Have you ever wondered why so many people hesitate to seek therapy despite its known benefits? In this *special Summer bonus* episode, Jodie & Stephanie are tackling this question head-on, shedding light on the common barriers like past negative experiences, cultural or religious values, and the persistent stigma surrounding mental health care. We'll guide you through the essential steps of finding the right therapist who fits your needs perfectly. From what questions to ask during your initial consultation to how to handle the unease of switching therapists, we provide practical advice to make your journey smoother. We also stress the importance of a good therapeutic alliance and continuous feedback for a more effective and personalized experience.

Jodie and Stephanie attempt to answer questions like:

What should I ask a potential therapist before I commit to working with them?

How do I get my partner to do couples counselling?

What if therapy just isn’t in my budget?

What if I choose a therapist and it's not the right fit?

Resources:

More information on Jodie-Lockey Duesling

More information on Stephanie Dinsmore

Book an appointment with Mindful Path Counselling

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Disclaimer: Please note that while the "Therapists off the Clock" presents discussions on various mental health topics and provides general advice and education, it is not a substitute for professional mental health services or counselling. The information shared by the hosts is based on their professional experiences and personal observations, and it should not be considered as professional mental health advice. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are considering self-harm, please seek immediate help from a healthcare provider. If you need professional counselling or psychotherapy, we recommend reaching out to a qualified mental health professional in your area. While we hope our podcast provides support and encouragement, it is not intended to replace any therapeutic relationship or specific advice provided by a mental health professional. Your use of this podcast does not establish a counsellor-client relationship with the hosts or any guests. Any action you take upon the information on this podcast is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our podcast. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your mental health or a medical condition.

Stephanie and Jodie wrap up this season with heartfelt reflections on their paths to self-improvement and wellness. As two therapists with a wealth of experience, they’re opening up about their personal commitment to mental health and the flexibility of daily protocols that support our journey. It's all about fostering self-compassion and the transformative power of kind self-talk. They also unpack the importance of being in tune with our nervous systems, acknowledging when it's time to pause and recalibrate, and how supportive relationships can be instrumental in breaking negative cycles. Then, we dive into the essentials of establishing a daily protocol for emotional balance. They explore a range of techniques, from breathwork and gratitude practices to the healing frequencies of sound waves, to help maintain equilibrium in both gut and emotional health. Plus, they discuss how to process and release emotions effectively, and why understanding our personal triggers is key to emotional regulation.

Jodie and Stephanie attempt to answer questions like:

What daily rituals can you implement to stay grounded and promote self-compassion?

Can positive psychology and intentional manifestation realistically change your circumstances?

What practical steps can you take to rewire your neural pathways and bring your dreams into reality?

Chapters:

(00:01) Daily Protocols and Nervous System Wellness

It’s our season finale! We explore our personal commitment to mental health and self-care, emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in our work. We discuss the concept of daily protocols, not as rigid structures but as flexible practices that foster self-compassion and kindness. Highlighting the need for gentle self-talk, we examine the transformative power of reframing our internal dialogue. Additionally, we touch on the significance of tuning into our nervous systems for cues on when to pause and recalibrate, underscoring the value of having supportive relationships to help break negative cycles.

(13:23) Power of Manifestation and Positive Psychology

We explore the power of manifestation and its tangible effects on overall well-being. Is there science there?? We both share a personal testament to the effectiveness of intentional manifestation, discussing the transition from significant debt to financial ease by affirming beliefs such as deserving to be debt-free and attracting money. We highlight the importance of how we speak to ourselves, drawing parallels to positive psychology principles like growth mindset and the rewiring of neural pathways. The conversation touches on the use of locked notes on phones for journaling manifestations and the excitement of revisiting these manifestations in the future to witness their fruition. We also address potential skepticism and clarify that manifestation aligns with scientific concepts of subconscious priming and affirmations, emphasizing the importance of intention and specificity in our self-dialogue to foster resilience and positive outcomes in our lives.

(21:10) Daily Protocol for Emotional Balance

We talk about the importance of establishing a personal daily protocol to manage energy and emotions effectively. Jodie and Stepanie discuss various techniques like breathwork, gratitude, and sound wave frequencies to help bring the body back to homeostasis and improve gut and emotional health by sharing their own daily protocols. We also consider the significance of movement, nature, and pet interactions as mindfulness practices....

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted landscape of self-discovery and the pivotal role of surrendering and self-acceptance in our lives. We ask the essential question, "Who am I?" beyond the labels and dive into the power of being present in the now, while gently dismantling the hustle culture that often leads to burnout. Discover the liberating joy that comes with embracing life as it unfolds, accepting milestones as they come, and treating ourselves with compassion. We peel back the layers of self-compassion, shedding light on the healing potential of letting go of shame and guilt. We invite you to turn inward, acknowledge your past without judgement, and accept your journey with open arms, stepping into a space of genuine self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Jodie and Stephanie attempt to answer questions like:

Why can surrendering help us move away from hustle culture and multitasking?

Do we truly have control over our life?

Why should we focus on finding connections with like-minded individuals (or chosen family)?

What does healing and nurturing our inner child involve?

Chapters:

(00:01) Surrendering and Self-Acceptance in Life

We explore the journey of self-discovery and the importance of asking ourselves "Who am I?" beyond our roles and responsibilities. We consider the concept of surrendering as a way to move away from hustle culture and multitasking, examining the role resistance plays in our suffering and how much control we truly have over life's events. We also discuss the power of being present and the joy that can come from accepting our lives as they are, rather than constantly chasing the next milestone.

(04:59) Embracing Self-Acceptance and Compassion

We highlight the role of self-compassion in recognizing our past behaviours without judgement and understanding that we've done the best we could with the knowledge we had at the time. The conversation shifts to the power of letting go of shame, guilt, and pain through acceptance and surrendering, encapsulated by the phrase (and Jodie’s future tattoo?) "Let it be."

(09:36) Surrender, Acceptance, and Setting Boundaries

We explore the journey of confronting and overcoming personal trauma. Jodie shares her own struggle with the shame and pain of experiences she didn't choose and how they infiltrated every aspect of her life. We discuss the importance of acknowledging these feelings, the concept of neutrality in accepting that bad things happen, and the power of choice in either resisting or surrendering to our past.

(12:39) The Importance of Inner Child Work

We discuss the impact of early caregiver relationships, even from the prenatal stage, on our adult behaviours and attachment patterns, such as anxiety and dependency in relationships. We emphasize the importance of various therapeutic modalities like somatic therapy, EMDR, cognitive restructuring, and internal family systems (IFS), highlighting the need for holistic approaches that address both the psychological and the somatic self. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-acceptance, individuation, and honouring our evolving desires and needs, as well as the transformative power of turning inwards to provide self-compassion and to calm internal parts that may be in distress.

(17:00) Healing and Nourishing the Soul

We talk about the importance of acknowledging and understanding the experiences of our inner selves,...