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In this conversation, I’m joined by therapist and coach Gavin Lashley to explore a topic that often may not get enough attention the psychological journey of the non-birth partner, affectionately, “Dad”.

Gavin is an integrative therapist working with CBT and Internal Family Systems, and he’s also a relatively new father himself. Together, we explore what it really means to become a parent, not just practically, but emotionally and relationally.

We talk about:

• The identity shift of becoming a Dad
• Protecting and providing versus connecting and regulating
• Hormones, expectations and the pressure on modern Dads
• Community, isolation and the changing role of grandparents
• The impact on intimacy and the couple relationship
• Psychological preparation before the baby arrives
• Resentment, repair and communication under pressure
• Trauma anxiety and the fear of “getting it wrong”
• Why perfection isn’t the goal, repair is

You can find out more about Gavin and his work here:
Website: (https://www.gavinlashleytherapy.com)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/gavinlashleytherapy/)

Gavin also wrote a blog article exploring different approaches to fatherhood using the analogy of ecosystems, which links really well to this conversation: (https://www.gavinlashleytherapy.com/blog/cultivating-fatherhood/)

✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation.

🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy

Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk)

🎁 My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage.

Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that.

‘Life Unlimited’ Course testimonials include:

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others."

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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

Send a text

What happens when someone discloses that they’re bisexual within a relationship? For some couples it’s straightforward, but for others it can bring up shock, fear, confusion, or insecurity for both partners.

In this video I share some reflections on why disclosure can feel destabilising at first, how both people’s reactions are understandable, and how couples can move toward integration over time. I also talk about common myths around bisexuality, including fears about infidelity or commitment and why honesty, while sometimes painful, can ultimately deepen connection.

If you or your partner are navigating this situation, I hope this offers some reassurance and perspective.

I’ll also be exploring this topic further in an upcoming interview with Dr Joshua Gebhardt, a therapist who works with mixed-orientation couples.

My bisexuality playlist for all the full videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbzuc1SEOTxi2ytIA_kG2JG_7Evikg8E0

✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation.

🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy

Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk)

🎁 My FREE personal development course Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage.

Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that.

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

Send a text

Starting to see clients for the first time can feel surprisingly nerve-wracking. In this video I share some reflections on how to steady yourself in those early sessions and what really matters when you first sit down with a client.

I talk about four foundations you can rest on: what you already bring as a person, the active role of the client, the power of the relationship between you, and the wider support that holds you as a therapist. I think a helpful aim isn’t to perform or impress, but to create a safe, attentive human connection.

If you’re just beginning to see clients, or about to start, I hope this offers some reassurance and perspective.

🎯 1:1 Mentoring & Consultancy

Thinking about changing career to become a therapist? Already qualified and wanting to start up a private therapy practice? In private practice and looking to grow? Or maybe you're curious about sharing your voice on YouTube? I offer supportive, one-to-one mentoring on career change and becoming a therapist, starting and building a private practice, and creating meaningful content on YouTube. All the details are on my website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk)

✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation.

🎁 My FREE personal development course Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage.

Whether you’re looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this course is carefully designed to help you do just that.

Life Unlimited Course testimonials include:

"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others."

"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."

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