Therapy Works

In this special episode of Therapy Works, we're joined by Dr. Sheila Redfern, a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience working with young people and their families. Sheila discusses the challenges and intricacies of parenting adolescents, particularly focusing on understanding behaviors through the lens of mentalization. Sheila's new book, 'How Do You Hug a Cactus?' provides practical and insightful guidance on maintaining close relationships with teenagers. Explore how mentalizing can transform parent-teen relationships, the importance of self-reflection for parents, and how to navigate the complexities of a child's inner world. Show Notes:If you found this topic interesting, you’ll love Sheila’s book, “How Do You Huge a Cactus” If you’d like to get in contact with Sheila, you can find out more on her website - https://redfernpsychology.orgOn the topic of parenting, I’ve been writing some articles about parenting adult children over on my Substack. If this subject interests you, I think you might be interested in these as well - https://juliasamuel.substack.com/p/parenting-adult-childrenIf you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this week's episode of the Therapy Works podcast, we sit down with Mimi Kwa, an Australian presenter, broadcaster, and author of 'House of Kwa'. Mimi opens up about her journey through familial challenges, including being sued by her own father in the Supreme Court, dealing with her mother's undiagnosed schizophrenia, and her path to mindfulness. We explore the impact of intergenerational trauma, the process of forgiveness, and her experiences across three different homes. Mimi's story is a testament to resilience and the power of inner healing. Don't miss this profound conversation, rich with insights on culture, family dynamics, and personal growth.Show Notes: You can find Mimi's book, "House of Kwa" here - https://amzn.eu/d/cRyOK3hAnd you can learn more about her on her website - https://www.mimitv.com.au/Also, in the Mother/Daughter section, Emily mentions the Forgiveness Project. Check it out here - https://www.theforgivenessproject.comIf you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It seems like the world is falling apart, and we’re destroying the climate. Is it responsible for us to still have children? For this week’s Agony Aunties,, we take on this question from a listener inspired by our podcast with Christiana Figueiras. We’ll dive into this existential dilemma, exploring the balance between the responsibilities and joys of parenthood versus the potential environmental impact and uncertain future. We’ll discuss the importance of acknowledging the real fear and anxiety the younger generation feels, the need for a mindset shift towards abundance and creativity, and the significance of making decisions from a place of security rather than fear. The conversation also touches on broadening the concept of family and considering various ways of being a parent. At least, these are our thoughts. How does this resonate with you? How do you feel about bringing children into this world? This seems to be a question that people regularly ask, and were asked after the great wars as well. And so, if now’s not the time to have children, then when?If you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, Martine Wright, MBE, shares her incredible journey of resilience and transformation, from surviving the 7/7 London bombings to becoming a Paralympian.  Martine recounts the day that changed her life, her struggles in the aftermath, and the unwavering support from her family and guardian angels. She opens up about how she found new life and meaning through sport, and emphasizes the importance of kindness, support, and a positive mindset in overcoming trauma.  It’s truly amazing how glass-half-full Martine’s experience has been.  Join us as we dive into her lessons of courage, hope, and the unexpected gifts that come from facing life's extreme challenges.Show Notes:You can find out more about Martine and her story over on her website - https://martinewright.co.ukAnd you can read her book, Unbroken, here - https://amzn.eu/d/bWD6R7WIn the Mother/Daughter section, Emily mentioned the Moth Podcast.  You can find it here - https://themoth.org/podcastOtherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of Therapy Works, we’re talking with Zoe Blaskey, a mother of two, coach, and founder of the MotherKind podcast, and we’re discussing her new book 'MotherKind: A New Way to Thrive in a World of Endless Expectations.' She shares her motivations for writing the book, emphasizing the need for a consolidated resource for parents facing modern-day challenges. Zoe explores various topics such as the transition into motherhood, the concept of 'matrescence,' and the different pressures faced by mothers and fathers. She delves into the importance of self-compassion, managing the trio of guilt, shame, and perfectionism while offering practical tools to support parents. The episode also touches on the complexities of working motherhood, the significance of community support, and the evolving perspectives on parenting.Resources:You can find out more about Zoe on her website - https://www.motherkind.co/And find her new book here - https://amzn.eu/d/7tAAhdyIf you’re on Instagram, you can follow her here - https://www.instagram.com/zoeblaskey/If you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, we sit down with Poorna Bell, esteemed freelance journalist, author, and broadcaster, as she shares her profoundly moving story. Poorna discusses the challenges of feeling worthy of romantic love, primarily as the result of her husband's suicide, and how she found strength through powerlifting and jiu-jitsu. We’ll also discuss her decision not to have children, as Poorna offers insights into navigating cultural expectations and personal fulfillment. Join us as we explore vulnerability, resilience, and the journey to self-acceptance.Resources:You can find out more about Poorna Bell from her website - https://www.poornabell.com/homeAnd you can check out her latest book, “this is fine” here - https://amzn.eu/d/brni7juOtherwise, we mentioned Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide. You can find them here - https://uksobs.comIf you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of Agony Aunties, we respond to a listener's question about handling a 16-year-old's extreme emotional reactions and difficulty expressing feelings. Our discussion covers understanding teenage behavior, fostering open communication, and offering practical advice on connecting with teens. We emphasize the importance of meeting teens where they are and exploring their inner worlds without imposing worries about their future. Show Notes:Emily mentioned Lisa Damoure. You can find her here - https://www.instagram.com/lisa.damour/Here’s the book Emily mentioned as well - https://amzn.eu/d/f4x1lzNOtherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, Uju Asika joins to discuss her inspiring journey as a writer and blogger, parent and daughter. Known for her impactful books, Uju opens up about the challenges of parenting in a complex world, facing racism as a child, and the profound grief of losing her parents. She explores how these experiences have shaped her mission to foster kindness and empathy in raising boys and addressing race. The conversation offers deep insights into navigating life's adversities and the importance of empathy, along with some new ways to think about how to connect with our inner child, and why there tends to be some resistance in doing so. Tune in for a powerful discussion on resilience, diversity, and creating a better world for future generations.Show Notes:Find out more about Uju on her website - https://ujuasika.comAnd check out her book “Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World” - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/bringing-up-race-how-to-raise-a-kind-child-in-a-prejudiced-world-uju-asika/4812827?ean=9781529368727Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For this week's episode of Agony Aunties, we address a viewer's concern about her husband's consistent failure to acknowledge her birthday meaningfully, delving into the possible roots of his behavior stemming from his childhood. We'll explore the psychological implications of gift-giving, offer practical advice on how to communicate and understand these emotional blocks, and suggest alternative ways to ensure her birthday feels special. How does this resonate with you? What is your experience of giving and receiving gifts? Do you feel pressured by gift giving, or disappointed by it? We'd love to hear what your experience is like. Let us know in the comments. Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Therapy Works, we welcome actor, writer, and campaigner Greg Wise, as he delves into his varied roles and identities, his profound experiences with grief, and the transformative power of awe and creativity. He shares his personal journey of caring for his sister during her terminal illness, the impact of generational trauma, and the continuous work required for personal growth. The conversation also touches on Greg's new venture into writing about grief and the importance of therapy in processing pain and finding joy. In the Mother/Daughter segment, Emily and Sophie reflect on Greg's insights and explore themes of creativity, openness, and the cyclical patterns of trauma.Show Notes:Check out Greg's new book Not That Kind of Love - https://amzn.eu/d/0aMLPAmXAnd you can follow Greg Wise on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregwiseofficial/Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips - http://instagram.com/juliasamuelmbe/And for more info, check out my website - https://juliasamuel.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices