Therapy Works

Latest Episodes:

Agony Aunties on Family Estrangement and the Grief No One Talks About Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Agony Aunties tackle a listener's question about dealing with the pain of family estrangement. They provide thoughtful advice, suggesting outreach to communities in similar situations, the therapeutic use of letters, and the importance of individual and family therapy. They emphasise the necessity of processing grief, managing obsessive thoughts, and finding personal agency in the face of unresolved trauma. Lastly, they acknowledge the listener's own emotional journey and encourage self-support during this challenging time.

Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.

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Lindsey Burrow on Life After Rob Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia welcomes Lindsey Burrow, widow of rugby legend Rob Burrow. Lindsey discusses the challenges of coping with Rob's battle against motor neurone disease and life after his passing in June 2024. She opens up about dealing with anticipatory grief, the struggle of single parenthood, and maintaining a positive mindset. Lindsey also shares her ways of coping through exercise, the importance of communication, and the support she received from family and friends. Lindsey also sheds light on the role of unpaid carers, the importance of exercise and communication, and her efforts to continue Rob's legacy through fundraising for a specialist MND care centre and her upcoming book, 'Take Care,' which which focuses on love, resilience, and the power of family during adversity.

Buy Lindsey's book: https://amzn.eu/d/epJlLxi

Follow Lindsey on Instagram: @rob7lindsey

00:22 Lindsey Burrow's Story: Life with Rob Burrow

01:11 Greatest Challenges After Rob's Passing

03:03 Coping with Grief and Loss

04:25 Balancing Parenthood and Personal Grief

06:02 The Role of a Carer

15:44 Children's Grief and Resilience

29:10 Rob's Legacy and Future Plans

30:17 Writing the Book: A Therapeutic Journey

32:57 Final Thoughts

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Agony Aunties: Is It Possible to Love More Than One Person? Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, a letter to the Agony Aunties sparks a deeply honest conversation about what it means to love two people at once. The writer shares her experience of being in a long-term marriage of 33 years while also falling for another man. The hosts explore the emotional weight of this dual connection and the very human complexities of desire, loyalty, and longing.

Drawing on the insights of relationship experts like Dan Savage and Esther Perel, the discussion unpacks the prevalence of extramarital affairs and the often-unspoken struggles within committed relationships. From trust and secrecy to self-reflection and growth, this episode invites listeners to sit with the grey areas and consider how we reconcile love, truth, and our evolving sense of self within a marriage.

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Nadiya Hussain on Defying Expectations & Fighting Self-Doubt Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Nadiya Hussain shares her journey from a housewife to a renowned baker and author, detailing the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the impact of her immigrant background, societal pressures, and personal struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. Nadiya touches upon her career’s milestones, including her victory on The Great British Bake Off, and how each new project brings its own set of challenges and expectations. She also reflects on family dynamics, the significance of open communication, and the importance of maintaining dreams and aspirations despite obstacles. The conversation highlights Nadiya's relentless determination, love for family, and the unique challenges she faces as a British Bangladeshi Muslim woman in the public eye.

00:09 Nadiya's Multifaceted Identity

00:54 Challenges and Overcoming Them

02:15 Facing Criticism and Bias

06:25 Childhood Dreams and Realizations

09:34 Family Dynamics and Cultural Expectations

11:35 Pursuing Education Against All Odds

23:57 Marriage and Personal Growth

25:06 Navigating Family Dynamics and Adaptability

27:47 Understanding Parental Decisions and Forgiveness

29:23 The Legacy of Courage and Change

32:08 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Achievements

36:31 Facing Cultural and Professional Hurdles

41:39 Family, Fame, and Open Communication

48:11 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth

Find Nadiya:

Website: https://www.nadiya hussain.com/

Instagram: @nadiya jhussain

Buy Nadiya's new book 'Rooza': https://www.nadiya hussain.com/book/rooza/

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Agony Aunties: Should You Tell Someone They Were Donor-Conceived? Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Agony Aunties discuss a delicate and complex issue brought up by a listener whose partner's brother has two adult daughters conceived using a sperm donor. Despite being aware of the donor conception, the daughters have never been told, and the listener seeks advice on whether and how they should be informed. The Agony Aunties emphasise the importance of the biological parents handling the conversation and suggest seeking support from organisations like the Donor Conception Network. They also recommend exploring personal fears around disclosure and preparing for the conversation through therapy. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the roles family members can play in providing support and maintaining strong relationships.

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Lucy Brazier on How Life Changing a Diagnosis Can Be Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Julia Samuel welcomes Lucy Brazier, the author of 'The Honesty Box', who candidly shares the challenges she faces in her marriage due to her husband's longstanding struggles with depression. Lucy discusses the transformative impact of an eventual ADHD and autism diagnosis on their relationship, their coping mechanisms, and the critical role of honest communication.

Their story also highlights systemic issues in mental health diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the episode features a discussion among Julia and her daughters about the broader implications of these struggles in marriages, underscoring the importance of understanding, patience, and resilience.

00:32 Struggles with Depression in Marriage

00:59 Decision to Divorce

02:25 Emotional Impact and Resentment

03:20 Challenges of Supporting a Depressed Partner

11:32 Discovery of ADHD

13:04 The Honesty Box Project

16:46 Impact of ADHD Diagnosis

26:44 Dual Diagnosis: ADHD and ASD

30:54 Understanding Family Dynamics

31:17 Balancing Openness and Protection

33:02 Collective Agency in Mental Health

34:23 Navigating Differences in Marriage

36:31 Embracing Imperfections and Courage

39:14 The Importance of Honest Conversations

40:24 Coping Mechanisms and Adaptations

54:05 The Role of Diagnosis and Acceptance

57:08 Reflections on Divorce and Relationships

Buy Lucy's book: https://amzn.eu/d/990Khdl

Instagram: @brazier.lucy

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EXPERT EPISODE: Owen O'Kane on why anxiety feels addictive Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging episode, Owen O'Kane, a psychotherapist, former palliative care specialist, and ex-NHS clinical lead for mental health, shares his professional journey and deeply personal story. He reflects on his transition from nursing in palliative care to training as a psychotherapist, a shift inspired by witnessing the profound psychological distress many patients faced. Owen also opens up about his upbringing in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and the personal struggles of coming out as gay in a Catholic family. He highlights how his lived experiences shape his therapeutic approach, emphasising the power of empathy, trauma awareness, and emotional resilience in mental health care.

Drawing from his latest book, Addicted to Anxiety, Owen introduces the concept that anxiety can function like an addiction, offering a false sense of safety while keeping individuals trapped in cycles of fear. He discusses practical strategies for managing anxiety, including learning to acknowledge, accept, and even befriend the anxious self rather than resisting it. His insights provide a fresh and compassionate perspective on understanding anxiety, helping listeners developgreater self-awareness and healthier coping mechanisms to break free from its grip.

Buy Owen's new book, 'Addicted to Anxiety': https://amzn.eu/d/cxRKYCD

Follow Owen: @owenokaneten

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Iain Dale on Balancing Public and Private Life Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, broadcaster, author, and political commentator Iain Dale shares an intimate look at his career and personal journey. He opens up about the pressures of public life, imposter syndrome, and health struggles, as well as the deeply personal experience of coming out to his family. Through candid storytelling, Iain reflects on the importance of being seen and validated by loved ones, the impact of childhood experiences, and the complex emotions surrounding his relationship with his mother.

Iain discusses the challenges of navigating a public career while staying true to himself, offering insights into the role of therapy, personal reflection, and overcoming self-doubt. A thought-provoking and heartfelt episode, this discussion reminds us of the importance of embracing vulnerability and finding strength in our personal stories.

01:22 Challenges of a Public Role

10:15 Health Struggles and Personal Reflections

19:36 Coming Out and Family Reactions

28:10 Reflecting on a Mother's Love and Regret

29:04 Complex Emotions and Unspoken Wounds

30:04 Career Reflections and Family Dynamics

30:45 Navigating Public and Private Life

31:47 The Journey of Acceptance and Identity

33:03 Thoughts on Parenthood and Personal Choices

35:33 Imposter Syndrome and Professional Growth

38:06 The Role of Education and Early Influences

39:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence

40:36 The Breakthrough in Radio

44:49 Final Reflections

Find Iain:

Instagram: @iaindale

X: @IainDale

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Agony Aunties on Finding Grief Support That Fits Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a heartfelt message from a listener struggling with the loss of a close friend. As an atheist, they feel isolated and alienated by the predominantly Christian language surrounding grief. The Agony Aunties explore the importance of finding grief support that resonates with non-religious individuals and suggest alternatives like The Grief Gang. They acknowledge the profound pain and loneliness that can come with grief, emphasising the need for open expression and validation of loss.

The conversation also delves into the role of anger in the grieving process, highlighting its importance as a natural emotional response. The Agony Aunties share practical ways to navigate grief, including emotional regulation techniques and finding therapists or support communities that respect non-religious perspectives. This episode serves as a reminder that everyone deserves compassionate and inclusive support, no matter their beliefs.

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Lottie Clark on the Difficult Decision of Assisted Dying Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

In this deeply moving episode of Therapy Works, Lottie Clark shares the story of her husband James’s battle with motor neurone disease. She opens up about the emotional and physical toll of his diagnosis, the challenges of caring for a loved one with a terminal illness, and the difficult decisions their family faced—including James’s choice to pursue assisted dying at Dignitas. Lottie speaks candidly about the impact on their children, the process of saying goodbye, and the long road of grief that follows loss.

This conversation offers an intimate look at navigating life when faced with unimaginable circumstances. Lottie’s story is one of heartbreak but also of deep strength and unwavering love. She reflects on the power of open conversations, the importance of honouring personal choices in end-of-life care, and her ongoing campaign for assisted dying legislation. This is an episode about grief, but also about the extraordinary courage it takes to walk alongside someone through their final chapter.

00:55 Facing a Terminal Diagnosis

04:41 The Emotional Impact and Initial Reactions

06:36 Planning for the Future

13:01 Communicating with the Children

15:11 The Decision for Assisted Dying

26:55 Reflecting on the Impact of Loss

27:26 Honest Conversations with Children

29:32 A Final Family Trip

31:44 Saying Goodbye

33:12 Campaigning for Assisted Dying

36:29 The Journey of Repatriation

39:20 Finding Strength in Love