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Subscriber’s question: ‘I'm struggling with this question right now. I've had a long career in technology, but am burned out from it and need to do something else. I also started getting counselling myself a few years ago and find it helpful and very interesting.

I'm also very much an introvert, and not really a people person at all, although I'm very sensitive and empathetic. How the heck do i know if i could be a good counsellor? Does a masters program sort of transform you into one?

Thanks!’

This podcast is a response to the above subscriber's question about how to know if one would be a good counsellor, given that they don't consider themselves a great "people person" and are more introverted. It also addresses a comment from another viewer about the need for a "portfolio career" to earn enough as a therapist.

I explore what I think are many of the common traits and qualities of a 'good therapist', such as:

- Curiosity and openness to new ideas
- Self-reflection and tolerance
- Empathy and sensitivity
- Emotional intimacy and vulnerability
- Active listening and communication skills
- Optimism and hope
- Good boundaries
- Honesty
- Warmth and kindness

The podcast also mentions other qualities like creativity, connection to nature, and lack of competitiveness. Looking specifically at the subscriber's question, I suggest that their perception of themselves as not being a "people person" or being introverted may be shaped by their past experiences and environment. The training and being around other therapists can help transform these beliefs and bring out the qualities that are valued in the profession, encouraging the subscriber to be curious and observant about how they feel in the training environment and to trust their own experience.

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If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

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Today is the release day of Caz Binstead's new book "Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice (Ethics In Action)" (published by Routledge), which also features a short case study on my YouTube channel!

An excerpt from the Amazon book description: 'This book explores the ethics around everything connected with setting up and running a therapy private practice... The book provides exercises, examples, and vignettes, in addition to the author's own unique working model, to help the reader bring theoretical reflections into their own everyday practice...and... will help private practitioners feel more confident and grounded in their private practice and up-to-date with developing thoughts. It will also appeal to training institutes, supervisors, and students.'

In this podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Caz about her journey to releasing the book and the importance of ethics in private practice. She's an experienced private practitioner, supervisor, writer, and facilitator, with a passion for ethical and thriving practice. She has helped hundreds of therapists with their private practices and believes in the importance of balancing ethical considerations with business growth.

The book covers various topics, including solidarity, compassion, justice, and the importance of endings in therapy. Caz also runs projects like Trainee Talk and Therapists Create, which provide support and opportunities for therapists and trainees to connect and explore their creativity. If you're interested in learning more about ethical practice and the journey of releasing a book, this podcast is for you.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

Don't forget to check out Caz's new book and support her amazing work. You can find out more about Caz via her website:

www.cazbinstead.com

If you are interested in joining in with any of Caz' projects - #TherapistsCreate or #TraineeTalk, or, to find out more about the #TherapistsConnect community, please email her on info@cazbinstead.com

And, feel free to connect with Caz on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/caztc

https://twitter.com/cazbinny

https://www.instagram.com/night_owl_counsellor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caz-binstead-385873302?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

https://www.tiktok.com/@cazbinny?_t=8r0YYxI2lLU&_r=1

https://bsky.app/profile/cazbinny.bsky.social

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If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk

Send us a text

Men's Mental Health Awareness Month continues in November! In this podcast, I look into the importance of empathy for men and how it can help manage anger, foster vulnerability, and improve relationships by way of a thought experiment. Imagine a life where your close friends are gone, your internal guidance system is severed, and your worth is solely based on competitive wins or losses. This experiment sheds light on the daily struggles faced by many men - isolation, estrangement, shame, rage, and despair.

I think empathy is a key to change. By establishing empathy for ourselves and experiencing it from others, we can often understand more and address the root causes of our challenges. Coupled with a commitment to do things differently, empathy becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth and healthier relationships.

Please do share your reflections and thoughts on this experiment and feel free to email me separately, I'd love to hear your insights. Take care of yourselves and stay tuned for more content.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

Support the show

If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk