Therapy Works

In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, a new therapist asks how she can help her clients develop more self-esteem. And while the three of us practice differently with our clients, what we all agree on is the importance of exploring the client’s relationship with their self-esteem. Where does that struggle with come from? Adding some context to the moments of struggles with self-esteem, especially through practices of mindfulness and journaling, can be helpful for us to notice when our esteem is suffering, and - moreso - when these challenging thoughts arise, we can also choose to not overly identify with them.We’ll talk about this and more in this week’s episode. I hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions you’d like us to answer, please do send them over, as we love taking on your suggestions and seeing what the three of us come up with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caitlin Moran, a prize-winning columnist and bestselling author, joins the conversation with her witty insights on gender and society. She reveals the joy and power of words in overcoming struggles. Caitlin addresses the crisis of masculinity, shedding light on the emotional suppression men face due to societal expectations. She explores how feminism has unintentionally highlighted men's emotional challenges, advocating for open discussions about vulnerability. With her characteristic humor, Caitlin emphasizes the need for compassion and fresh dialogues around masculinity.

For this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, a listener asks an important question: how can they be happy when someone in their family is deeply depressed? And so, to answer this, we’re not going to discuss what the listener can do to fix their family member’s problems, even though that might be the urge that arises in us instantly. Instead, we’ll talk about ideas of codependency, and highlight the importance of not anchoring our emotional wellbeing on the state of other’s. Finding ways to take care of ourselves is very important, so that we can be better resourced. We’re not going to help our depressed family member by getting depressed as well, and it can be very easy to catch the emotions of others. So,  please make sure that you’re finding ways to find your own happiness as well.Resources mentioned:Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - https://www.thecalmzone.netMind - https://www.mind.org.ukSamaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/Papyrus - https://www.papyrus-uk.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, Heather shares the deeply emotional and challenging journey of raising her daughter, Lizzie, who has profound and multiple learning disabilities. Heather's story is one of love, loss, resilience, and the constant navigation of a life profoundly different from what she once envisioned. Through her journey with Lizzie, Heather illuminates the deep, often unspoken realities faced by families navigating similar paths.Key Points Discussed: Living with Profound Disabilities: Heather describes Lizzie's condition, underscoring the daily realities of caring for someone who is entirely dependent on others for their needs, coupled with the significant intellectual disabilities that shape their interactions with the world. Grief and Acceptance: The conversation delves into the grief that accompanies the loss of the life Heather expected for Lizzie and herself, and how acceptance and acknowledgment of this grief have been crucial for moving forward. Finding Meaning and Coping: Heather reflects on how acknowledging Lizzie's condition and the accompanying challenges have allowed her to find meaning, cope better, and thus provide better care. Community and Representation: Highlighting the importance of representation and community support, Heather discusses the value of connecting with others who understand their family's experience and the ongoing battle for visibility and understanding in a broader societal context. This episode stands as a powerful testament to the complexities of love, the weight of unfulfilled expectations, and the strength found in community and understanding. Heather's insights offer invaluable perspectives for anyone seeking to understand the nuances of caring for a loved one with profound disabilities.Read Heather's letter to Lizzie: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QjCGIa85aS_8jBUQUbKCdi1F0aakf1RkwvIIZQQavH4/edit?usp=sharing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’re answering a viewer who is struggling with their 10-year-old daughter's dislike for their new partner. We’ll talk about how to empathise with the complexity of the situation, and we’ll offer some insights and advice on handling such family dynamics. The daughter’s resistance might stem from feelings of loss and change rather than a genuine dislike for the new partner. Another important point is to ensure continued one-on-one time with the daughter, to maintain open and non-judgmental communication, and to slowly integrate the new partner without forcing acceptance. It’s important to allowing the daughter to express her feelings and fears about the new family dynamic, and for the parent to with manage their expectations for the transition period. Growth is non-linear, after all.And on that note, if you’re interested in more discussions about blended family dynamics, here’s the podcast Emily mentioned - https://open.spotify.com/show/2olc42wsIsoLyGuqrAYQnsIf you have any questions for the Agony Aunties then please do email them to jsamuelpod@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Dr. Rachel Clarke shares her journey through the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic, her transition from journalism to palliative care medicine, and her ongoing advocacy for better end-of-life care. Reflecting on the paradox of human existence—the intertwining of love, death, and the essence of being—she discusses the daily challenges within the NHS, the psychological cost of providing care in an overburdened system, and the deeply personal impact of her father's passing.Key Points Discussed: Navigating NHS Challenges: Rachel details the struggle of providing compassionate care during Covid and emphasises the psychological toll it had on her and the healthcare professionals she knows. Personal Growth Through Adversity: She reflects on her path from philosophy to medicine, highlighting how facing death and vulnerability has shaped her perspective on life and her practice in palliative care. For someone that’s confronted by death so often, hearing Rachel’s perspective on death, and outlook on life, is enlightening. The Power of Human Connection: Rachel shares insights on the significance of sincerity and presence in the face of mortality, underscoring the importance of embracing life's dualities. When we are on our deathbeds, we don’t regret not sending more emails or earning more money. What matters to us most is the connections we have. Legacy and Advocacy: Through her books and involvement in healthcare debates, she advocates for systemic change, particularly in palliative care, driven by her experiences and the profound lessons learned from the dying. This episode underscores the importance of compassion, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning amidst life's greatest challenges. If you’d like to know more about Dr Rachel Clarke’s experience, you can find her book “Breath taking” on Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathtaking-UKs-human-story-Covid/dp/0349144567/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of "Agony Aunties," our discussion focuses on a parent finding their purpose as their children have grow up and left home. And so, we’ll talk about the importance of starting with self-awareness and exploration, and how mindfulness can help, along with small steps towards activities that bring joy or spark curiosity. On a broader scope, we’ll also talk about a concept that we’ve covered a few times already - the fertile void - where we transition from the end of one major undertaking to another. And we’ll also mention the importance of self-compassion at this time, and how it might be useful to look for inspiration from others' paths.Resources:Here’s more from Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, Lily Pickard shares her heart-wrenching journey through her husband Cole's terminal cancer diagnosis, the emotional upheaval it brought to their family, and the profound loss felt after his passing. She discusses the importance of hope, humour, and community support in navigating such a devastating experience, offering insights into the complexities of grief, parenting through loss, the importance of a dog’s love, and finding resilience in the face of unimaginable sorrow.Key Points Discussed:The Shock of Diagnosis: Lily recounts the initial turmoil following Cole's unexpected cancer diagnosis, emphasising the drastic change it brought to their lives.Navigating Treatment and Embracing Hope: Despite the grim prognosis, Lily and Cole's determination to explore every possible treatment option highlights their unwavering hope and the lengths they went to fight the disease.The Role of Humour and Community: The discussion underlines the therapeutic power of laughter and the significant role of a supportive community in coping with the challenges faced during Cole's illness.Grieving and Moving Forward: Lily reflects on the grieving process, the impact of loss on their son Ethan, and the ways in which they've sought to honour Cole's memory and legacy.This episode is a poignant reminder of the strength found in love, the healing power of community, and the importance of facing grief with hope and dignity. It offers a compassionate perspective on dealing with terminal illness and loss within a family, providing comfort and understanding to those navigating similar paths.Resources:For single parents and their children, check out Gingerbread - https://www.gingerbread.org.ukChild Bereavement UK which helps children, parents and families rebuild their lives when a child grieves - https://www.childbereavementuk.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’ll be addressing a concern from parents about their son's lack of motivation. We’ll explore the challenges of transitioning to adulthood and suggest the approach of trying to understand his perspective rather than pushing him, as pushing him might not offer the results you’re looking for. Our conversation also touches on how the parents can support each other and accept their children's journey and the extended maturation process of the younger generation. For a more detailed exploration of the topic and additional insights, you might find Jeffrey Arnett's work on Emerging Adulthood, including his TED talk and book, particularly enlightening, offering a broader understanding of the challenges faced by young adults today.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv8KpQY0m6o Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beloved figure in Scottish TV and radio, Kirsty Young, shares insights on childhood influences, career drive, embracing imperfection, confronting anxiety, and lessons in growth. She discusses self-compassion, acceptance, and finding strength in vulnerability.