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 develop greater 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

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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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

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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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.

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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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

50:22 The Complexity of Assisted Dying

57:34 The Long Road of Grief

If you are looking to campaign, please find out more here: https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/

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.

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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In this episode, we discuss navigating the challenges of finding a suitable therapist, especially when finances are a concern. We cover various aspects such as therapist fees, the importance of a good therapist-client fit, and practical advice on utilising sliding scales, group therapy, and recommendations from friends. We also touch on the value of accredited therapists and the benefits of support from voluntary organizations and training institutes. The conversation includes tips on making initial free phone calls to therapists and emphasises the power and affordability of group therapy.

00:36 Challenges in Finding the Right Therapist

00:59 Financial Considerations and Sliding Scale Options

01:34 Importance of Therapist-Client Fit

04:10 Exploring Group Therapy

07:04 Alternative Therapy Options and Final Thoughts

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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This week on Therapy Works, Dr Julie Smith—clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and online mental health educator—joins Julia Samuel for a deeply personal and insightful conversation on health, success, and the importance of mental well-being.

Julie opens up about the unexpected success of her first book, the challenges of navigating a public career, and how her values—particularly as a parent—help her stay grounded. She also shares how her cancer diagnosis and treatment impacted her both personally and professionally, reflecting on how she managed to balance her roles as a parent and an author while facing one of the most challenging experiences of her life.

The conversation also explores the power of language, books, and storytelling in helping people navigate difficult emotions and experiences. Julia's daughters, Emily and Sophie, offer their own reflections on the discussion, delving into the role of books as a source of support, the complexities of motherhood, and the ongoing challenge of work-life balance.

Buy Julie's new book: https://amzn.eu/d/fR4P4j2

Website: drjuliesmith.com

Instagram: @drjulie

TikTok & YouTube: @DrJulieSmith

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In this deeply personal episode, Julia opens up about the year following her devastating skiing accident—a journey marked by a broken shoulder, multiple surgeries, and the onset of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. She candidly shares the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, from the lasting effects on her face to the daily challenges of living with pain and physical limitations.

Through honesty and vulnerability, Julia reflects on the lessons of resilience, humility, and acceptance that have emerged from this experience. She expresses gratitude for the support she has received while also acknowledging the frustration of navigating ongoing setbacks. This conversation offers a powerful insight into the psychological impact of injury, the unpredictability of healing, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

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In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener considering whether to reconnect with their estranged father after years of no contact. Inspired by New Year reflections, the listener navigates the emotional weight of this potential decision.

The Agony Aunties explore the complexities of family dynamics, discussing how to manage expectations, understand personal motivations, and protect one’s emotional well-being. They share thoughtful advice, such as seeking therapy, leaning on trusted friends for support, and remembering there is no obligation to reconnect. Whether you’re grappling with similar family challenges or simply seeking insight into navigating tricky relationships, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to prioritise self-care.

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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In this thoughtful and uplifting episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a listener's heartfelt concerns about feeling behind in life and grappling with self-comparison as the New Year begins. They explore why these feelings are so common and how our tendency to measure ourselves against others can create a false sense of inadequacy.

The Agony Aunties share practical advice for approaching the New Year with self-compassion and positivity, encouraging listeners to focus on their personal journeys rather than comparisons. They discuss the power of recognising and challenging critical self-talk, finding small 'glimmers' of positivity in daily life, and setting resolutions that spark joy instead of fostering deprivation. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on starting the year with self-acceptance and meaningful change, this episode is for you.

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The Agony Aunties are here to help you tackle the highs and lows of the festive season! In this episode, they share practical advice on managing Christmas stress, from handling family tensions to dealing with financial pressures and sky-high expectations. They talk about the power of setting boundaries, planning much-needed time-outs, and having open conversations about presents and plans to ease the strain.

The Aunties also highlight the importance of self-care and protecting your mental health during this busy time. With tips like envisioning positive interactions and staying flexible with family traditions, they offer realistic ways to keep the season joyful. Don’t forget—you can check out past AA episodes for even more guidance on navigating holiday challenges!

If you're looking for more support this Christmas, please find one of our older episodes about navigating Christmas stress here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/bonus-a-guide-to-navigating-christmas/id1646616622?i=1000639395275

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In this expert episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Claire Plumbly, the author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, delves into the complexities of the autonomic nervous system and explores how it plays a critical role in managing stress and trauma. Using the polyvagal theory by Stephen Porges, she explains how the nervous system is impacted by these experiences and offers practical tools for prevention and healing.

The conversation also focuses on key strategies for managing burnout, particularly during emotionally charged times such as the Christmas season. Dr. Plumbly highlights the significance of self-compassion and compassion for others, offering actionable techniques to regulate emotions, navigate grief and loss, and approach family conflicts with understanding. This episode provides valuable psychoeducation and advice, empowering listeners to maintain their mental and physical well-being during the holiday season and beyond.

Read Claire's book: https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/burnout-book

Claire's website: https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/

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