How does Knitting improve mental health?

Mar 4, 2024

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Show Notes for The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Episode 117: How does knitting benefit mental health?

In this episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent interviews Dr. Mia Hobbs, a clinical psychologist and advocate for knitting for mental wellbeing. They discuss the therapeutic benefits of knitting and how it can improve mental health. Dr. Hobbs shares her personal experience with knitting and how it has helped her relax and focus. She also talks about using knitting in therapy sessions and the positive impact it can have on clients. Dr. Trent mentions her own interest in learning to knit and plans to document her progress on social media. The episode concludes with a discussion about the cost of knitting and the potential research on its effects on brain function. Dr. Hobbs also mentions her podcast, "Why I Knit," where she interviews different knitters about their experiences and mental health benefits.

We hope you find it so useful.

I’d love any feedback you might have, and I’d love to know what your offers are and to be connected with you on socials so I can help you to celebrate your wins!

The Highlights:

(01:57) Introduction to Dr. Mia Hobbs, a clinical psychologist and knitting advocate.
(02:17) Mia discusses her journey into psychology and knitting.
(03:31) Dr. Hobbs’s journey to qualification.
(04:42) Factors leading to Mia's decision to leave the NHS.
(08:56) Discussion on work-life balance and flexibility in private practice.
(09:31) Mia's introduction to knitting and its impact on her mental wellbeing.
(13:52) Knitting as a mindful activity and its therapeutic benefits.
(15:53) Use of knitting in therapy sessions, creating tangible products with clients.
(18:54) Creating therapy blankets.
(20:31) Reflections on knitting as a generational tradition and its sentimental value.
(22:28) Loose Ends, an organisation matching volunteers with knitting projects for those unable to knit.
(24:39) Knitting garment construction methods and cost impacts.
(26:24) Research on knitting's cognitive benefits.
(28:08) Knitting's versatility for relaxation and engagement.
(29:09) Reflection on challenges in funding research on therapeutic knitting.
(29:58) Bilateral stimulation and its relevance to knitting.
(30:47) Individual preferences in therapeutic knitting.
(31:36) Mastery and learning in knitting.
(32:40) Safe experimentation and self-compassion in knitting.
(33:28) Good knitting intentions.
(35:31) Connect with Mia on Instagram and her podcast for therapeutic knitting resources.
(36:34) Closing remarks

Links:

📲 To connect with Dr Mia Hobbs head to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knittingistherapeutic/

🎙️Mia’s podcast is: https://www.therapeuticknitting.org/podcast

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

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📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

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