In today's session, Cat discusses her 17-year struggle with bulimia and body dysmorphia, which began after severe school bullying and the sudden death of her father. Cat recounts her experiences with different therapies and her unending battle with self-image and control over her diet. Nik and Eva share the importance of addressing the root causes of her eating disorder rather than just managing symptoms. They delve into her past traumas, the grief she hasn't fully processed, and discuss how childhood bullying and loss have impacted her long-term.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode, Nik and Eva dive into the story of Andrew, who shares his struggle with OCD and the profound impact of childhood trauma. Andrew recounts a harrowing period in 2004 when his younger brother, Luke, was terminally ill, leading to a highly publicised right-to-life case. Living in the shadow of his brother's illness and the ensuing media invasion, Andrew faced immense pressure and responsibility from a young age. With his mother frequently at the hospital, Andrew felt the weight of being the 'man of the house,' protecting his younger sister and maintaining a sense of security. This episode unravels Andrew's OCD behaviours, which began to surface seriously five to six years ago, and the triggering effect of moving into his own home. Through insightful conversations, Nik and Eva shed light on the intricate link between childhood trauma and adult OCD behaviours.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this session at the Hope Clinic, Sarah discusses her intense fear of needles, blood, and medical scenarios, commonly referred to as 'white coat syndrome.' Her anxiety has escalated over the years, affecting her daily life and decisions, including avoiding hospitals and ruling out having children. Nik and Eva discover that Sarah's fear originated from witnessing her father faint during her childhood vaccinations, and they explain that phobias often start from misunderstood events in childhood and can be exacerbated by observing parental behaviour.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV legend Claire Sweeney bursts into the Hope Clinic, not for healing but to ignite inspiration. In a powerfully uplifting episode, Claire proves that age is no barrier to ambition as she opens up to Nik and Eva about her extraordinary path. From from sharing the stage (and kisses) with Patrick Swayze, to stealing scenes with Steve McDonald, and even jumping from her father’s meat van as a child to sing for retirees. With raw honesty and unstoppable energy, she shares how Big Brother launched her biggest break, and how menopause madness once led her to wrongly accuse a pensioner of phone theft - only to confront the real culprit and take back what was hers. It’s bold, it’s brilliant, it’s Claire at her finest.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Hope Clinic, Tobi-Jayne shares her harrowing experience of being stalked by her ex-partner's former girlfriend over a two-year period. Tobi discusses the statistical prevalence of stalking, the complexities of legal prosecution, and the emotional toll it takes on victims. The conversation dives into how the stalker manipulated the situation and continued her actions despite police intervention. Her resilience, compassion, and the legal adjustments in stalking legislation provide a deeper understanding of the struggle and hope for other victims.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of our Hope Clinic, Michelle shares her harrowing experience of having a holiday from hell due to severe illness. She details the traumatic events which led to her being hospitalised multiple times and ultimately developing sepsis. Michelle also speaks about the guilt she feels for exposing her daughters to the distressing situation, and her journey in dealing with her daughter's subsequent phobia. Throughout the discussion, Nik and Eva emphasise the importance of understanding and releasing guilt, recognising that as parents, doing the best in the moment is what matters most.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nik and Eva welcome Zak into their Hope Clinic, who shares his harrowing journey of steroid addiction that nearly cost him his life. During rigorous training for his first bodybuilding competition, Zak fell deep into the cycle of steroid abuse, which led to severe physical and mental health issues. Zak recounts the terrifying experience of falling into a coma, his subsequent battle with PTSD, anxiety, and ongoing recovery. Through his story, Zak highlights the often-overlooked dangers of steroid addiction and his newfound mission to raise awareness and provide support for others facing similar struggles.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Hope Clinic, Faye discusses her lifelong phobia of birds, which has severely impacted her daily life. Through a detailed conversation, Nik and Eva help Faye uncover the origins of her fear, tracing it back to several childhood experiences, including witnessing her pet ducks being killed by a fox and an injured bird being run over by a lawnmower. Faye also reveals a phobia of fish, which appears linked to her fear of birds. Nik and Eva help Faye process these memories and reframe her perception of birds as victims rather than threats, ultimately aiming to alleviate her fears and encourage her to embrace her love for animals.

Would you like your chance to be heard, understood, and supported? Share your story with Nik and Eva at the Hope Clinic and let them turn your struggle into strength. Email hello@thespeakmanspod.com to be considered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.