Therapists Talk Therapy

'Therapists Talk Therapy’ – a podcast for therapists, by therapists. In each episode, we talk with expert practitioners in their field discussing therapeutic approaches, specialisms, topical and emerging issues, controversies and more. We want to showcase and add to, the professional and specialist knowledge in the area of counselling, psychotherapy and mental health in Ireland. A podcast series from PCI College, Ireland's leading provider of third-level education in the fields of Counselling & Psychotherapy. Learn more by visiting www.pcicollege.ie or write to us at enquiries@pcicollege.ie.

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Therapists Talk Therapy

Ep. 43 | Life Lessons from Creativity, Diversity & Music

May 01, 2026 • PCI College • Season 1 • Episode 43

0:00 | 58:15

I am delighted to be joined by PCI Lecturer, Simon Forsyth for a slightly different conversation today. Simon has written an essay called ‘On Flipping & Reversing: Life Lessons from Creativity, Diversity and Women in Hip-Hop’ which encompasses some thoughts, memories, learnings, and unlearnings related to an array of influences on his life and therapeutic practice, including music, Black feminism, personal power, writing, and collaborating. This is a really fascinating and thought-provoking piece of writing which I encourage you to read for yourself through the link in the episode description. We allowed the themes to carry us and no doubt went on a few tangents but I really enjoyed this conversation and hope you do too. While it is personal to Simon’s life, the themes of belonging, self-acceptance and the challenges we experience to these at various systemic levels and times in our lives feel universal and hugely relevant to both therapists and clients.

Simon is an integrative psychotherapist, educator, writer, and music fan, with a

passion for creativity and encouraging this in others. He works in Dublin and online, with a particular link to creative, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ folks. His training in the areas of writing and creativity includes a Practitioner Certificate in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes; Journal to the Self instructor training; and creativity coaching trainings with Dr Eric Maisel. In addition to counselling and psychotherapy, Simon also offers support sessions specifically for people looking for some assistance with their creative processes, and mentoring for fellow educators, facilitators, and therapists. He lectures with PCI College and delivers our workshops on Life Writing and Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity.

Simon’s self-published essay ‘On Flipping & Reversing: Life Lessons from Creativity, Diversity and Women in Hip-Hop’ can be downloaded at https://nozomicounselling.com/on-flipping-and-reversing/

Sources referenced in the episode:
Hersey, T. (2022). Rest is resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life. Aster.
Inman, D. (2024). Rapsody introduces Marlanna in ‘Please Don’t Cry’ album.
https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/rapsody-please-dont-cry-album-interview-1234878228/
Lorde, A. (2020). When I dare to be powerful. Penguin
Taylor, F. (2023). Unruly therapeutic: Black feminist writings and practices in living room. W. W. Norton & Co