Agony 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 discussion covers various aspects, including the role of different therapies such as art therapy and somatic EMDR, understanding the impact of early childhood trauma, and how physiological changes after childbirth can amplify fear and anxiety.
The Agony Aunties emphasise the importance of awareness, self-compassion, and having open, honest conversations with therapists to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. They also highlight that change and healing are gradual processes that can't erase past experiences but can help in developing a more compassionate relationship with oneself.
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14:49
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14:49
Agony 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 unpack the emotional and relational impact of personal growth, especially when only one person in the partnership is engaging in therapy or self-development. While growth can create distance, they explain that it doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed. What matters most is openness, willingness to engage, and honest communication.
They also explore how to assess the real costs and benefits of staying versus leaving, particularly when children are involved. This is rarely a quick decision — it’s a long game, and one that requires compassion and courage.
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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Agony 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 and experience, the Aunties offer heartfelt guidance on processing grief, managing anxiety, and navigating the complex mix of emotions that can follow such a loss. They share practical tips around self-care, the value of short-term planning, and the importance of seeking both medical advice and emotional support.
Helpful Resources:
Miscarriage Association – Support and information for anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy.
Child Bereavement UK – Support for families and professionals when a child dies or is grieving.
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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14:30
Agony 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. They discuss the feelings of shame, confusion, and sadness that often accompany such trauma and emphasise the importance of seeking professional support, such as EMDR therapy. The hosts provide advice on discussing the event with trusted individuals, like a caring partner, and highlight the significance of understanding and processing the abuse before making any decisions about revealing it to family members. They also offer insights into preventing such situations and educating one's own children about consent and safe touch.
Resources for Support: If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and needs support, the following organisations offer help:
SurvivorsUKSpecialist support for men, boys, and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence. www.survivorsuk.org
Helpline: 020 3598 3898 (Mon–Sun)
AMAZE.orgSupport and information for adolescents, families, and educators around sexual health and relationships.www.amaze.org
The Survivors Trust (UK)Umbrella charity for specialist rape and sexual abuse support services. www.thesurvivorstrust.org
Childline (UK)Confidential support for children and young people. www.childline.org.uk
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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18:24
Agony 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 discuss the complex emotions of longing, grief, and fear of vulnerability that arise from such experiences. They offer insights into recognising and addressing historical patterns of attachment, the importance of self-reflection, and the necessity of open communication with partners. They explore the potential subconscious reasons for choosing an emotionally unavailable partner and suggest ways to untangle these emotional threads through self-awareness, therapy, and communication.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/therapyworks and get on your way to being your best self.
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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
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