Anxiety healing through psychoeducation

In this captivating podcast, the hosts – psychotherapist Alison Seponara and licensed dietician Taylor Marae – openly discuss topics surrounding anxiety and anxiety healing. I stumbled across it whilst researching my postgraduate presentation on Panic Disorder, and was fascinated by the way in which Alison and Taylor explore anxiety disorders in a relatable and contemporary format. The open and genuine sharing of their own stories normalises anxiety disorder and the situations a lot of people experience. That sense of companionship – of not being alone in the emotion or situation – is something I really value.

Topics include mental health disorders such as Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, and Panic Disorder; anxiety in relationships and at work; and even Covid anxiety. The episode on 'Life with Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia' was one of the most powerful and informative. Taylor very honestly shares her own experience of being diagnosed with Panic Disorder. She describes experiencing re-occurrent panic attacks that could last from the moment she woke up to the moment she went to sleep, leaving her unable to revisit the places in which she had panic attacks. Researching and educating herself in regard to her diagnosis provided her with a sense of hope.

Alison provides a more academic understanding of anxiety healing and psychotherapy. For example, in 'The Truth about Therapy' she discusses her own views and knowledge regarding therapy. She mentions her disagreement with the theory of the psychotherapist as a 'blank canvas', preferring a more congruent and honest approach about who she is in her therapy sessions. She goes on to say: 'My job is to make you feel like you do not need me anymore'. This resonated with me as a very truthful description of therapy – to provide the client with the tools they need to heal.

With a specialisation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Alison shares some of her tips on dealing with anxiety and panic attacks such as the 'Five Senses Grounding Technique', and various expert guest speakers share their knowledge of different therapies such as meditation, Yoga and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Overall, it's a great educational tool, particularly for those who may be looking to learn more about different anxiety disorders with real-life examples.

Listen now.

- Reviewed by Daniela Alves, BSc (Hons) Psychology; currently studying Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Psychology at City University of London. Email: [email protected].