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 #212: 'The very worst thing happened – and I could do it': Sally Phillips on life after divorce
Life after divorce
16 September 2026
39 MIN

'The very worst thing happened – and I could do it': Sally Phillips on life after divorce

Ten years on from her divorce, actor and comedian Sally Phillips can look back with humour, honesty and hard-won perspective on her divorce and the life she's built since.

#212
Episode #211: One step at a time: Pianist's journey through divorce
Life after divorce
9 September 2026
37 MIN

One step at a time: Pianist's journey through divorce

If you're wondering whether things really do get better after divorce, this episode is proof that they can - one step at a time.

#211
Episode #210: In brief: co-parenting when you travel for work
Coparenting
2 September 2026
15 MIN

In brief: co-parenting when you travel for work

If you're navigating work travel while co-parenting, this episode will help you plan around it without the guilt, or the arguments.

#210

Listen to The Divorce Podcast on your favourite platform