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In this episode, I welcome Mark Cusack from @notdefining an author, lecturer, content creator, and coach specialising in supporting individuals with complex, fluid, or undefined orientations and genders. Mark shares insights from his personal experiences and professional expertise, focusing on bisexuality and the broader spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity.

1. Introduction to Mark:
- Mark's background as an author and content creator.
- His work with @notdefining a platform for educational content on sexuality and gender diversity

2. Mark's Personal Journey:
- Growing up with diverse attractions and the struggle with identity in a binary world
- The motivation behind starting his YouTube channel and writing his book "Fluid"

3. Understanding Bisexuality:
- Common misconceptions about bisexuality and the importance of visibility
- The challenges faced by bisexual individuals in relationships and society

4. Community and Support:
- The role of online platforms like YouTube in providing community and support
- Recommendations for finding bisexual communities and resources

5. The Five Things all Bisexual People should know:
- It's way more common than you think
- Can be very vulnerable to mental health issues / how to heal
- It often changes and shifts
- There are many different types of bi+
- Absolutely "queer enough"

6. Mark's Advice and Insights:
- Encouragement to embrace one's identity and live authentically
- The significance of self-acceptance and advocating for oneself

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'FOLLOW' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QyFTqHQpjg

Mark’s book and YouTube links below:

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/mark-cusack/fluid/9781805013686/
https://www.youtube.com/@notdefining

My podcast with the audio of this video is at: https//www.buzzsprout.com/2067601

Website at: 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 you'll find on the channel 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 – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.***

'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include "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

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Therapy's FUTURE?: Exploring the Integration of Neuroscience and AI in Therapy Training and Therapy (Subscriber's Question)

Here is the Subscriber's question: 'Moving over from an industry that has become dominated by AI (and having a lot of working years left), one of my concerns is for longevity of a profession. A friend of mine who recently finished a therapy adjacent Masters thinks that as mental health becomes increasingly integrated into the health system, less 'scientific' qualifications like a Diploma may hold less long-term value in terms of professional recognition or legal right to practice. Would you be able to offer your view on the topic (or dismiss it!), or point me towards any sources that offer some insight before I make my choice of training?'

In this episode, I addresses a subscriber's question about the future of the therapy profession and therapy training, focusing on the integration of neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI). I explore how these fields are influencing training and practice in therapy, and the potential impact on the profession over the next 10 to 15 years.

1. Neuroscience in Therapy Training and Therapy:

- The increasing integration of mental health into the health system in the UK.
- The role of neuroscience concepts such as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, windows of tolerance, and polyvagal theory in trauma treatment and therapy training
- The importance of combining scientific and symbolic approaches in therapy, allowing for a more holistic understanding of clients

2. Artificial Intelligence in Therapy:

- The use of AI tools like ChatGPT in providing support between therapy sessions, offering quick, balanced cognitive assessments
- The potential benefits and limitations of AI in therapy, including its inability to replace the empathetic and relational aspects of human therapists. Looking at issues including care, empathy and attunement, challenge, imperfection, embodiment and intuition.

3. The Future of Therapy Training:

- The evolving nature of therapy diplomas and the integration of neuroscience into training programmes
- The potential for therapy to become a more regulated profession, with a focus on maintaining the relational aspects of therapy alongside scientific advancements and the importance of integrating both scientific and relational approaches in therapy to address the diverse needs of clients.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to 'FOLLOW' to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

***My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change is now available on this channel in a playlist you'll find on the channel 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 – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.***

'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: "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 us a text

In this really insightful and hopefully helpful podcast, I interview Karl Melvin, a therapist with over 13 years of experience in the area of navigating family estrangement. Karl defines estrangement as creating distance between family members, which can vary in degree and form, which can be emotional, geographical, or communicative. The discussion highlights the challenges and dynamics involved in estrangement, emphasising its complexity and the continuum from complete disconnection to minimal contact.

Karl shares some therapeutic approaches for dealing with estrangement, focusing on individual circumstances and the importance of understanding family dynamics. He discusses the role of communication in reconnection, suggesting the use of different mediums like video and voice notes, and stresses the importance of timing and changing circumstances.

The conversation also covers emotional and practical support strategies, including some from Karl's book, "Navigating Family Estrangement," offering insights and tools for understanding and managing this difficult and complex issue. These include Karl's "estrangement toolbox," which offers tools including emotional validation and practical planning for family events.

Karl encourages resilience and maintaining hope, advising viewers not to give up on themselves despite the difficulties they face and the challenges of estrangement. As ever, I hope it's helpful.

Karl’s Socials:

Website: https://karlmelvin.com

Email: info@karlmelvin.com

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-melvin- psychotherapist-ma-miacp-2a29679/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karl.melvin/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ToxicEscape/

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karl-Melvin

Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to SHARE it and please do FOLLOW to show your support, it would be much appreciated!

My podcast with the audio of this video is at: https//www.buzzsprout.com/2067601

Website at: 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 you'll find on the channel 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 – see this free course and you'll discover it's carefully designed to help you to do this.***

'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." and

"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