A listener asks one of the hardest questions imaginable: how do you visit a close friend who is nearing the end of their life? Julia, Emily and Sophie explore how to show up with love when there are no perfect words, why your presence matters far more than saying the "right" thing, and how to navigate the grief, fear and uncertainty of a final goodbye. They discuss letting go of the pressure to perform, meeting someone where they are, expressing what truly matters while you still can, and caring for yourself afterwards. It's a compassionate conversation about love, loss and the courage it takes to simply be there.

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

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In this special episode of Therapy Works, in partnership with Code8's Confidence Comes From Within campaign, Julia is joined by Royal Ballet Principal Yasmine Naghdi for a fascinating conversation about confidence, perfectionism and what it really takes to perform at the highest level. Together, they explore the difference between striving for excellence and chasing perfection, the psychology of self-belief, learning to trust your body, and how becoming a mother has transformed Yasmine's relationship with both her career and herself. They also discuss the power of rituals, the importance of identity beyond work, why rest can make us stronger, and how true confidence isn't about being flawless—it's about feeling secure enough to be fully yourself.

Visit Code8: ⁠https://codeeight.com/⁠

Follow Code8 on Instagram: ⁠@code8beauty⁠

Follow Manon: ⁠@manonlagreve⁠

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice

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Family holidays are meant to be relaxing, so why do they so often leave us feeling exhausted? This week, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a listener's question about navigating a passive-aggressive mother-in-law and the tension that can build when one person's mood begins to shape everyone else's experience. Together, they explore the power of radical acceptance, why we can't change other people's behaviour, how to protect your own peace without carrying someone else's emotions, and practical ways to set boundaries, repair relationships and enjoy your holiday - even when family dynamics are anything but simple.

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the Agony Aunties answer a question that so many of us will recognise: why is it so hard to make the changes we desperately want to make? From skipping the exercise class you've already paid for to using food, smoking or spending as a way to cope, Julia, Sophie and Emily explore the hidden roots of self-sabotage, shame and the belief that we're incapable of change. Together, they discuss how our childhood experiences shape our sense of agency, why self-compassion is the key to breaking old patterns, and practical ways to begin building a kinder relationship with yourself—one small step at a time.

Resources mentioned:

• Learn more about Jan Winhall's work on attachment, trauma and the nervous system: https://janwinhall.com

• • Find out more about Internal Family Systems (IFS): https://ifs-institute.com

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In this week's Agony Aunties episode, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a heartfelt question from a listener who feels deeply lonely despite appearing successful on the outside. Together, they explore why being truly known can feel so frightening, how fear of vulnerability keeps us disconnected, and why meaningful relationships begin with allowing ourselves to be seen. They discuss the difference between loneliness and connection, the stories we tell ourselves about being a burden, and share practical ways to build deeper, more authentic relationships. If you've ever worried you'll end up alone or struggled to let people in, this conversation is for you.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability (TED Talk)

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This week, Julia is joined by cook, bestselling author and content creator Manon Lagrève for a heartfelt conversation about confidence, family and the values that truly sustain us. Together they explore imposter syndrome, social media comparison, motherhood and why genuine confidence comes not from perfection, but from staying connected to who we really are.

They also discuss the importance of everyday rituals, the joy of gathering around the table, and how caring for ourselves can strengthen our sense of self. This special bonus episode is supported by Code8, whose philosophy that confidence comes from authenticity rather than imitation provides a fitting backdrop to a conversation about self-worth, connection and living with intention.

Visit Code8: https://codeeight.com/

Follow Code8 on Instagram: @code8beauty

Follow Manon: @manonlagreve

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy

Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Agony Aunties, they answer a listener's heartfelt question about what happens when a relationship begins to feel different. After two and a half years together, her boyfriend seems less affectionate, leaving her questioning whether this is simply the natural evolution of long-term love or a sign that something deeper has changed. The Agony Aunties explore why we so often create stories in our minds before having the conversation we most need to have, how old attachment patterns can shape our fears in relationships, and why vulnerability - not mind-reading - is the key to real intimacy. They also share practical tools from Esther Perel, the Gottmans and Terry Real on bids for connection, love languages, and how to have difficult conversations with warmth rather than blame. If you've ever found yourself analysing texts, worrying you've become 'too much', or wondering how to reconnect with your partner, this episode is for you.

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Agony Aunties, Julia, Emily and Sophie answer a heartfelt question from a listener who feels isolated after moving away from the city to start a family. Together they explore the unexpected loneliness of early motherhood, the lasting impact of childhood experiences on our sense of belonging, why we often protect the people we love by hiding our own struggles, and how small acts of vulnerability can help us rebuild connection. They share gentle reminders that meaningful friendships take time, asking for support is a strength, and feeling lonely doesn't mean you're alone.

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Agony Aunties tackles the emotional complexity of caring for an ageing parent when the relationship has always been difficult. Emily and Sophie respond to a listener whose 89-year-old mother’s declining health has reignited painful childhood wounds, sibling conflict, and feelings of duty, resentment, and guilt. Together, they explore how old family dynamics resurface during times of crisis, the importance of setting boundaries, slowing down reactive communication, and seeking support through therapy, community, or practical caregiving tools. Their compassionate conversation is a reminder that it's possible to care for someone while also protecting yourself and that navigating these difficult moments with kindness, both towards others and yourself, is enough.

Podcast mentioned in the episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/do-i-know-you-understanding-dementia/id1896564566

Follow the podcast:

@doiknowyoupodcast

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Agony Aunties are back, answering a listener's question about the pressures of parenting through the long summer holidays. Together, Sophie and Emily explore the guilt so many parents feel when they can't provide the picture-perfect summer they see elsewhere, why boredom may be far more valuable than we think, and how to help teenagers develop resilience, creativity and independence. They discuss the trap of comparison, the emotional challenge of watching your children struggle, and why being present and connected matters far more than keeping them constantly entertained.

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Agony Aunties, Julia, Emily and Sophie respond to a listener who has recently graduated but is struggling to feel proud of their achievement. Despite earning a good degree, comparisons with a high-achieving sibling and the pressure of perceived family expectations have left them feeling flat and unable to celebrate their success. Together, they explore the impact of comparison, perfectionism and internalised expectations, sharing practical tools for building self-worth, challenging critical inner voices and learning to recognise that being "good enough" is often more than enough.

Send us your Agony Aunties questions: [email protected]

Or message Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe

More from Therapy Works:

Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia’s monthly live webinar: ⁠⁠https://juliasamuel.substack.com/⁠⁠

Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - ⁠⁠www.griefworks.com/therapy⁠⁠

Follow Julia on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliasamuelmbe⁠⁠ for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations.

If you need help finding a therapist, visit: ⁠⁠The Samuel Therapy Practice⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices