In this episode, we welcomed a guest, Sassy Smith, who is the founder of Aphantasia Academy and author of Unseen Minds - A Therapist's Guide to Multisensory Aphantasia and Invisible Cognitive Differences

The episode delves into the fascinating world of cognitive differences, exploring how unique mental experiences like aphantasia, endophasia and SDAM shape our perception of reality. By understanding these variations, therapists can tailor their approaches to better meet the needs of their clients, and clients are able to articulate their experiences more easily.

Lucy (who has aphantasia) and Sassy share personal insights, Adrienne adds a therapeutic perspective and all three of us discuss professional strategies that highlight the importance of recognising and validating individual cognitive profiles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing therapeutic practices and fostering a deeper understanding of the human mind, and also anyone currently undergoing therapy.

Sassy has generously offered a gift to listeners with codes that give discounts off her brilliant resources.

FOUNDATIONS50 gives listeners a £50 discount for the Aphantasia Foundations course and NOTTHATDEEP gives a £100 discount for the Aphantasia Therapist training.

Unseen Minds: A Therapist's Guide to Multisensory Aphantasia and Invisible Cognitive Differences -https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Minds-Therapists-Multisensory-Differences/dp/1036970612

Aphantasia Academy - https://www.aphantasiaacademy.com

Sassy Smith on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SassySmith

Sassy Smith on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/SassySmith

Free CBT Masterclass on Aphantasia - https://www.sassysmith.com/masterclass

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this, our 100th episode, we explore the very human tendency to desire pleasant experiences and the impact this wanting has on our well-being. It’s natural, of course, to delight in the pleasant, it only becomes a problem when we start to crave for things to be more pleasant and thereby end up increasing our own suffering.

We discuss the impact of trying to push away unpleasant feelings, and even diminishing our pleasant times by being sad that they will end! To offset this we delve into mindfulness, emotional regulation, and how acceptance of impermanence can lead to greater peace.

Takeaways

Wanting things to be pleasant can increase suffering when they are not

Mindfulness helps in noticing subtle mood shifts and choosing responses

Thoughts significantly influence feelings and can be challenged

Acceptance of impermanence allows for greater peace and enjoyment of the present

Small, neutral moments can be sources of steady happiness

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this episode we explore why we hold onto bad moods. We discuss the psychological mechanisms behind it, and practical strategies to let go. We explore the role of thoughts, perceptions of injustice, and the importance of awareness and calming techniques.

Takeaways

Holding onto a bad mood often stems from perceived injustice or unfairness.

Our stress response system complicates quick emotional release.

Pattern recognition and confirmatory bias reinforce bad moods.

Awareness and mindfulness are key to recognizing and releasing bad moods.

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this episode, we explore the societal obsession with youth and beauty, and challenge the cultural narratives that equate ageing with loss and irrelevance. We discuss how perceptions of ageing influence women’s self-image, societal expectations, and the impacts of social media and media portrayal on how we view ourselves and others.

We explore the possibility of appreciating the experiences that come with age rather than dismissing them because they come wrapped in an older body.

Key Topics:

The societal pressure on women of a certain age to look young and the cultural obsession with reversing ageing

How ageing and appearance are perceived as signs of experience and wisdom versus signs of decline

The influence of social media and advertising in shaping beauty standards and age-related insecurities

The gendered differences in societal expectations around ageing, especially in relationships and partner selection

The rise of preventative Botox amongst young people to delay wrinkles

The societal narrative that values youth over experience, wisdom, and inner character

The impact of materialism and external possessions on perceived self-worth and attractiveness

The concept of growing old gracefully versus the desire to maintain a youthful exterior

The psychological effects of societal standards on self-esteem, self-worth, and ageing

The importance of redefining beauty and ageing to honour experience and wisdom over superficial standards

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this episode, we explore the reasons behind why individuals often believe negative stories about themselves rather than the evidence of their accomplishments.

We discuss the impact of societal constructs on self-perception, the dangers of comparison, and the importance of accepting both strengths and weaknesses. The chat emphasises the role of vulnerability in self-acceptance and the need to challenge negative self-talk.

Ultimately, we want to encourage listeners to find joy in imperfection and embrace new experiences without fear of failure. We can only grow if we allow the possibility of failing and the learning that comes from that.

Takeaways

We often believe negative stories about ourselves over evidence.

Societal standards are arbitrary and can distort self-perception.

Comparison to others can undermine our self-worth.

Accepting our strengths is as important as acknowledging our weaknesses.

Vulnerability is key to self-acceptance and growth.

Negative self-talk can sabotage our enjoyment of life.

We should challenge the stories we tell ourselves.

Evidence-based thinking can help us assess our abilities more accurately.

Finding joy in imperfection is essential for personal growth.

Embracing new experiences can lead to unexpected joy.

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this episode, we explore how much enjoyment we miss if we are only focused on the end product. It is so important to focus on the process rather than the end result in various aspects of life as there is so much pleasure to be got from the journey! We discuss how mindfulness and engagement in activities can enhance enjoyment and fulfilment, emphasising the need to be present and savour each moment.

Our conversation also touches on the significance of experiential learning and the joy found in mundane experiences, ultimately advocating for a shift in perspective towards appreciating the journey of life.

Takeaways

We often rush through life, focusing on the end result.

Enjoying the process can lead to greater fulfilment.

Mindfulness enhances our engagement in activities.

Striving for perfection can detract from enjoyment.

Being present allows us to savour experiences.

Life's joy can be found in mundane moments.

Experiential learning is more valuable than outcomes.

Grief reflects the love we had for someone.

We should not define ourselves by our achievements.

Life happens in the present, not in future expectations.

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of communication, particularly focusing on why people often fail to express their true thoughts and feelings. We explore various reasons for this behaviour, such as the fear of upsetting others or the desire to be liked. Our conversation highlights the tension between honesty and kindness, emphasizing that while it’s important to be truthful, it’s equally crucial to consider the feelings of others. We discuss the challenges of navigating these conversations, especially in personal relationships, and the importance of finding a balance between being clear and being considerate.

We also touch on the concept of 'mind reading' in relationships, where individuals expect their partners or friends to understand their feelings without explicit communication. we stress the significance of clarity in communication and the need for practice in having difficult conversations. As usual, we conclude with practical advice on how to approach these discussions, including the importance of timing and the potential benefits of being honest while remaining kind.

Takeaways

We often avoid saying what we mean due to fear of upsetting others.

Finding a balance between honesty and kindness is crucial.

Mind reading in relationships can lead to misunderstandings.

Clear communication can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Practicing assertiveness in small matters can build confidence for bigger conversations.

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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

In this episode, we explore the tendency we all have to perceive situations in black and white terms, often overlooking the nuanced middle ground. This is a natural process, our brains are hard-wired to keep us safe and a part of that is to categorise things as safe or unsafe. We discuss how this thinking can lead to unrealistic expectations, particularly in relationships and personal experiences, and how we can work to pull ourselves back to the messy middle.

Our conversation emphasises the importance of emotional regulation, effective communication, and the need to lower expectations to find balance, ease and happiness in life.

Takeaways

We have a tendency to see things in extremes.

Our brains categorise experiences to keep us safe.

Judgment stems from a need for survival.

Catastrophising can ruin otherwise good days.

Expectations can lead to disappointment during holidays.

Communication is key in relationships.

Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary.

Emotional regulation helps in avoiding black and white thinking.

Finding the middle ground is essential for happiness.

Lowering expectations can lead to greater satisfaction.

Adrienne and Lucy can be contacted through their websites:

www.presenceofmind.life (Lucy)

www.adriennekirk.uk (Adrienne)

Find us at: www.adriennekirk.uk or www.presenceofmind.life

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