In this insightful podcast episode, Laura, an accredited psychotherapist, takes you on a personal and professional journey through the complexities of motherhood, the family unit, and the pursuit of living life to the fullest as a parent.

As a passionate advocate for mental health and well-being, Laura shares her expertise in maternal mental health and the unique challenges mothers face. Reflecting on her own experience of becoming a mother almost five years ago, Laura sheds light on the need for specialised support for mothers and families, which she found lacking in mainstream discourse and healthcare.

Through her business, La GMA Therapy, Laura extends her support to mothers through individual sessions, group discussions, and various talks and workshops. She candidly discusses the unspoken realities of parenthood, challenging societal expectations, and the romanticised narratives surrounding the parenting journey.

Laura courageously addresses the pressure to present a facade of perfection, even when the majority of parents are navigating the survival mode more than thriving. She explores the societal ideals ingrained in us about effortlessly becoming parents and falling in love with the role, emphasising the truth that parenthood is a massive life transition filled with both joy and challenges.

The podcast covers the overwhelming experience of having too many voices in the room when it comes to parenting decisions. Laura acknowledges the well-meaning nature of these voices but highlights the importance of recognising each parent's individuality, values, and experiences. She encourages trusting instincts and making decisions that align with personal beliefs and are right for both parents and children.

Laura also delves into the complexities of mom guilt, unraveling its roots in societal expectations, historical conditioning, and the evolving context of modern parenthood. She explores how guilt, a natural emotion, can be felt even in the absence of wrongdoing, often stemming from ingrained beliefs and conditioning.

The episode concludes with an in-depth discussion on matresence, a transformative journey women undergo when becoming mothers. Laura shares her personal revelations and struggles, emphasising the importance of understanding matresence as a normal and empowering process. She encourages new moms to embrace the validity of their feelings and views motherhood as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.

Tune in to this enriching podcast episode for a compassionate exploration of parenthood, mental health, and the transformative journey of matresence.

#ParenthoodPodcast #MatresenceJourney #MentalHealth #LauraSpeaksOut #MotherhoodRealities

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Alex shares a deeply personal and insightful journey through masculinity, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion.

Join Alex as he navigates the challenges of a high-pressure career in journalism, reflecting on the toll it took on his mental well-being. The discussion unfolds to explore the additional complexities of being one of the few Black individuals in traditional journalistic institutions, addressing issues of representation and negativity within the industry.

Alex opens up about the loneliness that characterised his personal life, returning to the UK after teaching abroad, and struggling to rekindle old friendships while forming new connections. This void in companionship became a significant source of stress, exacerbating his challenges.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Alex discusses his experience with panic attacks, shedding light on the physical toll stress took on his body. A visit to the doctor revealed the alarming extent of the damage, pushing him dangerously close to developing an autoimmune disease.

Delving into masculinity, fatherhood, and social media, Alex challenges societal expectations and explores the impact of these factors on shaping perceptions. He advocates for open conversations that encompass the diverse aspects of masculinity, often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

In a heartfelt discussion on self-compassion, Alex emphasises its profound impact on parenthood and relationships. He addresses the need for individuals, especially parents, to prioritise self-care and self-compassion for healthier connections with partners and children.

The dialogue extends to the crucial role men play in guiding and supporting younger generations. Alex highlights the importance of de-escalation techniques in fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation, addressing societal expectations placed on boys and the impact of early socialisation.

Join Alex in this enriching podcast episode that offers reflections, insights, and challenges to prevailing narratives. Subscribe, share, and engage in the conversation about masculinity, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion. 

#masculinity #selfcompassion #EmotionalIntelligence #Fatherhood #Podcast

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In this profound and deeply personal podcast episode, Shari courageously opens up about her harrowing five-year journey through what she describes as her darkest times. Listen as she shares the challenges of being a parent when information about self-harm wasn't readily available, grappling with the isolation and shame that often accompanies such struggles.

Shari reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a facade of normalcy at work while her personal world was unravelling, describing this period as her "five years of hell." As a mental health and well-being Governor at a secondary school, Shari sheds light on critical issues surrounding mental health in schools and the indispensable role parents play in supporting their children.

Delve into the complexities of the mental health system as Shari discusses the challenges faced by teachers lacking formal mental health training, the strain on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and potential triage services to bridge the gap.

Shari also shares insights on creating safe environments and fostering open communication with children struggling with self-harm, emphasising the crucial role parents play in making the home a safe place.

The conversation extends to the impact of social media on mental health, as Shari explores the addictive nature of platforms and the dangers of self-diagnosis among young individuals. She provides practical advice for parents navigating changing dynamics as children grow more independent and emphasises the importance of continuous communication.

Join Shari in this enlightening and candid conversation as she weaves together her personal journey, professional insights, and invaluable tips for supporting mental well-being in both parents and children.

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