I explore the possibilities and limits of AI in therapy, drawing on my own experience from the inside. A grounded, honest look at what AI can, and can’t, offer for emotional healing.

In today's episode:

• I take you behind the scenes of my own conversations with AI to see whether it can truly offer the depth, empathy, and connection we expect from therapy.
• We’ll look at its strengths, where it falls short, and how it affects the nervous system.
• Touching on transference, co-regulation, and the irreplaceable value of human presence.

It’s a grounded, thoughtful exploration for anyone curious about, or feeling threatened by, the intersection between technology and emotional healing.

If You’d Like to Go Deeper

This podcast connects well with my somatic therapy episodes, where we look at embodiment, anxiety, and self-worth through a somatic lens.

Reflecting on Using AI as Emotional Support Worksheet

If you’ve ever turned to AI for emotional support but ended up feeling unseen, misunderstood, or more alone, I’ve made something to help.
It’s a printable, fillable AI emotional support worksheet that goes with this episode. Inside, you’ll explore your emotional patterns, strengthen your boundaries, and track how AI affects your nervous system — so you can reach for real connection with more grounded self-trust.
You can get it instantly at https://www.bristolcounselling.co.uk/ai-to-real-connection-guide.

Support the show

Want to see if we're a good fit for working together?
Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk.

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation.

If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Feeling the pressure to be cheerful this Christmas? You’re not alone. In this episode, Shelley takes a heartfelt look at the unspoken challenges of the festive season.

Shelley offers practical tips on how to navigate the holiday stress, such as saying no without guilt, celebrating small wins, and focusing on genuine connections.

Shelley’s anecdotes about her uninvited feline visitor, Henry, add a touch of humour and warmth to the discussion. While sharing a poignant story about finding peace in small moments, Shelley encourages you to embrace imperfection and be kind to yourself.

This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to fake cheerfulness to meet others' expectations. Instead, it's about finding your own light amidst the chaos. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, this episode might just be the comforting companion you need.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s make this Christmas a little more real, together.

Support the show

Want to see if we're a good fit for working together?
Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk.

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation.

If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Depression can affect your life, but it doesn't have to define it. With understanding, and the right strategies, it is possible to find joy and fulfilment again.

In today's episode:

• The top 3 causes of depression
• Can being rejected make you depressed?
• What happens in the body and brain in depression
• How to pull yourself out of depression

Citations
Some ideas here were inspired by a Nicabm training on working with shame. You can buy your full training programme here.
From Gen Alpha to boomers, we asked 6 therapists what each generation is talking about in therapy

Here's another podcast for you: How do you Heal SHAME?

Support the show

Want to see if we're a good fit for working together?
Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk.

SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation.

If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts