Boarding School: The consequences of abandonment w/ Richard Hughes

In this episode, Charlie is joined by Richard Hughes, a practicing psychotherapist whose particular areas of interest include relationships, issues men face and boarding school trauma.  A reference to the psychological harm done to many children who were sent away to boarding school.

Following the previous episode with Jamie and his suggestion that his experience at boarding school lead to his various struggles with addictions and wearing 'a mask' for much of his early adulthood, they explore this theory further and their own respective experiences in more detail.

They discuss the issues of abandonment and how this can manifest into adulthood.  Struggles with intimacy, relationships and battling the boarding double bind.  That feeling of anxiousness, hurt and being let down at school but unable to say anything because you risk upsetting your parents, who have spent a lot of money to send you there.

The need for a secure attachment throughout our childhood, characterised by feelings of safety, trust and the ability to seek comfort when needed.  Which can be absent at boarding school. 

A great listen for anyone who might have been to private school and feels that something may be a little 'off' in the way that they now feel and ultimately, what we can do to start to navigate these feelings.

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this series are those of the host and his guests, they do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.  Nothing in this episode is intended to replace the services of a trained therapist, doctor or health professional, or otherwise to substitute for professional mental health, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.