Relational Lives Podcast

About Relational Lives Podcast

Relational Lives is a podcast hosted by psychotherapists Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham, exploring the ways we connect with others—and with ourselves. Each episode brings real stories into focus through thoughtful conversations with guests, weaving personal experiences with psychological insight. With warmth, curiosity, and professional depth, Alison and Ros make therapeutic ideas accessible, alive, and relevant to daily life. Whether you’re reflecting on your relationships, seeking to understand yourself more deeply, or simply curious about the hidden patterns that shape us all, Relational Lives offers meaningful dialogue at the intersection of story and therapy.

Publisher

relationallives

Category

health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Mar 2025

Latest episode

16 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

60 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Explained

   In this final episode of the series, Dr. Graham Campbell explores psychedelic-assisted therapy, including the substances used, how it may support mental health treatment, key safety protocols, and what the future of this emerging field could look like. This conversation offers valuable insights for clinicians, mental health professionals, and anyone curious about the potential of psychedelic therapy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Assisted Therapy 01:35 Understanding Psychedelic Assisted Therapy 06:44 The Journey into Psychedelics 10:22 Access and Availability of Psychedelic Therapy 12:31 Psychedelic Substances in Therapy 14:53 Choosing the Right Substance for Therapy 18:30 Sustaining Positive Outcomes 22:18 Risks and Safety in Psychedelic Therapy 25:49 The Structure of a Therapy Session 32:29 Creating a Safe Space for Psychedelic Therapy 34:42 Navigating Difficult Emotions During Therapy 37:19 The Intensity of Psychedelic Experiences 40:50 The Role of Defence Mechanisms in Therapy 45:29 The Need for New Approaches in Depression Treatment 47:53 Integrating Neuroscience and Psychotherapy 50:21 The Importance of Aftercare and Support 54:11 Understanding Side Effects of Psychedelic Substances 58:33 The Legal Landscape of Psychedelic Therapy 01:01:24 Future Directions for Psychedelic Research 📍 Resources & Credits Dr Graham Campbell: https://flinthealthcare.co.uk/dr-graham-campbell/ https://www.imperial.ac.uk/psychedelic-research-centre/ https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/psychoactive-trials-group https://www.hmrlondon.com/ https://stpancrasclinicalresearch.com/our-expertise/ https://www.macplc.com/mac-resource-library/all-resources/psychedelics-in-practice-moving-psychedelic-assisted-therapies-from-clinical-research-into-routine-clinical-practice/ https://clerkenwellhealth.com/blog/uk-set-to-become-hub-of-psychedelic-research MAPS - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - https://maps.org/ The Future of Psychedelic Therapy - Research Paper - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMCXXXXXX/ Drug Science - David Nutt - https://drugscience.org.uk/ ⭐Keywords psychedelic therapy| mental health | psilocybin | MDMA | clinical trials | safety | neuroimaging | depression | PTSD | future of therapy | relational lives podcast | ✨ Join the Relational Lives Community Are you navigating the complexities of trauma-informed healing or looking to deepen your connection through attachment-based insights? We want to hear your story! 🎙️ Be Our Guest Have you and your partner experienced a transformation through couples therapy? Whether it was Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), trauma-informed coaching, or attachment repair, we’d love to have you share your journey as guests on the show. Email us: relationalives@gmail.com Share Anonymously: Fill out our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT 💡 Suggest a Topic What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? From anxious-avoidant traps to nervous system regulation in marriage, let us know what you want to learn about. 🔗 Connect with Us Stay updated on the latest episodes regarding mental health, trauma recovery, and secure attachment: Instagram: @relational_lives Facebook: Relational Lives TikTok: @relational_lives LinkedIn: Tempo Psychotherapy Services 📺 Explore More Loving the show? Subscribe to stay informed on trauma, attachment theory, and relational wellness. If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Perfect for: Anyone interested in EFT couples therapy, attachment styles, CPTSD recovery, and building healthier, more resilient connections. Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk Music: Stile Tree Studio ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and self-reflection purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or personal therapy. If you are seeking individualised support for trauma or relationship distress, please reach o

2. 

   2 Jul 2026

   The Hidden Weight: Shame in Relationships

   In this episode we take an in-depth look at shame and its impact on relationships, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. Shame is a core but often hidden emotion that can shape how we relate to ourselves and others, driving patterns such as withdrawal, defensiveness, conflict, and people-pleasing. Drawing on trauma-informed therapy, attachment theory, and relational approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we explore how shame develops, why it can feel so overwhelming, and how it operates beneath common relationship struggles. We also discuss practical ways to work with shame more compassionately, helping to build emotional safety, improve communication, and strengthen connection in relationships. 00:00 Understanding Shame in Relationships 03:00 The Distinction Between Shame and Guilt 05:37 Shame's Impact on Relationship Dynamics 09:21 Gender Differences in Experiencing Shame 13:35 Addiction and Shame: A Vicious Cycle 19:28 Recognizing and Addressing Shame 21:12 Top Takeaway Tips for Managing Shame ⭐Keywords Shame| Relationships| Vulnerability | Emotional Health | Brené Brown | intimacy | Addiction | Emotional Cycle | Healing |Self-awareness | ✨ We want to hear from you: Couples! If you have had couples therapy and it has transformed your relationship and you would be happy to share your experience as guests on an episode, we would love to hear from you. Suggest a Topic: What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? Do get in touch to let us know. ✨ Drop us a message: relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT ✨ Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/ ✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend! ✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. ✨ Credits: Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio

3. 

   18 Jun 2026

   The Truth About LGBTQ+ Relationships

   In this episode, Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist Silva Neves explores the unique dynamics of LGBTQ+ relationships, including the impact of societal pressures, discrimination, and minority stress on mental health and connection. We discuss how stigma and cultural expectations shape daily experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, and how these challenges can affect intimacy, identity, and emotional wellbeing. Silva shares insights on building resilience, fostering authentic relationships, and cultivating joy in the face of adversity, offering practical reflections for both LGBTQ+ listeners and those wanting to better understand inclusive, trauma-informed relationship therapy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Language Considerations 02:51 Silva Neves: Journey into Psychosexual Therapy 05:50 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Relationships 08:47 The Impact of Societal Norms on LGBTQ+ Visibility 11:50 Political Climate and LGBTQ+ Rights 14:48 The Intersection of LGBTQ+ and Women's Rights 17:44 Family Dynamics and LGBTQ+ Relationships 24:17 Healing Attachment Disruptions 26:53 Navigating Relationship Dynamics and Trauma 30:15 The Importance of Safety in LGBTQ+ Relationships 31:05 Understanding Sexual Difficulties in LGBTQ+ Relationships 35:18 Shame and Sexual Preferences 38:40 Strengths of LGBTQ+ Relationships 44:59 Challenging Myths About LGBTQ+ Relationships 📍 Resources: https://silvaneves.co.uk/ ⭐Keywords LGBTQ+ Relationships |Societal Pressures | Relationship Therapy | Minority Stress | Joy |Authenticity | Trauma | Discrimination | Family Dynamics | Inclusivity ✨ We want to hear from you: Couples! If you have had couples therapy and it has transformed your relationship and you would be happy to share your experience as guests on an episode, we would love to hear from you. Suggest a Topic: What relationship hurdles should we tackle next? Do get in touch to let us know. ✨ Drop us a message: relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT ✨ Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/ ✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend! ✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help. ✨ Credits: Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio

Who has been a guest on Relational Lives Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Bryony Bamford
• Catherine Topham Sly
• Caz
• Hannah Beecham
• Julie Russell

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

48,444

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

66

Social presence

91

YouTube

76

Engagement

0

Contact Relational Lives Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.