Season 2, Episode 6: The Footballer Who Became a Therapist – Anthony Bedward
This episode discusses supporting survivors of sexual abuse, undiagnosed dyslexia, overcoming adversity, football, youth work, and vulnerability.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist Anthony Bedward. Once a promising footballer, Anthony’s journey took a dramatic turn after an injury forced him to leave the sport behind. Facing undiagnosed dyslexia and leaving school unable to read or write, he went on to build a career as a youth worker and mentor before finding his calling in therapy. Anthony shares the emotional and financial challenges of training as a counsellor, the struggle with vulnerability, especially for young Black men, and his dedication to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and promoting emotional literacy.
In this compelling episode, Anthony openly shares:
- Growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and leaving school without qualifications
- His early promise as a footballer and the impact of injury
- Building a career as a youth worker and mentor
- Facing redundancy and choosing a new path in counselling
- Overcoming emotional and financial barriers as a student therapist
- The challenge of vulnerability for young Black men
- His work supporting survivors of sexual abuse
- Advocating for emotional literacy in young men
This essential conversation offers valuable insights for anyone overcoming adversity, navigating career changes, or interested in the importance of vulnerability and emotional support.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The impact of undiagnosed learning difficulties
- Football, identity, and life after sport
- Youth work as a foundation for therapeutic practice
- Navigating redundancy and career transition
- Barriers to training as a therapist
- Emotional literacy and vulnerability in men
- Supporting survivors of sexual abuse
- Advocacy and private practice
Learn more about Anthony Bedward.
