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In this conversation, I’m joined by therapist and coach Gavin Lashley to explore a topic that often may not get enough attention the psychological journey of the non-birth partner, affectionately, “Dad”.

Gavin is an integrative therapist working with CBT and Internal Family Systems, and he’s also a relatively new father himself. Together, we explore what it really means to become a parent, not just practically, but emotionally and relationally.

We talk about:

• The identity shift of becoming a Dad
• Protecting and providing versus connecting and regulating
• Hormones, expectations and the pressure on modern Dads
• Community, isolation and the changing role of grandparents
• The impact on intimacy and the couple relationship
• Psychological preparation before the baby arrives
• Resentment, repair and communication under pressure
• Trauma anxiety and the fear of “getting it wrong”
• Why perfection isn’t the goal, repair is

You can find out more about Gavin and his work here:
Website: (https://www.gavinlashleytherapy.com)
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/gavinlashleytherapy/)

Gavin also wrote a blog article exploring different approaches to fatherhood using the analogy of ecosystems, which links really well to this conversation: (https://www.gavinlashleytherapy.com/blog/cultivating-fatherhood/)

✅ If you're thinking about exploring therapy generally, I’d love to hear from you and you’re very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation.

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If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk