I sit down with former detective, husband and dad Jason Blackbourn for a raw, incredibly human conversation about what happens when you've spent years witnessing trauma, studying human behaviour and operating in environments where being alert to danger is part of the job. This isn't just a conversation about Jason the detective. It's about Jason the human being when the uniform came off.

Jason speaks openly about his own experience of PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, brain fog and living in a constant state of alert and what happened when the pace finally slowed down and his body and mind began processing everything they had carried.

We talk about treatment, medication, asking for help and the particular challenges emergency service workers can face when the culture around them has historically rewarded being strong, getting on with the job and keeping things to yourself.

Then the conversation shifts....

We talk about domestic violence, coercive control, stalking, manipulation, jealousy, isolation, monitoring, financial control and the behaviours that can begin long before physical violence ever occurs. Jason explains why investigators don't necessarily look at one isolated incident they look for patterns.

I also share some of my own lived experience of domestic violence in this episode, alongside what I now see from the other chair as a therapist.

We talk about why intelligent, capable people can still miss red flags. Why we people please. Why we rationalise behaviour. Why we doubt ourselves. Why leaving isn't always simple. Why someone's reaction when they begin losing control can be an incredibly important time to think about safety.

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In this episode of The Barbara Thompson Podcast I’m joined by Dave from Is He Worthy? for a direct and honest conversation about dating, relationships, emotional safety and the questions we often avoid asking when we really like someone.

We speak about how chemistry can sometimes override our intuition, why people pleasing and low self worth can keep us in relationships that aren’t right for us and the importance of looking at someone’s patterns not just their potential.

Dave also shares the W.O.R.T.H.Y. Method, a practical approach designed to help women slow down, recognise red flags, assess compatibility and make clearer decisions before becoming deeply emotionally invested.

This conversation isn’t about becoming fearful or suspicious of love. It’s about learning how to trust yourself, honour your standards and remember that wanting a relationship should never require you to abandon yourself.

Listeners can also use my special code BARBT to receive an exclusive discount from Is He Worthy? The code is available for 30 days only. You can try this method and make a list of what you want in a partner for FREE.

www.isheworthy.com

Buy the Book: Is He WORTHY?: Using Red Flags to Find Your Perfect Match
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GRMKPDYQ

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Walking into therapy for the first time can feel incredibly vulnerable. You might be wondering what to say, whether you'll cry, if your problems are "big enough," or what your therapist is really thinking.

The truth is... I've wondered those same things too. Before I became a counsellor, I was a client. In this personal episode, I share what I've learnt from sitting in both chairs..first as someone asking for help and now as someone privileged enough to walk alongside others on their healing journey.

If you've ever thought about going to therapy, have your first appointment coming up or simply want to understand what therapy is really like, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling a little less afraid and a lot less alone.

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