Mentalization: Finding Joy in Your Culture & Identity in A Racist World

In this unique episode on overcoming racial inequality, suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder (BPD), we discover how “Bart”, an Irish Traveller, endured a three-year wait for NHS mental health services, to eventually find a transformative connection with Dr. Claire Tobin, Clinical Psychologist. With the gaps widening in NHS mental health care, and the lack of tailored and culturally sensitive therapies, we gain a window into the power of mentalization-based group and individual therapy in reshaping lives. Through Bart's story, we shed a light on the impact of relational work, and the journey toward trust in a mental health system that often falls short.After 18 months of interventions, Bart's revelations about his cultural identity as an Irish Traveller, survivor of trauma and protector, became a turning point in his therapy. This shows us the crucial role of authenticity in healing. Find out how his instincts shaped his interactions and how moments of conflict and misunderstanding with his therapists became crucial steps in evolving past his diagnosis of BPD. We discuss the importance of mentalization work and embracing relational uncertainties, to enhance the quality of human connections. Bart's resilience, determination, his emotional and academic intelligence shine through, offering hope, insight and mentorship for others going through life's toughest mental battles.Resources:NHS Charities Together: Link to donateLifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice® - https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/Lifespan BOSS Coaching - https://bosstoday.co.ukDr Esther Cole - Linkedin Profile Lifespan Psychology Instagram Contact Dr Claire Tobin at The Lighthouse ClinicResearch into Social Inequalities in the Irish Traveller Community:House of Commons ReportSuicide rates amongst the Irish Traveller community is 6-7 times higher than in settled Irish people Crisis Numbers:NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ Samaritans - 116 123 - https://www.samaritans.org/ Childline - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk/CALM - 0800 585858 - https://www.thecalmzone.net/If you are in need of urgent assistance for your mental health, please contact your GP or GP Out of Hours number on 111, call 999 or attend your nearest accident & emergency (A&E) department. If you are listening from overseas, please find out the local equivalent charities and government mental health services in your country. Theme Tune Credit: Bliss by Luke Bergs / bergscloud (No Copyright Music) Best wishes,Dr. Esther ColeFounder | Clinical Director | Consultant Clinical PsychologistLifespan Psychology - The Diverse Practice ®“Private therapy for all walks of life: all ages, all stages, all backgrounds”.Landline: 0800 285 1565Mobile: [phone] Watch our promotional video on our website:https://www.lifespan-psychology.com/Listen to self-help tips from people with their therapists on the Breaking Through Therapy podcast and raise money for NHS Charities Togetherhttps://www.breakingthroughtherapy.comInstagram: @lifespan_psychologyAmazon Book: Psychological Therapy for Paediatric Acquired Brain Injuryhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Psychological-Therapy-Paediatric-Acquired-Injury/dp/0367276208/ Blog featuring podcasts and articles on parenting, child mental health and burnout:https://www.lifespanpsychology.co.uk/blogPlease be aware that we do not provide a crisis service. If you are in need of urgent assistance, please contact your GP, or out of hours number on 111, the Samaritans on 116 123, or attend the nearest Accident and Emergency Department. E-MAIL DISCLAIMERThis e-mail may contain private or advantaged information, is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed.