The Meeks Counselling Podcast
Episode 26 - Understanding Alcoholism
What makes alcohol go from something people enjoy socially to something that begins to take control?
In this episode of the Meeks Counselling and Psychotherapy podcast, we explore what alcoholism really is, separating the myths from the facts. We discuss the signs that drinking may have become problematic, why alcohol dependence develops, and the impact it can have on mental health, relationships, work, and family life.
We also look at the emotional reasons people may turn to alcohol, the cycle of addiction, and why recovery is rarely as simple as “just stopping.” Most importantly, we talk about hope, support, and the fact that recovery is possible with the right help.
Whether you’re worried about your own drinking, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand alcohol dependence better, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-informed insight without judgement
Please note: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical or mental health advice. If you’re concerned about your alcohol use or someone else’s, please seek support from an appropriate healthcare professional or local support service.
Episode 25 - What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Join Mika Warne, qualified counsellor and CBT therapist, as she explores the world of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in a simple, down-to-earth way.
In this episode, Mika explains what CBT is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most effective therapies for managing anxiety, depression, stress, OCD, phobias and many other mental health challenges. You’ll learn how our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical sensations are all connected, and discover practical CBT techniques that you can start using in everyday life.
Whether you’re considering therapy, supporting someone else, or you’re simply curious about CBT, this episode breaks down the jargon into easy-to-understand language with real-life examples and practical tips.
Tune in to discover how changing the way you think and respond can help create lasting positive change.
Episode 24 - Attachment Theory and Attachment Styles
In this episode of the Meeks Counselling and Psychotherapy Podcast, we’re exploring attachment theory and the different attachment styles that shape the way we connect with others.
Have you ever wondered why some people find it easy to trust and rely on others, while others fear abandonment, avoid closeness, or feel caught in a cycle of pushing people away and pulling them back? Attachment theory helps us understand how our earliest relationships can influence the way we experience love, friendships, family dynamics, and even our relationship with ourselves.
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
* What attachment theory is and where it comes from.
* The four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganised.
* How attachment styles can show up in adult relationships.
* Signs you may recognise in yourself or those around you.
* Whether attachment styles can change over time.
* Practical ways to build healthier, more secure relationships.
Whether you’re curious about your own relationship patterns, supporting someone you care about, or simply interested in understanding human behaviour, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-informed insights to help you make sense of the ways we connect.
Remember, your attachment style isn’t your destiny, it’s a starting point for greater self-awareness, healing, and growth.
🎧 Don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might find it helpful.
Episode 23 - Health Anxiety
Today we’re talking about health anxiety, something that affects far more people than you might think. If you’re listening because you’ve spent the last six months checking a mole, monitoring a headache, poking a lymph node, or asking your partner for the seventeenth time whether that thing on your arm looks normal, then this episode is for you.
The symptoms people experience are very real. The fear feels very real. The worry can be exhausting. In fact, health anxiety can become so overwhelming that it starts affecting work, relationships, sleep, and overall quality of life.
The tricky thing is that health anxiety often disguises itself as being sensible. It tells you that you’re just being careful. Just being responsible. Just checking one more thing.
But before long, one quick check becomes ten. One Google search becomes an hour-long investigation.
So throughout this episode, we’re going to explore what health anxiety actually is, why it happens, how it can trap people in a cycle of fear, and most importantly, what can help.
Episode 22 - Social Media Anxiety
Do you ever find yourself constantly checking your phone, comparing yourself to others, worrying about what to post, or feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of updates and opinions online?
In this episode, I explore the growing issue of social media anxiety and the impact it can have on our mental wellbeing. We talk about why social media can leave us feeling stressed, inadequate, or disconnected, how to recognise when it’s affecting you, and practical ways to create a healthier relationship with the online world.
Whether you’re struggling with comparison, fear of missing out, online pressure, or simply feeling exhausted by social media, this episode offers insight, reflection, and gentle reminders that you’re not alone.
I’d love to hear your thoughts after listening.
Episode 21 - How To Build Confidence
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with it’s something you build.
In this episode, I explore what confidence really is, why so many people struggle with self-doubt, and the practical steps you can take to feel more secure in yourself. We’ll look at how past experiences, negative self-talk, fear of failure, and comparison can affect confidence, and how small, consistent changes can help you develop a stronger belief in your abilities.
Whether you lack confidence in relationships, work, parenting, social situations, or simply speaking up for yourself, this episode offers realistic strategies to help you move forward.
Join me as we discuss:
* What confidence really means
* The connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
* How to challenge self-doubt
* Building confidence through small wins
* Developing self-compassion and resilience
* Practical exercises you can start today
If you’ve ever felt “not good enough,” this episode is for you.
Episode 20 - Understanding Burnout: And What To Do
Burnout can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed and disconnected from yourself. In this episode, we explore the signs of burnout, why it happens, and the impact it can have on your mental and physical wellbeing. We also discuss practical ways to manage burnout, set healthier boundaries, and begin restoring balance in your daily life. Whether you’re struggling with work stress, caregiving, parenting or simply feeling drained by life, this episode offers support, insight and gentle coping strategies.
Episode 19 - Compassion Fatigue
What Compassion Fatigue Really Means
Let’s take the pressure off the term and break it down in a really simple way.
Compassion fatigue is what happens when you care deeply about someone - consistently, over time, especially when they’re going through something difficult.
It’s not about suddenly not caring.
It’s not about becoming cold or distant as a person.
It’s more like your emotional system getting overloaded.
Think of it like this…
At the beginning, when someone you care about is struggling, you naturally step in.
You listen. You support. You check in. You think about them often.
And that all comes from a genuine place of love and concern.
But over time, if that level of emotional giving continues without enough space for you to rest and recharge… it starts to take a toll.
A lot of people describe it as feeling like their “emotional battery” is running low.
You’re still there. You’re still trying.
But it takes more effort than it used to.
And things that once felt manageable start to feel heavier.
What It Can Feel Like
One of the reasons compassion fatigue can be confusing is because it doesn’t always look obvious.
It’s not always a big emotional breakdown or a clear “I can’t cope” moment.
In fact, it’s often much quieter than that.
It might show up as:
Feeling more irritable than usual, even at small things
Feeling tired in a way that sleep doesn’t seem to fix
Struggling to stay as patient or present as you normally would
Wanting more space or alone time than usual
Or feeling emotionally flat… like your reactions just aren’t the same
And that “flat” feeling can be really unsettling.
Because you might notice that something that would normally affect you… doesn’t seem to hit in the same way.
And that can lead to thoughts like:
“Why don’t I feel as much as I used to?”
But that isn’t a lack of care.
Episode 18 - Anger
Anger gets a bad reputation dosen’t it? its often seen as something negative, something to supress or feel ashamed of. But actually, anger is a completely natural and valid emotion. It’s not the problem - it’s what we do with it that can become harmful.
Anger is often a message. It shows up when something dosen’t feel right. When a boundary has been crossed, when we feel hurt, dismissed, or out of control. But the thing is, anger is rarely the first emotion. Underneath it, there’s usually something more vulnerable like sadness, fear, rejection, or even shame.
For a lot of people, anger feels safer than those softer emotions. It can feel more powerful, more protective. So instead of feeling hurt, we feel angry. Instead of feeling rejected, we push back. And in that moment, it can feel justified… but it doesn’t always help us to get what we actually need.
Episode 17 - Addiction
Addiction isn’t always what people think it is. It’s not just chaos or rock bottom, or someone who’s completely lost control. Often, its much quieter than that. It can look like someone holding everything together on the outside, going to work, looking after family, but relying on something behind the scenes to help them cope.
At it’s core, addiction is rarely about the substance or the behaviour itself. It’s about relief. It’s about trying to soothe something that feels overwhelming, painful or hard to sit with. For some, it’s anxiety. For others it might be trauma, grief, loneliness or a deep sense of not feeling enough.
And the difficult part is…it works. At least in the short-term. That drink, that scroll, that habit - it gives a moment of escape, a pause, a sense of comfort or control. But over time, what started as a coping strategy can begin to take more than it gives.
Episode 16 - Self-Worth: Learning to feel enough
Self-worth isn’t something we are born doubting, it’s something we learn to question over time. Through experiences, relationships and the quiet comparisons we make, we can start to believe we are only enough when were achieving, pleasing others or holding everything together.
But real self-worth dosen’t come from proving yourself. It comes from learning to sit with who you are, without constantly trying to fix or improve it. It’s the quiet shift from “what do I need to do to be enough?” to “what if I already am?”
Learning to feel enough isn’t about becoming a different version of yourself. It’s about gently unlearning the belief that you were ever not.
Episode 15 - ADHD
ADHD is often misunderstood as simply being “easily distracted” or “hyperactive,” but the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we explore what Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) really is, how it affects both children and adults, and why many people go undiagnosed for years.
We’ll talk about common signs of ADHD, including difficulties with focus, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. We also explore how ADHD can impact relationships, work, and self-esteem and why understanding your brain can be the first step toward self-compassion and change.
Whether you have ADHD, suspect you might, or want to better support someone who does, this episode offers insight, practical understanding, and reassurance that you’re not alone.
🎧 Listen to learn:
• What ADHD actually is (beyond the stereotypes)
• Common symptoms in adults and young people
• Why ADHD is often missed or misdiagnosed
• How ADHD can affect emotions, focus, and daily life
• Supportive approaches that can help
Episode 14 - Disenfranchised Grief vs Anticipatory Grief
Grief isn’t always recognised, validated, or even understood, and not all grief begins after a death.
In this episode, we explore the important differences between disenfranchised grief and anticipatory grief. What happens when your grief isn’t acknowledged by others? What does it mean to start grieving before a loss has even happened?
We’ll unpack:
• What disenfranchised grief really is including losses that society often overlooks
• What anticipatory grief can feel like when someone is living with illness or decline
• The emotional impact of grieving “silently” or “in advance”
• Why validation matters in both experiences
• Gentle ways to support yourself or others through these complex forms of grief
Whether you’re personally navigating loss, supporting a loved one, or working in a caring profession, this episode offers insight, compassion, and language for grief that often goes unseen.
Because all grief deserves space
Episode 13 - Finding your identity
Who are you beneath the roles, labels, and expectations placed on you?
Finding Your Identity is a gentle, thought-provoking podcast exploring what it really means to know yourself. Through honest conversation, reflective prompts, and therapeutic insight, this podcast invites you to reconnect with who you are beyond survival mode, relationships, and past experiences. Whether you’re feeling lost, changing, or simply curious about yourself, this space is here to help you come home to you.
Episode 12 - Are you a people pleaser? Do you find it hard to say no?
In this episode, we explore what people pleasing really is, where it comes from, and why it can feel so uncomfortable to put your own needs first. We’ll gently unpack the emotional patterns behind people pleasing and offer compassionate reflections to help you begin setting healthier boundaries - without guilt.
Episode 11 - Perimenopause vs Menopause
Perimenopause vs Menopause
So many women are struggling in silence unsure whether what they’re experiencing is perimenopause or menopause. In this episode, I break down the differences, common symptoms, and why so many women feel dismissed or confused during this stage of life.
We talk about the emotional impact, mental health changes, and why understanding what’s happening to your body matters. If you’ve ever thought “Is this just me?” - this episode is for you.
Click here to listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KHPxdVrmwKzMwG7l7wPD6?si=BcMPXl-qQdi0hxJR-IfVqA
Click here to listen on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/3766705d-a135-47a1-9148-a9d38dbfb38b/the-meeks-counselling-podcast
Episode 10 - Understanding Autism
Join Mika Warne, MBACP , qualified counsellor and student psychotherapist In this episode of Understanding Autism, where we explore what autism really is beyond the stereotypes, labels, and misunderstandings. We talk about autism as a spectrum, what that means in everyday life, and why no two autistic people experience the world in the same way.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, professional, or someone wanting to better understand a loved one (or yourself), this episode offers clear, compassionate insight into autistic thinking, communication, sensory experiences, and emotional needs. We’ll also touch on common myths about autism and why listening to lived experience is so important.
Episode 9 - Self Care
Self-Care
Self-care is a term we hear often, but its meaning can easily become blurred or oversimplified.
In this episode, I explore self-care as something deeper than occasional treats or routines. We look at self-care as a compassionate way of responding to ourselves particularly during times of stress, emotional difficulty, or change.
I reflect on:
Why self-care can feel difficult to prioritise
The difference between practical self-care and emotional self-care
How self-care can be subtle, personal, and shaped by your circumstances
Gentle, realistic ways to support yourself when life feels demanding
This episode offers space to slow down, reflect, and consider what self-care might look like for you right now without pressure or expectation.
Click here to listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/73cTx7FJvLAXlECNuTYDq7?si=d1ccf996bb0d452b
Click here to listen on Amazon music:
Episode 8 - Living With Chronic Illness
Living With Chronic Illness
Click here to listen on Spotify :
https://open.spotify.com/episode/50fCKZmydHO6vX13LqJ3xt?si=6eutkhPETSOpTGDUjNnRKQ
Click here to listen on Amazon Music:
Join Mika Warne, qualified counsellor, owner and founder of Meeks Counselling and Psychotherapy, for her fortnightly podcast exploring real conversations around mental health and emotional wellbeing.
In this episode, Mika offers a reflective discussion on what it means to live with a chronic illness. This episode covers common experiences, emotional impacts, and practical ways people cope and adapt. Offering insight for anyone living with long-term conditions or supporting someone who is.
Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember you are not alone.
Episode 7 - Seasonal Depression - Understanding SAD
Welcome to The Winter Blues: Understanding SAD or more commonly known as seasonal depression
As the days get shorter and the light fades earlier, it’s common to notice changes in our mood, energy, and motivation. For some people, these shifts can be quite mild - that sense of feeling a bit low or unmotivated as winter sets in.
But for others, the darker months can bring on something deeper, something known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD - a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually appearing in the autumn and winter months.
So what is SAD?
SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern.
For most people who experience it, symptoms begin in the autumn as the days get shorter, and they often continue through the winter months, usually lifting again when spring returns.
It’s more than just feeling a bit fed up about the weather or missing the sunshine.
For some, SAD can really affect day-to-day life, how we think, how we feel, and even how we function.
The main trigger is a lack of natural daylight. When there’s less sunlight, it can disrupt the body’s internal clock - what’s known as our circadian rhythm and it can also affect levels of serotonin, the chemical in our brain that helps regulate mood, and melatonin, which helps with sleep.
So, when these systems get thrown off balance, we might find ourselves feeling more tired, more withdrawn, and less motivated than usual.
Click the link below to learn more on how to cope with SAD
https://open.spotify.com/episode/03L4FThcZtiats1AAHmXOR?si=ee3947e730394cf6
In this podcast, I explore a range of counselling topics including anxiety, relationships, grief and bereavement, trauma, self-esteem, stress, and emotional wellbeing. Each episode offers insights and practical support to help you navigate life's challenges and improve your mental health