Have you ever wondered if your grieving experience is “normal” or struggled to find the right words about loss?

This week, I'm joined by clinical psychologist and grief specialist, Dr. Monika Wieliczko. We have an open conversation about the realities of grief. Together, we explore why grief often feels isolating, how and why society shies away from openly discussing bereavement, and the profound ways grief can affect both mind and body.

Drawing on personal stories and clinical expertise, we dispel common myths (like the famous stages of grief model) and emphasise that there is no single correct way to grieve. Monika also shares a free online resource, the Grief MOT, designed to help individuals check in on their grief journey and access helpful tools.

Highlights include:
05:56 Understanding grief responses
11:39 The Surreal state of loss
14:24 Examining the stages of grief
20:10 When grief becomes traumatic
25:17 Secondary losses and practical challenges
29:29 The cognitive impact of grief
33:06 Resources for grief support - The Grief MOT

This week's guest:
Dr Monika Wieliczko is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. She has worked within the NHS as well as private and charitable organisations in the UK since 2011. She trained at various universities across the UK and Poland and completed her doctoral studies at the Canterbury Christ Church University.

Apart from running her private practice, Monika works part-time in a secondary care mental health service in South East London where she specialises in helping people with complex mental health presentations including depression, anxiety, trauma and personality disorders. Monika is also a visiting lecturer at The Institute of Psychiatry in London delivering teaching for trainee clinical psychologists.

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The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.

Are you wondering if your mood swings, sleepless nights, or sudden changes in your body might be more than just “life stress”?

This week, I'm joined by Dr. Gill Shields, an experienced NHS GP and British Menopause Society specialist.

Gill sheds light on what perimenopause really is, busting myths about hot sweats being the defining symptom and revealing that there are over 70 recognised symptoms - many of which are overlooked or misunderstood. We discuss why you don’t need a blood test to validate how you’re feeling, the misleading legacy of past HRT research, and the importance of individualised care. Gill also sheds light on what happens to our weight in perimenopause, and the lifestyle changes that can help support your body and your mind during this time of life.

By the end of the episode you'll know when it’s time to visit the doctor, how to advocate for yourself in healthcare settings, and why being well-informed is key to getting the support you deserve.

Highlights include:
2:01 Understanding perimenopause symptoms
06:20 When to see your doctor
10:17 Lifestyle changes and supplement efficacy
17:16 Weight gain and body changes
23:56 The truth about HRT
30:56 Common misconceptions and final advice

This week's guest:
Dr Gill Shields completed her medical training at Imperial College London in 2006 and went onto work in several London hospitals before completing her GP training in 2011.

Along with her MBBS/BSc/MRCGP she has Diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sexual and Reproductive health and has FSRH letters of competence in IUDs (coils) SDI (contraceptive implants). She holds the Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Health Advanced Menopause Certificate and is a British Menopause Society specialist.

Dr Gill Shields is a GP partner within the NHS and PCN Women’s Health Lead. She runs regular specialist menopause clinics, group menopause consultations and general women’s health clinics. She enjoys listening to her patients and helping them make the best decisions around their health with support of the most up to date evidence based medicine.

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-> DISCLAIMER <-

The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.

Are you tired of tossing and turning and want to know if a good night's sleep is ever possible?

In the first episode of season 4 of the Hello Therapy podcast, I'm joined by clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Maja Schaedel where we unravel the mysteries and challenges of sleep. Maja shares her extensive experience from the NHS Sleep Disorder Centre and her private Good Sleep Clinic, offering practical insights into why sleep is so essential for our health, how different sleep disorders manifest across age groups, and what we can do to improve our nightly rest.

You'll will learn about the surprising links between sleep and conditions like dementia and anxiety, the realities of insomnia, and actionable strategies for managing sleep disruptions, plus some myth-busting around sleep routines. Whether you've struggled with sleepless nights or just want to understand how to sleep better, this episode is full of valuable tips and eye-opening science.

Highlights include:
08:55 Common sleep disorders explained
19:18 Teen sleep patterns and challenges
28:59 Understanding sleep efficiency
37:46 Strategies for 3am wake-ups
50:22 Mental health and sleep connection
57:30 Top tips for better sleep
01:02:16 Sleep retreats and professional passion

This week's guest:
Dr Maja Schaedel is a clinical psychologist and a sleep expert and has worked with people with sleep difficulties for over 20 years. She runs The Good Sleep Clinic and she founded The Good Sleep Retreat in 2023. Maja also works as the lead psychologist in one of the UK’s leading NHS sleep disorder centres at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital. She regularly speaks on the subject of sleep in the media, including The Telegraph, The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, BBC 4’s Woman’s Hour and Channel 5’s “Breaking the Taboos” on sleep in the menopause.

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Tell us what you thought of this episode!

-> JOIN OUR SUBSTACK <-

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-> NEED THERAPY? <-

For private psychology services and therapy in person (London/Hertfordshire) or online, please visit Harley Clinical Psychology.

-> SOCIALS <-

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-> DISCLAIMER <-

The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.