My introduction reveals that I am currently facing a health condition that most of us have come to dread for quite some time: Coronavirus. Luckily, my symptoms are currently mild, but the emotional impact has been greater than expected because of the ongoing after-effects of the drug I was given to combat prostate cancer—Prostap-3—so I go on to discuss the impact of this on not just my life, but those of other sufferers too.

The main interview is with Anne Goodwin, a novelist and short story writer who had a long career in the British National Health Service as a clinical psychologist. She spent a large portion of that career in a long-term psychiatric hospital, and she provides some fascinating insights into that work before going on to talk about her novels and the way she weaves her knowledge of psychiatry into her stories.

We cover the history of mental health institutions and how they first came into being during the 19th century, but also how they ended up growing to become far too large to provide the kind of care that was really needed, with both the patients and staff becoming 'institutionalised' in a way that was actually detrimental to mental health.

During Anne's time working with the NHS, these large hospitals were gradually dismantled, with the emphasis shifting to providing 'care in the community', which has had its own set of challenges. But Ann is something of an activist on behalf of the benefits of good mental health care, as well as criticising bad practices, and is particularly motivated to support early intervention, where parents are given the best possible chance to raise young children in a nurturing environment.

Ann then talks about her three novels, Sugar and Snails, Underneath and Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home, and the way in which they are informed by her work as a psychologist, which makes her characterisation especially strong and believable!

Finally, the Relaxation on the Beach meditation explores how to allow thoughts to come and go during practice, before focusing on the value of close friendships and ensuring that we express our gratitude for them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, my introduction gives me a chance to talk about showing compassion both to others and ourselves at a time of year that is challenging for many of us. I also review some books that I’ve been reading recently that range from in-depth Transactional Analysis through to tips for organising your days more efficiently and getting more done.

This is followed by an interview with multi-talented author, editor and horsewoman Roz Morris, who provides some insights into the challenges faced by General Practioners thanks to her job editing a medical magazine, including their desire to have more face-to-face time with patients, and the dangers of burnout because of the overwhelming pressures over the last few years, especially as a result of Covid. We also talk about the challenges of the creative process, coping with feedback, and building the grit and resilience needed to keep working on long-term projects. And of course, with Roz on the show, we talk about horses, the psychology of both the rider and the ridden because of the unique bond that forms between owner and horse.

Finally, my Relaxation on the Beach meditation guides you in an appreciation of awe, which can create such positive and valuable feelings, whether it's watching a beautiful sunset, walking into a magnificent building like a cathedral, or gazing up at the night sky full of stars – and I encourage you to make a list of the things, places, people, animals, events or artwork that inspire you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.