Hurt to Healing

On today’s Healing 101 I am joined by Katie McKenna once again to talk about something that isn’t always visible but can have a profound and lasting impact—emotional abuse. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse can be subtle, insidious, and difficult to recognise, but its effects on self-worth, confidence, and relationships can be just as damaging.In this episode, we’ll explore the hidden signs of emotional abuse—from gaslighting and silent treatment to intense jealousy and role reversal in parent-child relationships. We’ll talk about why emotional abuse can make someone more vulnerable to future abusive relationships, and most importantly, how to begin the process of healing. Katie shares powerful insights on how to rebuild your sense of self, set boundaries, and take small but meaningful steps toward self-empowerment. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, questioned your reality in relationships, or found it hard to say "no," this episode is for you.Find Katie:Instagram: @katiemckennapsychotherapistWebsite: https://www.katiemckenna.ie/Follow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you!

Welcome back to Hurt to Healing! Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Federica Amati, a medical scientist and registered nutritionist, to talk about how we can build a healthier relationship with food—without all the guilt and restriction. So often, nutrition advice focuses on what to cut out, but Federica believes the real power lies in what we add in. We’ll be talking about how to personalise your diet based on your age, life stage, and health needs, and why enjoying food is just as important as making healthy choices.We also get into some big topics—like the demonisation of carbohydrates, whether continuous glucose monitoring and blood testing can help us understand our bodies better, and what we actually need to know about supplements and the wellness industry. Plus, Federica shares practical, sustainable ways to make changes to your diet without feeling overwhelmed. This episode is all about empowering you to nourish yourself in a way that works for you, so let’s get into it!Find Fede:Instagram: @dr.fede.amatiBuy Fede's book: https://amzn.eu/d/8wIhU2cFollow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you!

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline — and it certainly doesn’t play by the rules. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a version of yourself, grief can show up in unexpected ways and stay longer than we’d like. In this episode, I speak with James Withey — therapist, speaker, and author of How to Get to Grips with Grief — to talk about what it really means to live with loss. James shares his own experience of bereavement and depression, and together we explore how grief can shape our mental health, our relationships, and the stories we tell ourselves.This conversation gently unpacks the myths around moving on, the importance of emotional expression, and how we can show up for others (and ourselves) when grief hits. James brings so much honesty, compassion, and even some lightness to the conversation — and it’s a powerful reminder that grief isn’t something we need to fix. It’s something we need to understand.Buy James's book on grief: https://amzn.eu/d/ahBrRlgFollow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you!

Today, we are joined by the accomplished model, actor, advocate and podcast host, Paul Sculfor. Paul’s journey is one of highs and lows—a dazzling career in the fashion world interwoven with struggles against addiction, anxiety, and self-discovery. In this candid conversation, he opens up about his formative years, grappling with family dynamics and societal pressures, his spiral into substance abuse, and, ultimately, his path to recovery and purpose.Together, we delve into the challenges of healing, finding balance, and cultivating a new life rooted in self-awareness and emotional sobriety.Find Paul:Instagram: @paulsculforListen to Paul's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/this-is-powerful-with-paul-sculfor/id1756874279Follow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you!

Welcome back to Healing 101! In this episode, we’re joined by renowned psychotherapist and best-selling author Owen O’Kane. Owen breaks down the complexities of anxiety and stress, sharing powerful insights and practical tools to manage emotions, build resilience, and deepen self-awareness.With a compassionate approach, Owen helps us rethink mental health struggles, offering hope and actionable advice for anyone on their healing journey.Buy Owen's new book, 'Addicted to Anxiety': https://amzn.eu/d/cxRKYCDFollow Owen: @owenokanetenFollow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you!

In this thought-provoking episode of Hurt to Healing, I sit down with author Eleanor Anstruther to discuss the complexities of mental health stigma, particularly within traditionally closed-off communities. Eleanor examines why some mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder, are more widely accepted and treated, while others, such as narcissistic personality disorder, are misunderstood, overlooked, or even celebrated—despite the harm they can cause.Drawing from personal experiences and stories shared by friends, Eleanor offers a raw and nuanced perspective on the cultural biases that shape how we perceive mental illness. She explores the importance of questioning these stigmas, promoting empathy, and offering compassionate support to those in need.Find Eleanor:Website: https://www.eleanoranstruther.com/Instagram: @eleanoranstrutherFollow us on social media for more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and community discussions. Share your thoughts and connect with us at @hurttohealingpod on Instagram and YouTube. We’d love to hear from you!