Dr Tanya Petersen, 49, and Dr Lisa Corbett, 50, met at university, living next door to each other in halls of residence when they were 18.
Now 30 years on, they are still best friends.
The two Knutsford mums are both married with young children.
The pair have launched their own 2Together free podcast, called ‘Unstuck’, to reach out to women who may be facing personal difficulties, family pressures or stress at work.
To mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, they are keen to reassure anyone facing stress, uncertainty or loss of confidence that free help and support is available.
Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Petersen, (Image: Supplied)
Dr Petersen is a consultant clinical psychologist with a 25-year career in NHS forensic mental health services.
Dr Corbett is a counselling psychologist, who works across the NHS and private settings, after volunteering with children’s charities in South Africa.
Dr Tanya Petersen said: “There are resources and material out there which can offer techniques so people can help themselves.
“This wouldn’t replace therapy for people with serious mental health difficulties.
“Most people who come to us aren’t in crisis but they aren’t OK either. They’re stuck.
“They feel flat or on autopilot but don’t think it’s bad enough to ask for help.”
Both women have experienced personal difficulties and stressful situations themselves.
Counselling psychologist Dr Lisa Corbett (Image: Supplied)
Dr Petersen said: “I have gone through grief, IVF and burnout at work.
“I nursed my mum through terminal illness at my home during Covid.
“I didn’t know what it was going to be like and I was desperate to talk to someone who had been through this.
“Now, you no longer have to struggle alone, help is out there.
“There are so many people willing to share their own experiences.”
Both psychologists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and warn people to check the professional background of any online health experts offering advice.
Dr Petersen said: “People with anxiety or struggling with burn out at work or home will realise they’re not on their own.
“Young families are juggling a lot.
“There are lots of really useful ideas out there.
“It’s not all online, there are plenty of books in the library.”
To listen to their free podcast, visit https://open.spotify.com/show/0348JwfWkvgOiBPKptLdOs