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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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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.

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