In this episode of TherapyTalks, I’m joined by Jim Hutton, Chair of the IACP’s EDI Committee, for a reflective conversation about volunteering within the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

We explore volunteering not as an obligation or extra task, but as a form of connection — to the profession, to shared values, and to ourselves. Jim reflects on his experiences at both regional and national levels, how volunteering has shaped him as a therapist, and what it has offered him personally in terms of belonging, growth, and meaning.

This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered whether volunteering is “for them”, and for those curious about the quieter ways community sustains professional life.

Chris talks with Ravind Jeawon, Jude Coughlan of the EDI Committee of the IACP and Dr Ray O Neill about all things Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as they discuss the upcoming Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Conference on the 22nd November. They talk about the power and privilege that exists within the profession and the importance of recognising this as we meet clients. Power and safety are important themes that were explored in relation to the work of psychotherapy. Another important talking point was the concept of equity and how for many people there is not an equal starting point. This was an insightful conversation with much to think about and much to do!!

Chris talks about grief and loss and shares his experiences of losing his parents and his lovely cat and trying to make sense of the journey of his grief using Worden's tasks of grief as theoretical navigation. He looks at the 4 tasks that Worden and outlines and explored his experiences and the ongoing ness of his grief. He makes the distinction between normal grief and complicated grief.

Well a year later we return....not the plan but life happened and so here we are. Chris talks about the last year and what plans are ahead, focusing on an episode in the next few days on grief and loss following the recent death of his Mum.

Chris is back from an unplanned break in the podcast and talks about all that has been going on in the previous few months and what the plans will be for new episodes. There was a moment in time when there were thoughts of stopping the podcast but he couldn't do it...

In a solo episode, Chris chats about Christmas and how to manage the stressful moments. He explores the perfectonism myth and looks at ideas of 'good enough'. He discusses different strategies to manage stress and also explores deeper psychological explanations of Christmas from a Jungian perspective.

Madeleine talks with Chris about her journey from a horrific act of sexual violence perpetrated against her when she was only 13 , and how she healed over the years, and now speaks about her story and bravely shares her experiences, cultivating courage and shining a light on shame so it can lose its power. She speaks honestly and openly about the impact on her life of these experiences and how she finally spoke out publicly in 2014. She trained as a therapist and now speaks at various events inspiring others to speak out and break the cycle of shame that keeps people silent.
She has written a book, unbroken, and has appeared on 2 Ted Talks, and has had a podcast called Unbroken, healing through storytelling.

If people are impacted by what we discuss, see some support helpline numbers available

National 24 hour Rape Crisis Helpline 1800778888
Samaritans 116123
Connect Counselling 1800477477
Text about it 50808

For a list of accredited therapists and psychologists in Ireland:
http://www.iacp.ie
https://iahip.org
https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie

Marc shares with Chris his journey to the world of coaching and corporate speaking. This is a fascinating discussion where he shares very honestly and openly the challenges from leaving Ireland as a child and moving to the UK, his early career and how a chance bet, led him to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. This led him into the world of Corporate Speaking events, Mentoring and Coaching. Marc brings much insight the world of coaching and how framing his work in a psychodynamic perspective helps him to make more connections with his clients and helps them reflect more deeply about their challenges.