Therapy Works

Julia Samuel

Bestselling author and psychotherapist, Julia Samuel, invites us into her therapy room as she talks to both known and unknown voices about some of life’s biggest challenges.

Therapy Works is full of therapeutic conversations which may contain difficult emotions but those that can paradoxically bring light, in all its form.

Listeners will hear what the guests have learnt, failed to learn and how they have grown through their experience. At the end of each episode, Julia reflects on her session with her two psychotherapist daughters who will share their thoughts on the conversation. You’ll quickly discover that not all therapists agree on everything!

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271 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes271

Newest first

Aug 1, 2025 · 15 min
Agony Aunties: Managing Sibling Squabbles
In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener's question on how to help siblings of different ages get along better daily. They discuss the normality of sibling fights, the importance of setting realistic expectations, and strategies to avoid escalating conflicts. They emphasise the need for parents to remain calm, not intervene unnecessarily, and spend individual quality time with each child. The episode also offers insights into avoiding comparisons between siblings and reflects on how parents' own experiences with sibling rivalry can affect their children. Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 25, 2025 · 12 min
Agony Aunties: “Is It Too Late for Me?” Turning 60, Being Single & Reclaiming Joy
In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a moving question from a listener approaching 60 who fears her life may be over because she’s still single. What unfolds is a powerful conversation about redefining happiness and connection in later life. They explore how meaningful relationships don’t have to be romantic, and share practical ways to find joy through new activities, communities, and friendships. The concept of radical acceptance is introduced as a transformative mindset — one that helps us embrace our reality with compassion rather than resistance. The episode also tackles the deeper societal narratives around aging, womanhood, and self-worth, especially the pressure placed on women to define their value through relationships. The Aunties offer a fresh perspective on how to maintain your erotic energy — not just in the sexual sense, but in keeping your sense of aliveness, creativity, and self-expression vibrant. It’s a thoughtful, empowering listen for anyone wondering if it’s too late to start again. (Spoiler: it’s not.) Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 18, 2025 · 13 min
Agony Aunties: Can Therapy Really Alleviate Health Anxiety?
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a question about dealing with health anxiety, which started during pregnancy and has persisted for six years. The discussion covers various aspects, including the role of different therapies such as art therapy and somatic EMDR, understanding the impact of early childhood trauma, and how physiological changes after childbirth can amplify fear and anxiety. The Agony Aunties emphasise the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and having open, honest conversations with therapists to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. They also highlight that change and healing are gradual processes that can't erase past experiences but can help in developing a more compassionate relationship with oneself. Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 11, 2025 · 12 min
Agony Aunties: Can Your Relationship Survive If Only One of You Grows?
In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener’s question: What happens to a relationship when one partner does the work — and the other doesn’t? They unpack the emotional and relational impact of personal growth, especially when only one person in the partnership is engaging in therapy or self-development. While growth can create distance, they explain that it doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed. What matters most is openness, willingness to engage, and honest communication. They also explore how to assess the real costs and benefits of staying versus leaving, particularly when children are involved. This is rarely a quick decision — it’s a long game, and one that requires compassion and courage. Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 4, 2025 · 13 min
Agony Aunties on Healing After an Ectopic Pregnancy
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener question about coping with the emotional impact of an unplanned ectopic pregnancy. Drawing on empathy and experience, the Aunties offer heartfelt guidance on processing grief, managing anxiety, and navigating the complex mix of emotions that can follow such a loss. They share practical tips around self-care, the value of short-term planning, and the importance of seeking both medical advice and emotional support. Helpful Resources: Miscarriage Association – Support and information for anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy. Child Bereavement UK – Support for families and professionals when a child dies or is grieving. Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 27, 2025 · 17 min
Agony Aunties on Confronting Hidden Trauma
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a deeply sensitive and complex topic brought up by a listener who experienced childhood sexual abuse by her brother. They discuss the feelings of shame, confusion, and sadness that often accompany such trauma and emphasise the importance of seeking professional support, such as EMDR therapy. The hosts provide advice on discussing the event with trusted individuals, like a caring partner, and highlight the significance of understanding and processing the abuse before making any decisions about revealing it to family members. They also offer insights into preventing such situations and educating one's own children about consent and safe touch. Resources for Support: If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and needs support, the following organisations offer help: SurvivorsUK Specialist support for men, boys, and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence. www.survivorsuk.org Helpline: 020 3598 3898 (Mon–Sun) AMAZE.org Support and information for adolescents, families, and educators around sexual health and relationships.www.amaze.org The Survivors Trust (UK) Umbrella charity for specialist rape and sexual abuse support services. www.thesurvivorstrust.org Childline (UK) Confidential support for children and young people. www.childline.org.uk Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 20, 2025 · 15 min
Agony Aunties on Finding Clarity in Situationships
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's complex situation involving an on-and-off situationship marked by his avoidant detachment. They discuss the complex emotions of longing, grief, and fear of vulnerability that arise from such experiences. They offer insights into recognising and addressing historical patterns of attachment, the importance of self-reflection, and the necessity of open communication with partners. They explore the potential subconscious reasons for choosing an emotionally unavailable partner and suggest ways to untangle these emotional threads through self-awareness, therapy, and communication. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapyworks and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 11, 2025 · 50 min
Live from Stratford Literary Festival: Kit de Waal on Friendship, Fear & Finding Freedom
In this live episode of Hurt to Healing, Julia Samuel is joined by acclaimed author and advocate Kit de Waal for a powerful conversation about friendship, fear, and the patterns we inherit from childhood. With her signature blend of candour and compassion, Kit opens up about the painful unravelling of a close friendship and how it stirred echoes of her early life — growing up with a strict Jamaican Jehovah’s Witness father and a fiery Irish Catholic mother. She reflects on the emotional survival tactics that shaped her, the fierce loyalty of her siblings, and the way fear and secrecy became part of her emotional DNA. Together, Julia and Kit explore the complexities of trust, identity, and repair — what it means to rewrite the stories we were raised with, and how we begin to parent and connect differently. From Kit’s teenage rebellion and escape from a rigid religious upbringing to her work in social care and advocacy for marginalised voices, this is a conversation about resilience, rupture, and growth. Find Kit: Website: https://www.kitdewaal.com/ Instagram: @kitdewaal Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 4, 2025 · 1 hr
Expert Episode: How to Age Well with Dr. Lucy Pollock
In this expert episode, Julia sits down with Dr. Lucy Pollock, a geriatrician with nearly three decades of experience, to explore the truth about growing older. Together, they unpack the challenges, joys, and misconceptions of ageing — from navigating dementia and end-of-life decisions to improving communication between patients, families, and doctors. Dr. Pollock shares practical advice for ageing well, discusses the emotional weight of caregiving, and highlights why listening is one of the most powerful tools in medicine. This thoughtful conversation is rich with wisdom, humour, and deeply moving personal stories that challenge how we think about aging, autonomy, and what truly matters as we grow older. Buy Lucy's book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/448165/the-golden-rule-by-pollock-lucy/9781405953245 Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2025 · 47 min
Expert Episode: Music as Medicine with Dr Daniel Levitin
In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia is joined by Dr. Daniel Levitin — acclaimed neuroscientist, musician, and best-selling author of Music as Medicine. Together, they explore the extraordinary ways music can transform mental and physical health. From its ability to boost mood and memory to its role in treating trauma, depression, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Dr. Levitin explains the science behind music’s profound effects on the brain. He also discusses how music compares to prescription medication, and why personalised playlists can be as powerful as therapy. The conversation delves into the emotional and cultural significance of music, highlighting how collective musical experiences foster connection, belonging, and healing. This episode is a compelling reminder of the importance of agency and personal resonance in any therapeutic journey — and why Dr. Levitin believes music education should be a universal right. They also touch on the future of AI and human connection, ending with a hopeful vision for integrating music more deeply into everyday well-being. Listen now to discover why music might just be one of the most powerful forms of therapy we have. Find Daniel: Instagram: @daniellevitinofficial Buy his book: https://amzn.eu/d/eSkZSZo Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 23, 2025 · 16 min
Agony Aunties on Healing from Preverbal Trauma
The Agony Aunties delve into the complexities of preverbal trauma, explaining why it is difficult to process such trauma and how it affects the body and brain. Through a detailed example of a young child who suffered early neglect, the discussion highlights how trauma manifests and persists beyond early childhood. They give their insights on therapeutic approaches like EMDR, sensory regulation, and the importance of co-regulation. Additional resources from experts like Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, Bruce Perry, and the concept of the polyvagal system are recommended for deeper understanding. The episode underscores the importance of patience, self-compassion, and the development of a sensory toolbox for trauma survivors. Additional Resources: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A groundbreaking book on how trauma is stored in the body and how we can begin to heal. Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine – Learn more about Peter Levine’s body-based approach to resolving trauma. What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey – A compassionate, neuroscience-based look at childhood trauma and healing. Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2025 · 33 min
Expert Episode: Helping Your Children Develop Resilience with Dr. Henry Venter
In this expert-led episode, Emily Samuel is joined by Dr Henry Venter to explore the vital role resilience plays in a child’s development. Together, they delve into the tools, habits, and parenting strategies that help children adapt to challenges, manage emotions, and build inner strength in an ever-changing world.Whether your child is navigating friendship struggles, academic stress, or emotional setbacks, this conversation offers accessible insights to help them thrive. Find more on Dr Venter: https://www.nu.edu/degrees/social-sciences/faculty/dr-henry-venter/ Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 16, 2025 · 17 min
Agony Aunties on Talking to Children About a Terminal Diagnosis
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a heart-wrenching question from a listener facing a terminal diagnosis. They offer invaluable advice on how to communicate this devastating news to teenage children without causing unnecessary fear or resorting to dishonesty. They emphasise the importance of honesty and ongoing dialogue, suggest starting the conversation by asking the children what they already understand about the illness, and provide strategies to help manage the emotional burden for both the parent and the children. They also discuss the benefits of using supportive resources from organisations like Child Bereavement UK and Macmillan, and the option of preparing messages and videos for future milestones in the child's life. The discussion concludes with advice on engaging schools and other family members for additional support. Support links: Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ Child Bereavement UK: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/ Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Live from Curious Minds Festival: Unpacking Family, Conflict & Connection
In this special live-recorded episode of Therapy Works, we explore the often unspoken patterns that shape our families — and ourselves. Whether you're navigating sibling tensions, generational expectations, or a long-standing rupture with a parent, this conversation offers powerful insight into how family systems operate, why we fall into certain roles, and how healing truly begins. Note: As this was recorded live, the audio isn’t perfect — but the rawness adds to the realness! You’ll hear real-life therapy sessions unfold in real time — including a moving segment on estrangement — revealing just how much our early environments impact our adult relationships, self-worth, and sense of belonging. What we explore in this episode: Why understanding the family system matters more than focusing on one person’s behaviour How unresolved trauma can silently pass through generations What happens when a family faces unexpected change The difference between rupture and repair — and why both are inevitable Why communication breaks down, and how to rebuild it with clarity and compassion How to navigate the tension between love, resentment, and loyalty With stories, therapeutic insight, and deeply human moments, this episode is for anyone trying to make sense of where they come from — and how to break free from cycles that no longer serve them. Highlights: 01:57 – How families react to change 03:58 – Parenting under pressure 05:33 – Tools for breaking family patterns 21:31 – Live therapy: Joe’s estrangement story 36:17 – How revelations shape identity 43:15 – Compassion vs. resentment: finding the balance 48:32 – Q&A and closing reflections Find out more about Curious Minds Festival: https://www.batharts.co.uk/curious-minds This is a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapyworks and get on your way to being your best self. Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at ⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠ for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 9, 2025 · 14 min
Agony Aunties on the Pressure to "Have It All Figured Out"
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a common concern among individuals in their mid-thirties who feel overwhelmed by life's big decisions, especially regarding having children. The discussion dismantles the false narrative of a linear path to success, emphasises the importance of self-awareness, and offers insights into managing societal pressures and personal expectations. The episode also touches on the significance of recognising real time boundaries for biological factors, broadening one's concept of family, cultivating curiosity about one's true desires, and the benefit of therapy in understanding personal choices.Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 7, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Amanda Wakeley on Fashion, Family, and Healing Through Grief
In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Amanda Wakeley, OBE, designer, creative director, and multiple award-winner, delves into the profound challenges she faced following the loss of her brother and the end of her eponymous fashion brand. Amanda shares the emotional impact of these significant losses, her process of grieving, and how a new chapter unfolded in her life. She talks about the therapeutic value of her new dog, the importance of nature, and the power of listening to one's gut instinct. Through introspection and resilience, Amanda navigated through her 'fertile void' and rediscovered her purpose, culminating in the launch of her own podcast and a forthcoming style DNA book. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, courage, and the joy found in new beginnings. 00:38 Amanda's Career and Personal Losses 01:39 The Challenge of Sibling Loss 05:50 Fashion and Personal Identity 10:49 The Healing Power of Nature and Pets 22:48 The Emotional Toll of Business Closure 27:26 Cosy Work from Home and Meeting Luna 27:52 The Comfort of Cashmere 28:46 Defining Personal Style 30:15 Navigating Major Life Transitions 32:16 Starting a New Chapter with a Podcast 33:28 Dealing with Anxiety and Finding Control 34:01 The Healing Power of Nature and Movement 36:58 Hypnotherapy and Overcoming Fears 38:51 Grieving and Emotional Healing 46:07 Embracing New Beginnings and Wisdom 49:16 Final Reflections and Tribute to Charlie Find Amanda: Instagram: @amandawakeley Website: amandawakeley.com Podcast: Listen here Links referenced in episode: Eugene Gendlin on Focusing: https://focusing.org/sixsteps Sibling Support: https://www.siblingsupport.co.uk/ Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 2, 2025 · 14 min
Agony Aunties on Finding Confidence in Your Fifties
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's concern about feeling invisible in their mid-fifties due to ageism in both work and social spaces. Reflecting on their own experiences, the Agony Aunties discuss the psychological challenges and societal biases that come with aging, particularly for women. They emphasise the importance of valuing oneself, embracing inner strengths, and finding liberation in this new phase of life. They also touch upon the cultural obsession with anti-aging and all the benefits of reaching one's fifties. Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 30, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Olivia on Finding Freedom After Abuse
In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Olivia shares the harrowing experience of her husband being arrested in 2014 for downloading and sharing paedophilic images of children. She discusses the subsequent impact on her life and her four children, detailing the years of coercive control, emotional abuse, and manipulation she endured during her marriage. Olivia reflects on the therapy and support she received that helped her come to terms with the situation, reclaim her sense of self, and start to rebuild her life. Despite the trauma, Olivia speaks of her path to freedom, the crucial role of her support system, and how she managed to rebuild a life filled with joy and self-discovery. 00:12 The Day Everything Changed 01:22 Living Under Coercive Control 05:10 Realisations Through Therapy 10:19 The Arrest and Its Aftermath 14:14 Struggles with Shame and Guilt 31:30 Support Systems and Healing 37:46 Reflections and Moving Forward Support Links & Further Resources Understanding the Vagus Nerve – Learn more via the Polyvagal Institute Carolyn Spring – Resources on trauma and recovery: carolynspring.com Women’s Aid – Support for those affected by domestic abuse: womensaid.org.uk Support for Families & Friends of Perpetrators – Guidance via the Survivors’ Network: Read here Dr. Gwen Adshead: Reith Lecture – Listen on the BBC: Episode link Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 25, 2025 · 13 min
Agony Aunties on Managing Exam Stress
In this episode, the Agony Aunties discuss the intense pressure and anxiety faced by a 16-year-old dealing with exam stress. They highlight the importance of timetables that include breaks and exercise, the benefits of studying with friends, and the significance of sleep, food, and exercise in reducing anxiety. Additionally, the conversation explores emotional coping mechanisms, the dangers of self-imposed pressure, the impact of comparing oneself to others, and the importance of recognising one's worth beyond academic performance. Real-life anecdotes and practical advice provide a comprehensive guide to managing stress and finding balance during exam periods. Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 23, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Chris Levine on How Darkness Led Him to Light
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Julia reconnects with world-famous light artist Chris Levine - best known for his portraits of the Queen, Kate Moss, and Elton John - for the first time in over a decade. Chris opens up about his personal battles, from growing up with a father struggling with alcoholism to facing his own challenges with addiction. He shares how these experiences shaped not only his journey of recovery, but also his unique creative path. Together, they explore how meditation, energy, and a deep connection to a higher power have become central to both his healing and his art. Chris also talks about his fascination with sacred sites, cosmic energy, and the magic of light that continues to inspire his incredible work. This is an intimate and moving conversation about resilience, creativity, and finding peace through stillness. 02:31 The Impact of Addiction 06:04 Artistic Journey and Addiction 08:21 Recovery and Self-Realisation 11:24 Balancing Heart and Mind 17:44 The Role of Higher Power in Recovery 20:29 Expressing Through Art and Meditation 21:35 A Life-Changing Journey to Kathmandu 22:16 Discovering Vipassana Meditation 23:16 The Power of Stillness and Meditation 24:07 Creating Art Through Meditation 27:21 Manifesting Dreams and Serendipity 38:54 The Spiritual Significance of Sacred Sites 42:19 Reflections on Meditation and Creativity Find out more about Chris Levine: https://chrislevine.com/ Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being. This is a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapyworks and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices