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 regarding having children. The discussion dismantles the false narrative of a linear path to success, emphasises the importance of self-awareness, and offers insights into managing societal pressures and personal expectations. The episode also touches on the significance of recognising real time boundaries for biological factors, broadening one's concept of family, cultivating curiosity about one's true desires, and the benefit of therapy in understanding personal choices.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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15:57
Amanda 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 she faced following the loss of her brother and the end of her eponymous fashion brand. Amanda shares the emotional impact of these significant losses, her process of grieving, and how a new chapter unfolded in her life. She talks about the therapeutic value of her new dog, the importance of nature, and the power of listening to one's gut instinct. Through introspection and resilience, Amanda navigated through her 'fertile void' and rediscovered her purpose, culminating in the launch of her own podcast and a forthcoming style DNA book. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, courage, and the joy found in new beginnings.
00:38 Amanda's Career and Personal Losses
01:39 The Challenge of Sibling Loss
05:50 Fashion and Personal Identity
10:49 The Healing Power of Nature and Pets
22:48 The Emotional Toll of Business Closure
27:26 Cosy Work from Home and Meeting Luna
27:52 The Comfort of Cashmere
28:46 Defining Personal Style
30:15 Navigating Major Life Transitions
32:16 Starting a New Chapter with a Podcast
33:28 Dealing with Anxiety and Finding Control
34:01 The Healing Power of Nature and Movement
36:58 Hypnotherapy and Overcoming Fears
38:51 Grieving and Emotional Healing
46:07 Embracing New Beginnings and Wisdom
49:16 Final Reflections and Tribute to Charlie
Find Amanda:
Instagram: @amandawakeley
Website: amandawakeley.com
Podcast: Listen here
Links referenced in episode:
Eugene Gendlin on Focusing: https://focusing.org/sixsteps
Sibling Support: https://www.siblingsupport.co.uk/
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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1:15:18
Agony 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. Reflecting on their own experiences, the Agony Aunties discuss the psychological challenges and societal biases that come with aging, particularly for women. They emphasise the importance of valuing oneself, embracing inner strengths, and finding liberation in this new phase of life. They also touch upon the cultural obsession with anti-aging and all the benefits of reaching one's fifties. 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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15:23
Olivia 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 paedophilic images of children. She discusses the subsequent impact on her life and her four children, detailing the years of coercive control, emotional abuse, and manipulation she endured during her marriage. Olivia reflects on the therapy and support she received that helped her come to terms with the situation, reclaim her sense of self, and start to rebuild her life. Despite the trauma, Olivia speaks of her path to freedom, the crucial role of her support system, and how she managed to rebuild a life filled with joy and self-discovery.
00:12 The Day Everything Changed
01:22 Living Under Coercive Control
05:10 Realisations Through Therapy
10:19 The Arrest and Its Aftermath
14:14 Struggles with Shame and Guilt
31:30 Support Systems and Healing
37:46 Reflections and Moving Forward
Support Links & Further Resources
Understanding the Vagus Nerve – Learn more via the Polyvagal Institute
Carolyn Spring – Resources on trauma and recovery: carolynspring.com
Women’s Aid – Support for those affected by domestic abuse: womensaid.org.uk
Support for Families & Friends of Perpetrators – Guidance via the Survivors’ Network: Read here
Dr. Gwen Adshead: Reith Lecture – Listen on the BBC: Episode link
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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1:04:15
Agony Aunties on Managing Exam Stress
In this episode, the Agony Aunties discuss the intense pressure and anxiety faced by a 16-year-old dealing with exam stress. They highlight the importance of timetables that include breaks and exercise, the benefits of studying with friends, and the significance of sleep, food, and exercise in reducing anxiety. Additionally, the conversation explores emotional coping mechanisms, the dangers of self-imposed pressure, the impact of comparing oneself to others, and the importance of recognising one's worth beyond academic performance. Real-life anecdotes and practical advice provide a comprehensive guide to managing stress and finding balance during exam periods.
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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Bestselling author and psychotherapist, Julia Samuel, invites us into her therapy room as she talks to both known and unknown voices about some of life’s biggest challenges.
Therapy Works is full of therapeutic conversations which may contain difficult emotions but those that can paradoxically bring light, in all its form.
Listeners will hear what the guests have learnt, failed to learn and how they have grown through their experience. At the end of each episode, Julia reflects on her session with her two psychotherapist daughters who will share their thoughts on the conversation. You’ll quickly discover that not all therapists agree on everything!
Follow @juliasamuelmbe
New Zealand