Welcome back to the Therapy Works podcast! We're starting Season 7 with a very special guest, James Middleton, as he opens up about the challenges he faced with dyslexia, self-doubt, and depression. He discusses the impact of societal expectations, the feeling of being a 'square peg in a round hole', and his eventual breakdown. James reflects on the pivotal role his dog Ella played in his recovery, providing him with unconditional love and a renewed sense of purpose. The conversation highlights the importance of speaking out, seeking help, and the transformative power of animal companionship in mental health recovery. Tune in to hear James's heartfelt story, the significant support from his family, and the insights he gained on his path to healing.
00:00 Introduction and Early Challenges
01:06 Struggles with Dyslexia and Schooling
07:27 Finding Solace in Dogs
13:45 Depression and Identity Crisis
19:41 Dark Thoughts and Seeking Help
31:40 Struggling to Open Up
32:06 Family Dynamics and Mental Health
33:51 Understanding Depression
35:14 The Power of Family Therapy
39:13 A Transformative Trip
41:31 Finding Hope and Healing
46:12 The Role of Pets in Mental Health
51:07 Reflections on Family and Mental Health
57:31 The Importance of Sibling Relationships
01:07:48 Navigating School and Neurodiversity
01:09:25 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
Show Notes
You can check out James’ Book here - https://amzn.eu/d/bD63SCC
Or find him on Instagram (with many great pictures with his dogs) - https://www.instagram.com/jmidy/
Emily mentioned a couple of resources, which I’d like to share here:
Team Square Peg - https://www.teamsquarepeg.org/what-we-do
Not Fine in School - https://notfineinschool.co.uk
Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - https://www.instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/
And for more info, check out my new website - https://www.juliasamuel.co.uk