Keywords: thriving, surviving, mental health, psychotherapy, army, identity, racism, LGBTQ+, personal growth, resilience, gender dynamics, racial identity, military transition, counselling, therapy, EMDR, trauma, refugees, asylum seekers, internal family systems, healing, veterans, ADHD, shamanic work, support servicesIn this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with counselling psychologist and former British Army officer Ben Amponsah. Ben shares his powerful journey from a challenging, unstable childhood to becoming the first Black officer in the Royal Armoured Corps—a path marked by resilience, identity exploration, and overcoming adversity.Summary: The conversation explores Ben’s military experience and how it shaped his understanding of race, identity, and sexuality within rigid institutional structures. He opens up about facing racism, microaggressions, and the pressure of navigating multiple identities, while highlighting the importance of allyship in creating inclusive spaces—both in the military and beyond.Helen and Ben also delve into the complexities of transitioning from military to civilian life, a shift that can feel isolating and disorienting. They unpack how trauma, particularly childhood trauma, continues to influence mental health well into adulthood, and how therapy can offer a space to rebuild and thrive.Ben discusses his work as a counselling psychologist, drawing on modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients process deep emotional wounds. He shares how his own healing journey—and a desire to support others—led him into the therapeutic profession.They touch on the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, especially in professional environments, where speaking out can feel unsafe or unsupported. There’s a powerful discussion around how women and LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in male-dominated industries, often have to fight harder to be heard.Throughout the episode, Ben emphasizes the role of community, belief in oneself, and structured therapeutic support in moving from merely surviving to truly thriving. He advocates for better support for veterans and marginalized groups, and underlines how therapy isn't just about talking—it's about transformation.Together, Helen and Ben reflect on what it means to heal, grow, and reclaim one’s story. Whether it's through therapy, spirituality, or community, the path to healing is unique—but connection, courage, and honesty are at its core.🎧 For full transcription, contact:
[email protected] 🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios 🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne 📖 Referenced reading:Amponsah, B. (2019). The role of leadership for gay Black practitioners... In Leadership and Diversity in Psychology (Routledge)Okundaye, J. (2024). Revolutionary Acts: Love and Brotherhood in Black, Gay Britain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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