The Power To Live Foundation Podcast

PTL 012 Embracing Authenticity in Therapy with Dr. Ioana

In this episode of the Power to Live Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ioana, a psychotherapist, researcher, and lecturer training the next generation of contextual behavioural therapists. Ioana shares her fascinating journey from philosophy and theatre directing into psychology, and how early interests in primatology and evolutionary psychology shaped her worldview. We explore: * How Ioana discovered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) * Her groundbreaking doctoral research on how psychedelic experiences may influence therapist effectiveness * The qualities that make therapy authentic, alive, and sustainable for therapists as well as clients * Why enthusiasm, authenticity, and self-reflection are just as important as technical skills * What young therapists can do to feel more empowered and aligned in the therapy room This rich and inspiring conversation highlights both the complexity and humanity of therapeutic work, offering practical insights for therapists, clients, and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of psychotherapy. 📧 Contact Dr. Ioana: ivan.v.ioana@gmail.com Dr. Iona“Maybe try to first notice what it is that makes you happy, what makes you enthusiastic, what kind of things make you feel alive in the room and also outside of the room — and see if you can bring more of that into your therapy.” ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power to Live Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.powertolive.uk/] is a charity committed to breaking down financial barriers to therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support that helps them live a meaningful life. Our services include evidence-based behavioural therapies tailored to your income level, available online or at our clinic in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bishopsgate, City of London.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/51.3640223,-0.1778609/''/@51.4435881,-0.3025671,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761cb2567e5005:0x5329463b3feee0e9!2m2!1d-0.0794114!2d51.5177118?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] The Power is yours! Subscribe and Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ITunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast/id1794000735]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xSVd1d6Giu1zzRqedlPEX]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://castbox.fm/channel/id6448408?country=us]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PodBean⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://feed.podbean.com/podcastcz/feed.xml]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/f7135465-88db-49a0-aa53-6ef98bab455d/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast] Contact |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [social@powertolive.uk]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertoliveuk.bsky.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertolive.mastodon.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/powertoliveuk/]⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/powertoliveUK]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktr.ee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/PowerToLive]|

PTL 011 Dr M Skinta - Compassion, Resilience, and LGBTQ+ Wellbeing

In this episode of the Power To Live podcast, host Ryan Blake sits down with Dr. Matt Skinta — clinical psychologist, researcher, and trainer — to explore the healing power of compassion and contextual behavioral therapies (ACT, FAP, and CFT). Dr. Skinta shares his personal and professional journey into psychology, the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ clients, and why cultivating both safety and safeness is essential for wellbeing. With warmth and clarity, Dr. Skinta explains how compassion is more than empathy: it’s the active motivation to reduce suffering while remaining grounded. He discusses how therapy can provide LGBTQ+ clients with a unique space for vulnerability, authenticity, and resilience in a world that too often demands hiding. Listeners will also hear about Selma, a young chimpanzee Dr. Skinta connected with at a sanctuary in Cameroon — a story that brings to life the importance of embodied compassion, playfulness, and remembering our animal need for connection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * How stigma and rejection impact LGBTQ+ mental health, and what compassionate therapy can offer in response. * The difference between safety and safeness, and why both matter deeply in therapeutic spaces. * How contextual behavioral therapies (ACT, FAP, CFT) can support LGBTQ+ wellbeing through mindfulness, values, and authentic connection. * Why human connection is irreplaceable for resilience, and how even small acts of vulnerability can reshape our capacity for closeness. * Practical steps anyone can take to reduce loneliness, find hope, and begin therapy when it feels daunting. Resources & Links * Learn more about chimpanzee rescue and donate to support the work of the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center [https://www.sychimprescue.org/]. * Connect with Dr. Matt Skinta and learn about his work: Roosevelt University Profile [https://www.roosevelt.edu/profile/mskinta]. Dr. Skinta "Compassion is not just empathy — it’s the felt recognition of suffering, paired with the motivation to reduce it, while staying grounded enough not to be overwhelmed." ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power to Live Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.powertolive.uk/] is a charity committed to breaking down financial barriers to therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support that helps them live a meaningful life. Our services include evidence-based behavioural therapies tailored to your income level, available online or at our clinic in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bishopsgate, City of London.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/51.3640223,-0.1778609/''/@51.4435881,-0.3025671,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761cb2567e5005:0x5329463b3feee0e9!2m2!1d-0.0794114!2d51.5177118?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] The Power is yours! Subscribe and Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ITunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast/id1794000735]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xSVd1d6Giu1zzRqedlPEX]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://castbox.fm/channel/id6448408?country=us]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PodBean⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://feed.podbean.com/podcastcz/feed.xml]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/f7135465-88db-49a0-aa53-6ef98bab455d/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast] Contact |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [social@powertolive.uk]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertoliveuk.bsky.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertolive.mastodon.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/powertoliveuk/]⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/powertoliveUK]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktr.ee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/PowerToLive]|

