It’s an easy trap to fall into, thinking we should be brilliant at everything the minute we try it, and then berating ourselves when we aren’t.  What’s happening for us when we set ourselves up in this way?  What stories are we telling ourselves about where we think we should be?In this episode I explore the psychodynamics behind the ‘comparisonitis’ and why we can create false narratives around our growth and achievements. We’ll take a trip through reality television shows and Anne Widdecombe will be dancing the light fantastic.  What’s not to enjoy?Here are the highlights of this episode:(3.38) What imposter syndrome really means(5.45) Conscious, preconscious and unconscious(8.34) Projection and projective identification(9.59) False expectations and idealsSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

How do we make sense of our worlds?  How do we understand what seems incomprehensible?  It’s no surprise to discover that we will create stories and meanings for what happens to us, in order for us to make sense of our worlds.  But why do we do this?  And is it any good for us?Find out what Freud has to do with a cotton wheel, learn why you might want to swap Nik Kershaw for Simon le Bon and discover why you will never find me in a trilby hat.  There’s a lot going on.Here are the highlights of this episode:(2.00) Creating meaning for ourselves(6.24) What is going on here?(7.25) The Fort/ Da game(10.05) This week’s invitationSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

There’s a million and one different things that distract us in our day to day lives.  Just putting this episode together I had to ensure that my phone was away and I had done everything that I needed to before I sat down to work.  Why do we do this?  Is it just that we live in a very busy world, or could there be some psychodynamic concepts playing into all this?Join me as I take a trip into the world of distraction, via the Champs-Élysées and my own coaching sessions.  We’ll find out exactly who Ricky is, and why did I become Miss Piggy for a moment?Here are the highlights of this episode:(4.20) Anna Freud(5.20) Repression(6.14) Displacement and Sublimation(9.20) Reaction FormationSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

What’s going on for us when we feel we need to hoover up all the food on the breakfast buffet?  Are we being selfish or are there other things at play for us?  In this episode I look at hoarding and what might be the psychodynamic reasons for us taking more than we actually need.Join me as I discover that cabaret at breakfast never disappoints, there wasn’t a great banana shortage of 2024,  and that Paddington Bear hard stares don’t work on everyone.Here are this episode’s highlights:(3.00) Why do people behave like this?(3.50) Unconscious meanings(6.00) Significant loss(7.35) Compulsion to repeatSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

I'm thrilled to welcome another guest to the show today, Rozalyn Willocks. Rozalyn is a Recruitment Director, career coach, mentor, and Amazon bestselling author of Get Your Career Unstuck. She’s here to discuss career transitions and to explore why many of us remain in unfulfilling jobs.Join us as we discuss all things career related from considering what makes us stay in jobs that leave us unfulfilled to why we no longer have Terry and June style work trajectories.If you'd like to connect with Rozalyn or learn more about her work, you can reach her here:http://www.rozalynwillocks.com [email protected] Here are the highlights of the episode:(5.15) Definition of success(17.24) Rationalisation(25.20) Workplace Stockholm syndrome(31.45) Job satisfaction wheelSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Just in time for Halloween I am bringing out a ghosting special.  Ghosting is a particularly unkind and unfeeling way of treating people and can be extremely difficult to come to terms with.  Not every ghost is friendly like Casper…In this episode I’m exploring what ghosting is, why it happens and what we can do about it – whether we are the ones being ghosted, or even doing the ghosting ourselves.  We’ve also got our old favourite the defence mechanism bingo cards, Maya Angelou and Scooby Doo.  It’s a Halloween party not to be missed!Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.43) What is ghosting?(2.29) Why do people ghost?(6.38) What to do if you’ve been ghosted.(8.50) What should you do if you are tempted to ghost someone?Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Freud found a huge amount of inspiration in Shakespeare’s works – so if it’s good enough for him, it’s definitely good enough for me.  This time we are delving into Hamlet to see what we can learn about narcissism.  This definitely won’t be the first time we use Hamlet as a reference point, as there’s so much in there!In this episode I explore why we might not challenge the fact that there is something rotten in the state of Denmark, how we can end up inadvertently supporting this and what can we do about it.  We might even get to discover a different defence mechanism.Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.45) Hamlet’s narcissism(5.36) Moralisation(7.10) Why do we follow the narcissist?(8.01) Where have you been adding to Denmark’s rotten state?Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Can we always see what is right in front of us?  We might like to tell ourselves that we can, but this is not necessarily always the case.  Despite what we might like to believe.In this episode I explore why we might be avoiding what is staring us right in the face.  We’ll need our defence mechanism bingo cards again and we’ll be meeting Barry from accounts, Micky Flanagan and James Bond along the way.  Have a listen and avoid the cancel culture!Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.40) Defence mechanism bingo cards(2.04) Repression(5.39) Projection(7.30) UndoingSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

What does the Wizard of Oz and psychological ideas have in common?  Well, quite a bit – as long-time listeners of the show will be aware.  How can we learn about ourselves and others by thinking about Dorothy and her journey to the emerald city?In this episode I start my journey into understanding narcissism (there will be quite a few episodes!) and explore the well-known psychological concept of flying monkeys.  As well as avoiding the monkeys swooping around us it’s also time to get out of defence mechanism bingo cards again.Here are the highlights of this episode:(2.17) How to know if you are dealing with a flying monkey(4.10) Why do we get dropped like a hot potato?(5.37) Rationalisation(7.10) Have you been a flying monkey?Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

How many times have you been sent on training at work only to spend your time wishing you were anywhere else and panicking about the to do list that’s mounting up whilst you are away from your desk?In this week’s episode I talk to Sam Lancashire, founder of Creating Lightbulb Moments about her mission to rid the world of tick box training.  Join us as we discuss the worst types of training that we have been on, what it means to be voluntold to attend courses and why rehearsing is better than role playing.Sam is a high performing creative learning leader, mental health first aider and best-selling author on a mission to rid the world of low impact, tick box training, passionate about using her knowledge and experience to facilitate ‘Lightbulb Moments’ for people in need of a breakthrough - for many different reasons.  Sam also focuses on productivity and mindset as part of her Sales & Leadership Development Practice. She is a Fellow of the Learning & Performance Institute, a qualified coach, trainer and experienced mentor; supporting global teams and their leaders to impact business and personal performance for over 18 years.You can get in touch with Sam at:Linkedin: Samantha Lancashire FLPIInstagram: Creating Lightbulb MomentsHere are the highlights of this episode:(3.50) How do you want your team to feel on training?(12.19) Olympians(24.00) Withdrawing from training(35.45) How leaders and managers can get involvedSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Why is it that on some days we find it easy to make decisions and on others we struggle to think what to eat for dinner?  Some choices might be incredibly simple, and others leave us baffled about what to do for what seems like hours.  And why does the chocolate at the supermarket till seem to speak to us more insistently than in other places?In this episode I explore what might be going on for us when we are finding ourselves overwhelmed with the decisions we need to make and what we can do about this.  We also discover when the best time is for me to be making matchstick models and learn why you might be getting socks from me at Christmas.Here are the highlights of this episode:(2.39) Decision fatigue is different from mental fatigue(3.24) The id, ego and superego(4.25) Ego depletion(7.41) Decisions with far reaching impactSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Why do we find ourselves getting attached to scenarios more quickly than is helpful to us?  This can be an incredibly common experience for a lot of people and one that can cause us a lot of stress and of worry.  We can also feel like it’s only us that this happens to.In this episode I explore what might be going on for us when we are getting invested in situations and what we can do about this.  We also take a trip to Monte Carlo (if only!) and see what Marilyn Monroe has to say about the subject.  Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.23) Unmet needs(2.54) Defence mechanism bingo(5.12) A constant state of lack(5.52) Love bombingSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

With so much noise in both our virtual and our real worlds how do we know who we should be listening to? Should we block it all out and listen to ourselves, or can we work out where to go to for a sounding board?In this episode I explore why just listening to ourselves might not be the most helpful thing to do.  We return to our defence mechanism bingo cards, whilst saying hello to Marjory the trash heap and Roger Moore.  I also seem to be fighting with my brother… What’s not to enjoy?Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.42) Wilful blindness(5.52) Is it lovely to be told what to do?(7.41) Does everyone have your best interests at heart?(9.06) Who is on your team?Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

I’m excited to be bringing another guest to the show today, Sarah Manley.  Sarah is a coach, mentor and an Amazon bestselling author with her book Quiet Catalyst.    Sarah joins me to talk all things related to being an introvert including where we sit on the introversion/ extroversion spectrum, and how we can thrive in our relationships with other people, and at work once we have an idea what our needs are.  We also consider what psychodynamic mechanisms might be coming into play and Sarah shares some tips on to how to look after ourselves better.   If you would like to get in touch with Sarah and learn more about her work you can contact her here:Website: https://linktr.ee/thequietcatalystEmail: [email protected] are the highlights of this episode:(9.45) The assumption that people who are quiet in meetings have nothing to say(15.25) The introversion/ extroversion continuum(21.45) Managing boundaries around networking(28.10) Listening skills as an introvertSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

I’m excited to be bringing another guest to the show today, Marta Checko.  Marta has an inspiring story (or stories!) to tell about how she overcame significant challenges in her life.  There’s a lot to learn about resilience, the power of not giving up and how we are stronger than we think.If you would like to get in touch with Marta and learn more about her work you can contact her here:E-mail: [email protected] of Marta’s creative projects and ways to support others: LinktreeBlog where Marta shares her thoughts and reflections: SubstackLinkedIn/Instagram: @martachecko Here are the highlights of this episode:(4.37) Marta’s first challenge(10.18) Days of fighting with our inner selves(18.49) Marta’s second challenge(25.40) Taking a minute to breathSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

I’m delighted to welcome Tamzin Hall, neurodiversity champion and founder of The Neurodiversity Academy to the show today.  Tamzin is a leading neurodiversity consultant, trainer, and coach. She is a proud dyslexic and a #1 best-selling author. With decades of experience in leadership, learning and development, a Level 7 qualification in Coaching and Mentoring, and PCC certification, Tamzin helps leaders understand and support their neurodivergent staff.   She assists businesses in creating inclusive practices that empower neurodivergent employees, ensuring they feel valued and accepted. Join us as we talk about how to get it right when considering neurodivergence in the workplace, and how psychodynamics can help us understand our part in building strong relationships.You connect with Tamzin and learn more about her work at:Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamzin-hall/Website: https://www.theneurodiversityacademy.com/Here are the highlights of this episode:(6.20) Meeting in the middle(16.10) Fear of getting it wrong(19.20) Work for an organisation that is doing this right(21.48) Having someone to go to who understandsSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

We all love a summer holiday – or at least that’s what we are led to believe.  But what if we don’t?  In this episode we explore what might be going on for us if we are feeling a bit anxious whilst we pack the sun cream and our bikinis, ready for our trips to sunnier climes.  Are we the only ones who feel this way?  (Quick spoiler – fortunately we aren’t!).There’s also Uncle Jonny fighting for some Christmas potatoes, and we’ll need our defence mechanism bingo cards again.Here are the highlights of this episode:(2.14) Travel anxiety(6.15) Regression(7.27) Repression(8.34) ProjectionSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

The yellow brick road is a fabulous analogy of the different journeys in our lives.  But how tempting could it be to take a short cut?  We all have our own personal witches that we want to avoid, but would we even do this by cutting some corners?In this episode I explore what might be going on for Dorothy and her friends as she makes her way to the emerald city.  I introduce a different defence mechanism and share the motivation behind the name of the podcast.  And James Bond seems to be queuing at the Hanger Lane gyratory system?Here are the highlights of this episode:(0.36) Motivation for the name of the show(3.38) Key points for there being no shortcut on the yellow brick road(6.31) Denial(7.18) IsolationSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Do we know why we do things?  What can our reasons be?  We have been told over the last few years that we should have “purpose” or know what our “why” is.  Yet sometimes that’s not so easy to do.  And how do we feel if we are the ones struggling to find out our “why” in a world that seems to respond best to those of us who seem to know?Join me as I consider just what might be getting in the way of us finding out.  Have your defence mechanism bingo card at the ready!Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.25) Getting rid of the zeitgeist(3.46) Identification(5.19) Idealisation(6.30) Displacement and sublimationSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

In this episode I am exploring why we might be consciously – or unconsciously – avoiding looking in certain areas of our lives.  It won’t surprise you to learn that we will be delving back into the world of defence mechanisms.  What you might not be expecting is a nod to Melanie Klein, as well as our usual check in with Freud.My mother’s home decor gets a mention too!  Have a listen and see how this all comes together.Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.45) What might be going on for us?(2.28) Melanie Klein(4.59) Repetition complusion(6.50) Diane might be comfortable in her routineSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Following on from a previous episode on sibling rivalry I’m delighted to introduce my next guest to the show, Natasha Rose.  As well as being an accomplished and celebrated businesswoman in a traditionally male industry (construction) Natasha is also a talented amateur actress.Natasha is starring in an upcoming version of the Jane Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, which highlights the challenges we all face when putting other people’s needs before our own.  Austen’s Elinor and Marianne beautifully portray the family dynamics that can play out in these scenarios and the impact that these can have on how we feel.  Natasha and I discuss what might be going on here, particularly for her character, Elinor.  There’s also some defence mechanism spotting too.To catch Natasha and the rest of the cast in this fabulous performance you can find out more and buy tickets at https://tolethorpe.co.uk.Here are the highlights of this episode:(4.53) Say what you feel(7.15) “I require so much”(11.38) Defence mechanisms in overdrive(12.35) RationalisationSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

We all know that feeling of “I’ll do it tomorrow” whilst being fully aware that we won’t do it tomorrow, or even the next day.  Why do we do this to ourselves?  Are we just making our lives harder for no reason? In this episode as well as meeting our old friends rationalisation and denial we are also welcoming back the repetition compulsion.  And James Bond and Stan Wawrinka get a mention too!  What’s not to enjoy?Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.42) Procrastination makes us uncomfortable(3.06) Rationalisation(5.38) A false sense of tomorrow(6.38) Repetition compulsionSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Sibling rivalry isn’t just something that we leave at home, only to be brought out again at family events and Christmas.  The way that we learn to be in the sibling dynamic can have a profound impact on how we relate to people as we grow and develop in life.  Sibling rivalry can exist for only children too.In this episode we are not just picking up our defence mechanism bingo cards again, we are having a think about Oedipus and the Murray brothers, whilst taking a trip to Cromer beach.  It’s a packed show!Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.14) What about Arabella?(2.25) Sibling rivalry in our everyday lives(3.18) The Oedipus Complex(6.08) Defence mechanism bingoSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Power takes on many shapes and forms.  There is the power wielded over us by those who govern us and those who hold an authoritarian role in our lives, and there is our own personal power.  The power that is unique to us, and yet this is the one that we are often not in touch with or find it hard to hold on to.  In this episode we are picking up our defence mechanism bingo cards again and bringing Dick Dastardly and Matthew Hussey in to illustrate a couple of points.  What’s not to enjoy?Here are the highlights of this episode:(2.12) Projection(4.43) “What do you want?”(6.44) Projective Identification(8.22) Dick Dastardly and Matthew HusseySign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

There are many different reasons as to why we can’t leave a relationship, friendship or situation.  And so many times we beat ourselves up for not being strong enough.  Maybe we feel we lack confidence.  But what if it’s actually our minds trying to protect us?  What if it’s something that’s – ironically - trying to keep us safe?In this week’s episode I consider what might be going on for us when this is happening, and how we can give ourselves some grace.  And what song will be going round your head by the end of it?  The Communards “I never can say goodbye”? Or will it be a Kylie classic?Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.40) A Kylie classic(2.57) Anna Freud(3.09) Denial(4.46) Rationalisation(6.11) IntellectualisationSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

How often do we say something and then worry that we have said the wrong thing?  Often we will then run this over and over in our minds, thinking about if we have upset other people or what we could have said instead.  We can tie ourselves up in knots about a particular conversation or event, frequently catastrophising about what people now think about us or if we have damaged our friendship.In this episode I explore why this universal tendency occurs, how we can become more aware of it and what we can do to help ourselves in this situation.  We also have a moment on a plane with Charlton Heston too!Here are the highlights of this episode:(1.55) Anxiety neurosis(3.36) Conversion hysteria(5.16) Psychical working over(6.21) Repetition compulsion(6.51) Playing back responses from our earlier livesSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

I’m excited to welcome my next guest to the show today; Dr Jill McGarry.  Jill is a Clinical Psychologist with 28 years of NHS experience in psychological support for people with mental health issues.  She has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience at improving sleep for several client groups, including setting up a reasonable adjustment sleep apnoea clinic for Greater Manchester. Currently Jill runs a private practice for improving sleep whilst working part time in the psychology department at Manchester’s NHS Sleep Service. Over the past two years Jill has carried out numerous sleep awareness courses for wellbeing teams in NHS trusts and ICBs; schools/ college forums; fitness/ yoga/mindfulness coaches; counselling organisations; medical staff; care and respite home managers; leadership and management coaches; private organisations (property developer and bakery); organisations with nightshift workers.  Recently Jill has advised Baywater and NHS England on a project to develop materials for people with sleep apnoea and trained Clinical Psychologist and psychotherapists for Counselling Foundation, Take A Seat and in Dubai for PILL.  Throughout this work Jill has supported many people who have had sleep problems as they go from exhausted to energised. Jill and I are going to be talking about all things sleep related, and how this huge part of our lives can impact our health and our wellbeing – and how we feel about ourselves.   We also touch on what might be going on for us unconsciously in our sleep, in our dreams.  So sit back and enjoy, and hopefully look forward to some better nights’ sleep afterwards!You can get in touch with Jill at:[email protected]: Dr Jill McGarrymobile no: 07768068070Here are the highlights for this episode:(4.10) 1 Big B and 3 tiny Ts(21.21) Timing when you have coffee(29.36) Sleep debt(30.20) The importance of naps(36.34) Teenagers and sleep(42.48) DreamsSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

No is a small word, so we often think we need to add extra words after it, to make a complete sentence.  But this just isn’t true.  “No” is a sentence in itself.  We often tie ourselves up in knots trying to explain our no, which defeats the point, as the clarity becomes diluted.  In this episode I’m exploring why we often feel the need to justify our “no” and what we can do to stick to our decisions.  There’s also a bit of a Bond theme running through this episode too – can you spot all of the references?Here are the highlights for this episode:(0.45) People pleasing(1.29) Sean and Roger’s weekend plans(4.16) Rationalisation(6.20) Looking for chinks in the wall(8.30) Invitation for this weekSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

We all know the days when we take a deep breath and metaphorically put on our armour.  It’s not fun.  But why are we doing this?  What’s happening when we feel like we need to defend ourselves against people, situations or the world in general?  In this episode I’m exploring why we might be reaching for our shields and what steps we can take to learn how to look after ourselves better, so we aren’t dragging that armour around with us!Here are the highlights for this episode:(1.06) Freud or Jung?(1.32) Freud and Defence(5.15) Freud and Jung’s “bromance”(6.02) Jung and the persona(8.53) Invitation for this weekSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Pain is something that all of us will go through at some point in our lives, and for some of us it will be chronic.  However, this isn’t talked about very much and most people will rely on painkillers and what their healthcare provider tells them to do.  This might work – and it might not, and can leave us feeling bewildered and alone in what steps to take next. In today’s episode I welcome chronic pain expert, Narinder Sheena, to share her experience of living with and working through chronic pain.  There’s lots to learn from Narinder’s story.  She speaks with warmth and encouragement that chronic pain doesn’t have to be with us for life.  To connect with Narinder you can find her at www.mapcoach.co.uk and at Narinder Sheena on LinkedIn.Here are the highlights for this episode:(1.35) Freud’s concept of somatic compliance(5.10) Having the belief in the power to heal yourself(7.08) The brain needs to know what the problem is(15.37) How to soothe your nervous system(22.35) How do you bring yourself back?Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Don’t go to the DIY store for milk.  Seems simple doesn’t it?  If only it was as easy as it sounds.  In this episode I’m exploring why we will often look to get our needs met in places and people that aren’t right for us, and the corresponding upset that this can cause.  Fortunately we don’t have to be destined to stay on this roundabout forever.  Have a listen and find out what’s happening when we are looking in the wrong place, and equally, what we can do about it.Here are the highlights for this episode:(1.21) Going to the DIY store for milk(3.23) The ego and the defence mechanisms being activated(5.54) Back at defence mechanism bingo(6.50) How can we stop looking for our needs to be met in the wrong place?(8.17) Metaphorically being back at the DIY storeSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Why do we do things over and over again, even though we tell ourselves that we are going to do things differently?  Why is it so hard to make changes that we know we want to make?  In this episode I dive into another of Freud’s concepts; the compulsion to repeat.  By looking at the theory and applying it to what we are doing in our own lives we can start to get a bit more of that elusive control back.  And there’s a nod to Cabaret and Depeche Mode too – what’s not to like?Here are the highlights for this episode:(1.30) Einstein’s definition of insanity(3.18) Return of the repressed(3.55) The reality principle(5.11) The compulsion to repeat is a way of gaining mastery(8.50) Let’s give ourselves some graceSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Today I’m thinking about a moment that many of us will have experienced and would most likely rather forget – that of being the last one to be picked for a team in our PE classes.  It seems to be something that hasn’t been left behind, despite our best efforts.  I’m interested in what the reasons for this might be.  Why do we still worry about if we are going to be chosen by other people?Here are the highlights for this episode:(1.00) If our school days aren’t the best days of our lives it’s no bad thing (2.35) Revisiting Freud’s Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego (3.13) What part do you play in a group? (5.46) Andy Murray at Wimbledon’s impact on a group (7.40) What do we do about this? (9.47) We don’t see us as other people see usSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

In this episode, we tackle the daunting topic of redundancy after 50, with my guest Tom Parkin, who shares his journey from a stable career to an unexpected redundancy at 51. Tom's story is not just about the struggles, but also the resilience and value experience brings, offering hope and strategies for those in similar situations. Join us as we uncover how an apparent setback can lead to new beginnings and affirm that life’s potential doesn’t diminish with age.I’m really excited to share this episode, featuring my first-ever guest with you today. Here are the highlights: (2:24) Career, redundancy, and an unexpected turn of events(7:06) Ageism in the workplace(12:35) Career transition and COVID-19 impact(16:46) Unemployment and job search challenges(27:29) Returning to work after a long absence(32:42) Career rediscovery and job search strategiesSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Are there people in your life that you struggle to get along with? Maybe you find yourself questioning who you are in the relationship. There are many factors that can affect our friendships and in this episode I want us to look at one of the biggest ones, transference! I’ll help you understand why we project the things we don't like on other people and how we can manage this so that we get the best out of our relationships.  Here are the highlights(01:18) Transference!(03:52) How do we spot it?(05:21) Examples of positive transference.(06:41) The impact of transference.(07:36) Things that we can do about it.Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

School plays an important role in helping us find people with similar interests. It also provides us with enough time to build great friendships. But when it's over and we enter the real world, it can be challenging to find and maintain friends.Today, we’re exploring ways to cultivate meaningful friendships as adults and how to identify potential obstacles.Here are the highlights from this episode:(02:24) Having a shared interest can really help.(03:36) Repetition helps us feel safe.(04:35) We have more power and choice over what we do.(06:26) We have friends for a reason, a season or a lifetime.(07:59) The expectations that we place on people.Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Covid changed the world in many ways, including how we work.Remote working has become popular but as much as it has its benefits, it also has its downsides. We’re spending more time in a virtual world which can affect our bodies and mind. Today's episode will help get us to reflect on remote working and find out if it’s really good for us!Here are the highlights from this episode:(04:03) The risk of becoming completely isolated.(04:31) People can make up stories and narratives about us.(06:32) Denial can abound whilst we are working on our own.(07:54) We have nowhere to leave our anxiety.Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram

Welcome back to The Dynamics of Everyday Life, where we delve into the art and science of maintaining relationships. This episode shines a light on our very own defence mechanisms. From the comfort of our everyday friendships, to the challenge of navigating stormy relational seas in metaphorical high heels and a bikini, we're exploring the common thread in all our relationships: ourselves. Join us as we unpack how our unconscious mind, with all of its defence mechanisms, plays a pivotal role in either bridging or building barriers between us and others. Ready to dive deep? Let's unravel the mysteries of our minds together.Here are the highlights: (1:24) Maintaining relationships and self-awareness(2:18) Unconscious defence mechanisms in relationships(5:59) Common psychological defence mechanisms(7:28) Self-awareness and copingSign Up for your free Resource Sheet HEREConnect with Julia:Website LinkedInInstagram