The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy E155 | A Holistic Approach to Mental Health Treatment (feat. the Lively Minds Podcast)
Dec 26, 2025
Alex Curmi, a consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist in training, joins hosts Will and Ellie for an insightful discussion. He explores the nuances of patient-centred care, highlighting the differences in his roles across psychiatry, therapy, and coaching. Alex emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. They also tackle the challenges of working within a limited system and the necessity of reducing tribalism in mental health services, advocating for collaboration and integrated care models.
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Practice Across Many Clinical Rooms
- Alex lists many clinical settings he's worked in, from A&E at 3am to forensic units and private coaching.
- These varied rooms shaped how he decides responsibilities and treatment scope.
Prioritize Immediate Safety In Crises
- If you're seeing someone in crisis, focus on the next hours to days and key safety decisions.
- Don't take on more than your immediate responsibilities during acute assessments.
Map Problems As Multiple Inputs
- Alex maps mental health problems as outcomes produced by many inputs across life domains.
- Each input becomes both part of diagnosis and a potential treatment route.