Shows / Therapy Works
Therapy Works
Conversations about life's biggest challenges.
Bestselling author and psychotherapist Julia Samuel invites us into her therapy room as she talks to both known and unknown voices about events and experiences we will all face - and how we face them.
Therapy Works is full of therapeutic conversations which may contain difficult emotions but can also bring light. Hear what the guests have learnt, have failed to learn and how they’ve grown through the experience.
At the end of each episode, Julia…
Episodes
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: When Parenting Doesn’t Match the Picture in Your Head
In this Agony Aunties episode, Emily and Sophie take the reins while Julia continues her recovery, diving into a thoughtful listener question about accepting…
Therapy WorksCharlotte Bellamy on Grieving a Baby She Never Got to Know
In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Charlotte Bellamy, who speaks with extraordinary openness about the death of her son Finn, who was…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Feeling Second Best to a Partner’s Late Wife
In this Agony Aunties episode, Sophie and Emily return to answer a deeply thoughtful listener question about feeling second best to a partner’s late spouse…
Therapy WorksDr Alex George: “I Looked in the Mirror and Didn’t Recognise Myself”
On the first episode of Season 10 of Therapy Works, host Julia Samuel is joined by Dr Alex George for an unusually candid conversation about what happens when…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: When You Want Another Baby and Your Partner Doesn’t
While Julia recovers from shoulder surgery, Sophie and Emily step in to respond to a painful and familiar dilemma, wanting another child when your partner…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: When You Love Your Children… But Don’t Always Like Them
In this Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Sophie and Emily respond to a brave listener who admits she loves her two adult daughters deeply but often struggles to…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: When the Therapist Becomes the Patient
In this special Agony Aunties episode, we pause our usual listener questions so Julia can share something personal as she prepares for a reverse shoulder…
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EXPERT EPISODE: Why Divorce Hits Women Differently with Oona Metz
In this expert episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia speaks with psychotherapist Oona Metz, author of Unhitched, about her extensive experience…
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BONUS: Dealing with Feeling at Christmas with Professor Marc Brackett
In this bonus episode of Therapy Works, I’m joined by Professor Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Surviving the First Christmas After Loss
In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a deeply moving question from a widowed father facing his first Christmas after the death of his wife. Six months…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Shall I Leave My Husband?
In this Agony Aunties episode of Therapy Works, Julia, Emily and Sophie respond to a deeply moving letter from a listener questioning whether her long…
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BONUS: Dr Anna Colton on Navigating Food Conversations with Children
Emily Samuel engages in a conversation with Dr. Anna Colton about her book, 'How to Talk to Children About Food'. They address common parental fears and…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Healing After a COVID Loss
In this Agony Aunties episode, Emily, Sophie and Julia respond to a powerful letter from a listener in her fifties who is still grieving the sudden loss of her…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: How Do I Stop Checking My Ex’s Instagram?
In this week’s Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Sophie and Emily answer a painfully relatable listener question about being unable to stop checking an ex’s…
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Archie Bland on Parenting Through the Unthinkable
In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia Samuel speaks with journalist Archie Bland - not in his role at The Guardian, but as Max’s dad. Archie describes the…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Friendship Breakups and the Courage to Reconnect
In this episode of the Agony Aunties series, the aunties respond to a heartfelt question from a listener about how to rebuild a sense of connection and…
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Melissa Hemsley on Anxiety, IVF and Nourishing the Everyday
In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia is joined by cook, writer and wellbeing advocate Melissa Hemsley for a heartfelt conversation about anxiety…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Feeling Invisible as We Age
In this week’s episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener who shares a heartfelt question about feeling invisible and struggling with self-acceptance…
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Tracey on Infidelity, Anger and Becoming Herself
This week on Therapy Works, I speak with Tracey, a 55-year-old mother of three, whose story is one of heartbreak, courage, and ultimately, liberation. Tracey…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: How to Talk About Social Anxiety
In this Agony Aunties episode, they respond to a listener’s question about managing social anxiety within a relationship. They explore how to communicate…
Therapy WorksLulu on Why It’s Never Too Late to Be Yourself
In today’s episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Lulu - a woman whose energy fills any room she walks into.From global fame at 15 to finding peace at 77, Lulu…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Facing the Hard Parts of Therapy
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's question about the challenging nature of therapy. They discuss the misconception of therapy as a 'quick…
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Eve on How the Pressure to Have a Child Broke Her Marriage
In this episode, Eve shares her deeply personal story of coming out of a 23-year relationship, including 10 years of marriage, which ended in divorce due to…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: I Think My Partner’s Cheating or Am I Just Anxious?
In this episode, the Agony Aunties return to address a listener's concern about potential infidelity, offering advice on distinguishing between anxiety and…
Therapy WorksOlia Hercules on How Creativity Heals in Times of Crisis
In this powerful and tender conversation, I speak with Olia Hercules - author, chef, and activist - about her journey from Ukraine to the UK and the personal…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: When Everyone Needs You and You’re Running on Empty
The Agony Aunties tackle a listener's question about managing the stress of a full-time job, parenting two young children, and caring for an ageing parent…
Therapy WorksDeepa Paul on Marriage, Motherhood, and Polyamory
In this fascinating and candid conversation, I speak with Deepa Paul — a Filipino Indian author, mother, wife, and girlfriend about the complexities of love…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Navigating Separation and Talking to Children
In this Agony Aunties episode, we address a listener's question on how to talk to children about parental separation. Their answer covers the importance of…
Therapy WorksBen Goldsmith on Grief, Nature, and Finding Meaning After Loss
In this deeply moving episode, I speak with Ben Goldsmith - financier, environmentalist, and father - about the devastating loss of his teenage daughter, Iris…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Managing Social Anxiety in Midlife
In this week’s Agony Aunties, we answer a listener’s question about social anxiety returning in midlife. We talk about why it can resurface — from life…
Therapy WorksLucy Gossage on The Joy of Difficult Things
In this episode, I talk with Lucy Gossage — oncologist, former professional triathlete, ultra-runner, and co-founder of the Move Against Cancer charity. From…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: What’s the Line Between Healthy Processing and Negative Self-Talk?
In this episode, the Agony Aunties return to address a listener's question about the often confusing advice regarding feeling emotions versus avoiding negative…
Therapy WorksElizabeth Day on Belonging When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan
In this episode of Therapy Works, I’m delighted to welcome back my friend Elizabeth Day. Elizabeth has done so much to change the way we talk about…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Co-Parenting with an Ex When Trust Is Broken
In this Agony Aunties episode, we answer a listener asking how to co-parent after a breakdown of trust. We focus on steadying yourself to steady your child…
Therapy WorksGrace Spence Green on What Disability Taught Her About Living Fully
In this episode of Therapy Works, I have the privilege of speaking with Grace Spence Green - a junior doctor and wheelchair user whose life changed…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: How Do I Cope with Anxiety About My Adult Children?
In this episode of Agony Aunties, the Aunties tackle a listener’s heartfelt question: “How do I cope with the anxiety I feel around my adult children?”…
Therapy WorksDan Snow on Loss, Legacy, and Learning to Live in the Present
In the first episode of the new season of Therapy Works, I sit down with historian and broadcaster Dan Snow to explore the powerful forces that have shaped his…
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Mini Recap: Nadiya Hussain on Turning Anger Into Determination
In this powerful mini recap, Therapy Works revisits my moving conversation with Nadiya Hussain. Nadiya reflects on growing up surrounded by women who seemed…
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Mini Recap: Julie Smith on Imposter Syndrome & Everyday Courage
In this mini recap from our season-opening conversation with Dr. Julie Smith, we revisit her reflections on imposter syndrome, success, and the lessons she…
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EXPERT EPISODE: Embracing Good Enough Parenting with Dr. Tara Porter
In this episode, Emily interviews Dr. Tara Porter, a clinical psychologist and author, about her new book, 'Good Enough.' Dr. Porter reflects on her 28 years…
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EXPERT EPISODE: The Hidden Wounds We Inherit with Noemi Orvos-Toth
In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Sophie welcomes Noemi Orvos-Toth, a Hungarian clinical psychologist and author of 'Inherited Fate,' to discuss…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Navigating Romantic Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's courageous question about pursuing romantic relationships after surviving childhood sexual abuse (CSA)…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Managing Sibling Squabbles
In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener's question on how to help siblings of different ages get along better daily. They discuss the normality of…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: “Is It Too Late for Me?” Turning 60, Being Single & Reclaiming Joy
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…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Can Therapy Really Alleviate Health Anxiety?
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…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties: Can Your Relationship Survive If Only One of You Grows?
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…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties on Healing After an Ectopic Pregnancy
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…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties on Confronting Hidden Trauma
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…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties on Finding Clarity in Situationships
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…
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Live from Stratford Literary Festival: Kit de Waal on Friendship, Fear & Finding Freedom
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…
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Expert Episode: How to Age Well with Dr. Lucy Pollock
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…
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Expert Episode: Music as Medicine with Dr Daniel Levitin
In this episode of Therapy Works, Julia is joined by Dr. Daniel Levitin — acclaimed neuroscientist, musician, and best-selling author of Music as Medicine…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties on Healing from Preverbal Trauma
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…
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Expert Episode: Helping Your Children Develop Resilience with Dr. Henry Venter
In this expert-led episode, Emily Samuel is joined by Dr Henry Venter to explore the vital role resilience plays in a child’s development. Together, they delve…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties on Talking to Children About a Terminal Diagnosis
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a heart-wrenching question from a listener facing a terminal diagnosis. They offer invaluable advice on how to…
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Live from Curious Minds Festival: Unpacking Family, Conflict & Connection
In this special live-recorded episode of Therapy Works, we explore the often unspoken patterns that shape our families — and ourselves. Whether you're…
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Agony Aunties on the Pressure to "Have It All Figured Out"
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a common concern among individuals in their mid-thirties who feel overwhelmed by life's big decisions, especially…
Therapy WorksAmanda Wakeley on Fashion, Family, and Healing Through Grief
In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Amanda Wakeley, OBE, designer, creative director, and multiple award-winner, delves into the profound challenges…
Therapy WorksAgony Aunties on Finding Confidence in Your Fifties
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's concern about feeling invisible in their mid-fifties due to ageism in both work and social spaces…
Therapy WorksOlivia on Finding Freedom After Abuse
In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Olivia shares the harrowing experience of her husband being arrested in 2014 for downloading and sharing…