Episodios

  • Why So Many Young People Are Currently Suffering From Burnout
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode, Wendy takes a look at burnout, in particular at how it is impacting the young. She clarifies what burnout is, how to identify it, and what research tells us about why it is becoming more prevalent amongst the young. Importantly, Wendy shares 20 simple to implement but powerful techniques anyone can use to recognise the early signs of burnout, get ahead of it and keep themselves free of burnout no matter what is going on in their life. Wendy packs a lot of helpful information into this episode but shares even more advice in her free 36-page e-book - 12 Top Tips to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Low Self-Esteem. You can download it by going to https://wendycastelino.com and filling out the very short form. KEY TAKEAWAYS When you are burned out, you feel emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted and sleep does not fix it. A recent mental health study shows that modern life is putting extra pressure on the young, which makes them more vulnerable to burnout. Fight overwhelm by breaking tasks into smaller steps. Learn and practice ACT techniques – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Challenge any unhelpful thoughts you have e.g. I am not good enough. Treat rest as if it were an important meeting. Schedule down time and take it. Use mindfulness. Practice self-kindness. Be clear about what is important to you and take steps to include that in your life. Protect your energy, learn to say no and not over commit. Practicing gratitude trains your brain to notice more of the good things in life. BEST MOMENTS “Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.” “It´s simply not just feeling tired after a long day. It´s a kind of tired that sleep doesn´t fix.” “Small wins can really add up and reduce the feeling of overwhelm.” “Replace negative thoughts with something that is a bit more realistic, a bit more balanced.” “Connect with your values, ask yourself what really matters to me?” “Movement really helps to move stuck emotions.” “Just sharing how you are feeling is healing.” “Don´t underestimate joy as a therapy.” EPISODE RESOURCES Mental Health UK report - https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/burnout-report-2025-reveals-generational-divide-in-levels-of-stress-and-work-absence VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Further details are available at: WendyCastelino.com. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    17 m
  • The Role Media Plays in Steroid Use, Mental Health, Male Suicide and Toxic Masculinity with Kieran Kevan
    Jun 17 2025
    In this episode, Wendy is joined by Kieran Kevan a social media strategist and fitness coach to discuss the impact social media is having on masculinity and mental health. Together, they also examine the issue of toxic masculinity, its various interpretations and the impact it is having on men´s ability to recognise when they are vulnerable and need help, then seek that help. Kieran shares how unrealistic social media standards are having a negative impact on men´s self-perception, which can fuel toxic masculinity, lead to steroid use and mental health issues. KEY TAKEAWAYS Every 60 seconds a man takes his own life. Many men still feel that talking about mental health as a weakness. Media, social media, educators and leaders are all contributing to setting impossible levels of achievement for men e.g. not every man´s genetics allow them to achieve a six-pack. Steroid use is rising and contributing to mood control, health and mental problems. Because toxic masculinity means something different to each person it is a tricky subject. “There's a lot of big characters that drive toxic masculinity.” “It's insane what men need to look like now …. a level of muscle, and that's not doable for many, genetics play a big role.” “If .” “When you think of social, think of me….anything to do with social media, that’s my game.” ABOUT KIERAN Kieran Kevan is a social media expert, who played an instrumental role in developing Rob Moore´s personal brand and growing his Disruptive Entrepreneur (now Disruptors) podcast and TikTok channel. He is also a fitness coach, serial entrepreneur and head of social media & brand for on of the UK´s biggest podcast agencies - Disruptive Media. He is also a fitness coach, so fully understands the impact social media can have on self-image, mental health and behaviour As a result, Kieran works hard to make people aware of the potential dangers, keep things in perspective so they can enjoy the good side of social media. https://kierankevancoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/kierankevan https://www.linkedin.com/in/kierankevan RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino/ https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Further details are available at: WendyCastelino.com. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    45 m
  • 10 Strategies Anyone Can Use To Improve Their Resilience
    Jun 10 2025
    In this solo episode, Wendy focuses on resilience. She explains what it is, the different ways it helps your mental and emotional health and how developing resilience makes it much easier to navigate the ups and downs of life. Wendy shares 10 strategies that anyone can use to build up their resilience. Each one is highly practical, easy to understand, and most are simple enough for you to start using immediately. KEY TAKEAWAYS Resilience is the ability to build strength so that you can endure challenges, bounce back after setbacks and thrive. Reflection helps you to learn from your day and keep things in perspective. Having a fixed mindset – believing we can´t change, keeps us stuck, zaps our confidence and stops us from recognising that we all have the ability to grow stronger. Grit is mental toughness, the ability to deal with and endure things. Become the director of your life rather than a passenger. Don´t lean on helplessness or allow pessimism to take hold. Our brains have a negative bias. Factor that in when thinking about things and actively push yourself to notice the positive things. Negative beliefs fester. Choose not to overreact to difficult situations. Don´t let fear take hold e.g. If you have to have dental work done, remind yourself that any pain is temporary and focus on the reward at the end of it – stronger and better-looking teeth. Your attitude makes a huge difference to how much you get out of life. Develop determination and resolve. Accept that sometimes gratification has to be delayed. Cultivate your persistence and tap into your survival instincts that provide you with that inner fierceness that enables you to get through and thrive no matter what. BEST MOMENTS “We either decide that we’ve got a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.” “How much do you believe you can handle situations however difficult or challenging ?” “Determination is a steadfast fortitude we develop to endure, cope and survive life´s challenges. ” “The ability to tolerate painful emotions means staying with them and not giving into self-destructive behaviours.” EPISODE RESOURCES A Man´s Search For Meaning - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mans-Search-Meaning-classic-Holocaust-ebook/dp/B00EKOC0HI VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino/ https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Further details are available at: WendyCastelino.com. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    15 m
  • From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Real Woman Coach Lisa Quait on the Power of Therapy
    May 27 2025
    For this episode, Wendy welcomes the inspiring Lisa Quait - The Real Woman Coach. She shares her personal journey through therapy, midlife, bodybuilding, and entrepreneurship. Lisa explains how therapy helped her heal old wounds, blend families, and find purpose in empowering other women to rewrite their own next chapters. She also shares the details of a fantastic coaching opportunity. KEY TAKEAWAYS Therapy created a foundation that enabled Lisa to heal and grow so she could help others. Therapy provides a safe space to process and release trauma. Stop blaming yourself. Therapy teaches you new skills and strategies that help you to function better in all areas of life e.g. emotional regulation. BEST MOMENTS “Midlife is an evolution. It's certainly not a crisis.” “Therapy is about looking back, dealing with trauma. Coaching is about moving forward.” “Your therapist is not there to judge you.” ABOUT THE GUEST Lisa Quait gets real about what comes after healing—because growth isn’t just about reflection, it’s about doing something with it. Lisa is the founder of Realwoman.coach, a platform for women who’ve done the inner work and are ready to take bold, practical steps forward. She helps women rebuild confidence, take action, and create a life that feels good and true, especially as they near or are in midlife. Her Real Women’s Stories podcast is known for its candid conversations around relationships, aging, health, and identity. Right now, Lisa is exploring Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory in a special podcast series, sharing how this simple idea can lead to big breakthroughs. COMPETITION TIME Enjoy a full day out with the realwoman.coach (Lisa Quait) on Sunday, June 8th, including all-access coaching throughout the day Plus, an exclusive, money-can’t-buy opportunity to meet Mel Robbins at Let Them Theory Live! (Meet-and-greet tickets are sold out, making this a truly unique prize!) To automatically be entered into the draw visit www.realwoman.coach, and fill in the popup form. The competition runs from May 1st to midnight on June 1st Winner will be drawn at random and notified on June 2nd https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-quait-558960162 https://www.facebook.com/lisa.quait https://www.instagram.com/lisaquait VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino/ https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Further details are available at: WendyCastelino.com. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    1 h y 1 m
  • EMDR – A Powerful Therapy That Puts You in Control and Restores Mental Balance with Kam Harris
    May 13 2025
    In this episode, Wendy is joined by Kam Harris who after experiencing the benefits of EMDR decided to leave the fashion industry and become an EMDR therapist. She is also a master hypnotherapist as well as a mum and wife. Kam explains exactly how EMDR works and how you can use it every day to keep your mind healthy and in balance. She also explains how hypnotherapy works and when it is beneficial. KEY TAKEAWAYS Making certain eye movements signals our subconscious to reprocess painful memories and desensitise ourselves to them. Later, it is possible to also use movements e.g. Tapping or clicking so you can discreetly and quickly desensitise yourself as issues arise. To benefit from EMDR, you have to be prepared to connect to sometimes painful memories. You do not have to share what the painful memory is about with your therapist, so you are 100% in control. It is a very fast form of therapy, but there is a process you have to follow. Find the right therapist for you. Trauma does not arise just from big events e.g. Being a victim of violence. Less dramatic events, e.g. being bullied, also traumatise. EMDR works regardless of your cultural background or the issues you are dealing with. EMDR can be done effectively online. Positive cognitions is switching negative thoughts for still truthful but positive ones. Hypnosis can be used to help you achieve things as well as heal. Self-hypnosis is powerful. It is good for overcoming situations where part of you really wants to do something while another part is worried. You are always going to get anxious or sad, but you can learn not to let it overwhelm you. Your mind delivers what you want. If you think something will work, your mind focuses on it, spots and emphasises what you need to do to succeed. BEST MOMENTS “EMDR changed my life.” “You keep the memory…but that emotion related to that memory isn´t there anymore.” “You can feel better about a particular issue in just one session.” “Hypnosis is actually an increased sense of awareness… you have more control.” “It´s kind of rewiring your mind to think differently.” “If we say to our mind, ‘It’s not going to work, it’s not going to work.” EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.emdrharleystreet.com/about-kam-harris VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino/ https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Further details are available at: WendyCastelino.com. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Conquering Perimenopause and Menopause with Michelle Rowlinson
    Apr 29 2025
    Today, Wendy is joined by Michelle Rowlinson, a senior physiotherapist and menopause wellbeing practitioner. She is a best-selling author and creator of the BALANCE™ method which individuals, GPs and organisations successfully use to effectively manage menopause and improve quality of life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most negative menopausal symptoms can be eradicated or greatly reduced. An anti-inflammatory diet, the right mindset, activities, meditations and exercise are powerful. Progesterone calms the body. When levels fall, anxiety kicks in. Often, mental health issues will improve when menopause symptoms are addressed. Incontinence is treatable. It’s never too late to start HRT. It is also available as a gel or spray. Vigorous exercise can make things worse. BEST MOMENTS “Incontinence is not a sign of aging.” “Even carpal tunnel can be caused by fluid retention.” “As I started reducing the inflammation, the weight started falling off.” “Some de-stress techniques take less than a minute.” “I feel like I´ve found me again.” Michelle Rowlinson Michelle Rowlinson is a respected Menopause Wellbeing Specialist, best-selling author, and Senior Physiotherapist dedicated to transforming menopause education and support. With a proven track record of training trainee GPs and delivering impactful workshops for organisations such as Brixton and Belmarsh Prisons, Michelle’s expertise is globally trusted. Creator of the innovative BALANCE™ Method, Michelle offers a structured, scientifically informed framework that addresses menopause through biological, psychological, lifestyle, and workplace integration. Her practical, evidence-based approach provides tailored solutions designed to enhance productivity, retention, and wellbeing, while ensuring inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of gender, neurodiversity, or cultural background. As the host of Menopause – The Real Deal, Michelle continues to break down stigma and provide accessible, practical information to help individuals and organisations thrive. Her best-selling book, You, Me, Conquering Perimenopause & Menopause, offers comprehensive guidance for navigating menopause. Michelle’s mission is to empower individuals, businesses, and health professionals with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to effectively manage menopause, improve quality of life, and create truly inclusive environments. Book: https://amzn.eu/d/30DIJzL Www.panaceapause.co.uk VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own.
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    56 m
  • The Power of Compassion-Focused Therapy Explained with Dr. Hannah Gilbert
    Apr 15 2025
    Today, Wendy is joined by Dr. Hannah Gilbert, a psychotherapist who has a particular interest in the connection between belief and mental health. They discuss her work with the Compassionate Mind Foundation, which promotes Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). CFT integrates psychotherapeutic models and mindfulness practices, emphasizing self-compassion and understanding how the brain works. Hannah explains how CFT addresses self-criticism, shame, and trauma, why it is effective for treating anxiety and depression and why it works so well for the young. KEY TAKEAWAYS CFT is an integrative therapy that also draws on neuroscience. It works fast and can promote physiological changes. CFT recognises that life is hard, so periods of self-doubt, anxiety etc are natural, not your fault and can be managed and overcome. Cultural, spiritual and social experiences play a significant role in mental health. A compassionate brain state enables you to see and react to things in a more balanced way. Compassion is a strength. Understanding how your brain is wired and working in tandem with that is powerful. Self-criticism and shame are damaging but can be conquered quickly. Diet and exercise play an important role in tackling depression and anxiety. BEST MOMENTS “With CFT, there’s a strong emphasis on de-shaming.” “It's incredibly empowering and positive and creates good feelings in you.” “Learn how to switch to that more compassionate self.” “Compassion is not a weakness.” ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Hannah Gilbert is a compassion-focused psychotherapist and trainer who also works as Community and Strategic Development Manager at the Compassionate Mind Foundation. Originally trained in the social sciences. She has a BA in Anthropology and a PhD in Sociology, as well as an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Hannah has worked in a psychiatric inpatient unit, and until recently was a lecturer in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Roehampton, London. Her research interests are in the therapeutic relationship, and in the anthropology of belief and mental health. She is co-author of Mental Health, Spirituality and Wellbeing: A Handbook for Health and Social Care Professionals, Service Users and Carers. www.compassionatemind.co.uk www.compassionatewellbeing.com Study links: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-33588-001.pdf https://www.nature.com/articles/s44159-025-00422-4 VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own.
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Diagnosis Dilemma: When Labels Do More Harm Than Good with Matt Hussey
    Apr 1 2025
    In this episode, Wendy is joined by Matt Hussey a journalist and a psychotherapist in private practice, podcaster and author. Matt and Wendy discuss how simply assigning a label to someone or their condition confines who they think they are and can disengage them from their recovery, the way labelling impacts how society functions, and why therapists need to challenge the way mental health conditions are defined. KEY TAKEAWAYS When you give someone a label their perception of who they are and what they can do changes, as does that of those around them. People rarely fully meet the criteria of the label they are given. Sometimes a language or term emerges in a culture that ends up changing society. Matt explains how this happened with anorexia. Mental health professionals need to test the data and be way more challenging. The original purpose of DSM was to try to standardize understanding, rather than be a prescriptive label that channelled people into certain types of care. Naturally occurring feelings that protect and heal us have been demonised e.g. grief, loss and anxiety. When you acknowledge difficult emotions as part of the human condition, you stop seeing yourself as defective. It is vital to understand how your perspective is impacting the way you treat patients. Be aware of power dynamics. BEST MOMENTS “When you label a person, there is an exchange that happens between that person and their label.” “The single biggest indicator of whether a child exhibited symptoms of ADHD was the month they were born.” “Anxiety is protective in its function, but we've demonized it, it´s now universally terrible.” “The biggest inhibitor to recovery is that judgment of your own sense of self.” “Using the language they use back to them can be powerful.” “These are all clues to help shape how you might work together.” ABOUT THE GUEST Matt is a journalist and therapist living in London. He has his own private practice as well as a newsletter and podcast talking about mental health. You can subscribe to his newsletter by going to www.thebrink.me or his podcast, The Brink, which can be found on Spotify and Apple podcast platforms. He is also available at : https://www.therapywithmatt.uk https://www.thebrink.me/author/matt/page/4/ https://www.instagram.com/hhusseyy VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino/ https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798 https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Further details are available at: WendyCastelino.com.
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    1 h