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Men's Mental Health Awareness Month continues in November! In this podcast, I look into the importance of empathy for men and how it can help manage anger, foster vulnerability, and improve relationships by way of a thought experiment. Imagine a life where your close friends are gone, your internal guidance system is severed, and your worth is solely based on competitive wins or losses. This experiment sheds light on the daily struggles faced by many men - isolation, estrangement, shame, rage, and despair.

I think empathy is a key to change. By establishing empathy for ourselves and experiencing it from others, we can often understand more and address the root causes of our challenges. Coupled with a commitment to do things differently, empathy becomes a powerful catalyst for personal growth and healthier relationships.

Please do share your reflections and thoughts on this experiment and feel free to email me separately, I'd love to hear your insights. Take care of yourselves and stay tuned for more content.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

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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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In today's podcast, join me as I chat with James Hawes, an experienced therapist and author of 'The Secret Lives of Men', to discuss the topics of men and anger, as well as empathy and intimacy and the effects all of these have on men's lives and relationships.

Anger is a complex emotion that can have a significant impact on men's psychological and physical health. Often associated with protection and survival, it can be a valuable asset if managed consciously, however, if left unchecked, it can have catastrophic consequences. A lack of empathy can similarly strain relationships and hinder personal growth, as can a lack of intimacy, which plays a vital role in healthy relationships.

James is a therapist with extensive experience working with men and has a deep understanding of the impact of these issues on men's lives. During our conversation, he shares his insights into anger, emotional fitness, and the importance of empathy and intimacy. He discusses various therapeutic approaches and exercises that can help men develop emotional fitness and connect with their emotions and emphasises the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for men to explore their emotions and vulnerabilities.

We also touch on the role of banter in male relationships and how it can sometimes hinder vulnerability and intimacy. James provides valuable insights into how men can navigate these challenges and foster healthier connections with others.

In conclusion, anger, empathy, and intimacy are interconnected aspects that significantly impact men's lives and relationships. By developing emotional fitness, cultivating empathy, and embracing vulnerability, men can enhance their overall well-being and create more fulfilling connections with others.

Thank you for listening. If you do enjoy it, please feel free to share it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support. Also, please do subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content like this!

James' Links:

Link for website - https://synergycounselling.com/
LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-r-hawes/
Book from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1916279007?pf_rd_r=J98NF1AGJ2FB9E4WYXMB&pf_rd_p=6e878984-68d5-4fd2-b7b3-7bc79d9c8b60&pd_rd_r=bdc038e5-5dcc-4dee-9f71-8f763282ac09&pd_rd_w=EMxmG&pd_rd_wg=LrgDB&ref_=pd_gw_unk
X - https://x.com/jamesrhawes

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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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1. Introduction to Nelly Khanum and her work with therapeutic art at the Fire Pit studio in London.

2. Nelly's personal journey into therapeutic art, finding creativity as a form of escapism and self-expression.

3. Description of the structure and format of Nelly's art therapy workshops, including:

- Challenging participants with activities like blindfolding, using two hands, and passing artwork around.

- Incorporating music, poetry, and affirmations to create a safe and supportive environment.

- Encouraging participants to express themselves freely without judgment or comparison.

4. The benefits of Nelly's art therapy workshops, including:

- Helping participants rediscover their inner child and sense of creativity.

- Building confidence, self-belief, and the ability to 'trust the process'.

- Facilitating connections and learning from one another in a group setting.

5. The challenges Nelly faces, such as coming up with new and engaging workshop ideas, and helping participants feel comfortable opening up.

6. Nelly's perspective on the innate nature of creativity and how it can be expressed in various forms beyond traditional art.

7. Nelly's advice for incorporating creativity and self-expression into everyday life, even in small ways. 8. Information on how to connect with Nelly and the Fire Pit studio, including their social media and upcoming workshops.

Nelly's social link: https://www.instagram.com/nellyk_arts/profilecard/?igsh=cG4wNGVqNjdydDR4

If you enjoy this thoughtful exchange, please feel free to SHARE it, don't forget to subscribe to the channel to show your support, it would be much appreciated. YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnPaulDaviesTTP?sub_confirmation=1.

For additional resources and insights, be sure to visit my website at: https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk?sub_confirmation=1.

Thank you, John-Paul

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