Ever wondered why so many of us chase “happily ever after” - and feel lost when real life doesn’t look like the stories we grew up on?

Once upon a time, we were told stories - of princesses, heroes and magical lands far away. But those tales were never just stories. They were maps of meaning - teaching us, often without words, what it means to be good, beautiful, desirable or worthy of love.

In this episode, I explore the deeper layers of the stories so many of us grew up with -the classic fairy tales and animated retellings that shaped our imaginations and ideals. You’ll hear how these collective myths shape our expectations of belonging and success, and how healing begins when we stop trying to fit a story and start listening to our own.

We’ll look at how the “good girl” archetype rewards obedience and purity, how the “villainess” embodies misunderstood power, and how modern retellings are reclaiming those lost voices. And we’ll ask: what do these stories still whisper to us as adults — about who we’re allowed to be and what we believe we deserve?

Expect reflection, nostalgia, and a touch of wonder as we uncover the archetypes hidden in the stories that shaped us all.

In this episode:

• What fairy tales really teach us about identity, love, and power
• The key archetypes: the maiden, the witch, the saviour, and the shapeshifter
• Why retellings that centre the “villainess” matter
• How these stories can both wound and heal - and how we reclaim their magic consciously

Perfect for: anyone who loves psychology, mythology, and understanding how the stories of our childhood still echo in our adult lives.

Keep in touch with Nisha

• Work with me: innerspacetherapy.uk
• Follow me on IG: @nisha.innerspace
• Download my free guidebook
• My online course - https://innerspacetherapy.uk/transformative-online-course/