Therapy Works

Julia Samuel
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  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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! Follow @juliasamuelmbe

  1. 17 HR AGO · BONUS

    Agony Aunties: What to Say When Your Child Asks About War

    The Agony Aunties respond to a listener grappling with how to talk to their children about the deeply unsettling news of the current war involving Iran - something many families are hearing about daily, often in fragments through headlines, playground conversations, or social media. With reports of airstrikes, civilian casualties, and even children affected by the conflict, they explore how to strike that delicate balance between honesty and reassurance, helping children feel safe without shutting down their curiosity or empathy. The conversation unpacks how children’s questions about war are often really questions about their own safety, and offers practical, compassionate ways to respond - tailored to different ages and anxiety levels. They also reflect on how both children and adults can become overwhelmed by frightening news, sharing grounding tools, language, and resources to help families regulate together. Ultimately, it’s a thoughtful and timely guide to navigating big, scary global events in a way that keeps connection, safety, and empathy at the heart of family life.Helpful Resources:

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - https://www.nctsn.org/Unicef - https://www.unicef.org/iran/enBooks:What is War? For younger children: https://amzn.eu/d/08A0FoL7Help! I've Got an Alarm Bell Going Off in My Head!: How Panic, Anxiety and Stress Affect Your Body - https://amzn.eu/d/02Y5rEBL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    13 min
  2. Thomasina Miers on Cooking, ADHD and Coming Home to Yourself

    2 DAYS AGO

    Thomasina Miers on Cooking, ADHD and Coming Home to Yourself

    In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by chef, writer, restaurateur and MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers for a rich and honest conversation about mental health, food, family and finding your way back to yourself. Thomasina speaks openly about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties, later exploring ADHD, and the long journey of moving from shame and feeling “broken” towards self-acceptance. We talk about how cooking became a lifeline for her, not just as a career but as a deeply grounding, creative and restorative practice that helped her feel more connected to herself and the world around her. We also explore the profound link between food and wellbeing, from the gut-brain connection to the emotional power of cooking, feeding and gathering around a table. Thomasina shares why her charity Chefs in Schools matters so much to her, how food can transform children’s health and happiness, and why agency, friendship, movement and nature all play such an important role in staying mentally well. It’s a warm, wise and energising conversation about embracing imperfection, following instinct, and learning to build a life that genuinely nourishes you. Find Thomasina: Website: https://www.thomasinamiers.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasinamiers/  Visit Wahaca: https://www.wahaca.co.uk/ Chefs in Schools: https://chefsinschools.org.uk/  Supplement she recommended: Lithium Orate  More from Therapy Works: Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/ Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges. If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations. If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 1m

  3. 13 MAR · BONUS

    Agony Aunties: When Grief Is Triggered by Other People’s Children

    In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia and Emily respond to a deeply moving question from a mother whose son died suddenly at 12. Together, they explore the painful jealousy and grief that can arise when seeing other families, especially teenage boys, living out the future her son should have had. They talk about why these reactions are not something to be ashamed of, but an expression of love, loss and the life that should still be here. They also reflect on the fear of a child disappearing from the shared family story, the loneliness of child loss, and the importance of memory, ritual and connection. This is a tender, thoughtful episode about grief in one of its most heartbreaking forms, and a reminder that even the feelings we struggle most to name can be met with understanding. Support Links: Grief Works App: https://www.griefworks.com/ Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    13 min
  4. How Families Are Made in More Ways Than One with Rebecca Coxon

    11 MAR

    How Families Are Made in More Ways Than One with Rebecca Coxon

    In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Rebecca Coxon — writer, journalist and documentary director, and author of the book Inconceivable. Rebecca speaks with extraordinary honesty about living with endometriosis, fertility struggles, and the many different forms abandonment can take. We talk about the shock of discovering in adulthood that the man who raised her is not her biological father, the burden of carrying a family secret, and the emotional fallout of trying to make sense of identity, shame and belonging. Together, we explore what really makes a family, how secrecy can isolate us, and what repair can look like when difficult truths finally come into the light. Rebecca also shares the devastating experience of being left by a partner during IVF, the hope that sustained her through rock bottom, and the unexpected path that eventually led her to motherhood. It’s a rich, moving conversation about survival, love, and the many different ways families are made. Find Rebecca: Website: https://www.rebeccacoxon.com/ Instagram: @rebeccacoxon Pre-order her book: https://amzn.eu/d/0an4yGSs  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 7m
  5. EXPERT EPISODE: Pelvic Floor, Pleasure & Power - The “LibDdo” Conversation with Lucy Kohli

    6 MAR

    EXPERT EPISODE: Pelvic Floor, Pleasure & Power - The “LibDdo” Conversation with Lucy Kohli

    In this expert episode, Sophie is joined by Lucy Kohli - a LiBDO-trained practitioner and yoga teacher - for a refreshingly honest chat about pelvic health, libido, and what it really means to feel alive in your body again. We talk about why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies after childbirth, illness, ageing (or just… life), and how pelvic floor strength isn’t only about “leaking” - it can impact confidence, core stability, pleasure, and the way you move through the world. Lucy explains what LiBDO actually is (think: pelvis mobility, tailbone movement, deep core engagement, and a whole lot of joy), why doing it in community can be so powerful, and how rebuilding strength can sometimes unlock much more than just physical change. If you’ve ever assumed pelvic dysfunction is “just normal now,” this episode is a hopeful, practical starting point. Lucy’s Instagram: @libdolondonLucy’s website: www.libdolondon.comThe global LiBDO organisation (Instagram): @libdo.Eurasia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    38 min
  6. Sarah Perry on What Death Can Teach Us About Living

    4 MAR

    Sarah Perry on What Death Can Teach Us About Living

    Today I am joined by Sarah Perry, award-winning author of The Essex Serpent, Melmoth and, most recently, The Death of an Ordinary Man. Sarah speaks with lyrical honesty about the aftermath of prolonged, severe pain and how terror can become encoded in the body, narrowing life into hypervigilance. She describes how therapy helped her reframe the mind not as an enemy, but as a protector, learning to turn towards fear and shame rather than flee from them. We also talk about dying as a stage of living, not a full stop, and the ordinary, bewildering, sometimes even tender events of a natural death. Sarah reflects on why we need a shared language for death so families are not left alone with ignorance and dread. Threaded through our conversation is her sense of grace, those unearned gifts that soften us towards gratitude, goodness and love that persists, real as hunger, even when the person is no longer in the room. Find Sarah: Instagram: @sarah_grace_perry Website: https://www.sarahperry.net/ Buy Death of an Ordinary Man: https://amzn.eu/d/04C3xmYt More from Therapy Works: Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges. If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing — it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 1m

  7. 27 FEB · BONUS

    Agony Aunties: “I Regret Moving” - When a Fresh Start Doesn’t Feel Right

    In this episode, Emily and Julia tackle a heartfelt dilemma from a listener who relocated to the North of England to be closer to family, only to find themselves deeply unhappy. Together, they explore the hidden emotional impact of moving, from loss of familiarity and identity to questions of control, grief, and expectation. Emily and Julia share compassionate, practical reflections on adjusting to new places, allowing space for resentment and sadness, lowering the pressure to “love it,” and gently seeking out small moments of comfort and connection. A thoughtful, reassuring conversation for anyone struggling with change, homesickness, or the slow journey toward acceptance. If Only If create beautifully made nightwear that feels thoughtful, timeless, and deeply comforting at the end of the day. Their pieces are designed to support women through every stage of life and are made from natural fabrics in small batches. If you’d like to explore their collection, you can visit ifonlyif.co.uk and use the code JULIA15 for 15% off.  More from Therapy Works: Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges. If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing — it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    13 min
  8. Matthew Gulliford on When Pet Grief Blindsides You

    25 FEB

    Matthew Gulliford on When Pet Grief Blindsides You

    In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Matthew Gulliford, who opens up about the loss of his beloved French bulldog, Mr. Carson. Matthew describes a kind of grief that completely blindsided him, visceral, physical, and all consuming, and we explore why pet loss can feel so intense when your animal is part of your daily rhythm, your home, and your sense of self.We talk about the parts people don’t always say out loud, like the guilt, the loneliness, and the heaviness of having to make end of life decisions, as well as what actually helped Matthew survive the worst moments. From personal rituals and writing “messages” to Carson, to planting a tree, carrying his ashes, and eventually expanding love again with new puppies, this is a conversation that gives real permission to grieve deeply and without comparison. If Only If create beautifully made nightwear that feels thoughtful, timeless, and deeply comforting at the end of the day. Their pieces are designed to support women through every stage of life and are made from natural fabrics in small batches. If you’d like to explore their collection, you can visit ifonlyif.co.uk and use the code JULIA15 for 15% off.  More from Therapy Works: Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges. If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing — it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1 hr
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Hosts & Guests

About

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! Follow @juliasamuelmbe

Information

  • Creator
    Julia Samuel
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    243
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Julia Samuel

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