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