The Therapy Files is back.

In the first episode of Series 5, Craig and Callum explore the complex and often heartbreaking subject of missing people. They discuss why people may go missing, the impact on families and loved ones, and the emotional weight of uncertainty when someone’s whereabouts are unknown.

The episode looks at UK and global statistics, including the fact that someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, and considers issues such as mental health, domestic abuse, homelessness, trafficking, voluntary disappearance, and unresolved grief.

Craig and Callum also reflect on missing people in popular culture, including music, documentaries, and television, asking why these stories continue to stay with us.

This is a thoughtful and sensitive conversation about absence, hope, fear, ambiguity, and the people left waiting for answers.

Support

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
For non-emergency missing person reports in the UK, call 101.

Missing People
Call or text 116 000
Website: missingpeople.org.uk

Samaritans
Call 116 123
Website: samaritans.org

Childline
Call 0800 1111
Website: childline.org.uk

Other organisations mentioned include Locate International, Look4them, the Missing Persons Information Hub, Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, and UK Coroner Services.

Listeners outside the UK are encouraged to contact local emergency services, missing persons charities, or mental health crisis support in their own country.

TW: This episode alludes to violence and rape culture.

Join us, Callum & Craig as we finally sit down after a long hiatus for Episode 31 as we delve into the intricate world of Incels, examining their origins, community dynamics, notable figures, and the ramifications of their beliefs. Incels, short for "Involuntary Celibates," predominantly consist of men congregating in online spaces, attributing their romantic shortcomings to perceived attractiveness.

Research by O’Malley et al. (2020) reveals alarming patterns within the incel community, citing misogynistic tendencies, favourability towards violence, and resemblances to extremist groups. These groups revolve around five core beliefs, including the sexual market, demonisation of women, validation of masculinity, perceptions of male oppression, and alarming tendencies towards violence.

From a feminist viewpoint, these ideologies are concerning. Incels often propagate anti-feminism, blaming it for disrupting natural selection and contributing to a perceived 'rape culture'. However, this perspective disregards the societal roots of their struggles.

As feminists and therapists, we discuss and challenge the complexities surrounding Incels, acknowledging the need for a nuanced approach that addresses underlying societal issues while providing support and interventions to prevent further harm.

The episode takes a closer look at Incels and debates whether this group constitutes a terrorist entity. We explore potential strategies for intervention, rehabilitation, and deradicalization, including therapeutic and psychiatric interventions.

📚 References and Sources:

• O’Malley, R. Et.al (2020). An Exploration of the Involuntary Celibate (Incel) Online Subculture.
• Speckhard, A. Et al. (2021). Involuntary Celibates’ Experiences of and Grievance over Sexual Exclusion and the Potential Threat of Violence Amongst Those Active in an Online Incel Forum.
• Lindsay, A. (2022). Swallowing the black pill: Involuntary celibates’ (Incels) anti-feminism within digital society.
• Morris, S. (2023). Plymouth Shooter Fascinated by Serial Killers and ‘Incel’ Culture, Inquest Hears.
• Zimmerman, S. (2022). The Ideology of Incels: Misogyny and Victimhood as Justification for Political Violence

Get ready for another electrifying episode of The Therapy Files with Callum and Craig!

It's a milestone moment as we celebrate our 30th episode with a bang.

Join us as we sit down with the seasoned personal trainer, Calvin Williamson, for an eye-opening discussion on the connection between mental health and exercise. With his extensive experience and ongoing Physiotherapy qualification,

Calvin is the ultimate fitness guru to shed light on this topic. So, grab a seat and let's dive into the warm-up stretches!

You won't want to miss this!

References used in this episode

Anderson, E. & Shivakumar, G. (2013). Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 4, pp. 27. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027

Bell, L. S., Audrey, S., Gunnell, D., Cooper, A., & Campbell, R. (2019). The relationship between physical activity, mentalwellbeing and symptoms of mental health disorder in adolescents: a cohort study. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16(138), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-019-0901-7

Ostrow, L., Jessell, L., Hurd, M., Darrow, S.M., & Cohen, D. (2017). Discontinuing psychiatric medications: a survey of long-term users. Psychiatric Services, 68, pp. 1232-1238.

Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, D. F. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 8(2), pp. 106. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a

Schuch, F., Vancampfort, D., Firth, J., Rosenbaum, S., Ward, P., & Reichert, T. (2017). Physical activity and sedentary behavior in people with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders. 210, pp. 139-50.

Schuch, B. F. & Vancampfort, D. (2021). Physical activity, exercise, and mental disorders: it is time to move on. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 43(3), pp. 177-184. doi: 10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0237

Taylor, C. B., Sallis, F. J., & Needle, R. (1985). The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health. Public Health Reports,100(2), pp. 195-202.