In this episode of Moment by Moment, we explore what it means to truly listen and how we can speak with greater honesty and vulnerability. Guided by Rumi’s timeless poetry and Martin Buber’s reflections on genuine connection, we explore what it takes to meet others with openness and curiosity. We’ll look at the delicate balance between “I-It” and “I-Thou” relationships, the hurdles of expressing ourselves authentically, and the transformative power of deep listening. This episode offers insights and practical tools to help you cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections. Join us as we reflect on how presence, curiosity, and vulnerability can transform the way we relate to one another.

In this episode of Moment by Moment: A Gestalt Therapy Podcast, we dive into the profound connections between mental health and the social, political, and economic systems that shape our lives. Moving beyond the traditional individual-focused lens, we explore how Gestalt therapy, particularly through Field Theory, looks at the broader environment—class, power, capitalism—and how these forces influence our emotional well-being.

Inspired by the ideas in James Davies' Sedated and the radical critiques of Deleuze and Guattari, we challenge the medicalisation of mental health and discuss the real-world pressures that contribute to distress. What if depression and anxiety are less about internal imbalances and more about external forces? Tune in as we unpack these complex dynamics and consider how awareness of the "field" can lead to deeper healing and personal empowerment.

Join me as we explore the intersection of therapy, social change, and the need to question the systems that impact our mental health.

My name is Paul Whitehead. I'm a Gestalt Therapist working in Derbyshire, Central Manchester and online. More info: www.paulwhitehead.co.uk

Welcome to Moment by Moment, a Gestalt therapy podcast where we explore the richness of lived experiences through the lens of Gestalt therapy, spirituality, and our moment to moment experience. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of growth, loss, and awareness, reflecting on the profound words of James Hillman: "Any time you're going to grow, you're going to lose something."

Through this conversation, we uncover the ways therapy helps us illuminate our habitual patterns, face our shadows, and embrace suffering as a path to deeper understanding. Drawing from the teachings of Carl Jung, James Hillman, and Buddhist practices, we explore how confronting discomfort and integrating our shadow selves can lead to greater awareness and more fulfilling choices in life.

Whether you're in therapy, curious about your own journey of self-discovery, or seeking to understand life's more profound questions, this episode invites you to reflect and grow moment by moment.

My name is Paul Whitehead. I'm a Gestalt Therapist working in Glossop, central Manchester and online. More info: https://www.paulwhitehead.co.uk/