Octopus Psychology

Octopus Psychology Octopus Psychology specialises in helping people recover from trauma, particularly experiences rooted in childhood abuse, neglect, or institutional harm such as bullying, whistleblowing, or boarding school environments.

Our in person and online services combine in depth psychological therapy, life coaching, and cutting edge neurotechnology to support nervous system regulation and long term healing. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out, we tailor our work to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

With over 30,000 hours of experience each, our doctoral level clinicians (HCPC registered) and Consultant Nurse Psychotherapist (NMC-registered, BABCP-accredited) provide a neuroscience-informed approach using clinical psychology, psychotherapy, coaching, and non-invasive neurotech tools such as NeurOptimal®, RoshiWave, and Safe & Sound Protocol.

Our work is grounded in compassion, confidentiality, and deep expertise in trauma recovery.

We offer complimentary consultations to craft the right therapeutic pathway for you, with flexible delivery via Oundle or online.

Enhance your emotional regulation, focus & flow, proprioception and sleep

13/04/2026

🎧 New Episode Alert: Locked Up Living Podcast
Last week we published a conversation with Keith Hinchliff, a survivor of Grafton Close children’s home, as he courageously shared his story and ongoing fight for accountability from Richmond Council. Joined by hosts DR Naomi Murphy and David Jones, Keith Hinchliff details the systemic failures and institutional cover-ups that enabled decades of abuse—and the challenges survivors face when seeking recognition and justice.
As Keith Hinchliff recounts, being dismissed or met with denial by the very institutions responsible for safeguarding compounds the initial harm and obstructs healing. This conversation shines a necessary light on why empathy, public acknowledgment, and proactive policy changes are essential for survivors of sexual abuse.

Accountability is not just about justice for individuals—it’s about creating safer systems for future generations. Please listen, learn, and join the conversation.

🔗 Look for Locked Up Living wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments.


11/04/2026

🚨 Why do high-profile scandals like the Epstein files hit so hard? Because they force us to confront the devastating reality that institutional abuse is not confined to headlines—it echoes through countless, often unheard, lives.
On the latest episode of the Locked Up Living podcast, we speak with Keith Hinchliff, a survivor of the notorious Grafton Close children’s home, who shares his fight for accountability and the harrowing failures of those meant to protect the most vulnerable.
From the institutional denial and cover-ups Keith Hinchliff faced, to the disturbing lack of empathy from local authorities, this conversation powerfully echoes the systemic failures revealed in cases like Epstein’s. It's a reminder that for every well-publicized scandal, there are countless survivors still denied justice—sometimes even basic acknowledgment.
As Naomi Murphy says in the discussion, when society can’t listen to these truths, we can't hope to fix what's broken or make things safer for generations to come 17:14. The more we understand, the harder it is to look away—and the more we can push for meaningful change.



Look for Locked Up Living wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments.

06/04/2026

Easter - a time for celebrating light shining in on dark places. In this recent episode of Locked Up Living, Naomi Murphy and David Jones speak with retired Met Police detective and whistleblower Jon Wedger about his front-line experiences uncovering child trafficking and abuse within the UK care system.

As recent inquiries and media reports expose the scale and depth of historical and ongoing child abuse cases, Jon Wedger discusses the obstacles faced when trying to bring perpetrators to justice and the persistent resistance to addressing these crimes effectively. The conversation covers the creation of the “Voice for the Voiceless” campaign, the role of institutional denial, and urgent lessons for safeguarding today.

With the country focused on accountability, survivor support, and real change, this episode provides an unfiltered look at how these failures happened—and what still needs to be done. Essential listening for those working in social care, criminal justice, policy, or anyone concerned with child protection and reform.

05/04/2026

🎧 Shockwave Episode 2: Coping With the Epstein Emails
The latest episode of Locked Up Living's Shockwave tackles the complexities of "falling from grace," examining our collective shock when respected figures and institutions are exposed for wrongdoing. Hosts Dr Naomi Murphy and Des McVey, dissect the psychological and societal impacts the Epstein Files have had on trust, belief, and the way we see high-status individuals.

Actionable Advice from the Episode
• Critically Appraise Information: As Dr Mindy Peltz highlights, don't just accept advice from those with status; check if it fits with your own lived experience and needs
• Balance Power in Relationships: Reflect on the power dynamics in your life, and avoid giving power away through people-pleasing or idolizing others .
• Acknowledge Nuance in Human Behaviour: Recognize everyone has strengths and flaws—don’t conflate a single negative act with an entire identity. Equally don’t assume talent defines moral fibre

Why Listen?
This episode is a must for anyone interested in understanding how society’s obsession with status can blind us to risk and perpetuate harm. You'll find practical strategies for regaining your own power, maintaining healthy scepticism, and supporting victims more effectively.

🔗 To listen and subscribe follow the link in the comments or find us wherever you get your podcasts

Thanks to Keith Gooden for editing this audio episode and Kafumba Dolley for editing the video

05/04/2026

Our newest Locked Up Living episode is a timely reminder of the importance of outdoor play. Dr Mariana Brussoni of Outside Play Lab UBC shares eye-opening research on how unrestricted, adventurous play boosts resilience, creativity, and mental health in children.

With egg hunts and outdoor traditions around Easter, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the value of giving kids space, freedom, and time to play. Let's use the holiday to embrace play—not just for children, but for ourselves too!

Tune in to discover why play isn’t a luxury—it's vital for thriving, learning, and connection. Happy Easter! 🐣🌱 Links to watch / listen and read the transcript in the comments

01/04/2026

Unlocking the Power of Play—for All of Us
In the latest Locked Up Living podcast episode, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones explored with Dr. Mariana Brussoni how play—especially the kind that involves a bit of risk and uncertainty—is crucial not just for children, but for adults too. Modern life, with its focus on productivity and perfectionism, often sidelines our need for fun and experimentation. We discussed how the loss of play impacts our ability to manage stress, take healthy risks, and even cultivate creativity and resilience in everyday life
Actionable Advice:
• Start Small: Take 5 minutes today to do something playful—doodle, dance, joke with a colleague, try a new route home, or even count to 10 before “correcting” yourself or someone else.
• Embrace Uncertainty: Let yourself experience something new or imperfect. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them

Whether you have children or not, building space for play in your life can unlock joy and adaptability—essential traits in today’s fast-changing world. How will you play today?

Find us wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments

23/03/2026

This week, hosts Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones sit down with retired police detective and whistleblower Jon Wedger for a deeply moving and eye-opening conversation. In this powerful episode, Jon shares his experiences uncovering child abuse and institutional cover-ups within the UK, reflects on the challenges faced while advocating for vulnerable children, and discusses the emotional, professional, and personal impact of speaking out against injustice.

If you care about child protection, systemic change, and the strength it takes to stand up for the voiceless, this episode is a must-listen.

Find Locked Up Living wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments

Heal after signing an NDA
22/03/2026

Heal after signing an NDA

Healing after an NDA isn’t linear—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Join us for Standing Strong: Healing & Rebuilding After an NDA, a 90-minute virtual workshop designed to support survivors in processing their experiences and moving forward.

🗓 March 24, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM ET

Together, we’ll explore coping strategies, self-care, and pathways to healing in a supportive space.

Register now by emailing info@cantbuymysilence.com

12/03/2026

Hungry ghosts drive our leaders—but what happens when they rise to the top wounded? 🚨

This week's Locked Up Living podcast hosted by David Jones and Dr Naomi Murphy dives deep into the making (and breaking) of leaders with Chris Braitch and Piers Cross. From boarding school trauma to compassion at the helm, they unpack why emotional intelligence is more vital than ever in leadership—and what happens when it's missing.

Ready for real talk on leadership, vulnerability, and building organizations fit for the future? Listen now and join the conversation!

Find us wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments

06/03/2026

What can we personally take from Laurence Willis’s brave story on this week’s Locked Up Living Podcast? His honest account of trauma, memory, and recovery is full of insight—not just for those with similar experiences, but anyone seeking self-understanding or supporting others.
A few key takeaways for all of us:
• Self-awareness is a journey. Laurence Willis discovered triggers in his parenting he’d never recognized—reminding us growth often begins with discomfort and feedback.
• Being kind to yourself matters. Healing isn’t linear or logical. Memories return in fragments, and it’s okay if progress feels slow or uncertain.
• You are not alone. Struggling to reach out doesn’t reflect weakness—many people find it almost impossible to ask for help in their darkest moments.
• Rebuilding is possible. Even after immense pain, Lawrence Willis found new purpose, showing that hope can return gradually, sometimes in unexpected ways.
If you, or someone you know, is navigating trauma or supporting survivors, this episode will deepen your understanding and empathy. Let’s normalize real conversations about recovery—so no one feels they have to endure in silence.

🔗 Tune in for the full episode and join the Locked Up Living community as we explore the realities of healing and growth after trauma. Find us wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments

04/03/2026

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Exploring Resilience and Recovery – A Conversation with Laurence Collins-Willis
If you’re interested in real stories of courage, healing, and transformation, this episode of the Locked Up Living podcast is one you won’t want to miss. In an incredibly open and honest conversation, Laurence Collins-Willis shares his personal journey through childhood trauma, the challenges of adoption, and the complex process of coming to terms with, and recovering memories of, abuse.
Hosted by Naomi Murphy and David Jones, this heartfelt episode covers:
• How the experience of adopting children surfaced old wounds and reshaped Lawrence’s understanding of himself
• The difficulty of navigating therapy and the importance of self-awareness in the healing process
• The physical and psychological impact of trauma, and practical reflections on managing triggers and rebuilding a sense of safety
• Insights about the struggle men face in accessing support, and the stigma that can come with being open about one’s experiences
• Gentle, thoughtful advice for anyone else confronting trauma or helping a loved one navigate those painful memories

Whether you’re working in mental health, supporting trauma survivors, or interested in stories of overcoming adversity, you’ll find this conversation both sobering and deeply inspiring. Laurence Collins-Willis’s candour and compassion offer hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for listeners at any stage of their own journeys.

🔗 Tune in for the full episode and join the Locked Up Living community as we explore the realities of healing and growth after trauma. Find us wherever you get your podcasts or via the links in the comments

If you’re also trying to recover from csa, there’s a link to resources to help you heal in the comments too

I’m delighted to have made it on to the list of 100 Champions for Men and Boys identified by the Centre for Policy Resea...
01/03/2026

I’m delighted to have made it on to the list of 100 Champions for Men and Boys identified by the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys.

When I left my position as Clinical Director of the Fens Unit in HMP Whitemoor, I didn’t really expect myself to still be having so many conversations in which I’m advocating for male vulnerability and trauma to be acknowledged. But the reality is:
- Mental health professionals and policy makers still often expect male distress to be manifest in the same way as female distress
- Discussions of perpetrating crime and being victimised by it are still excessively stereotyped and gendered
- Past histories of trauma continue to be under-recognised and the impact unappreciated when we’re discussing male mental health
- Male victims of both sexual abuse and domestic violence continue to go unnoticed and risk being depicted as the perpetrators if they seek help

There is definitely a shift in the right direction. For instance, it’s much more common these days to see authors of posts pulled up for the assumption that all perpetrators are male and all victims are female. There are many people prioritising interventions tailored to address male vulnerability. But there’s still a lot of work to do.

This is why I’m working with a collective of men – Andy Woodward, Daniel Forester, Joe Sabien, Rafael Viola and Tobi Tarquin to organise a conference for male survivors this year under the banner of What Was Hidden. This span out of Inside the Boys Club (a photo exhibition created by the award winning artistic duo Sane Seven and Marius Jankiauscas). You can find links to both these projects in the comments.

With many of Locked Up Living’s former guests also featuring in the CPRMB 100 Champions – Elizabeth Bates, Duncan Craig, Ally Fogg, Ben Hine, Sophie King-Hill, I’m in good company. You can access the full list via the link in the comments

Discover the CPRMB Champions - postively impacting on the lifes of boys and men in the UK.

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