Therapy Works

In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a moving question from a listener approaching 60 who fears her life may be over because she’s still single. What unfolds is a powerful conversation about redefining happiness and connection in later life. They explore how meaningful relationships don’t have to be romantic, and share practical ways to find joy through new activities, communities, and friendships. The concept of radical acceptance is introduced as a transformative mindset — one that helps us embrace our reality with compassion rather than resistance. The episode also tackles the deeper societal narratives around aging, womanhood, and self-worth, especially the pressure placed on women to define their value through relationships. The Aunties offer a fresh perspective on how to maintain your erotic energy — not just in the sexual sense, but in keeping your sense of aliveness, creativity, and self-expression vibrant. It’s a thoughtful, empowering listen for anyone wondering if it’s too late to start again. (Spoiler: it’s not.) Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a question about dealing with health anxiety, which started during pregnancy and has persisted for six years. The discussion covers various aspects, including the role of different therapies such as art therapy and somatic EMDR, understanding the impact of early childhood trauma, and how physiological changes after childbirth can amplify fear and anxiety. The Agony Aunties emphasise the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and having open, honest conversations with therapists to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. They also highlight that change and healing are gradual processes that can't erase past experiences but can help in developing a more compassionate relationship with oneself. Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener’s question: What happens to a relationship when one partner does the work — and the other doesn’t?  They unpack the emotional and relational impact of personal growth, especially when only one person in the partnership is engaging in therapy or self-development. While growth can create distance, they explain that it doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed. What matters most is openness, willingness to engage, and honest communication. They also explore how to assess the real costs and benefits of staying versus leaving, particularly when children are involved. This is rarely a quick decision — it’s a long game, and one that requires compassion and courage.  Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener question about coping with the emotional impact of an unplanned ectopic pregnancy. Drawing on empathy and experience, the Aunties offer heartfelt guidance on processing grief, managing anxiety, and navigating the complex mix of emotions that can follow such a loss. They share practical tips around self-care, the value of short-term planning, and the importance of seeking both medical advice and emotional support.  Helpful Resources: Miscarriage Association – Support and information for anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy. Child Bereavement UK – Support for families and professionals when a child dies or is grieving. Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a deeply sensitive and complex topic brought up by a listener who experienced childhood sexual abuse by her brother. They discuss the feelings of shame, confusion, and sadness that often accompany such trauma and emphasise the importance of seeking professional support, such as EMDR therapy. The hosts provide advice on discussing the event with trusted individuals, like a caring partner, and highlight the significance of understanding and processing the abuse before making any decisions about revealing it to family members. They also offer insights into preventing such situations and educating one's own children about consent and safe touch.  Resources for Support: If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and needs support, the following organisations offer help: SurvivorsUKSpecialist support for men, boys, and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence. www.survivorsuk.org Helpline: 020 3598 3898 (Mon–Sun) AMAZE.orgSupport and information for adolescents, families, and educators around sexual health and relationships.www.amaze.org The Survivors Trust (UK)Umbrella charity for specialist rape and sexual abuse support services. www.thesurvivorstrust.org Childline (UK)Confidential support for children and young people. www.childline.org.uk Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – A groundbreaking book on how trauma is stored in the body and how we can begin to heal. Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine – Learn more about Peter Levine’s body-based approach to resolving trauma. What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey – A compassionate, neuroscience-based look at childhood trauma and healing. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices