Therapy Works

For this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’re answering a question from someone struggling after a recent breakup and full of fear of relapsing into a previous nervous breakdown. If we go through a really challenging ordeal post breakup, it would make sense that we’d be afraid of how we will be in the future, if another breakup occurs. What’s important to note is that we’re all different people...

As we’re preparing for Season 6 of the Therapy Works podcast, I wanted to share a special episode here where I spoke with Rahul Jandial, famous Neuroscientist, speaker, author, and friend. Rahul is a dual-trained neurosurgeon and neurobiologist, and the author of “This is Why You Dream” which is what we spend most of our time discussing. We get in depth about how dreams reflect our waking life, th...

For this week’s Agony Aunties episode, we were asked how to handle mood swings. And to answer that, as usual in these episodes, we have a few different angles to approach. The first thing we suggest is to bring awareness to the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems within us, and to ground our approach towards mood regulation in the physical. If our bodies and nervous systems are dysregulated, w...

As we just wrapped up Season 5, and we’re ramping up for Season 6, I’d like to share with you a bonus episode with you all this week. Emily speaks to Josephine Hughes, who shares her deeply personal experience as the mother of two transgender daughters. She discusses the initial shock and adjustment period after her daughters came out, the challenges they faced, and the broader societal reactions....

In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, a new therapist asks how she can help her clients develop more self-esteem. And while the three of us practice differently with our clients, what we all agree on is the importance of exploring the client’s relationship with their self-esteem. Where does that struggle with come from? Adding some context to the moments of struggles with self-esteem, especiall...

In this special episode, I’m delighted to be speaking with Caitlin Moran seeing as my daughters and I are huge fans of her writing. In this episode, she reflects on her tough upbringing and speaks about the power and joy she found with words. She also shares her opinions on masculinity and the challenges men face in society. With her characteristic humour and sharp wit, Caitlin discusses the cultu...

For this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, a listener asks an important question: how can they be happy when someone in their family is deeply depressed? And so, to answer this, we’re not going to discuss what the listener can do to fix their family member’s problems, even though that might be the urge that arises in us instantly. Instead, we’ll talk about ideas of codependency, and highlight the i...

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, Heather shares the deeply emotional and challenging journey of raising her daughter, Lizzie, who has profound and multiple learning disabilities. Heather's story is one of love, loss, resilience, and the constant navigation of a life profoundly different from what she once envisioned. Through her journey with Lizzie, Heather illuminates the deep, often unsp...

In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’re answering a viewer who is struggling with their 10-year-old daughter's dislike for their new partner. We’ll talk about how to empathise with the complexity of the situation, and we’ll offer some insights and advice on handling such family dynamics. The daughter’s resistance might stem from feelings of loss and change rather than a genuine dislike for...

In this week’s episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Dr. Rachel Clarke shares her journey through the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic, her transition from journalism to palliative care medicine, and her ongoing advocacy for better end-of-life care. Reflecting on the paradox of human existence—the intertwining of love, death, and the essence of being—she discusses the daily challenges within the NHS...

In this week’s episode of "Agony Aunties," our discussion focuses on a parent finding their purpose as their children have grow up and left home. And so, we’ll talk about the importance of starting with self-awareness and exploration, and how mindfulness can help, along with small steps towards activities that bring joy or spark curiosity. On a broader scope, we’ll also talk about a concept that w...

In this week’s episode of Therapy Works, Lily Pickard shares her heart-wrenching journey through her husband Cole's terminal cancer diagnosis, the emotional upheaval it brought to their family, and the profound loss felt after his passing. She discusses the importance of hope, humour, and community support in navigating such a devastating experience, offering insights into the complexities of grie...

In this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’ll be addressing a concern from parents about their son's lack of motivation. We’ll explore the challenges of transitioning to adulthood and suggest the approach of trying to understand his perspective rather than pushing him, as pushing him might not offer the results you’re looking for. Our conversation also touches on how the parents can support each...

In this very special episode of Therapy Works, I have the pleasure of sitting down in-person with the remarkable Kirsty Young, a beloved figure in Scottish television and radio. Renowned for presenting the iconic show Desert Island Discs and her role in hosting prestigious events such as the Queen's jubilee and funeral, Kirsty brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to our conversation. Key Discussi...

In this episode of "Agony Aunties," we’re responding to a listener's question about maintaining a relationship with their son's ex-girlfriend. While it’s understandable to want to maintain a connection with someone that you personally don’t have any issues with, and while we don’t know all of the ins and outs of the situation, what arises in us is the importance to be aware of the complexity of su...

In this week’s episode, I’ll be delving into Petrina Barber's harrowing journey with cancer, diagnosed shortly after the birth of her son. Petrina shares the complexities of her battle, not just with the disease itself but also with the incurable condition that arose from her treatment, drastically impacting her and her family’s life. While Petrina lost a sense of autonomy over her body and acknow...

For this week’s episode of the Therapy Works podcast, we released a very important conversation with Charles Spencer, where he opens up about his experience of childhood sexual abuse in boarding school. In this bonus episode, the three of us talk about our takeaways from that conversation, and what really resonated in us when we heard Charles’ story. Key Points Discussed: Complexity of Disclosure:...

In this episode, I’m speaking with Charles Spencer, who shares his traumatic experiences at a boarding school where he faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Charles discusses the profound impact these childhood experiences have had on his life, the complex process of healing, and the importance of speaking out to help others. Key Points Discussed: Enduring Abuse: Charles recounts the harrow...

For this week’s episode of Agony Aunties, we’re taking a bit of a different direction. While I do much prefer to answer your questions, and to connect with what’s alive in you, this week I’m going to share something that has happened to me. Namely, I am currently going through a series of health challenges. I broke my shoulder in a fall, and needed a couple of surgeries for it. On top of that, I h...

In this insightful episode, I speak with Professor Tom Shakespeare, a distinguished figure in the fields of disability research and bioethics. Their conversation delves into the profound aspects of disability, societal perceptions, and the intrinsic value of diversity and acceptance in human connections. Tom, with his rich background and personal experiences, offers a unique perspective on living...

In this episode of Agony Aunties, Julia, Emily and Sophie share insightful perspectives on the topic of "only children." Julia critiques the term itself, emphasising that it carries a derivative implication, suggesting that an only child is somehow insufficient. Emily adds that regardless of family configuration, there are both pros and cons, and having just one child can offer unique benefits, al...

In this emotionally charged episode, Henrietta opens up about her journey through permanent childlessness and shares the complexities of her grief. Henrietta describes how there isn't a singular reason for her childlessness – not meeting the right partner and the element of luck being 50% out of her control. She recalls making a promise to herself, keeping the door half-shut, and the heartbreak th...

In this episode, a listener seeks advice on parenting adult children. The Agony Aunties encourage active listening, allowing for diverse perspectives without necessarily agreeing. They suggest using feedback formats, like expressing what one hears, sees, feels, and relates, to avoid judgement. The conversation explores the importance of compromise, acknowledging emotional subtext in disagreements,...

In today's deeply moving conversation, I am honoured to be joined by the incredible Annabel Croft. Annabel graciously shares her poignant journey through the rapid and tragic loss of her husband to cancer. We delve into the realms of loss, love, and the indomitable spirit of hope that persists in the face of grief. In this episode, we discuss:  Sudden Diagnosis and Profound Journey: Annabel recoun...

In this special episode of our Agony Aunties mini series, our wise trio – Emily, Sophie, and Julia – dive deep into the intricacies of love and relationships. The first question addresses the delicate balance of approaching a new relationship with both excitement and caution. Emily's candid response reminds us that every relationship comes with its share of risks, emphasising that the beauty of lo...