Relational Lives Podcast

Relational Lives is a podcast hosted by psychotherapists Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham, exploring the ways we connect with others—and with ourselves. Each episode brings real stories into focus through thoughtful conversations with guests, weaving personal experiences with psychological insight.

With warmth, curiosity, and professional depth, Alison and Ros make therapeutic ideas accessible, alive, and relevant to daily life.

Whether you’re reflecting on your relationships, seeking to understand yourself more deeply, or simply curious about the hidden patterns that shape us all, Relational Lives offers meaningful dialogue at the intersection of story and therapy.

Listen on:

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Episodes

4 days ago

What happens when your partner’s brain is wired differently than yours? In this episode, hosts Ali and Ros explore the unique dynamics of neuro-mixed (or neuro-distinct) couples, where one partner is on the autism spectrum and the other is neurotypical.
We move past the stereotypes to look at the daily reality of loving across neurological lines, offering a roadmap for couples looking to bridge the gap between two different ways of experiencing the world.
 
00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity in Relationships
03:16 Navigating Change and Anxiety
05:13 Sensory Differences and Intimacy
07:54 Communication Challenges and Alexithymia
10:52 Processing Speed and Relationship Dynamics
13:57 Fairness, Justice, and Conflict
16:50 Social Engagement and Exhaustion
18:31 Takeaway Tips for Couples
📍 Resources mentioned:
Embrace Autism | The ultimate autism resource
 
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  
 
 

Thursday Apr 09, 2026

In this episode, relationship therapist Catherine Topham Sly shares insights on rekindling intimacy after having children, addressing the emotional and physical challenges couples face, and practical tips for reconnecting.
00:00 Introduction to Catherine Topham Sly
01:32 Catherine's Journey into Relationship Therapy
05:29 The Impact of Parenthood on Relationships
11:34 Navigating Sexuality and Intimacy Post-Childbirth
17:16 Communication Challenges in Relationships
19:00 Seeking Help: When to Reach Out for Support
20:00 Navigating Relationship Transitions
23:08 The Impact of Parenthood on Intimacy
27:13 Understanding Emotional Connections in Relationships
32:47 Opening the Conversation About Sex
35:14 Utilizing the Workbook for Relationship Growth
41:17 Awareness and Compatibility in Relationships
42:20 The Risks of Self-Discovery
43:30 Navigating Relationship Patterns
44:31 Key Takeaway Tips for Couples
📍 Resources:
Ways to contact or follow Catherine:
Website: https://insightconnection.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightandconnection/
Back In The Sack: https://insightconnection.uk/sex-after-kids/
 
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  

Thursday Apr 02, 2026

In this episode, we explore what it really means to feel “triggered” and why some reactions in the present are powered by unhealed moments from the past. We look at how triggers show up in the body and nervous system, how they’re shaped by earlier relationships, and why they can feel so fast and overwhelming. You’ll hear practical ways to spot your own triggers, pause before reacting, and respond with more self-compassion. We also explore how triggers play out in close relationships, and how understanding them can move couples from blame and shutdown towards more safety and connection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Triggers
01:19 Understanding Triggers and Reactions
04:01 Recognizing Personal Triggers
07:03 Defensive Reactions and Their Roots
10:01 The Impact of Triggers on Relationships
13:01 Exploring Emotional Responses
16:01 Triggers in Digital Communication
17:55 The Impact of Exclusion on Self-Perception
20:15 Understanding Triggers from Past Experiences
26:36 The Role of Core Beliefs in Emotional Reactions
31:29 Strategies for Managing Triggers and Reactions
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  
 

Thursday Mar 26, 2026

In this episode, we’re joined by Monica Tanner, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After, to explore the myths that quietly shape our expectations of marriage. We dive into what actually helps couples communicate more openly, rebuild intimacy, and create relationships grounded in mutual respect. If you’ve ever questioned the “rules” you’ve been taught about love, this conversation offers a refreshing and practical new perspective.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Marriage Myths
01:51 Monica's Journey and Background
07:00 Communication: The Key to Relationships
10:09 Identifying Common Marriage Myths
18:50 The Importance of Collaboration in Marriage
22:31 Navigating Communication in Relationships
27:16 Challenging Myths Around Sexuality
30:56 Cultivating Compassionate Curiosity
37:10 Key Takeaways for Relationship Growth
📍 Resources mentioned:
Book: https://a.co/d/025VpZLO
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KnkyQGEr20TnQsfmx7kX0?si=01e6f9237346405f
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

In this episode of Relational Lives, the hosts explore what it really means to listen, and to feel heard, in our relationships. They unpack the idea of ‘holding space’ for one another, the subtle barriers that get in the way of meaningful communication, and the difference between simply hearing and truly being present. Blending personal stories with professional insight, they reflect on how different communication styles shape connection and disconnection alike. The conversation offers practical ways to build deeper understanding, patience, and curiosity, reminding us that genuine listening is less a skill we have, and more one we keep learning.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Listening and Being Heard
02:54 Understanding Holding Space
05:51 Barriers to Effective Listening
08:40 The Impact of Emotions on Listening
11:44 Examples of Effective Listening
14:37 The Role of Curiosity in Communication
17:47 Influences on Our Ability to Listen
18:34 The Importance of Being Heard
21:29 Overcoming Communication Barriers
23:52 Navigating Relationship Dynamics
27:15 Finding Courage to Communicate
30:01 Techniques for Effective Listening
32:57 Creating Space for Both Voices
36:38 The Journey Towards Better Communication
 
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  
 

Thursday Mar 12, 2026

In this episode, Ros and Ali explore the vital role that boundaries play in our relationships, how they shape connection, protect well-being, and promote self-respect. They unpack what boundaries really are, the different forms they take, and why so many of us struggle to set or maintain them. Along the way, they consider the influence of family dynamics, workplace norms, and personal history, highlighting how self-awareness is key to boundary setting. The discussion wraps up with compassionate, practical guidance on building boundaries that feel both confident and kind.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Boundaries in Relationships
06:24 Types of Boundaries: Physical, Emotional, and More
12:09 Navigating Boundaries in Family Dynamics
17:51 Workplace Boundaries and Professional Relationships
21:09 Understanding Boundaries and People Pleasing
24:37 The Impact of Childhood on Boundaries
29:39 Recognizing and Changing Boundary Behaviours
35:46 Practicing Assertiveness in Setting Boundaries
39:43 Reflecting on Personal Boundaries and Growth
📍 Resources mentioned:
Things you might notice in yourself and in the relationship when your boundaries are being crossed.
Many people only recognise boundary crossings through these kinds of feelings and patterns, and that noticing them is often the first step toward making kinder, clearer choices in relationships.
 
What you might notice in yourself
A sense of dread or heaviness before seeing or replying to a message
You say “yes” when you mean “no,” then feel resentful, used or quietly angry
You find yourself over‑explaining, justifying or defending quite basic needs or preferences.
You apologise a lot, even when you haven’t done anything wrong, just to smooth things over.  
You leave interactions feeling small, guilty, ashamed or “too sensitive”.
You feel responsible for managing the other person’s mood, reactions or disappointment.
You’re exhausted by how much emotional support you give and notice they’re rarely there for you.  
You’re walking on eggshells, monitoring what you say or do to avoid a reaction.
What you might notice in the other person’s behaviour
They ignore or push past your “no,” or keep asking after you’ve clearly declined.
They guilt‑trip you, sulk, give the silent treatment or make you feel you’re selfish for having limits.
They tell you you’re overreacting, too sensitive, or that it’s “not a big deal” when you raise something.
They don’t respect your need for time or space sending multiple messages, pressure to respond immediately, irritation if you’re not available.
They invade your physical or digital space, standing too close, touching without checking, reading your messages, turning up uninvited.
What you might notice over time
The relationship feels lopsided – their needs, crises or opinions always seem to take centre‑stage.
You’re losing touch with what you like, want or believe, because it’s easier to go along with them.
You start to withdraw, wondering how to escape, or avoid contact rather than having an honest conversation.
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer: Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  
 

Thursday Mar 05, 2026

In this episode of Relational Lives, couples therapist Michael Preston opens up a thoughtful conversation about the inner emotional worlds of men in relationships. He reflects on the challenges men often face when trying to connect emotionally with their partners, and how cultural expectations can shape, and sometimes limit their capacity for vulnerability. Michael discusses the role of father–son relationships, the power of emotional language, and the importance of non‑sexual touch in building closeness and safety. Throughout the conversation, he invites men to recognise their own emotional needs and highlights how seeking support can lead to deeper, more authentic connections.
00:00 Introduction to Men in Relationships
01:55 Michael's Background and Experience
02:21 Men's Emotional Connection Challenges
05:52 Understanding Men's Needs Beyond Sex
08:44 Cultural Expectations and Emotional Vulnerability
11:16 Changing Parenting Dynamics
12:39 Building Emotional Vocabulary
15:36 Accessing Inner Emotions
19:14 The Myth of Men's Emotional Expression
21:18 The Importance of Validation
26:36 Personal Experiences and Empathy
28:08 Navigating Vulnerability in a Dangerous World
31:13 The Emotional Landscape of Male Relationships
37:46 Sexual Intimacy vs. Emotional Connection
46:09 The Importance of Non-Sexual Touch
52:41 Building Emotional Vocabulary in Relationships
 
📍 Resources mentioned:
www.michaelprestonlpc.com
Couples In Focus Podcast
 
✨ We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
✨ Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
✨ Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
✨ All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
✨ Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
✨ Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  

Thursday Feb 26, 2026

✨This episode includes discussion of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image. It may be distressing or triggering, especially if you are currently struggling. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip this episode if you need to. If you are affected by eating difficulties, consider reaching out to a GP or mental health professional, or contacting an eating disorder support service in your area for help. ✨
 
In this episode of Relational Lives, Ali opens up about her deeply personal journey with an eating disorder. She traces her story back to childhood experiences of emetophobia and the cultural pressures that shaped her relationship with body image and control. Ali reflects on how her eating disorder evolved, the impact it had on her family, and her time in an adolescent mental health unit. Through her recovery, she explores the central role of community, the transformative power of good therapy, and the nourishment—both physical and emotional, that supports healing. Ali shares thoughtful insights and hope for anyone navigating similar struggles.
#EDAW2026 #eatingdisordersawareness
00:00 Introduction to Eating Disorders Awareness Week
00:45 Ali's Personal Journey with Emetophobia
03:22 Cultural Influences on Body Image and Eating Disorders
06:28 The Development of Restrictive Eating Behaviors
09:32 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Eating Disorders
12:33 Seeking Help: The Role of Medical Professionals
15:31 Admittance to a Psychiatric Adolescent Unit
18:29 Experiences in the Treatment Facility
21:33 Community and Belonging Among Peers
23:49 The Struggles of Reintegration into Family and School Life
26:42 Triggers and the Return to Restrictive Eating
29:38 Reflections on Recovery and Ongoing Challenges
30:37 The Dormant Struggles of Anorexia
32:42 The Impact of Relationships on Recovery
36:39 Hitting Rock Bottom: The Turning Point
39:45 Finding Help: The Role of Support Systems
42:38 The Importance of Nourishment in Recovery
45:40 Understanding the Complexity of Identity
48:42 The Therapist's Journey: Empathy and Collaboration
52:40 The Role of Music in Healing
 
📍 Resources mentioned:
The UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat
We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  
56:37 Final Thoughts: Seeking Help and Support

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

In this episode, psychotherapists Ali and Ros unpack the often misunderstood experience of social anxiety. They explore what social anxiety really is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why so many people are struggling with it more since the COVID pandemic. The conversation looks at the impact of technology and social media, the role of early life experiences, and how anxiety can become a self-perpetuating cycle. Ali and Ros discuss common coping strategies, why some can unintentionally keep anxiety going, and how approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help break the pattern. Along the way, they share practical, compassionate tools for managing social anxiety, offering reassurance, insight, and hope for anyone who finds social situations challenging.
00:00 Understanding Social Anxiety
04:29 The Cycle of Anxiety and Avoidance
07:30 The Impact of Technology on Social Anxiety
10:30 Childhood Experiences and Social Anxiety
13:30 Neurodiversity and Social Anxiety
16:14 Public Speaking and Social Anxiety
21:46 Understanding Social Anxiety and Its Triggers
25:09 The Cycle of Avoidance and Anxiety
30:56 Safety Behaviours and Their Impact
34:36 Therapeutic Approaches to Social Anxiety
41:00 Practical Steps for Managing Social Anxiety
📍 Resources mentioned:
Social Anxiety Safety Behaviours: Conversation behaviours
✨ Keeping very quiet, talking softly, or giving only brief answers.
✨ Avoid talking about yourself or giving opinions.
✨ Planning and rehearsing what you might be able to talk about.
Attention and mental strategies
✨ Focusing intensely on yourself (how you look, sound, or feel) as you talk.
✨ Having excuses ready so you can leave early if anxiety rises.
✨ Suppressing anxious thoughts or images, or silently repeating reassuring phrases.
Positioning and participation
✨ Standing or sitting on the edge or at the back of a group/room.
✨ Staying close to one safe person at social events.
✨ Taking on a “busy” role (in the kitchen, behind the scenes, on tech) to avoid direct            interaction.​
✨ Interacting with a pet instead of engaging in conversation.
✨ Choosing quiet times or less crowded places to go out.
Eye contact and body language
✨ Avoiding or minimising eye contact.
✨ Holding objects tightly (cups, bags, papers) to hide shaking or to feel steadier.
✨ Fidgeting with phones, keys, or other items to look busy and unapproachable.
✨ Use of phones, devices, and props
✨ Frequently checking or using a phone during social situations.
✨ Wearing headphones or appearing engrossed in a screen to limit interaction.
✨ Keeping a drink, bag, or notes in hand as a “shield” or distraction.
Appearance and hiding physical symptoms
✨ Wearing certain clothes (layers, long sleeves, dark colours) to hide sweating or                shaking.
✨Using makeup to conceal blushing or other visible signs of anxiety. S
Substances and situational avoidance
✨ Using alcohol or other substances to relax.
✨ Avoiding caffeine, exercise, warm rooms, or spicy foods to prevent anxiety like                sensations.​
✨ Limiting or declining invitations to many social events (partial avoidance rather than        total).
Reassurance and checking
✨ Asking others for repeated reassurance about how you came across (“Did I sound            stupid?”).
✨ Replaying conversations afterwards to check for mistakes or signs of humiliation.
✨ Practising or overpreparing for routine social tasks (emails, phone calls, meetings)            to avoid possible errors.
We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  What should we do more of (or less)?  Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.comOr fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  Music by: Stile Tree Studio  
 

Thursday Feb 12, 2026

In this episode, we sit down with Liz, who has recently discovered her ADHD diagnosis and is now re-examining her life through this new understanding. Liz candidly reflects on her journey, from childhood and education to her career and relationships, revealing how ADHD has shaped her experiences in ways she’s only now beginning to see clearly.
Together, we talk about the relief and grief that can come with late diagnosis, how self-compassion becomes essential in healing old narratives, and the unique challenges of navigating ADHD alongside menopause. Liz also shares the practical strategies and tools that have helped her manage her symptoms, and we explore how technology and AI can play a supportive role.
This conversation is an honest, hopeful exploration of what it means to embrace neurodivergence later in life, and a reminder of the power of understanding and compassion, both for ourselves and others.
00:00 Understanding Adult ADHD Through Lived Experience
01:03 Recognizing ADHD Traits and Their Impact
03:33 Navigating Relationships with ADHD
04:04 Challenges in Education and Career
08:01 Emotional Unravelling and Seeking Help
09:09 The Impact of Childhood Experiences
12:08 Finding Creative Outlets
17:26 The Saboteur Within
19:25 Grounding Through Relationships and Work
20:40 Understanding Personal Struggles and ADHD
23:57 The Impact of ADHD on Relationships
27:14 Navigating Menopause and ADHD
29:26 Coping Strategies for ADHD
32:37 The Role of AI in Managing ADHD
 
We want to hear from you:
What did you love most?  
What should we do more of (or less)?  
Topics you want:  Intimacy? Parenting? Any mental health topics?
Style: More casual chats? Shorter episodes? Dear Therapists?
Drop us a message:
relationalives@gmail.com
Or fill in anonymously: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/  
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
All past episodes are still available — go back and revisit your favourites!   Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend!
Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. 
Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.  
Credits:  
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk  
Music by: Stile Tree Studio  

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