This week on Therapy Works, Dr Julie Smith—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and online mental health educator—joins Julia Samuel for a deeply personal and insightful conversation on health, success, and the importance of mental well-being.

Julie opens up about the unexpected success of her first book, the challenges of navigating a public career, and how her values—particularly as a parent—help her stay grounded. She also shares how her cancer diagnosis and treatment impacted her both personally and professionally, reflecting on how she managed to balance her roles as a parent and an author while facing one of the most challenging experiences of her life.

The conversation also explores the power of language, books, and storytelling in helping people navigate difficult emotions and experiences. Julia's daughters, Emily and Sophie, offer their own reflections on the discussion, delving into the role of books as a source of support, the complexities of motherhood, and the ongoing challenge of work-life balance.

Buy Julie's new book: https://amzn.eu/d/fR4P4j2

Website: drjuliesmith.com

Instagram: @drjulie

TikTok & YouTube: @DrJulieSmith

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In this deeply personal episode, Julia opens up about the year following her devastating skiing accident—a journey marked by a broken shoulder, multiple surgeries, and the onset of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. She candidly shares the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, from the lasting effects on her face to the daily challenges of living with pain and physical limitations.

Through honesty and vulnerability, Julia reflects on the lessons of resilience, humility, and acceptance that have emerged from this experience. She expresses gratitude for the support she has received while also acknowledging the frustration of navigating ongoing setbacks. This conversation offers a powerful insight into the psychological impact of injury, the unpredictability of healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

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In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener considering whether to reconnect with their estranged father after years of no contact. Inspired by New Year reflections, the listener navigates the emotional weight of this potential decision.

The Agony Aunties explore the complexities of family dynamics, discussing how to manage expectations, understand personal motivations, and protect one’s emotional well-being. They share thoughtful advice, such as seeking therapy, leaning on trusted friends for support, and remembering there is no obligation to reconnect. Whether you’re grappling with similar family challenges or simply seeking insight into navigating tricky relationships, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to prioritise self-care.

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.

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In this thoughtful and uplifting episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's heartfelt concerns about feeling behind in life and grappling with self-comparison as the New Year begins. They explore why these feelings are so common and how our tendency to measure ourselves against others can create a false sense of inadequacy.

The Agony Aunties share practical advice for approaching the New Year with self-compassion and positivity, encouraging listeners to focus on their personal journeys rather than comparisons. They discuss the power of recognising and challenging critical self-talk, finding small 'glimmers' of positivity in daily life, and setting resolutions that spark joy instead of fostering deprivation. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on starting the year with self-acceptance and meaningful change, this episode is for you.

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The Agony Aunties are here to help you tackle the highs and lows of the festive season! In this episode, they share practical advice on managing Christmas stress, from handling family tensions to dealing with financial pressures and sky-high expectations. They talk about the power of setting boundaries, planning much-needed time-outs, and having open conversations about presents and plans to ease the strain.

The Aunties also highlight the importance of self-care and protecting your mental health during this busy time. With tips like envisioning positive interactions and staying flexible with family traditions, they offer realistic ways to keep the season joyful. Don’t forget—you can check out past AA episodes for even more guidance on navigating holiday challenges!

If you're looking for more support this Christmas, please find one of our older episodes about navigating Christmas stress here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/bonus-a-guide-to-navigating-christmas/id1646616622?i=1000639395275

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In this expert episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Claire Plumbly, the author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, delves into the complexities of the autonomic nervous system and explores how it plays a critical role in managing stress and trauma. Using the polyvagal theory by Stephen Porges, she explains how the nervous system is impacted by these experiences and offers practical tools for prevention and healing.

The conversation also focuses on key strategies for managing burnout, particularly during emotionally charged times such as the Christmas season. Dr. Plumbly highlights the significance of self-compassion and compassion for others, offering actionable techniques to regulate emotions, navigate grief and loss, and approach family conflicts with understanding. This episode provides valuable psychoeducation and advice, empowering listeners to maintain their mental and physical well-being during the holiday season and beyond.

Read Claire's book: https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/burnout-book

Claire's website: https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/

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In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener grappling with self-esteem and confidence as they navigate the changes that come with ageing. They share candid reflections on their own experiences, including the challenges of feeling less visible and the impact this can have on self-worth. The discussion explores how ageing can be both a loss and an opportunity to cultivate new strengths, roles, and sources of confidence.

The conversation highlights the importance of embracing body positivity, redefining personal power in later years, and finding joy in the wisdom and resilience that come with age. With empathy and insight, the Agony Aunties offer practical advice on how to balance the grief of lost youth with the cultivation of new possibilities, reminding listeners of the value in supporting one another through life’s transitions.

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In this episode, Miranda Hart opens up about living with chronic illness and the profound life changes it brought. She shares how a long-term, debilitating condition led her into solitude, challenging her to reassess her identity beyond societal expectations. Miranda reflects on her evolving relationship with vulnerability—once misunderstood as a performance but now embraced as a path to self-awareness and emotional growth. She delves into the cultural and personal challenges of admitting needs and setting boundaries, shaped by her upbringing and career demands, and how she found strength through self-compassion and authenticity.

Miranda discusses insights from her book, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You, which captures her path toward joy, connection, and a more meaningful life. Together, they unpack the healing power of understanding our needs, seeking help, and embracing vulnerability as a foundation for personal growth. This is an inspiring episode for anyone navigating challenges and seeking a deeper connection with themselves.

Buy Miranda's Book: https://amzn.eu/d/fpMrzng

Follow Miranda: @realmirandahart

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In this episode, we respond to a listener’s heartfelt question about why dating feels so difficult, especially in the world of apps. Together, the Agony Aunties explore the emotional challenges of modern dating—the repetitive swiping, the emotional labour involved, and the way dating platforms are designed to keep users engaged rather than help them find lasting connections.

Emily shares her own experiences with loneliness and offers advice on embracing being single, focusing on self-worth and finding joy within. We also discuss the concept of 'active hope'—taking small, proactive steps to build resilience and personal happiness, regardless of relationship status. Finally, Sophie reflects on the reality that even in relationships, new challenges emerge, proving that every stage of life has its complexities. This episode is a reminder that while dating can be tough, focusing on your own well-being can make all the difference.

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In this episode, Mimi opens up about the sudden loss of her mother at the age of 27. As an only child living in New York and emotionally distant from her family, Mimi’s world was upended when her mother, while visiting family in Stockholm, suffered a fatal heart attack. This devastating event forced Mimi to re-evaluate her priorities and self-identity, leading her to move back to London to live with her father.

Mimi reflects on her regrets about not spending more time with her mother, the cultural differences that shaped her family dynamics, and her ongoing journey toward self-compassion and emotional growth. She shares how this experience has brought her closer to her father and allowed her to find a deeper connection to her late mother. Throughout the conversation, Mimi emphasises the importance of living authentically, connecting with one’s roots, and finding strength in empathy and community support while navigating grief.

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