In this episode of the Wired for Hope podcast, Dr Jess meets Paul Beadon, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with more than two decades of experience in palliative and end-of-life care.
They discuss one of the most charged and nuanced topics in healthcare today: assisted dying.
This conversation is not a debate for or against, but an attempt to have the thoughtful, clinically grounded discussion that the public discourse so often lacks.
Paul describes the global and historical landscape of assisted dying legislation and explains the key points of controversy.
The conversation also explores what patients most often need psychologically at the end of life, why so many clinicians inadvertently shut down conversations about death, and the concept of \"pragmatic neutrality”.
This episode was published on September 7th and the assisted dying bill is going to be debated in the UK Parliament on September 11th. The issue has been debated many times over the last century.
This is part one of Dr Jess and Paul's conversation. Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you catch part two. And join the conversation on Instagram @drjessneuropsych
Warning: this episode contains discussions of death, dying, and end-of-life care.
CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:10) Assisted Dying UK History
(08:04) Emotions and Needs
(13:43) Palliative Care Choice Gap
(18:10) Pragmatic Neutrality for Psychologists
(22:08) Personal Contexts and Public Views
(37:16) Therapeutic Conversations
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Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica Barton
Produced by Anthony Zahra
Music Credit: SigmaMusicArt
DISCLAIMER:
This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.
UK Resources Include:
• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999
• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123
• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111
• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.
• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.
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While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.
Please see full disclaimer in the show description.
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