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Health & Fitness

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
  • Jul 26, 2024 · 13 min

    Agony Aunties - Life After Illness

    Join us for today's episode where we discuss life after chronic illness recovery. We discuss the emotional and psychological transitions involved, especially in terms of trust in this new change. We'll also discuss practices on how to feel safe in this new stage of life, and how to embody the change. Let us know what you think! If you have dealt with long term illness, and were able to get to a place of recovery, what was that transition like for you? Have you been able to connect with a sense of safety? What has changed for you, in terms of how you process the world and your experience of it? Show Notes: I mentioned Deb Dana’s Glimmers. I write more about them in this week’s newsletter, and the five steps to a Glimmer Practice, so you can really saturate in them more. Check it out here - https://juliasamuel.substack.com/p/developing-your-glimmer-practice Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jul 24, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min

    Christiana Figueres on the Climate Crisis and the Power of Impermanence

    In this episode of Therapy Works, we are honored to have Christiana Figueres, an internationally recognized leader on climate change and former executive secretary of the UNFCCC. Christiana shares her insights on the importance of balancing awareness of climate challenges with a sense of agency and optimism. We discuss her personal journey, the impact of impermanence on her life, and how love and courage can drive effective climate action. In the Mother/Daughter section, we explore our own experiences and discuss practical steps and emotional strategies for engaging with climate issues in a meaningful way. Resources: For starters, find out more about Christiana Figueres over on her website - http://christianafigueres.com/ You can find her podcast, Outrage and Optimism here - https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes And her book, The Future We Choose, is available here - https://www.globaloptimism.com/the-future-we-choose In the Mother/Daughter part of this episode, Sophie shares how she’s going to be writing a series of newsletters on Substack about how to talk about the Climate Crisis with your children. It’s aimed to be released in September. Until then, you can find our newsletter here - https://substack.com/@juliasamuel Christiana was very inspired by Plum Village and Thich Nhat Hanh. You can find out more about their message here - https://plumvillage.uk Here’s the episode Sophie mentioned with Krista Tippett and Christiana Figueres - https://onbeing.org/programs/christiana-figueres-ecological-hope-and-spiritual-evolution/ And here’s the other episode she mentioned from Therapist Uncensored - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/therapist-uncensored-podcast/id1146941306?i=1000626570204 Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk This episode is sponsored by/brought to you 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

  • Jul 17, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min

    Kate Silverton on the Hidden Struggles Behind Her Journey to Becoming a Therapist

    In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, I speak to Kate Silverton, a renowned broadcaster turned child therapist. We delve into a deeply personal and intimate conversation about navigating public and personal lives, overcoming complex childhood traumas, and the transformative power of therapy. Kate shares her journey from experiencing severe trauma in childhood to finding peace and healing through therapy. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, her significant relationships, and her mission to break the cycle of trauma for future generations through her work with children and her books. We also explore the importance of self-soothing, emotional regulation, and the impact of healthy relationships. Show Notes: Find out more about Kate Silverton and her work over on her website - https://www.katesilverton.com And find her on Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/katesilverton Find her books: https://linktr.ee/theresnosuchthingasnaughtybook Here’s the podcast Em mentioned - https://drchatterjee.com/how-our-childhood-shapes-every-aspect-of-our-health-with-dr-gabor-mate/ And here’s the Therapy uncensored podcast Sophie talked about - https://open.spotify.com/show/2Cv0V85tssliSL8wz7gVWm Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jul 12, 2024 · 8 min

    Agony Aunties - Coping with Regrets of a Divorce

    For this week's Agony Aunties episode, we address a heartfelt question from a viewer struggling with divorce grief five years after the fact. The viewer shares their deep regret after leaving their son's father for someone they now realize was not right for them. This decision has brought financial difficulties and emotional pain for themselves, their son, and their. Despite wishing they could turn back time to make different choices, they're seeking advice on how to cope with their current situation. Tune in for a compassionate discussion on navigating the tumultuous emotions of regret and finding a path forward. We’re going to talk about self-compassion, and about acknowledging that our choices were the best ones we could make at the time. At least, that’s what’s alive in us as we’re discussing this question. What do you think? How does this question resonate with you? Do you think about any decisions that you regret making? Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jul 10, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min

    On Overcoming Eating Disorders - With Becky Excell

    For this week’s episode of Therapy Works, we’re speaking with Becky Excell, a gluten free influencer, as she opens up about her eating disorder, how it impacted her friends and family, and what it took to finally get her to change. We’ll discuss how some approaches of help actually caused more harm, how the expected norms of university life can lead to challenges, and how Becky has found a path forward that helps people who also have challenges with food, even though it’s coming at a new cost. When we get to the Mother/Daughter section of the episode, we’ll talk about how we as a family experienced eating disorders as well, and what helped us tremendously during this time. We mentioned that we’ll be sharing resources in the show notes, so if you’re at all interested, do check out: Beat Eating Disorders - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk SWEDA - https://swedauk.org The Maudsley Model - https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/therapies/maudsley-method Young Minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/eating-disorders/ And here’s the book Emily talked about - https://amzn.eu/d/00gVlWXz Along with a list of other books you might find useful - https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/downloads-resources/helpful-books/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jul 5, 2024 · 11 min

    Agony Aunties - Not Reciprocating in Relationships

    In this week's Agony Aunties episode, we explore a recurring theme in relationships where one often feels they give more than they receive. We’ll delve into the emotional pain that stems from a consistent sense of not being seen and receiving less than what one asks for. We’ll also look into whether this pattern might be rooted in past experiences and how to address these deep-seated feelings by examining our subconscious mind. Let us know what you think! Have you noticed any recurring patterns in your relationships? And if you have a question you’d like us to cover for Agony Aunties, we’d be happy to hear them. Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jul 3, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min

    Esther Stamp on the Impact of False Accusations and the Power of Support

    For this week’s episode of Therapy Works, we’re speaking Esther Stamp, whose husband Darren was falsely accused of inappropriately touching a student, and who has been found not guilty in a court of law. Esther shares her story about the whole process, what happened to her and her family and children. She shares a story about the beautiful power of a caring community in such a touching way, and talks about the support of a community coming together for someone in need of help. She’ll also talk about the trial process for Darren, and what life is like now afterwards, and how - sadly - there’s still a lot to go before the dust settles. I fund Esther’s story very moving. How did you feel hearing it? What are your thoughts? Do let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jun 28, 2024 · 10 min

    Agony Aunties - Dealing with Challenging Thoughts

    For this week’s Agony Aunties, we’re talking about how to relate to our inner Shitty Committee, when we have some thoughts in us that are self-critical, or just not in alignment with our values. While the question didn’t necessarily ask about how to relate to the Committee, but asked more about how to silence them, we’re talking about a different way to approach these thoughts, with some more curiosity, some more acceptance, with viewing them as part of our Internal Family System. If you have a different way that you relate with your inner thoughts, please do share! And if you have a question you’d like us to cover for Agony Aunties, we’d be happy to hear them. Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jun 21, 2024 · 11 min

    Agony Aunties - Coping with Re-Grief and Injustice

    In this week's episode of Agony Aunties, we're addressing a listener's heartfelt question about re-grieving her father's death after hearing news about the contaminated blood inquiry, which her father received and passed away from. We'll explore the psychological impact of triggers, the importance of expressing anger, how when we pay attention to something we find it popping up more often in our lives, and ways to take care of oneself while processing deeply personal and painful experiences. Join us as we navigate the complexities of grief, trauma, and finding a path forward. P.S. In these answers we are sharing what’s top of mind for us. We would love to keep the conversation going. Have you had any experiences similar to what Emily mentioned, where what you’re thinking about a lot lately you happen to see around you more often? Do share! And if you have any questions you’d like us to tackle for the next Agony Aunties, do share! Resources If you’re dealing with grief, I created a program that I really put a lot of effort into, and one that I think really can help. Hopefully, you find it useful - https://illumeapps.com/griefworks/ Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jun 19, 2024 · 1 hr 14 min

    Jake Humphrey on Vulnerability and Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

    We're starting off Season 6 of Therapy Works with a wonderful talk with Jake Humphrey. Join us as we explore Jake's varied career as a sports presenter, businessman, and podcaster. Through this enriching conversation, Jake shares insights on balancing success with personal life, family values, and his mental health journey. We dive into the beauty of ordinary life, the importance of vulnerability, and finding joy in simple moments. Discover how sharing our deepest fears can lead to healing and connection, and learn from Jake's experiences of resilience amidst life's pressures. Resources If you found this conversation interesting, you can find Jake Humphrey’s work in many places, including: Twitter/X - https://x.com/mrjakehumphrey High Performance Podcast - https://podfollow.com/highperformance Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jakehumphrey/ Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jun 14, 2024 · 13 min

    Agony Aunties - Navigating Fear and Power Dynamics in Parenting

    In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’re addressing a listener's question about the fear of their child, particularly during the teenage years. We’ll discuss the power dynamics between parents and children, the emotional challenges of parenting, and strategies for maintaining calm and establishing boundaries. We’ll also dig into how personal childhood experiences can influence parental fears, as well as the importance of repair and trust in parent-child relationships. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the complexities of parenting and overcoming fear. As well, we’re only sharing what’s top of mind for us in these answers, and we’d love to keep the conversation going. Do you have any frameworks you use, perhaps similar to Sophie’s, in how you show up for your children? I’d love to know. And if you have any questions you’d like us to tackle for the next Agony Aunties, do share! Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jun 12, 2024 · 49 min

    Navigating Bicultural Identity: A Conversation with Sahaj Kaur Kohli

    For this week’s bonus episode of the Therapy Works Podcast, we’re featuring psychotherapist and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, Sahaj Kaur Kohli. In this episode, Sahaj delves into her journey as a daughter of Indian immigrants in the United States, her professional and personal challenges, and the cultural straddling that influences her work with clients. She shares insights on navigating mental health, identity, and transgenerational trauma while discussing her new book, 'But What Will People Say?' and the importance of healing through cultural sensitivity and curiosity. Discover how Sahaj blends her bicultural experience in her therapeutic practice and offers invaluable advice for children of immigrants and their families. Dive into the conversation and explore Sahaj's story and expertise, filled with relatable experiences and professional wisdom Resources You can learn more about Sahaj Kaur Kohli, and get her book, on her website - https://sahajkaurkohli.com/book For those of you on Instagram, check out her profile over at - https://www.instagram.com/browngirltherapy/ Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Jun 7, 2024 · 8 min

    Agony Aunties: What to do if You Feel Nothing?

    In this week's episode of Agony Aunties, we're addressing a listener's question about not feeling anything. We'll discuss the potential link between numbness and depression, recommend ways to explore and understand this emotional state, and emphasize the importance of professional help. We'll also talk about holistic lifestyle changes and the value of communicating your feelings to those close to you. Resources: I mentioned that I’ll be sharing an online test, for those of you who are interested in their emotional wellbeing. You can find it here - https://checkwellbeing.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/ Otherwise, if you have any questions, send me a message on my Instagram - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ For more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 30, 2024 · 51 min

    The Anxious Generation: A Conversation with Jonathan Haidt

    In this very engaging conversation, Jonathan Haidt, Professor of Ethical Leadership at the Stern School in New York, discusses his latest book “The Anxious Generation” where he goes into the significant impact digital devices and social media have on the younger generation, particularly the broader implications of technology on children's development, mental health, and social interactions. Highlighting four foundational rules for healthier childhoods, Haidt emphasizes the urgent need for collective action among parents, schools, and governments to mitigate the adverse effects of a digital upbringing and restore a play-based, real-world childhood that fosters resilience and social competence. Resources: For starters, you’re going to love “The Anxious Generation” - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com If you’re interested in taking action, we mentioned a few websites you can check out, namely: http://letgrow.org http://anxiousgeneration.com http://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk http://delaysmartphones.org Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 24, 2024 · 9 min

    Agony Aunties: Understanding Grief and Numbness After Loss

    For this week’s Agony Aunties, we address a listener's concern about feeling numb after the recent death of their mother. We’ll talk about the stereotypes of what people think grief looks like, and then address the shock and emotional numbness that often follows sudden loss, along with the adaptation process during mourning, and when it might be necessary to seek professional help. We’ll also talk about the importance of proper support systems, the timing of therapeutic interventions, and accessible resources for those dealing with grief. Resources: I’ve created an app to help people navigate Grief, called Grief Works. I think it can be very useful in helping work through grief and its many stages. Please find a link to download it here - https://illumeapps.com/griefworks/ Please follow me on Instagram - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/ For more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 22, 2024 · 28 min

    BONUS: Satya Doyle Byock on the quarter-life crisis

    While we’re preparing for Season 6 of Therapy Works, we have a special expert episode we wanted to share between Emily and Satya Doyle Byock, a psychotherapist from Portland and author of the book 'Quarter Life: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood.” Satya explains the concept of the 'quarter life' phase, identifying it as the first stage of adulthood between adolescence and midlife, and discusses the unique challenges faced during this period. She shares her motivation for writing the book, rooted in her personal struggles and professional experiences, which I’m sure many of us can relate to as well. The conversation delves into the societal expectations, psychological development, and family dynamics that impact individuals in their twenties and thirties, and also discusses how we usually talk about this stage of life, which - oftentime - isn’t met with a lot of compassion or patience. Emily and Satya also discuss the importance of ritual, and the role of therapy in navigating this critical life stage, and the importance of understanding and supporting this majorly transformative phase of our lives. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Doyle Byock and His Book on Quarter Life 00:39 Defining Quarter Life and Its Importance 01:26 The Struggles of Quarter Lifers and the Lack of Societal Language 03:20 Generational Perspectives and Misunderstandings 05:05 The Four Pillars of Growth in Quarter Life 12:05 The Meaning vs. Stability Framework 20:03 The Role of Parents and Society in Navigating Quarter Life 24:21 The Power of Therapy and Self-Exploration 26:39 Closing Thoughts and the Impact of Supporting Quarter Lifers Resources: If this conversation resonated with you, and you’d like to find ways to understand the quarter-life experience from a different angle, check out Satya’s book “Quarter Life: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood” - https://satyabyock.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 17, 2024 · 11 min

    Agony Aunties: Losing someone to addiction

    In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, a listener is asking us for healthy ways to move forward after the early death of a brother, who died from addiction, and whose death caused major challenges for the entire family. Let’s begin by saying that there are no quick and easy ways to answer this in a video. This is a profound, life changing challenge, and we really encourage seeking individual therapy, and to explore how the addiction impacted everyone’s relationships, as well as discussing these difficult topics with children to help them understand and process their feelings. We’d also like to emphasise self-compassion here, to cope with shame and self-judgment, as there is a major stigma around dying early from addiction, and processing it is not going to be easy. We also go on to suggest that connecting with groups and others who have gone through similar losses can aid in the healing process. Thank you to whoever sent this question in. We’re so sorry to hear about the challenges you’re going through, and we’re really happy that you reached out to speak about it. We hope this helped, in some small way. Thank you for submitting your questions, and for giving us a chance to help provide some advice. If you have a question, please DM me at @juliasamuelmbe or email jsamuelpod@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 15, 2024 · 20 min

    Movement is Medicine: Mental Health Awareness Week Special

    For this week’s episode of Therapy Works, we’re having a special talk about Mental Health Awareness Week, which - this year - is focusing on the theme of movement and its significance in mental health. We have a lot to say on the subject, including some of the language we want to share around Mental Health awareness, and how people are identifying with different states of mental health. If describing the state of our mental health is difficult to verbalise, writing can reveal to us the parts that we keep hidden and unvocalised. On the theme of movement, we’ll talk about how it can unlock one of the most powerful medicines, as well as making sure we explore our relationship with movement overall. If we’re avoiding it, why is that? And if we’re exercising in order to avoid something else that we’re trying not to feel, that’s something to bring awareness to as well. Also we all find excuses to not do any movement, but it doesn’t have to be high intensity exercise, it can be as small as little walks to break up the day or as Sophie says a little boogie when doing the washing up! Resources: To learn more about Mental Health Awareness Week, check out - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week Otherwise, if you’re in London and want to dance, here’s Pineapple Studios - https://www.pineapple.uk.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 10, 2024 · 9 min

    Agony Aunties: Post-breakup anxiety

    For this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’re answering a question from someone struggling after a recent breakup and full of fear of relapsing into a previous nervous breakdown. If we go through a really challenging ordeal post breakup, it would make sense that we’d be afraid of how we will be in the future, if another breakup occurs. What’s important to note is that we’re all different people now than we were before. And so, how you’ll process a future challenge isn’t the same way you’ve handled a past challenge. With that being said, we’d also like to acknowledge grief as a natural process, which often involves the full spectrum of emotions. For future challenges, we recommend practicing self-care in many forms, such as seeking therapy, journaling, and spending time with loved ones who provide positive reflections of ourselves. We’ll talk about all of this and more in this week’s episode. Thank you for submitting your questions, and for giving us a chance to help provide some advice. If you have a question, please DM me at @juliasamuelmbe or email jsamuelpod@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices