Therapy Works

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener navigating a complex family dynamic. The listener shares their story of a nine-year relationship filled with love and joy alongside their three-year-old son, but also the weight of familial troubles. From addiction to parental separation and childhood trauma in their partner's family, these challenges raise questions about how to balance compassion with personal well-being. The Aunties offer thoughtful advice on how to approach these sensitive issues. They discuss the importance of open communication with the partner, understanding your own emotional limits, and seeking professional support through therapy. They explore strategies for breaking unhealthy family patterns, building emotional intelligence, and prioritising the child’s stability and happiness. This episode is a compassionate guide for anyone grappling with similar challenges, offering both practical steps and reassurance for finding balance amidst complexity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, Julia sits down with former footballer Tony Adams to explore his extraordinary journey through addiction, recovery, and personal growth. Tony reflects on his challenging childhood, marked by fear and loneliness, and how football became his escape. He shares candid insights into his struggles with addiction, recounting the pivotal moments that led to his ‘rock bottom’ and the transformative support he found through AA and his therapist, James West. Tony discusses the power of therapy, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of trust in his recovery, offering a deeply personal perspective on overcoming life’s hardest challenges. Now sober since 1996, Tony has dedicated himself to helping others through Sporting Chance, the charity he founded to support athletes with addiction and mental health issues. He reflects on how recovery has reshaped his relationships, particularly with his children and grandchildren, and shares the life lessons he’s learned about accountability, letting go, and finding purpose. Tune in to hear Tony’s inspiring story of redemption and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. Episode Highlights: 00:54 Challenges and Family Background 02:25 Childhood Fears and Escaping to Football 07:19 Struggles with Addiction and Recovery 16:04 Rock Bottom and Turning Point 20:44 The Role of Therapy and Support 26:03 Existential Therapy and Self-Discovery 26:41 The 12-Step Program Journey 29:04 Facing Fears and Addiction 31:58 Sporting Chance and Mental Health Advocacy 45:17 Grieving and Letting Go 48:33 Reflections on Life and Legacy Find Tony: Twitter: @TonyAdams Instagram: @tonyadamsofficial Visit Sporting Chance’s website to discover more about their work supporting athletes with addiction and mental health challenges. If you’d like to connect, follow me on Instagram @juliasamuelmbe. And for more info, check out my new website: juliasamuel.co.uk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A person seeks advice from the Agony Aunties about dealing with a husband who regularly expresses frustration, anger, and suicidal threats, which affects the whole family. They emphasise understanding one's own limits and seeking support, discussing concepts like codependency and the importance of self-care. They suggest looking into resources like support groups, while maintaining open communication with the children and considering the impact on their well-being. They recommend resources such as CoDA.org and the book 'Codependent No More' by Melody Beattie, while also addressing the complexities of maintaining relationships amidst conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices