaviour. Fisher (2013). Female Perpetrated Adult Male Sexual Victimization Ornella, A. (2020) The Forgotten Victims: Exploring the Reasons Male Rape is Still Under-Represented Today. Criminology and Sociology Hull, Student Research Journal. Walker, J. Archer, J., & Davies, (2005) Effects of Rape on Men: A Descriptive Analysis. Mysterious Skin (2004) [Film] Coronation Street (2018) [TV Series] Hollyoaks (2014) [TV Series] Shawshank Redemption (1994) [Film] Oz (1997) [TV Series] 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: [email protected] Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod

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: [email protected] Via Instagram: @thetherapyfilespodcast Via Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheTherapyFilesPodcast Via Twitter: @thetherapyfilespod