PTL 010 Iden Obahiagbon - Bridging Cultures in Therapy

In this episode of the Power To Live podcast, host Ryan Blake is joined by Iden Obahiagbon, a trainee therapist at Power to Live with a powerful story of growing up between cultures and finding her path into psychotherapy. Iden shares her journey from a mixed-heritage upbringing, navigating the stigma and taboos around mental health in Nigerian and West African communities, to becoming a therapist who seeks to bridge those cultural divides with compassion and authenticity. She discusses her work supporting marginalised communities, the challenges of underrepresentation in the therapy profession, and why diversity in mental health care matters. With openness and warmth, Iden reflects on her own training, her commitment to working with Black and minority ethnic clients, and the personal lessons she’s learned about authenticity, resilience, and cultural sensitivity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode * How cultural traditions and taboos shape conversations about mental health. * Why representation in therapy matters — and the impact of not seeing yourself reflected in professional spaces. * The challenges of navigating systemic barriers and mistrust of mental health services. * How Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and CBT can be adapted to better serve diverse clients. * Practical lessons about self-care, balance, and bringing your authentic self into therapy. Resources & Links * NOVA New Opportunities [https://novanew.org.uk/] – empowering communities through education and employment. * Black Minds Matter UK [https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/] – making mental health services more accessible for Black communities in the UK. * The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) [https://www.baatn.org.uk/] – supporting therapists of colour and improving access for clients. * Contact Iden directly: Iden Obahiagbon Iden "You are enough. Therapy doesn’t ask you to be someone else — it works with who you already are, with the culture and strengths you bring into the room." ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power to Live Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.powertolive.uk/] is a charity committed to breaking down financial barriers to therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support that helps them live a meaningful life. Our services include evidence-based behavioural therapies tailored to your income level, available online or at our clinic in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bishopsgate, City of London.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/51.3640223,-0.1778609/''/@51.4435881,-0.3025671,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761cb2567e5005:0x5329463b3feee0e9!2m2!1d-0.0794114!2d51.5177118?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] The Power is yours! Subscribe and Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ITunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast/id1794000735]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xSVd1d6Giu1zzRqedlPEX]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://castbox.fm/channel/id6448408?country=us]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PodBean⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://feed.podbean.com/podcastcz/feed.xml]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/f7135465-88db-49a0-aa53-6ef98bab455d/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast] Contact |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [social@powertolive.uk]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertoliveuk.bsky.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertolive.mastodon.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/powertoliveuk/]⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/powertoliveUK]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktr.ee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/PowerToLive]|

PTL 009 September Blues w/Kelsey Wiemer

September Blues: Returning to School with Heart In this episode of the Power to Live Podcast, Ryan is joined by senior therapist Kelsey Wiemer [kelseywiemer@powertolive.uk] to explore the “September Blues” — that mix of stress, anticipation, and transition as kids, parents, and teachers return to school. Together, they discuss: * Why September feels like such an intense transition month. * Common struggles for kids, parents, and teachers — from separation anxiety to pressure to “get it right” on day one. * How Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), ACT, and other behavioural approaches can support emotional awareness and resilience. * Practical tips: flexible routines, grounding techniques, open dialogue at home, and daily rituals for self-care. * Why safety, connection, and kindness are more powerful than fear or rigid discipline. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this conversation offers gentle, real-world strategies for easing into the school year with compassion and resilience. ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power to Live Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.powertolive.uk/] is a charity committed to breaking down financial barriers to therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support that helps them live a meaningful life. Our services include evidence-based behavioural therapies tailored to your income level, available online or at our clinic in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bishopsgate, City of London.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/51.3640223,-0.1778609/''/@51.4435881,-0.3025671,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761cb2567e5005:0x5329463b3feee0e9!2m2!1d-0.0794114!2d51.5177118?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] The Power is yours! Subscribe and Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ITunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast/id1794000735]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xSVd1d6Giu1zzRqedlPEX]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://castbox.fm/channel/id6448408?country=us]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PodBean⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://feed.podbean.com/podcastcz/feed.xml]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/f7135465-88db-49a0-aa53-6ef98bab455d/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast] Contact |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [social@powertolive.uk]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertoliveuk.bsky.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertolive.mastodon.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/powertoliveuk/]⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/powertoliveUK]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktr.ee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/PowerToLive]|

PTL 008 (PP002) Male Loneliness – A Live Therapy Session

In this second episode of PTL Power Points, Ryan sits down with PTL CEO and senior therapist Tien Kuei for a live, unscripted therapy session exploring the theme of male loneliness. This powerful session gives listeners a real-time glimpse into Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) in action. Ryan courageously shares his personal experiences of isolation through chronic illness, life-threatening health challenges, relationship breakdowns, and the ongoing struggle of connecting with others after trauma. Together, Tien and Ryan unpack: The hidden weight of male loneliness and why it’s so prevalent today How life-and-death experiences can create a sense of “no common frame of reference” with others The exhaustion of constantly having to “front load” trauma when meeting new people The tension between wanting connection and fearing being a burden The difference between sharing trauma vs. simply naming the feeling in the moment (e.g., “I feel sad and lonely”) How fear and rigid rules about trust can unintentionally deepen isolation The importance of curiosity, vulnerability, and being seen as you are now, not only through the lens of past trauma Resources & Links Interested in volunteering as a client for a live session on the podcast? Contact us via the website [https://www.powertolive.uk/]. If you’ve ever struggled with loneliness — male or otherwise — this episode is for you. It’s both a raw exploration of lived experience and a practical demonstration of how therapy can open doors to connection and relief. Whether you’re a therapy student, practitioner, or just curious about mental health and healing, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical insights, and honest reflections on the journey into therapeutic work. ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power to Live Foundation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.powertolive.uk/] is a charity committed to breaking down financial barriers to therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support that helps them live a meaningful life. Our services include evidence-based behavioural therapies tailored to your income level, available online or at our clinic in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bishopsgate, City of London.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/51.3640223,-0.1778609/''/@51.4435881,-0.3025671,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m1!4e1!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761cb2567e5005:0x5329463b3feee0e9!2m2!1d-0.0794114!2d51.5177118?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D] The Power is yours! Subscribe and Review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ITunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast/id1794000735]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/2xSVd1d6Giu1zzRqedlPEX]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anchor⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://anchor.fm/s/100890f20/podcast/rss]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://castbox.fm/channel/id6448408?country=us]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PodBean⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://feed.podbean.com/podcastcz/feed.xml]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/f7135465-88db-49a0-aa53-6ef98bab455d/the-power-to-live-foundation-podcast] Contact |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [social@powertolive.uk]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertoliveuk.bsky.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [@powertolive.mastodon.social]|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/powertoliveuk/]⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/powertoliveUK]⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktr.ee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/PowerToLive]|