Stress & Anxiety Recovery Podcast

Learn why early survival patterns repeat in love, and how to reconnect with your true self through somatic awareness. In this episode, Shelley Treacher explains how early survival patterns can quietly take over in relationships. Through the story of a woman who learned to find her voice after years of self-silencing, Shelley explores how somatic therapy helps us reconnect with our bodies, recognise old defences, and rebuild authentic connection. You’ll learn: This is the heart of relationship therapy - finding steadiness inside, while staying open to connection. Watch the related video: Stop Losing Yourself in Love Explore more relationship episodes: bristolcounselling.co.uk/relationships Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Do you often feel anxious or overthink things? In this episode, I share 10 practical ways to cope with anxiety and calm your mind. These tips include ideas from therapy, neuroscience, and everyday life. You’ll learn how to: This is a refreshed version of one of my most popular episodes, with new insights and updated guidance. Whether you’re facing racing thoughts at night, constant worry, or the stress of everyday life, these strategies can help you find more calm and a clear-head. If you’re looking for real tools to manage anxiety and overthinking, and to understand why you feel the way you do, this episode is for you. Listen to this episode next: 'The Curse of Overthinking. How do I Stop Being an Overthinker?' https://www.bristolcounselling.co.uk/how-do-i-stop-being-an-overthinker/ Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t belong,” or “I’m useless”? You’re not alone. These thoughts are part of being human. But they’re also tied to the nervous system, early experiences, and the culture we live in. In this episode, we talk about: This isn’t just about trying to think positively. It’s about helping your body feel safe, cared for, and like you belong, so you can truly believe you are enough. If you prefer the video version, this episode will also be on YouTube this Sunday evening under the same title: “Somatic Therapy for Low Self-Worth.” I’ll put the link here once it’s live. If this episode speaks to you, please share it with someone who might need it, or let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you. Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Grounding is one of the most powerful ways to calm the nervous system and feel safe in your body. In this short grounding exercise, I’ll guide you through a gentle somatic therapy practice to release tension, reduce anxiety, and find a stable sense of yourself. This isn’t about doing things perfectly or following strict instructions. Sometimes being told what to do with your body can feel overwhelming. So this grounding practice is invitational, gentle, and paced to help you feel supported. In this episode, you’ll explore: grounding practice The video version of this practice will be available on YouTube this Sunday — I’ll add the link here once it’s live. Subscribe to my channel to be notified when it’s published. https://www.youtube.com/@shelleytreachertherapy This episode is part of my Somatic Therapy series. You can also explore more resources on my website: https://www.bristolcounselling.co.uk/ If you found this practice helpful, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit. Listen to this next: 🎧 Reset your Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) - a simple way to support calm, digestion, and recovery. https://www.bristolcounselling.co.uk/reset-your-autonomic-nervous-system/ Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Embodied healing for anxiety, emotional eating, and relationships. In this short episode, you'll learn what somatic therapy is, and be guided through a gentle practice so you can experience it for yourself. You’ll hear: If you’d like to watch the video version, you’ll find it on my YouTube channel or at bristolcounselling.co.uk Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

I explore the possibilities and limits of AI in therapy, drawing on my own experience from the inside. A grounded, honest look at what AI can, and can’t, offer for emotional healing. In today's episode: transferenceco-regulationIt’s a grounded, thoughtful exploration for anyone curious about, or feeling threatened by, the intersection between technology and emotional healing. If you’d like to go deeper with this episode, I’ve created a companion worksheet Reflecting on Using AI as Emotional Support. It’s a printable, fillable PDF with gentle prompts to help you explore your emotional patterns, set clearer boundaries, and track how AI affects your nervous system. You’ll also find a creative writing exercise, a nervous system tracking chart, and space to reflect on what real connection means to you. You can get your copy through my website at https://www.bristolcounselling.co.uk/product/ai-emotional-support-worksheet/ and use it alongside this episode or revisit it whenever you want to check in with yourself. Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Feeling the pressure to be cheerful this Christmas? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the real holiday struggles—like the relentless expectation to sparkle, the stress of over-productivity, grief, and navigating complicated family dynamics. Join me as we unpack why it’s okay not to feel cheerful all the time, explore practical ways to let go of perfection, and find connection and meaning in the midst of the festive chaos. Whether you’re untangling lights or just looking for a calmer, more authentic Christmas, this episode is your invitation to celebrate the season your way. 🎧 Tune in now and let’s make this Christmas a little more real, together. Support the show Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Depression can affect your life, but it doesn't have to define it. With understanding, and the right strategies, it is possible to find joy and fulfilment again. In today's episode: Citations Some ideas here were inspired by a Nicabm training on working with shame. You can buy your full training programme here. From Gen Alpha to boomers, we asked 6 therapists what each generation is talking about in therapy Here's another podcast for you: How do you Heal SHAME? Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a Text Message. Shelley helps you to understand the causes of overthinking and how to relax your mind. This podcast explores signs of overthinking and offers strategies to deal with it. In this podcast: Here’s another podcast for you: 10 Ways to Overcome Anxiety Citations 2013 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.2 Michl LC, McLaughlin KA, Shepherd K, Nolen-Hoeksema S. Rumination as a mechanism linking stressful life events to symptoms of depression and anxiety: longitudinal evidence in early adolescents and adults. J Abnorm Psychol. 2013;122(2):339-352. doi:10.1037/a0031994 Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Today's episode is a deeply personal exploration of pet loss and its emotional toll. Join me as we navigate the intricate layers of grief, eating for comfort, and finding ways to feel better after losing a pet. Let's embark on this heartfelt exploration together. Add your beloved pet to this post To receive my blog post about how I took back control of my eating, get your Comfort Eating Recovery Starter Kit (below). Here’s another podcast you will love: Reset your Autonomic Nervous System - for Anxiety or Depression Citations ‘Never Just a Cat’ - Gregory Richard Barden Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text It's normal for most of us to struggle with procrastination. But if you started a diet or exercise regime in the New Year and now struggle to keep it going, it might be because you didn't understand what was going on for you. There are reasons for procrastination and it can be stopped! In ​today's podcast​, I'm going to show you how 'failing' can help you. We'll look at: We'll discuss the small steps that add up to a big change. Citations Kelly McGonigal - The Willpower Instinct Another podcast for you: 10 Ways to Overcome Anxiety Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Nurturing yourself through the pressures of Christmas. Part of the reason we eat so much at Christmas is that it's so easy to do it. Our whole culture makes it easy for us to do so. However, there are many traditions and habits associated with Christmas that can create pressure and obligations. One way to control your eating during Christmas is to politely decline food that you don't really want. This is the second of my Christmas podcasts, where I talk about the pressures of Christmas, and guide you through the challenges of festive eating. I also share personal experiences and emphasise the importance of making conscious choices to take care of yourself during this time. Another related podcast: How do I Stop Self-Criticism? Get your Christmas Comfort Eating Recovery Checklist here Citations The Night Before Christmas Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Welcome to the first of three Christmas podcasts, where I talk about the different feelings we have during the holiday season. Today, I focus on how it can be hard to deal with loss during Christmas. It can be tough if someone you love isn't there, if you had a difficult relationship, or if you just feel sad during this time of year. I want to support you and give you permission to feel your grief. I'll share stories, talk about love and grief, offer tips for taking care of yourself during the holidays, and I'll end with a moving and meaningful Dickensian Christmas story. So, get cosy, find a quiet place, and let's attend to how we can heal. Citations Coping with Memories of Grief and Loss at Christmas - Lyn Reed https://welldoing.org/article/coping-with-memories-grief-loss-christmas ‘It’s Ok that you’re not OK” - Megan Devine Charles Dickens ' What Christmas is as we Grow Older' http://www.free-short-stories.org.uk/charles-dickens-what-christmas-is-as-we-grow-older.htm Another podcast you may like: Whiskers & Tears - Healing From Pet Bereavement Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text One of the biggest reasons people seek support from me is the fear of passing on their habits to their children. According to statistics, children and young people are using food to cope with mental health issues, more than ever before. In this week's podcast, I talk about 5 ways you can help the young person in your care. Your next podcast: How do I Stop Self-Criticism? Citations Office for Health and Disparities. Public Health Data. Obesity Profile: https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/national-child-measurement-programme The Guardian. Young people overeating as they battle lockdown anxiety, says UK study: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/12/young-people-overeating-as-they-battle-lockdown-anxiety-says-uk-study Mind: Facts and figures about young people and mental health: https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy/doing-more-for-young-people/facts-and-figures-about-young-people-and-mental-health/ NHS: https://www.england.nhs.uk/2022/03/nhs-treating-record-number-of-young-people-for-eating-disorders/ Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text “Today I talk about the biggest mistakes I made when trying to stop comfort eating and lose weight. I now advise against being too hard on yourself and going on strict diet. “ Shelley says it's really important to be kind to yourself and have self-compassion when trying to recover. She also thinks it's helpful to pay attention to your senses while eating, and be aware of how you feel when you’re choosing what to eat. Shelley has created a 'Comfort Eating Recovery Starter Kit' with useful resources for people who want help. Get your starter kit here. Your next podcast: How to Stop Procrastinating Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Do you worry too much about what others think of you? This can lead to overeating for comfort. Today, I talk about trying to be perfect and how it can have bad effects, like causing overeating, stress, and feeling really sad. I point out that perfectionists have unrealistic expectations for themselves and explain why. I suggest building up your own self-esteem and judging yourself in a reasonable way. You might like this podcast next: How do I Stop Self-Criticism? Citations https://www.stylist.co.uk/relationships/family-friends/eldest-daughter-syndrome-perfectionist/834442Anthony Robinson 1Amitai Abramovitch 2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32402263/Behaviour Research and TherapyVolume 40, Issue 7Roz ShafranChristopher G. Fairburnhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796701000596https://www.nicabm.com/topic/perfectionism/ Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Today I talk about money and how our thoughts about money affect us. I mention money problems from the past and ask questions to help you think about your own money beliefs and influences. I conclude that it's important to take care of yourself on the inside. I also talk about overeating on holiday. Citations The Money Panel The Soul of Money 'Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources' - Lynne Twist Another podcast to try: Reset Your Autonomic Nervous System - for Anxiety or Depression Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text In this podcast, I talk about how having good relationships can make you feel happy. I also discuss the importance of setting boundaries when you interact with others. The podcast explains how bonding, trust, and connection affect your brain. I also share stories about dealing with feeling anxious or being rejected by others. Throughout the podcast, you are encouraged to be kind to yourself. Citations The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage, by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. Priya Parker Your next episode: How Do I Stop Self-Criticism? Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Today, learn how your brain tricks you into avoiding exercise and why it's crucial to overcome this instinct. Understand the neuroscience of movement, uncover the surprising benefits of any form of physical activity, and explore strategies to make exercise enjoyable again. From childhood fears to unexpected swimming adventures, I share personal stories that will inspire you to break free from your exercise limitations. Citations The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage, by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. Your next podcast: How to Stop Procrastinating Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Send us a text Today, we begin by addressing the common issue of self-disgust. I encourage listeners to challenge negative self-talk. I then dive into the topic of seasonal stress, highlighting signs of troublesome stress levels. The podcast provides practical methods to nurture self-compassion and well-being. Another podcast for you: How do I Stop Self-Criticism? Support the Show. Want to see if we're a good fit for working together? Let's book a complimentary telephone call to talk. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION – with no obligation. If this podcast helped you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts