The Richard Nicholls Mental Health Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Who's responsible if we fall flat on our face and nothing goes right? More importantly, who's responsible if we don't pick ourselves up again? Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardNichollsAuthor Youtube https:...

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Send us Fan Mail If resting feels wrong for you, that doesn’t mean you’re bad at relaxing. It might mean that your nervous system has learnt some harsh rules about usefulness, safety, and self worth. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook....

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail If you're soaking up all the negative stuff that goes on in the world it can be really hard to feel safe ourselves unless we work hard to. Ignorance is bliss sometimes and you have nothing to feel guilty about by looking the other way when you have to. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https:...

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail The world can feel quite stressful sometimes and it's really important to find ways of not making things worse for ourselves. One of those ways is to learn how to let go of some things and find the best ways to delegate. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnicho...

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail This week I’m talking about grounding techniques, those simple little ways we can bring ourselves back to the present when stress, anxiety, or overwhelm start pulling us in all sorts of directions. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https:...

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail What if the parts of yourself you try hardest to hide are the very parts that need the most understanding? Today we're looking at the idea of the shadow side, the uncomfortable emotions and reactions we often judge, suppress, or avoid. Rather than seeing anger, jealousy, resentment, or insecurity as proof that something is wrong with you, it's good to approach them with curiosity and compassion. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richard...

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail A bad attitude is like a flat car tyre. You're not going anywhere unless you change it. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardNichollsAuthor Youtube https://www.youtube.com/richardnicholls TikTok https://www.ti...

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

Send us Fan Mail Dreams have fascinated us for thousands of years. From ancient prophecies to Freud’s theories about hidden desires, people have long believed that dreams must contain some deeper symbolic meaning. But what if they don’t? Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnicho...

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode looks at the tiny influences that shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Most people assume big life changes come from big events. Trauma, major decisions, life turning points. But in the therapy room what I often see is something much quieter than that. A slow drip of messages and expectations that build up over time. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://b...

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I should be better than this” or “I mustn’t upset anyone” and wondered where that rule actually came from? This week, we're having a look at the psychology of introjects. The beliefs, attitudes and standards we unconsciously absorb from parents, teachers, partners and society. The invisible scripts that quietly shape our self esteem, anxiety, relationships and sense of worth. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patr...

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

Send us Fan Mail Happy Easter everyone, Spring has sprung, the rabbits are at it like, well, rabbits. And it got me thinking about love. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardNichollsAuthor Youtube https://www.youtube.com/rich...

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

Send us Fan Mail The rules of toxic masculinity suggest that to be a real man you should never lose, have no needs, suffer in silence, show no emotions except bravado and anger, be independent, show no weakness. It’s an impossible code to live by and it hurts everyone. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https:...

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

Send us Fan Mail This week I'm talking about something so many of you have mentioned in emails and messages, that Sunday evening anxiety that seems to arrive like clockwork. Why does the body react to a calendar change as if it’s a threat? Why can Sunday feel tense even after a lovely weekend? Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnich...

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail This week I’m exploring something quietly powerful about the social brain. From old school photos to bonobos recognising family decades later, it turns out we don’t just remember faces… we remember feelings. I also look at how curiosity shapes identity, especially in children, and what that means for us as adults. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net ...

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever wondered “What if…?” about your health, this one’s for you. I'm digging into the often misunderstood world of health anxiety today, what many still call hypochondria. Which is not about drama or attention-seeking. Hypochondria is about fear. Real, convincing fear that something’s wrong, even when every check-up says otherwise. I’ll be exploring where that fear comes from, how it shows up in our day-to-day lives, and what we can do to break the cycle. From panic...

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m talking about something called zoochosis. A term used to describe distress in captive animals, and how something very similar might be happening to us as humans in the modern world. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook h...

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2026

Send us Fan Mail Because we're not born knowing how to do anything that comes naturally to us as adults, we're literally born to fail along the way. Whether that's learning to walk, talk or how to be calm in difficult situations. We have to learn. We have to practice. And the only way to do that is to get it wrong. Time to embrace our failures! Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicho...

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2026

Send a text Today I'm looking at conformity and how it affects everything from our smallest decisions to our deepest sense of self. We’ll explore how group pressure shapes our thoughts and behaviours, and why pretending to fit in can damage our mental health over time. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram ht...

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2026

Send a text This week, I’m looking at the quieter side of victim blaming, the unintentional kind. The sort that sneaks into everyday conversations when we try to help someone through something, but accidentally end up making them feel worse. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rich...

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2026

Send a text Being in control of our goal setting also means being responsible for achieving them, or not. Sometimes we need to shift our perspectives, focus on intentions and acknowledge the need for adjustments. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook htt...

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2026

Send us a text It's no secret that stretching our comfort zone to include more situations is a good idea. But it's called a comfort zone for a reason isnt it? It's comfortable there. So if life is comfortable and the alternative is uncomfortable then we're not going to have a great deal of motivation to make a change. But do we even need to? And if so, how? Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profi...

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2026

Send us Fan Mail Call it a crush, call it new relationship energy, call it infatuation. But if it becomes an addiction, then you can easily become your own drug dealer by retreating into fantasy. That's when it starts to become a very serious problem. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.co...

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2026

Send us a text Today I'm exploring the playful psychology of “Would You Rather” questions. They might seem like silly dilemmas but they can lead to some surprisingly deep reflections. Our choices reveal our values, thoughts, and emotions that create insight you might not expect. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal In...

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2026

Send us a text People sometimes make the mistake of thinking that accepting reality and moving on from the past makes them weak or naive in some way. So they hold onto their pain. It takes a lot of strength to be the bigger person and say "You know what, the only one this is hurting is me, I'm moving on from that." But it doesn't mean you have to forgive and forget. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https:/...

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2026

Send us a text This week I'm peeking into the quiet power of self-compassion. What it really means, why it feels so difficult, and how we can gently build it into our daily lives. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardNich...

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2026

Send us a text Today I'm looking at Conversion Disorder, or as it’s more often called these days, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder. It’s one of those things that shows just how powerful the mind-body connection really is. Where the body can suddenly stop working properly but with no clear medical cause. Whether it’s something you’ve experienced yourself, or it’s touched the life of someone you love, this one might help connect a few dots. Support the show Join the Patreon community ht...

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2026

Send us a text Today I’m talking about the five emotional needs we all have in childhood, and how things can get a bit messy in adulthood if those needs weren’t fully met. We’ll look at how this might show up in your life now, from people-pleasing to emotional detachment or even struggling to let yourself play. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://w...

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2026

Send us Fan Mail Not only is my house full left over Christmas chocolate but the supermarkets are already pushing Easter eggs onto me and there's only so much willpower we have to resist. But sometimes it's all a matter of perspective. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnicholl...

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2026

Send us a text Mixing negative beliefs about self with the idea that we can mind read is not a good idea. It can easily lead us down the path of feeling like an imposter at the first hint of any success. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www....

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2025

Send us a text Freud had some weird ideas back in the day. But this one really has stood the test of time. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardNichollsAuthor Youtube https://www.youtube.com/richardnicholls TikTok https...

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

Send us a text Nostalgia can feel lovely, can’t it? But if we’re not careful, we start thinking the past was better than it really was. This episode’s about why we do that, and how we can stop missing out on today by staring too hard at yesterday. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.co...

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

Send us a text Some specialists say we need 8 hours every night, some say we need more. In truth, there's only one person who knows how much sleep you need. You. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichardNichollsAuthor Youtub...

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Send us Fan Mail Understanding a little bit about the effects of different parenting styles can really help us understand ourselves better. As well as help us to understand others. Let's have a peek into some of the basics shall we? Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsre...

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Send us a text You don’t need to be anxiety-free to live fully. You just need the right process, and a bit of patience with yourself. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://ww...

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

Send us a text I once heard someone say that if you're on your own and lonely then you obviously don't like the company you're in. And when listening to clients talk about their loneliness that really does ring true. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardn...

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Send us a text Sometimes all it takes is a tiny tweak in how we talk to ourselves. You can actually have the same event but create a completely different feeling about it. It's called reframing and can shift your mindset, boost gratitude, and make everyday life feel that bit lighter. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/...

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

Send us a text Change unsettles us, even when it’s positive. So today I explore why our brains resist it and share simple, compassionate strategies to face change with confidence and resilience. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram htt...

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Send us Fan Mail Phenomenology is a posh word that psychologists use to mean the idea of someone's subjective and individual experience. We could all have exactly the same experience but feel completely different about it and it's important we understand why. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.inst...

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025

Send us a text If you ever find yourself stuck in the same old arguments, playing out like a bad soap opera then that might be the Drama Triangle at work. Where we slip into roles of Victim, Rescuer, or Persecutor without even realising. So, today I’ll explain how the cycle works, why we get caught in it, and how to step out of the drama by choosing healthier roles instead. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community http...

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

Send us a text Why do families, schools and workplaces so often create “roles” like the star, the scapegoat, the peacekeeper or the joker? In this episode we dive into systems theory, exploring how groups unconsciously assign parts to people in order to keep balance, and the cost this can have on our self-esteem and identity. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Med...

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Send us a text Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s the small, fleeting sparks that weave through ordinary days. A sip of coffee, a kind word, a favourite song on the radio. In this episode I explore how these micro-moments of joy soften life’s edges, shift our perspective, and remind us that even on tough days, good things are still here. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls ...

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

Send us a text It's World Mental Health Day today, a good day to challenge some old beliefs that have been holding us back. Sometimes what you think is “just how I am” is actually a hand-me-down. And when you realise that, you get to choose whether to keep something or let it go. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/rich...

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

Send us a text If you’ve ever been told to “snap out of it,” you’ll know it’s rarely the magic cure the speaker thinks it is. More often than not, it feels like being told off for having feelings, like telling someone with a broken leg to just run it off. But while we can’t flick an emotional light switch, we can influence how we feel. And that starts with understanding our state. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon commun...

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

Send us Fan Mail If your sense of self is based around helping others and it's the only place where you get your self worth from. It might be worth checking that you don't make things worse. Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Richa...

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Send us a text Today is all about why having an optimistic and positive mindset can make a big difference in our life. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/richardnichollsreal Facebook https://www.facebook.com/...

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2025

Send us a text If you ever find yourself staring at the fridge, unable to choose what to eat. Or scrolling endlessly through Netflix, paralysed by too many options, then you may well have been experiencing decision fatigue. When our brains get overwhelmed by even the simplest choices. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profi...

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2025

Send us a text Today I'm looking into the deeply human need we have for purpose. What does it really mean to live a meaningful life? And why do we sometimes feel so lost without it? Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal Instagram https://www....

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

Send us a text Does our mind really have the influence over us to create or prevent genuine physiological problems? There's only one way to find out. Today we look at some research and find out for ourselves. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal I...

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2025

Send us Fan Mail According to multiple studies, fear of judgement is the number one biggest fear, above dying. The author Elbert Hubbard once wrote, "Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you'll never be criticised." And that's probably the only way to avoid criticism, isn't it? Support the show Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@richardnichollsreal...

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

Send us a text In short, re-enactment in response to trauma means repeating past events as a way of trying to resolve them. But until we are made aware of it we often compulsively and unconsciously make things worse for ourselves. Support the show Join our Evolve to Thrive 6 month programme https://therapynatters.com Join the Patreon community https://www.patreon.com/richardnicholls Social Media Links Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/richardnicholls.net Threads https://www.threads.net/@...

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025