The mind-body connection, Pilates and divorce recovery with Psychotherapist Andrew Keefe

In this episode, Kate is joined by Andrew Keefe, a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Pilates Teacher, to discuss how Pilates can support you during divorce and aid your recovery afterward. Andrew shares the science of trauma, how the nervous system functions under stress and why Pilates is an effective tool to help with the emotional aftermath of a relationship breakdown.

Released: 14 May 2025
35 MIN
#138
Life after divorce

In this episode, Kate is joined by Andrew Keefe, a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Pilates Teacher, to discuss how Pilates can support you during divorce and aid your recovery afterward. Andrew shares the science of trauma, how the nervous system functions under stress and why Pilates is an effective tool to help with the emotional aftermath of a relationship breakdown. 

About the episode:

Kate and Andrew begin by exploring what trauma means in the context of divorce and the physical and mental symptoms it can trigger. Andrew explains the biological responses that often occur during and after a traumatic event like separation and how the controlled movements and breathing techniques at the core of Pilates can help soothe these reactions. He also shares other practical strategies for coping with divorce and separation, including simple breathing exercises, the importance of releasing tension in the body and how to build a supportive network.

About our guest:

Andrew Keefe is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, Pilates Teacher and Personal Trainer (Level 4, Lower Back Pain Specialist.) He works with mind and body to help people recover from trauma and trauma / stress-related Chronic Lower Back Pain. Andrew has been a therapist for twenty-five years, including sixteen years of clinical work with traumatised refugees and survivors of torture. He now works in private practice in Holborn and East London, specialising in working with people living with the traumatic effects of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, abusive relationships, birth trauma, violence and chronic lower back pain. He also uses fitness sessions and Pilates to help people recover their mental wellbeing.

More resources:

You can learn more about Andrew and his work on his website

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at hello@amicable.co.uk. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.

Latest Episodes

Episode #201: You’re doing better than you think: helping children thrive through divorce
Coparenting
1 July 2026
45 MIN

You’re doing better than you think: helping children thrive through divorce

Supporting your children through separation goes so much further than one difficult conversation - but knowing how to keep showing up for them is something many parents struggle with.

#201
Episode #200: Best of: 200 episodes of The Divorce Podcast
Separation stories
24 June 2026
20 MIN

Best of: 200 episodes of The Divorce Podcast

200 episodes of honest, hopeful conversations about divorce – here are the moments that stayed with us.

#200
Episode #199: Divorcing dads: why separation hits men hard - and how to help
Emotional journey
17 June 2026
43 MIN

Divorcing dads: why separation hits men hard - and how to help

Divorce can hit men hard – and many dads withdraw just when they need people most. For divorcing dads, that isolation isn't only painful – it can be dangerous.

#199

Listen to The Divorce Podcast on your favourite platform