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
Episodes
19 episodes
Ep. 18 | A Full-Circle Journey of An Unspoken Grief - One Mother's Refusal of Silence
This Episode is in honour of:Alice and her Special Babies in the Sheridan & Hagan family.For all the Women who felt Unseen, Unheard in their immeasurable loss, for you, your beautiful babies, and what should have been.&...
Ep. 17 | Male Vulnerability, Being Lost, Shame & the Importance of Expression Episode
This Episode is a deep conversation exploring what it means for men to feel lost, vulnerable, and burdened by shame, and why expressing emotions is not just healthy but essential for growth, connection, and identity. Dan sits down with Chris fo...
Ep. 16 | A Daughter’s Story: Mental Illness, Loss, and Resilience
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, spen...
Ep. 15 | Becoming & Unbecoming: The Psychological Journey Into Motherhood
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, in...
Ep. 14 | Why Nature Matters – The Healing Power of Biophilia
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 natur...
Ep. 13 | From Chaos to Calm: A Journey of Nervous System Healing
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 resili...
Ep. 12 | Inside the Fog: A Conversation About Depression
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 s...
Ep. 11 | Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Reality of Narcissistic Abuse
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tara, a survivor of narcissistic abuse to uncover what life is really like behind the facade. She shares her journey from the subtle beginnings of manipulation to the deep emotional toll of control and...
Ep. 10 | Healing or Harm? The Importance of Qualified Help in Mental Wellness
In this episode, two licensed therapists sit down to explore the importance of seeking appropriate, evidence-based support for mental health. From navigating emotional overwhelm to managing long-term challenges, they break down what therapy is ...
Ep. 09 | Breaking Chains: A Journey from Addiction to Empowerment
In this moving and inspiring episode, we sit down with Emily, a brave woman who opens up about her battle with addiction and the powerful path she forged to recovery. With unflinching honesty, she shares the pain of hitting rock bottom, the tur...
Ep. 9.5 | Bonus Episode Sunshine and Sadness: Understanding Summer Onset SAD
In this special bonus episode, we flip the script as one therapist interviews another to unpack a lesser-known mental health challenge: Seasonal Affective Disorder in the summer months. While most associate SAD with winter's gloom, some ...
Ep. 08 | Childfree by Choice: A Personal and Professional Perspective
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Margaret, who not only embraces a childfree life but also works as a therapist supporting others in their journeys of choice and identity. She shares her personal decision to remain childfree, the ...
Ep. 07 | Strength in the Storm: A Journey Through Cancer with Jacinta O'Brien
In this powerful episode, we follow Jacinta’s deeply personal journey through cancer—a story of resilience, fear, hope, and transformation. She shares the raw realities of diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional toll, as well as the moments of ...
Ep. 06 | A Father's Grief: Love, Loss, and Living On with John Wills
In this profoundly moving episode, John shares the heartbreaking story of losing his daughter Eibhlin, navigating the depths of bereavement, and finding a way forward through unimaginable grief. With raw honesty and profound love, he reflects o...
Ep. 05 | The Inner Voice: Conversations on Self-Worth with Kristina Moore
We are joined in this episode by Kristina Moore, who explores her deeply personal journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Struggling with self-doubt and an overpowering inner critic, she shares how therapy became a pivotal tool ...
Ep. 04 | Beyond the Label: Understanding BPD with Eirnín Cahill
In this episode, we sit down for an honest and insightful conversation with Eirnín, who shares her personal journey with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). From navigating intense emotions to challenging relationships and self-perception, E...
Ep. 3 | Finding Strength in Difference: A Conversation about Autism with Rachel Ennis
On this episode of Empathic Exchange, host Dan welcomes Rachel Ennis, a counselling-psychotherapy student in training at PCI College. During this conversation, Rachel sheds light on her experiences in education so far, and her experience of bei...
Ep. 2 | Anxiety the Frenemy with Karen O'Neill
In this heartfelt episode of Anxiety the Frenemy, we dive deep into the complexities of living with anxiety. Our guest, Karen O'Neill, shares her deeply personal journey — from the first signs of unease to the everyday challenges they ...
Ep. 1 | Embracing the Negative Feelings with Jena Masterson Murphy
Welcome to Empathic Exchange, a new podcast brought to you by PCI College and PCI College Lecturer Dan O'Mahony!We have dedicated our first episode to exploring the depth and complexity of emotions we often avoid or label...