Episode 71#: How Becoming Authentic Helps You Flourish, with Dr. Ritz Birah and Dr. Victoria Uwannah

We’re delighted to host two guests on today’s show, both of whom are expert psychotherapists and counselling psychologists: Dr. Ritika Suk Birah – AKA “Dr. Ritz” – and Dr. Victoria Uwannah.

Ritz is a counselling psychologist specializing in guiding high-performing individuals toward profound self-awareness and transformative growth. She studied neuroscience and psychology at King’s College London and has a Ph.D. in psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology. With over 12 years experience in the clinical field, she delivers sought-after mental health and well-being programs rooted in neuroscience. 

Ritz balances her time between individual therapy, giving keynote talks, delivering workshops and developing bespoke programs for workplaces. Her work focuses on mental health, resilience, and the power of reflection, delivering actionable strategies that inspire and motivate.​

Ritz co-hosts the Therapy Floor podcast with our second guest, Dr. Victoria Uwannah.

Victoria is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychotherapeutic and counselling psychology. She’s been working in mental health for over 15 years, including for the UK’s National Health Service and in education, providing therapeutic and consultation services. 

Victoria is trained in several therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mentalization-based therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Her experience has covered working with individuals at all stages of life, as well as more specialist areas such as group therapy, relational work with couples and families, schools and corporate environments. Her aim across all these individuals and groups is the same: to bring clarity, compassion and understanding to people to propel them towards change and help them lead fulfilling lives. 

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Ritz links:

• Website
• Reflect with Dr. Ritz
• Podcast: The Therapy Floor
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• YouTube
• Facebook

Victoria links:

• Website
• Podcast: The Therapy Floor
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:01:22 - Welcoming Dr. Ritz and Dr. Victoria
00:01:57 - Main Struggles Preventing Flourishing
00:04:18 - The Role of Authenticity in Flourishing
00:07:03 - The Dark Side of Constantly Striving to Flourish
00:08:32 - Understanding Authenticity
00:10:31 - The Importance of Somatic Awareness
00:12:57 - The Role of Intuition
00:14:21 - Practical Strategies
00:17:04 - Cultivating Trust in Yourself and the Process
00:23:44 - Strategies for Building Resilience and Emotional Regulation
00:34:16 - The Bi-Directional Nature of Emotion Regulation
00:40:47 - Acceptance and Distress Tolerance
00:44:49 - Final Thoughts on Flourishing