Therapy Works

This is an episode you need to listen to if you want to understand the experience of suffering mental illness. Yvette, as one of our unheard voices describes with stigma blowing clarity what it is like to live with mental illness. She suffers from bipolar disorder, depression and binge eating. The first thing you will realise is that suffering from a mental illness is very different from having difficult feelings. It is a serious, life changing and often misunderstood condition that can be managed but takes a huge effort to do so. In this conversation, we touch on:  The mood swings of bipolar disorder, how seriously unwell it can lead someone to be and the scary nature of a manic episode. The way bipolar and binge eating influence each other. Yvette goes into detail about eating all her strong feelings - and how she expresses her anger.  On how depression ‘tells you lies’. If you have suffered depression, or are close to someone with depression you will find Yvette’s description of depression illuminating.  How being a young person entering a mental health unit can be thought of as shameful but how Yvette felt there was a fellowship and it was an important space outside of home that was curative.  How ’suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem’. This is truly something to hold onto and we should use to influence ourselves and the other. Her story gives us all hope when life gets terrifyingly dark. Finally how choirs should be an NHS prescription and how curative singing can be to lift spirits and connect with others. Yvette’s wisdom from facing such huge challenges comes from a deep knowing. She acknowledges that you don’t have to fix everything at once but just focus on one day at time. If you are suffering from similar feelings, just remember feelings are not permanent and you won’t feel like this forever. Support links: BEAT: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/MIND: https://www.mind.org.uk/Rethink Mental Illness: https://www.rethink.org/Bipolar UK: https://www.bipolaruk.org/Find Julia: Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapy works and get on your way to being your best self.A big thank you to Youth & Earth for sponsoring this episode. Head to www.youthandearth.com now and take advantage of a very generous 25% off when using the code JULIA25 on your first order. Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick KingswellHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is so much to tell you about this fantastic conversation with Bryony Gordon. You will love it. I was gripped by her. She is a headlining journalist, with a column and features with notable public figures. She has written many brilliant books charting her life and in the process showing us what it is to be diagnosed with OCD, depression and addiction. We discussed a feast of topics including: The pressure of expectations. We are expected to live happily ever after, and that in itself can set us up for failure. We looked at an alternative view of expectations during our conversation.  The irony that successful people are often troubled, and how the push to succeed often means shrinking one’s true self. (I warned you we got deep!) We discussed how our childhood’s shape us, but that is not the end of the story, and nor is blaming. With the right tools and attitude we really can change our response to our childhood and vitally the way we parent.  How hard it is to feel like you belong, how vital it is and how we can find our tribe in unexpected places.  The madness of trying to have control, and the peace that surrender brings in so many aspects of life, addiction being one. The idea of perseverance is powerful. You fall, you get up you go again. It is in effect the definition of resilience, and acknowledges that piece we often forget, we all fall but it's the getting up and going again that’s difficult and vital.  And finally how baffling life is but we can find strength in knowing ourselves, and having the courage to turn to ourselves with kindness.  There are so many layers to this conversation and I’m sure everyone will take away something valuable from this conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts so please message me on instagram @juliasamuel or email therapyworkspodcast@gmail.com. Support links: OCD Action: https://ocdaction.org.uk/Mental Health Mates: https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/Heads Together: https://www.headstogether.org.uk/Beat: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/Find Bryony:Column: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/b/bp-bt/bryony-gordon/Books: https://www.waterstones.com/author/bryony-gordon/55496Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryonygordon/?hl=en Find Julia: Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick KingswellHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this profoundly moving episode, Suzanne opens up about all the challenges that surrounded her mother’s death during Covid-19. Covid was an incredibly difficult time for all of us but the greatest challenge had to be the heightened complexity of a Covid death. Many of you will resonate with Suzanne’s moving story and the psychological difficulties the Covid restrictions imposed on all of us.In this episode, we discuss:  The heightened complexity of a Covid death and the mental toll caused by the restrictions. How we grieve for the future as well as the past. When anger contaminates all your feelings, you should turn to a 4 step tool to help you release it. Why it’s never too late to have rituals when someone has died - nor is it ever too late to mourn. Grief is held in the body and often feels like fear.  While we internally acknowledge that we are mortal, we never acknowledge that we will all be bereaved at some point in our lives. Support links: Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/Grief Works App: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/grief-works-self-care-love/id1558867513Grief Works Book: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/books/grief-worksFind Julia: Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick KingswellHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a medical doctor who has translated his learnings from decades of experience as a GP into 5 best-selling books and his No 1 Health podcast Live Better Live More. I am a huge fan of Rangan and was lucky enough to be a guest on his podcast and can now call him a much-respected friend. This wonderful conversation takes us into the personal process of Rangan the man whose biggest achievement is his unique journey which has now led him to pursue a more joyful and vibrant life. You will find many ideas and concepts in this conversation that will expand your awareness of how you engage with your life, and with it, the possibility of positive change.In this conversation, we discussed:  The burden and intensity of being a carer in the family How authenticity and the intention with which we respond to events – by duty or genuine choice - has a huge impact on our emotional cost.  How a desire to be the best can influence us and how being the child of immigrants who experienced racism informs our response and the need to perform.  The radical concept of conflict as an opportunity to grow; to explore what is really going on and learn more about oneself. The foundation of which is trusting that we are innately enough.  What triggers us as humans and how we react in the moment. Why do we take offence or choose not to take offence? Support links:Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/MIND UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/Find more information on Dr Rangan Chatterjee:Website: https://drchatterjee.com/Podcast: https://drchatterjee.com/blog/category/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchatterjee/Find Julia: Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapy works and get on your way to being your best self.Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick KingswellHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s special reflection episode, we discuss our experience of working together as family and as therapists. As in all things therapeutic it is important to reflect on what we’ve done - good and bad so we can continue to learn and grow for the next season. We discuss: The importance of stories and having a narrative in therapy.  Why like therapy, it is a mutual benefit because we’ve gained and learned a lot from our guests.  How we’ve been so blown away by our guests who have allowed us to have these private even intimate and therapeutic conversations in public.  We explored the concept of self compassion as a resource to turn to when we are suffering as opposed self criticism which came through every episode. As Emily said ‘Don’t beat on yourself when life is beating you.’  How much we value the relationship with our listeners and how thrilled we are that you are building a relationship with us.  We are so grateful to you for listening and hope you will all join us for season 2 launching in January! Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick Kingswell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christmas can be tricky even when we aren’t facing a particular challenge. And it can be extra hard when you’re grieving or going through other personal difficulties. In today’s episode, the three of us discuss: Acknowledging that Christmas is always intensified as there’s always pressure to have to a perfect time.  Why we all need to be realistic and recognise that not everyone is going to be happy all the time and that’s ok. It’s important to take the pressure off. Children have more feelings - tantrums as well as joy and why you should ride the waves of emotion.  Allowing for difference - if you have new family members or friends joining you for Christmas then allow each person to introduce their own Christmas tradition.  Why Christmas can be challenging in blended families and why great communication and clear planning can help. Grief at Christmas can be very hard - we discuss ideas to help support you through it. Tips on what to do if you’re spending Christmas alone  We hope that whatever you might be doing this Christmas, that it’s as happy as it can be and that you all have a brilliant end to 2022!Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick Kingswell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Because her edict was to find that pocketful of happiness in each day. Feeling no guilt seems an incredibly generous and welcome gift to have been unexpectedly given by her."Richard E. Grant is an actor, author and director who has appeared in over 80 films and television programs, such as Withnail And I, Star Wars and was previously Oscar nominated for his supporting role in Can you Ever Forgive me?. His beloved wife Joan died in September 2021 after a battle with lung cancer and in September 2022 he released a memoir called A Pocketful of Happiness mostly written in the last year of his wife’s life. In this episode we discuss: How grief is influenced by the circumstances of death and how not having regrets is an important factor that makes the difference between a good and bad death.  Recognising that the process of grief is an oscillation between loss orientation and restoration orientation. Why it’s important we update our understanding of grief, it isn’t about forgetting and moving on but remembering and connecting, sometimes with the pain.  How the love for the person who you’ve lost never dies. Why you can experience guilt in grief and allowing yourself a pocketful of happiness can protect you against guilt.  We discuss how men and women grieve differently, and explore the possibility of new relationships after a partner has died.  We discuss the parent/child relationship, touching on boundaries, connection and what might be ok and not ok to share.  How much of life is down to luck and the power of our attitude in our outcome; when we manifest and believe in ourselves and see the negative as a challenge to be overcome rather than something that defeats us.  How important it is for friends to support us in pre-bereavement, when we are bereaved and how distressed one becomes when close friends don't show up.  Find more information on Richard: Website: https://www.richard-e-grant.com/Instagram: @richard.e.grantBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pocketful-Happiness-Richard-Grant/dp/1398519472 Support Links:Cruse Bereavement Support: https://www.cruse.org.uk/Good Grief Festival: https://goodgrieffest.com/Grief Works app: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/grief-works-self-care-love/id1558867513Join a mission to transform one million lives and become a money coach: https://octopusmoneycoach.com/become-a-financial-coach A big thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens. Athletic Greens is offering Therapy Works listeners a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/therapyworks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Claire’s son Chris was 13 when he was accidentally hit by a car on his way home from school which left him quadriplegic and unable to speak. This is a story that is both hard to hear, because we prefer to keep the reality of these devastating events out of mind, but also inspirational. Despite this tragic accident, Claire shows how it’s changed her perspective on life and taught her to appreciate what really matters.In this episode we discuss:  The importance of communication, of not struggling alone. It’s vital to allow yourself to feel and ask for help. People don’t know what you need unless you tell them. Why love is the strongest medicine. Claire’s love for Chris and the love she shares with her husband enabled them to build resilience personally and collectively as a family. The recognition that hate is a heavy contaminating burden to carry and how voicing her anger and resentment releases this. How we have the power to choose the attitude we take, despite being powerless in what happens to us.  A severe life changing injury to someone in our family is devastating. It is a painful road to come to terms with such a massive loss. Whilst allowing the feelings we have in the present, it is helpful to acknowledge that feelings change, what we feel now doesn’t predict how we will feel in the future.  How there are often other casualties in a family when tragedy strikes.  The assumptions we make about disability and what life could be like can be turned on their head. We learn that Chris has a meaningful, important and worthwhile life despite his profound disabilities.  Why faith can keep us grounded and that looking towards a higher power for answers can give us strength and meaning.  How we can find strength despite enormous loss and how we will never know how strong we are until we are forced to discover it.  Child Brain Injury Support links: https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/Julia’s Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Julia’s Instagram: @juliasamuelmbeIf you'd like to get in touch with the Therapy Works team, please contact us on therapyworkspodcast@gmail.com.A big thank you to our sponsor, BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It’s not only convenient and can be done from the comfort of your own home, but it’s also affordable. All you have to do is fill out a quick survey and you’ll be matched with a therapist! Visit betterhelp.com/therapyworks today to get 10% off your first month.Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick Kingswell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“The shortest distance between two people is laughter"My next guest is award-winning actress, Helena Bonham Carter. She is a total original, funny and wise, thoughtful, irreverent and utterly herself. In this joyous, meaningful and wide ranging conversation which had moments of great humour it was Helena’s inspirational wisdom that ran through it most profoundly.In this conversation, we discussed: The big dilemma we all face in finding our purpose and the complexity of what makes us human How Helena won’t let difficult events defeat her but she “will make music of what remains” How we are all a multiplicity of beings and why it helps us to choose life and joy and not take ourselves too seriously The painful consequences of divorce, what helps and how it takes proper time to process these big life changing events  The wisdom of the Victorians to wear black at painful times to honour the loss and let the world know “I am not my normal self”  How singing can be a marvellous antidote to self criticism and shame Julia’s Website: https://juliasamuel.co.uk/Julia’s Instagram: @juliasamuelmbeIf you'd like to get in touch with the Therapy Works team, please contact us on therapyworkspodcast@gmail.com. A big thank you to our sponsor, BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of giving therapy a try, BetterHelp is a great option. It’s not only convenient and can be done from the comfort of your own home, but it’s also affordable. All you have to do is fill out a quick survey and you’ll be matched with a therapist! Visit betterhelp.com/therapyworks today to get 10% off your first month.Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick Kingswell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Until you’ve been there, you don’t know what war is."Yeva Skalietska is an unusual guest for this podcast, being a 12 year old school girl - but she has already had to experience many things that no child ever should. At a time when there may be Ukraine fatigue, this is a conversation that we all need to hear. On this podcast you will hear how each therapy session has its own character, and this is an example of me not being my best self. I was uneasy and tried too hard which meant our connection was not optimum. However, above all you will takeaway:  How important it is to be grateful for the things in life we take for granted. How hard it is for so many of us to picture the real horror of war.  The curative power of journalling that both enables us to process terrible experiences and support ourselves to have a clear narrative of what seems chaotic.  How one person can change the course of our life by making the right decisions for the right reasons. How we are at the mercy of forces beyond us, both good and bad.  How faith and the belief in God can be sustaining and give us hope when our world is being destroyed.  The difficulty of the meaning and word refugee, which can be imbued with shame and objectification.  The power and vital importance of the place we call home which we may take for granted.  Yeva’s Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Dont-Know-What-War/dp/152665993X Refugee Support:Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee/help-for-refugees-from-ukraine#Emotional%20supportRefugee Council: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/our-work/mental-health-support-for-refugees-and-asylum-seekers/Donate to support Ukrainian Refugees: https://www.actionaid.org.uk/changelives/rg/donate-to-help-refugees?gclid=Cj0KCQiAyracBhDoARIsACGFcS522gzkWUKhEvUmDMghlyBSgwUkDhWtr7_5fZ79dYkUxadGACT475IaArAKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Join a mission to transform one million lives and become a money coach: https://octopusmoneycoach.com/become-a-financial-coach A big thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens. Athletic Greens is offering Therapy Works listeners a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/therapyworks. ---Produced by Georgie RutherfordEdited by Nick Kingswell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices