PodcastsHealth & WellnessEmpathic Exchange

Empathic Exchange

PCI College
Empathic Exchange
Latest episode

18 episodes

  • Empathic Exchange

    Ep. 15 | A Daughter’s Story: Mental Illness, Loss, and Resilience

    16/03/2026 | 54 mins.
    In this moving and intimate episode, Chantelle shares the deeply personal story that shaped her life and guided her toward the work she does today. She opens up about growing up with a mother who lived with severe mental health challenges, spending long stretches in hospital and creating a childhood filled with uncertainty, fear, and emotional complexity. At just 15, Chantelle experienced the devastating loss of her mam Geraldine to suicide, a moment that forever changed the trajectory of her life. The episode explores how this loss impacted Chantelle’s own mental health, the silent battles that followed, and the long, winding journey of healing she embarked on. Through reflection, resilience, and support, Chantelle found meaning in her pain and eventually discovered a sense of purpose in helping others navigate their own struggles. This path led her to become a therapist, offering the understanding and compassion she once desperately needed herself. This episode is a story of grief, strength, transformation, and the power of turning personal hardship into a source of connection and healing for others.
  • Empathic Exchange

    Ep. 15 | Becoming & Unbecoming: The Psychological Journey Into Motherhood

    16/02/2026 | 45 mins.
    In this episode, we dive into the emotional and psychological transformation that happens when a person becomes a mother. Joining me is Martina, who has not only studied this transition but lived it. Together, we explore the identity shifts, inner conflicts, and profound moments of reckoning that shape matrescence, the often‑unnamed journey into motherhood.
     This conversation is raw, compassionate, and deeply validating for anyone who has ever questioned who they were before motherhood… and who they’re becoming now.
  • Empathic Exchange

    Ep. 14 | Why Nature Matters – The Healing Power of Biophilia

    13/02/2026 | 48 mins.
    In this episode, we are joined by Kevin as we explore why humans instinctively turn toward nature when life feels overwhelming. From the concept of biophilia—our innate pull toward the natural world, to the science that shows how nature restores our minds and calms our bodies, we break down what’s really happening when a walk outside suddenly helps everything feel a little lighter.
    You’ll hear how theories like Attention Restoration Theory (nature as a “mental reset button”) and Stress Reduction Theory reveal that our connection to greenery isn’t just emotional—it’s biological. We even touch on studies showing that something as simple as a view of trees can speed up healing. Kevin generously shares two defining chapters of his own journey: losing a mother and finding unexpected comfort while studying horticulture in the Botanic Gardens, and later, working alone on a private chateau in France, where solitude, nature, and emotional release led to the realisation that counselling even existed. Looking back, it feels like nature held me until I found human support.
    Kevin has kindly as another takeaway suggested,  3 houseplants that naturally clean the air. 
    Spathiphyllum - Peace Lily
    Sansiviera - Mother in Laws Tongue
    Monstera Deliciosa-Swiss Cheese Plant.
  • Empathic Exchange

    Ep. 13 | From Chaos to Calm: A Journey of Nervous System Healing

    16/12/2025 | 55 mins.
    In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with someone who transformed their life by healing a dysregulated nervous system through body-led therapy. From living in a constant state of overwhelm and anxiety to finding peace, clarity, and resilience, our guest shares their raw and inspiring journey. We explore the emotional toll of nervous system dysregulation, the turning point that led them to somatic healing, and the practices that helped them reconnect with their body. Whether you're curious about body-led therapy or seeking hope on your own healing path, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and practical wisdom.
  • Empathic Exchange

    Ep. 12 | Inside the Fog: A Conversation About Depression

    18/11/2025 | 1h 11 mins.
    In this episode, we sit down with Lisa, who openly shares their journey through periods of depression and how it has shaped their outlook on life. From the early signs they didn’t recognise at first, to the challenges of seeking help, and the small but powerful steps that supported their healing, this conversation offers an honest and compassionate look at what it means to live with depression. Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or want to understand a loved one’s struggle better, this episode sheds light on resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health.

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About Empathic Exchange

Welcome to Empathic Exchange, a podcast hosted by a qualified therapist and made to give listeners easy-to-understand insights on important mental health challenges. Each episode centres around an honest and thought-provoking conversation with guests sharing their stories and experiences — From mental health professionals & advocates to people with lived experiences.Our goal is to help break the stigma & foster empathy by creating a platform for authentic discussions about mental health challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Join us as we explore the human side of mental well-being, helping you to better understand the complexities of mental health in today's world. Our podcast is hosted by Dan O'Mahony a qualified Counsellor & Psychotherapist & lecturer at PCI College - Ireland's leading provider of education in the fields of counselling, psychotherapy, & mental health.To find out more visit: www.pcicollege.ie
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Empathic Exchange: Podcasts in Family