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 bigges...
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a heartfelt message from a listener struggling with the loss of a close friend. As an atheist, they feel isolated and alienated by the predominantly Christian language surrounding grief. The Agony Aunties explore the importance of finding grief support that resonates with non-religious individuals and suggest alternatives like The Grief Gang. They acknowledge the profound pain and loneliness that can come with grief, emphasising the need for open expression and validation of loss.
The conversation also delves into the role of anger in the grieving process, highlighting its importance as a natural emotional response. The Agony Aunties share practical ways to navigate grief, including emotional regulation techniques and finding therapists or support communities that respect non-religious perspectives. This episode serves as a reminder that everyone deserves compassionate and inclusive support, no matter their beliefs.
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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12:50
Lottie Clark on the Difficult Decision of Assisted Dying
In this deeply moving episode of Therapy Works, Lottie Clark shares the story of her husband James’s battle with motor neurone disease. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of his diagnosis, the challenges of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, and the difficult decisions their family faced—including James’s choice to pursue assisted dying at Dignitas. Lottie speaks candidly about the impact on their children, the process of saying goodbye, and the long road of grief that follows loss.
This conversation offers an intimate look at navigating life when faced with unimaginable circumstances. Lottie’s story is one of heartbreak but also of deep strength and unwavering love. She reflects on the power of open conversations, the importance of honouring personal choices in end-of-life care, and her ongoing campaign for assisted dying legislation. This is an episode about grief, but also about the extraordinary courage it takes to walk alongside someone through their final chapter.
00:55 Facing a Terminal Diagnosis
04:41 The Emotional Impact and Initial Reactions
06:36 Planning for the Future
13:01 Communicating with the Children
15:11 The Decision for Assisted Dying
26:55 Reflecting on the Impact of Loss
27:26 Honest Conversations with Children
29:32 A Final Family Trip
31:44 Saying Goodbye
33:12 Campaigning for Assisted Dying
36:29 The Journey of Repatriation
39:20 Finding Strength in Love
50:22 The Complexity of Assisted Dying
57:34 The Long Road of Grief
If you are looking to campaign, please find out more here: https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/
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.
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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1:07:14
Agony Aunties on Finding the Right Therapist
In this episode, we discuss navigating the challenges of finding a suitable therapist, especially when finances are a concern. We cover various aspects such as therapist fees, the importance of a good therapist-client fit, and practical advice on utilising sliding scales, group therapy, and recommendations from friends. We also touch on the value of accredited therapists and the benefits of support from voluntary organizations and training institutes. The conversation includes tips on making initial free phone calls to therapists and emphasises the power and affordability of group therapy.
00:36 Challenges in Finding the Right Therapist
00:59 Financial Considerations and Sliding Scale Options
01:34 Importance of Therapist-Client Fit
04:10 Exploring Group Therapy
07:04 Alternative Therapy Options and Final Thoughts
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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11:15
Dr Julie Smith on Cancer, Career and Parenthood
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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1:08:51
A Personal Update: One Year Since the Accident
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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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
Ireland