Therapy Works

In this special bonus episode, Julia and Emily offer listeners insightful strategies for navigating the complexities of Christmas. The discussion covers a range of topics, including gracefully handling awkward questions from family members, embracing the experience of spending Christmas alone, and managing the overwhelming pressures that often accompany this festive period. Julia and Emily provide practical advice on setting boundaries, fostering self-care, and cultivating meaningful connections, whether with family or within oneself. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating peaceful moments amidst the holiday chaos.This episode aims to empower listeners with the tools and understanding needed to navigate the emotional landscape of the festive season, fostering resilience and well-being in the midst of family gatherings, solitude, and societal pressures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To mark the end of a wonderful series, I am joined by the insightful Alain de Botton, an author, respected philosopher and founder of The School of Life. Get ready for a journey through the history of psychotherapy, the nuances of the true and false self, and the power of the inner child.In this episode, we discuss: The Gift of the Modern Age: Unveiling the History of PsychotherapyWe explore the evolution of psychotherapy as a novel concept in the modern age, delving into its transformative power as both an idea and a treatment.The Annoying Power of the Inner ChildWe unpack the concept of the inner child and its significant influence on adult behaviour, and our desire for 'the tender heart of a small child and the wisdom of an old man.'Navigating the Layers of IdentityWe engage in a thoughtful discussion on the duality of the true and false self, examining the impact of understanding these layers on personal growth and authenticity.The Senses as Gateways to Emotion: Art as the Conduit to SelfWe explore how the senses shape emotions, both positively and negatively, uncovering the profound connection between art and the journey of self-discovery.A Unique Perspective on BreakdownsGain insights into the concept of 'mental reversals' and their influence on mental health, receiving original perspectives on coping with breakdowns and the potential benefits they might offer.Love and Self-SabotageWe delve into the complexities of love and the common tendency to sabotage our deepest desires, exploring strategies to overcome self-destructive patterns when it comes to love.Navigating the Challenges of ChristmasAlain ends the conversation with practical perspectives on navigating the challenges presented by the festive season.Bamford are inviting listeners of the podcast an exclusive 15% off all spa bookings until the end of December. To book your treatment at their wellness spas in London or the Cotswolds phone quoting ‘THERAPY WORKS’ to receive your exclusive discount or online at bamford.com. The code THERAPYWORKS is valid on all spa bookings.Find Alain: Website: https://www.alaindebotton.com/Buy Alain's new book, A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons from the School of Life: https://amzn.eu/d/8bfHmqBThe School of Life: https://www.theschooloflife.com/Find Julia:Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: @juliasamuelmbeProduced by Rutherford Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports and radio presenter Gabby Logan reflects on the link between physical and mental strength, shares insights into discipline and commitment, discusses the transformative journey of grief, explores generational perspectives on trauma, emphasizes the complexities of marriage and the ongoing practice of love, and touches on the importance of humor and lightness despite serious themes.

Lesley, a guest on the podcast, shares her experience of discovering her true identity through a DNA test. Topics discussed include the impact of how bad news is delivered, the complexities of family secrets, reconfiguring identity, managing unanswered questions, navigating the search for new family, nature vs. nurture, and supportive communities.

Former Editor of Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Style Magazine, Lorraine Candy, opens up about the challenges of mid-life unravelling and navigating menopause. The episode sheds light on the importance of accurate information about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and the alarming statistics linking hormone imbalances to mental health challenges. Lorraine also discusses the role of identity in navigating change, embracing adaptability, and the significance of slowing down and making space for exploration.

Join us for a revealing conversation with Gulsom Gohar, a remarkable journey from a poor, uneducated farming family to becoming a qualified solicitor in Afghanistan. Listen to her intense account of escaping the shocking Taliban military offensive, navigating trauma and grief, and discovering resilience and hope for a new future.

Izzy Judd, a violinist, author, and devoted mother, discusses infertility, emotional load, anxiety, and important conversations. She shares her experiences and strategies for navigating anxiety in daily life and emphasizes the need for research and understanding around female fertility.

