Not long after that, we were at the Urban Wild Festival, where Xan Phillips from Voice FM got his recorder out and did a mini-interview with me on the spot. He also asked if I’d ever thought about having my own radio show...

And then - when I got home from Urban Wild - there was an email waiting for me. The Southampton Mental Health Network had put my name forward as a guest speaker on BBC Solent.  I felt honoured, seen, and appreciated… So yes please!! Thank you so much!!

I exchanged a few emails with Katie Martin about the topic we’d be discussing - I was there to represent the Southampton Mental Health Network as a member, as well as share a bit about the work I do as a counsellor and head honcho of KvLS, our low-cost counselling service.

I figured out how to get there, where to park, made a crib sheet with talking points… and yes, a list of replacement curse words (it is the BBC, after all).

When I arrived (way on time), I naturally tried the wrong entrance first. After a walk around the building, I found the right door and was greeted by a lovely, helpful receptionist. She let me know that Katie Martin wasn’t in that day, and that Chris Jarvis would be hosting instead. Hmm… I didn’t know who he was - but while I was waiting, I heard his voice live on air, upbeat and inviting, talking about the Mela Festival next week (which we’ll also be attending with our Listening Post!).

The producer came to collect me from reception (apologies - so much going on in my head, I’ve forgotten your name). She offered me a drink, which I politely declined - I didn’t want to be that guest who knocks tea all over the studio. She explained that Chris Jarvis would be hosting - I might know him from CBeebies? She took me through to the green room (yes, the sofas were green) and completely put me at ease. She was genuinely interested in the topic of boundaries, which I was there to talk about. She also told me that Sue Hayward from The Hayward Hub, and Chair of Trustees for the Network, had done an excellent interview the week before - and had sung my praises. Of course, that made my stress levels climb a bit!

Anyway, it was time to sit in the studio, across from Chris Jarvis. I recognised him immediately - and he made me feel completely at home. He’s a genuine radio wizard, somehow managing two live broadcasts at once (BBC Solent and BBC Dorset!). He asked me a bunch of thoughtful questions, and seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say.

I had the feeling he was looking for advice for the listeners - and while we therapists don’t really give advice, I did my best! Of course, I couldn’t help myself and turned a few questions back on him - because therapy is often about helping people find their own answers.

I was meant to mention the Network’s membership offer: just £2 a year for anyone living or working in postcodes SO14–SO19 (including individuals and organisations), all working toward making Southampton a mental health friendly city. But the conversation flowed in other directions, and I just about managed to squeeze a mention in at the end!

I really enjoyed our chat - even a listener’s question didn’t throw me.

Time flew, and afterwards I had no idea what I’d said or whether it made any sense at all. I landed back in my body feeling like I’d done a full-body workout!

The producer told me I’d done well and asked if I’d like to come back…  Yes please!!

I made it home, talked to the husband, made him listen and critique my “performance”… and then I had a snooze.

One down - how many more to go?

Feel free to invite me to any other radio show - I love radio!

Kirsty x

Ps. If you would like to hear what I said - it is on BBC Sounds for the next 28 days! I'm on about an hour and fifteen minutes in...