A Bunch of Therapists

This honest discussion explores how early experiences of not belonging can shape our sense of self, and why therapy became the catalyst for understanding and embracing her unique identity. This episode explores themes of dual heritage identity, racial identity, belonging, feeling like an outsider, and cultural displacement. 🎧 Join us for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with psychotherapist and trainer Mary-Claire Wilson as she shares her transformative journey from feeling like an outsider in two different worlds to becoming a specialist who helps others navigate the complexities of dual and multi-heritage identity. Hosted by: Michaela McCarthy (Founder of The Awareness Centre, The Awareness Centre Training School, and Creator and Host of A Bunch of Therapists Podcast. Senior BACP Accredited Psychotherapist and Influential Leader) and Dipti Solanki (Therapist, Coach & Consultant, Mental Health Trainer and Founder of Grief Matters 4 All CIC). In this compelling episode, Mary-Claire openly shares: • Growing up in a village in Nigeria with her mother's family • The experience of dual heritage in a Nigerian community • Moving to the UK with her White father to a small village in Norfolk • Being singled out as the only person of dual heritage in both environments • Asking herself as a child: 'what's wrong with me?' • Feeling profoundly different and like an outsider • Studying at Oxford University and continued feelings of not belonging • Training as a primary school teacher • Experiencing a persistent feeling of emptiness she couldn't shake • Seeking therapy to address her emotional struggles • The transformative and healing power of her own therapeutic journey • The decision to change careers and train as a psychotherapist • Specialising in dual and multi-heritage identity work • Lecturing for various counselling and psychotherapy organisations • Running workshops on inclusion and social equity • Using her lived experience to support others navigating identity This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating dual or multi-heritage identity, struggling with belonging, or seeking to understand how cultural displacement shapes our sense of self. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: • Dual heritage identity and cultural displacement • Feeling like an outsider in multiple environments • The impact of being visibly different in predominantly White spaces • Racial identity development and self-perception • Childhood experiences of not belonging • Identity struggles at university and in professional settings • The persistent feeling of emptiness and disconnection • Therapy as a path to understanding and accepting yourself • Career transition from teaching to psychotherapy • Specialising in dual and multi-heritage therapeutic work • Creating inclusive spaces and challenging social inequity • Using lived experience to support clients authentically • Finding belonging and peace with your identity 🎬 Watch full episodes of A Bunch of Therapists on our YouTube channel 🎧 A Bunch of Therapists is available on all major podcast platforms 🗓️ New episodes every other Thursday Follow A Bunch of Therapists on Social Media: YouTube: @ABunchofTherapistsTV TikTok: @a.bunch.of.therapists Instagram: @abunchoftherapists Facebook: A Bunch of Therapists LinkedIn: A Bunch of Therapists #TherapyUK #DualHeritage #Identity #Belonging #RacialIdentity #MultiCultural #Inclusion #TherapyTraining #MentalHealthUK #SocialEquity