In this extraordinary episode, we welcome Kit Vincent, an award-winning filmmaker who faced a profound and life-altering diagnosis at the age of 24 when he was told he had a brain tumour with a life expectancy of 4-8 years. Despite the gravity of Kit's situation, this conversation is anything but bleak—it's a testament to the power of humour, courage, and warmth.Kit's story is an inspiring lesson on how to live life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity. We explore:Rearranging One's Identity: Kit discusses how the diagnosis has fundamentally changed who he is, leading to an internal "rearrangement." He shares the challenge of "grieving oneself" and the complexities of fitting one's life into the lives of others.Prioritizing What Matters: A time-limited future sharpens one's focus on what truly matters, both in significant life decisions and in the everyday. We delve into the impact on priorities and the absence of easy answers.Family and Relationships: The ripple effects of a terminal diagnosis are felt by everyone in the family, including Kit's girlfriend, Isabel. We explore the testing, the difficulty, and the way it has also forged stronger bonds.Silent Internal Conversations: Kit shares the internal turmoil of a 24/7 silent conversation that can alienate someone from the rest of the world when facing a terminal diagnosis.Therapy and Healing: An insightful discussion about therapy, its cost, utility, and what does or doesn't work in the face of such profound challenges.The Power of Humour: We uncover the joy of humour as a survival mechanism in the darkest of times, revealing the incredible resilience of the human spirit.This episode is a testament to the indomitable human will to find humour, courage, and warmth even in the most challenging circumstances. Kit Vincent's story is an inspiration to us all.Additional Links: Research on Broken Heart Syndrome: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken-heart syndrome) - Harvard HealthFind out more about Kit's documentary here: https://www.kitvincentfilm.com/work/people-plr64Bamford are inviting listeners of the podcast an exclusive 15% off all spa bookings until the end of December. To book your treatment at their wellness spas in London or the Cotswolds phone quoting ‘THERAPY WORKS’ to receive your exclusive discount or online at bamford.com. The code THERAPYWORKS is valid on all spa bookings.Find Julia:Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: @juliasamuelmbeProduced by Rutherford Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this remarkable episode, we are joined by Rio Ferdinand, celebrated as one of the greatest football players of his generation, with 81 caps for England. While Rio's sporting prowess is well-known, it's his candid and heartfelt conversation with me that truly sets him apart.If you weren't already a fan of Rio, you will undoubtedly become one after listening to this episode. Rio's remarkable honesty and infectious humour shine through, even as he delves into the profound tragedies he and his family have faced.Key Discussion Points:Navigating Loss and Love: Rio and his family's journey toward rediscovering life and love following the tragic deaths of his first wife, Rebecca, and his beloved mother.Bereaved Siblings: The discussion explores the unique experiences and responses of bereaved siblings, highlighting the diversity of emotional reactions within a family.Preserving Memories: The importance of keeping the memories of loved ones alive, embedding them within the family's narrative, and continuing to connect with those who have passed.Kate's Role: The significant role played by Kate, Rio's current partner, in fostering connections between herself, Rio's children, and their late mother, Rebecca.The Blended Family: An exploration of the remarkable love and bond within Rio's blended family, where biological and non-biological children are equally cherished.Permission to Be Happy: The family's acknowledgment and acceptance of the right to happiness and joy, even in the face of tragedy.The Power of Evolution: The commitment to evolving and growing as a family, embracing change, and finding strength through unity.Connection Through Humour: The remarkable release and connection that humour brings to the family, even in challenging times.This episode is a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity for healing. Rio Ferdinand's story is an inspiration to all.Find Rio:Instagram: @rioferdy5Listen to The Blended podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blended/id1613575251Find Julia:Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: @juliasamuelmbeProduced by Rutherford Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this deeply insightful episode, we are privileged to hear Maria's remarkable journey of facing the challenge of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Her emotional intelligence and profound insights provide valuable takeaways for all who listen.Key Discussion Points:Breaking Bad News: Maria reflects on the critical role of professionals in breaking bad news, and the significant impact their prognosis can have on how individuals manage life-changing information.The Impact of Attitude and Development: We delve into the profound relationship between one's attitude and developmental history and how these factors shape the "story of our life" and, consequently, our health.The Three P's and Their Antidotes: Maria discusses the negative impact of the "three P's" - people pleasing, perfectionism, and past pain - and introduces their antidotes: curiosity and self-compassion, essential elements in the journey to healing.The Mind-Body Connection: Exploring the intricate connection between the mind and body, Maria highlights the powerful notion that "what the mind says, the body hears." Understanding this connection has the potential to transform both health span and lifespan.Building Resilience: Maria shares insights on how to seek and implement strategies that nurture resilience in the mind and body. She emphasizes the importance of "removing what you have too much of and giving your body what you don't have enough of."The Power of Love: At her lowest point, Maria discovered the extraordinary healing power of love. She recounts how, when she wanted to give up, she "couldn't feel his touch but could feel his love," and how it brought about a profound physical and emotional transformation, ultimately saving her life.This episode is a compelling exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and healing. Maria's story is a testament to the extraordinary impact of love and the potential to transcend even the most challenging circumstances.Find Julia:Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices