Best Theblacksheep Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 33 – A heartfelt thank you to Bizpedia who raised funds for us in 2022 8:54

2y ago8:54

8:54

CIS’ters provides emotional support for females, age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Raising funds, we find, is often difficult as many members of the public feel empathy towards child victims but this doesn’t always extend to adult survivors. In 2019 we were chosen by https://www.bizpedia.com/ to be t…

1
Episode 32: The Sensitivity of Raising Awareness of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence 15:10

2+ y ago15:10

15:10

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Within this podcast we explore the topic around the sensitivity needed, in raising public awareness of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence. We discuss the importance of this topic and how it has changed over the years. We …

1
Episode 31: Using Self Help Materials 9:01

2+ y ago9:01

9:01

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Within this podcast we explore the topic of self-help materials, such as journals, which many adult survivors use as part of their ongoing journey and a reminder to be mindful of issues such as confidentiality. Informat…

1
Episode 30: The Importance Of NHSE, An Interview With Kate Davies CBE 14:16

2+ y ago14:16

14:16

Introducing Kate Davies CBE talking about the importance of NHS England to victims or survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Podcast covers specific prevention and response strategy including input from CIS’ters. Featuring CIS’ters trustees Eileen and Gillian. For more information about NHSE go to https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/strategic-di…

1
Episode 14: Through the eyes of a Midwife 17:25

3y ago17:25

17:25

Within CIS'ters, as survivors, we know that many victim/survivors of sexual crimes experience heightened fear and anxiety when accessing midwifery services. In this podcast Kathryn Gutteridge, a past president of the Royal College of Midwives, shares with us how we can help midwives to help us as victims of sexual abuse accessing services and also,…

1
Episode 11: The Power of Music (a revised and re-recorded version of episode 11.) 10:10

3+ y ago10:10

10:10

When you are finding life heavy going, it can be a good idea to put together a play list of uplifting music. In years past, this may have been on a CD. But all sorts of technology can be brought in here, from smart speakers to phones, spotify through to amazon music. Everyone has different tastes in music, but for this sort of of activity you need …

1
Episode 9: Loss (a revised & re-recorded version of the original episode 9.) 7:48

3+ y ago7:48

7:48

Loss is a concept explored with the different perspective of the survivor of sexual abuse in mind. Clever insight into the experiences of loss, the differing circumstances and ways forward are discussed. If you would like to know more, please see our website: www.cisters.org.ukBy Gillian and Jenni

1
Episode 29: Window of Tolerance 12:13

3+ y ago12:13

12:13

The Window of Tolerance is a idea developed by Dan Siegal. He suggested we all have 3 key states. There is the optimum layer, where you are able to exert self control and everything is manageable. This is the like the middle layer of a sandwich. The top of the sandwich is where you are very hyped up, buzzing, out of control. The lower layer is wher…

1
Episode 28: ACE's 17:29

3+ y ago17:29

17:29

Episode 28 – Adverse Childhood Experiences This podcast explores the issue of ACEs and how important it is to build resilience in children and adult survivors. Plus signpost https://cisters.org.uk/the-impact/adverse-childhood-experiences-ace/ - but our key message is that no one should be stigmatised by the number of ACEs they have experienced as a…

1
Episode 27: You Think I Am Alright, You Are Wrong 7:35

3+ y ago7:35

7:35

In this podcast we reflect on the difference between recovery and resilience, the latter being a more tangible target. The topic includes aspects of trauma and the impact on emotional well-being including suicidal thoughts and also on physical well-ness. The masks that many victim/survivors wear can create barriers to receiving help, not least beca…

1
Episode 26: ISVA 13:29

3+ y ago13:29

13:29

This podcast talks about ISVA's. Who they are, what they do and how to find one. If you have a situation involving recent or non recent sexual assault or longer term abuse, contacting an ISVA allows survivors to make informed choices about whether or not to report and what future steps to consider, whatever their decision. To find out further infor…

1
Episode 25: Institutional CSA Cover Ups 8:19

3+ y ago8:19

8:19

This podcast highlights a recent report issued by the Independent Inquiry into CSA into how abuse has been covered up within faith communities. This report is just one of many issued by the Inquiry (www.iicsa.org.uk) which is due to finish in 2022. Part of the Inquiry is THE TRUTH PROJECT which is where victim/survivors can provide a verbal or writ…

1
Episode 24 Abusers Can Be female 7:14

3+ y ago7:14

7:14

In this episode we seek to explore the increasing reality that not all offenders are male – that there are female abusers too. A topic that is often overlooked as it is counter to the belief that females are the nurturers. We hope that this podcast will raise public awareness and that how individuals respond to such disclosures needs to be receptiv…

1
Episode 23: Trauma And Physical Health 8:39

4y ago8:39

8:39

In this episode we explore the physical health conditions that can arise from trauma during childhood. More information on this link can be found on our website under the heading of ACEs. www.cisters.org.uk We hope that this podcast will help highlight the link between the development of some physical health conditions in many victim/survivors – an…

1
Episode 22: Mind Your Language 9:51

4y ago9:51

9:51

In this episode we explore the impact of the way in which others might discuss sexual abuse and the impact that this can have on a victim/survivor. Members of the public/work colleagues/others need to be more aware that inappropriate conversations, such as workplace banter, can create barriers to disclosure or appear to condone such abuse. We hope …

1
Episode 21: Counselling And Therapy 13:10

4y ago13:10

13:10

In this episode we explore what it is like to go into counselling, as an adult survivor of sexual abuse during childhood. This approach can help many individuals to explore painful aspects linked to their early life experiences, and the impact it has had on them as adults. More often than not the successful outcome of therapy can depend on it being…

1
Episode 20: Reflections On The Past Few Months 5:10

4y ago5:10

5:10

Producing podcasts has been a new venture for CIS’ters and in this episode Gillian reflects on recent months, and what else is happening within CIS’ters. If you would like to know more about CIS’ters and the peer work we undertake, please visit our website www.cisters.org.ukBy Gillian

1
Episode 19: The Survivors Trust 14:35

4y ago14:35

14:35

Introducing Fay Maxsted, the CEO of The Survivors Trust. Learning about what the trust does, how it came to be and the continuing work of the trust in supporting survivors.By Gillian Finch and Fay Maxsted

1
Episode 18: Complex Emotions When An Abuser Dies 9:41

4y ago9:41

9:41

In this episode we explore some of the complex issues and feelings that can arise when an abuser dies or is dying. As survivors all of our experiences as children are unique. This, and the family we grew up in, affect how we will feel and behave when an abuser is dying or has died. In addition, issues include not only the abuser, but other adults w…

1
Episode 17: Domestic Abuse 9:16

4y ago9:16

9:16

Domestic Abuse For those sexually abused as children there is a heightened risk of re-victimisation as adults. This podcast explores the topic of Domestic Abuse and the ways in which this can occur, including coercive behaviours. Often victims of domestic abuse do not recognise the situation for what it is until much later and the abuser will use t…

1
Episode 16: CIS'ters Response- Report Abuse In Education 14:36

4y ago14:36

14:36

Within CIS’ters we have highlighted, with other charities, for many years the existence of escalating sexual abuse/rape/exploitation/harassment within our schools. The Department of Education has funded a dedicated NSPCC line for pupils to report abuse in schools, and during the period 1st April to 7th June a total of 426 contacts had been made. Of…

1
Episode 15: Self Neglect And Self Harm 12:24

4y ago12:24

12:24

Within CIS'ters as survivors we recognise that survivors can often neglect areas of personal care and that many use self harm as a coping strategy. This podcast explores the issue of self neglect, and how it can compares/contracts with topics such as self harm. It takes time to recognise the way in which we neglect our personal needs and the pathwa…

1
Episode 13: Learning Something New 9:52

4y ago9:52

9:52

Learning something new "Moving forward" for a victim/survivor of sexual abuse as a child, entails an element of learning something new. Of letting go and finding new opportunities of "being" and of living. But learning new brings additional vulnerability and perhaps taking risks. This podcast explores these aspects. Includes insights into our CIS't…

1
Episode 12: Isolation Through The Eyes Of Survivors 11:44

4y ago11:44

11:44

Within this episode we explore the ways in which victim/survivors of sexual abuse experience a sense of isolation. Emotional isolation can be a result of the need to self protect as a child and then into adulthood. It is a way of maintaining silence and the fear of judgement. Whilst you can connect with others within a crowded room, emotional isola…

1
Episode 11: The Power of Music (old version.) 10:10

4y ago10:10

10:10

Music and particularly the role of songs have a powerful part to play in helping victim/survivors to improve their emotional resilience. This podcast highlights the way in which music and song can be harnessed to give us the energy that is needed at times to be able to move forward, a step at a time. Track list: "Step by Step" by Whitney Houston "R…

1
Episode 10: Collaborative Working 8:27

4y ago8:27

8:27

CIS’ters is survivor led but also demonstrates the benefits gained from collaborative working with others, including professionals, who have skills and knowledge that are helpful to both the organisation, and to the wider agenda. This podcast introduces the current Chair of Trustees, Samantha and how her contribution is helping to empower those wit…

1
Episode 9: Loss (New Version.) 7:30

4y ago7:30

7:30

Loss through the eyes of survivors. NEWLY RECORDED VERSION Within this episode we explore the ways in which victim/survivors of sexual abuse experience ‘loss’ as both a child and into adulthood. Such losses are unique to individuals and are not only multi-layered but will evolve and change as time goes on. Being able to recognise and name losses ca…

1
Episode 8: The Pressure To Forgive? 10:17

4y ago10:17

10:17

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Often victim/survivors are told by others that they need to ‘forgive’ the abuser in order to move on . This podcast explores the meaning of the word and whose need is being met when there is pressure put on the victim/s…

1
Episode 7: Coping Strategies 10:51

4y ago10:51

10:51

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Within this podcast we explore issues linked to strategies that might have been adopted by child victim/adult survivors as part of coping with emotional distress. Information is on our website www.cisters.org.uk - we al…

1
Episode 6: Disclosing To Your Family Of Origin 8:36

4y ago8:36

8:36

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Within this podcast we explore issues linked to disclosures to members of the family ‘of origin’. We offer insights into how to approach such a disclosure if this is something that the victim/survivor might choose to do…

1
Episode 2: What Do Survivors Talk About? 7:28

4y ago7:28

7:28

Learning about what issues people have that bring them to CIS'ters. Overwhelming feelings and emotions. Ways of living with early repeated trauma. Outcomes of early life trauma and seeking alternative ways of being. Website: www.cisters.org.ukBy Gillian and Jenni

1
Episode 5: Telling Partners, Family & Friends 15:21

4y ago15:21

15:21

CIS'ters provides emotional support for females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused within a family environment. Within this podcast we explore situations that might arise whereby a victim/survivor might disclose to partners, friends and family. There are different approaches to take but the right of the survivor to choose what th…

1
Episode 4: Disclosing As An Adult 14:24

4y ago14:24

14:24

Often childhood abuse is not talked about until an event triggers the abused adult into telling someone that they were harmed. Over many years, CIS'ters have gained a wide understanding on the topic of disclosure. From those who have disclosed or who are working to towards a disclosing to e.g. a partner, friend or family. We have supported women wh…

1
Episode 3: Hurdles To Telling About Abuse As A Child 14:08

4y ago14:08

14:08

CIS'ters works to support adult women who were sexually abused as girls and many of them did not disclose when they were children. We talk through how difficult it is for children to tell someone about abuse they are experiencing or have experienced. What the common barriers are to telling about abuse. Website: www.cisters.org.uk…

1
Episode 1: Introducing CIS'ters 7:06

4y ago7:06

7:06

Opening Podcast for the Hidden Harm series. How it all began. Peer support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Support women who were abused as girls. Website address: www.cisters.org.ukBy Gillian and Jenni

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Theblacksheep Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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CIS'ters' podcast- Hidden Harm

Gillian and Jenni from CIS'ters

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Episode 33 – A heartfelt thank you to Bizpedia who raised funds for us in 2022 8:54

1
Episode 32: The Sensitivity of Raising Awareness of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence 15:10

1
Episode 31: Using Self Help Materials 9:01

1
Episode 30: The Importance Of NHSE, An Interview With Kate Davies CBE 14:16

1
Episode 14: Through the eyes of a Midwife 17:25

1
Episode 11: The Power of Music (a revised and re-recorded version of episode 11.) 10:10

1
Episode 9: Loss (a revised & re-recorded version of the original episode 9.) 7:48

1
Episode 29: Window of Tolerance 12:13

1
Episode 28: ACE's 17:29

1
Episode 27: You Think I Am Alright, You Are Wrong 7:35

1
Episode 26: ISVA 13:29

1
Episode 25: Institutional CSA Cover Ups 8:19

1
Episode 24 Abusers Can Be female 7:14

1
Episode 23: Trauma And Physical Health 8:39

1
Episode 22: Mind Your Language 9:51

1
Episode 21: Counselling And Therapy 13:10

1
Episode 20: Reflections On The Past Few Months 5:10

1
Episode 19: The Survivors Trust 14:35

1
Episode 18: Complex Emotions When An Abuser Dies 9:41

1
Episode 17: Domestic Abuse 9:16

1
Episode 16: CIS'ters Response- Report Abuse In Education 14:36

1
Episode 15: Self Neglect And Self Harm 12:24

1
Episode 13: Learning Something New 9:52

1
Episode 12: Isolation Through The Eyes Of Survivors 11:44

1
Episode 11: The Power of Music (old version.) 10:10

1
Episode 10: Collaborative Working 8:27

1
Episode 9: Loss (New Version.) 7:30

1
Episode 8: The Pressure To Forgive? 10:17

1
Episode 7: Coping Strategies 10:51

1
Episode 6: Disclosing To Your Family Of Origin 8:36

1
Episode 2: What Do Survivors Talk About? 7:28

1
Episode 5: Telling Partners, Family & Friends 15:21

1
Episode 4: Disclosing As An Adult 14:24

1
Episode 3: Hurdles To Telling About Abuse As A Child 14:08

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Episode 1: Introducing CIS'ters 7:06