In episode 7, Stephen and James discuss therapy.
They talk about their own experiences with therapy, and a wide range of topics, including:
- Why you don't need to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy
- Finding the right therapist
- The different types of therapy
- Chemsex
- How not all therapy is a good experience, and why you should persevere in finding the right therapist for you
- Psychoeducation
- The idea of compassionate enquiry
They explore the mechanism’s that worked for them, the difficulties they faced and the realisation and empowerment that both of them felt as a result of changing their lives, including the new opportunities that have presented themselves.
They explain how their sober futures seemed uncertain, but how the benefits of becoming sober - and the connections they’ve built as a result - have made a lasting difference in both their lives.
Resources:
LGBT Foundation: https://lgbt.foundation/
0345 3 30 30 30
Pink Therapy:
https://pinktherapy.com/
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok:
IG: @arethegaysok_podcast
TikTok: @arethegaysok
Produced by Ben Morling at High-Rise Communications
Are the Gays OK?
Welcome to the “Are the Gays OK?” podcast, a show about mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community. Hosted by James Wilkinson and Stephen Griffiths.
We are 2 gay men wanting to honestly share our experiences in the hopes of destigmatising the world of mental health. We won’t shy away from difficult topics. we hope being vulnerable and sharing honestly we can contribute positively to the conversation surrounding mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Stephen Griffiths, Is a gay man, based in Manchester, with lived experience of addiction and recovery from substance abuse.
It was Stephens' own personal struggles with, growing up as an LGTBQIA+ person in the world and his subsequent battles with addiction that led to him becoming a therapist.
He has a keen interest in mental health and runs a private counselling practice offering counselling to primarily LGBT people and those suffering with addictions both behavioural and substance based.
www.swgcounselling.co.uk
James has lived in Manchester for 15 years and works in Digital Marketing.
He has a passion for DJing (DJ Dry Clarity), Video editing and all things media. Having volunteered at Gaydio in 2019/2020 presenting the exchange.
He has lived experience with mental health and is 3 and a half years sober.