EXPERT EPISODE: The Hidden Wounds We Inherit with Noemi Orvos-Toth
In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Sophie welcomes Noemi Orvos-Toth, a Hungarian clinical psychologist and author of 'Inherited Fate,' to discuss her work on trauma, family dynamics, and the importance of understanding transgenerational trauma. Noemi shares insights about the significance of education in mitigating trauma, the impact of unmet parental expectations, and the role of collective traumas. She emphasises the importance of storytelling in family life, the detrimental effects of secrets, and the potential for healing through acknowledgment and conversation.
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.
Noemi's Website: https://orvostothnoemi.hu/en
Buy Noemi's Book: https://amzn.eu/d/bfbT3FH
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Agony Aunties: Navigating Romantic Relationships After Childhood Sexual Abuse
In this episode, the Agony Aunties address a listener's courageous question about pursuing romantic relationships after surviving childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The listener shares their struggle with complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and interest in dating, emotions they find challenging to navigate. The Agony Aunties emphasise the importance of going slowly, staying in therapy, and reclaiming one's sexuality and agency.
They suggest resources such as 'Healing Sex' by Staci Haines and Bessel Van der Kolk's 'The Body Keeps the Score,' among others. They also discuss the significance of communication and consent in new relationships and encourage the listener to be patient and compassionate with themselves during their healing journey.
If you’re going through something similar, I’d really recommend listening to Kate Silverton and Charles Spencer's episodes —they both offer comfort, insight, and a sense that you’re not alone. You can find the links below:
Kate Silverton: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/kate-silverton-on-the-hidden-struggles-behind-her/id1646616622?i=1000662497155
Charles Spencer: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/charles-spencer-on-speaking-out-about-his-experience/id1646616622?i=1000648985885
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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Agony Aunties: Managing Sibling Squabbles
In this episode, the Agony Aunties answer a listener's question on how to help siblings of different ages get along better daily. They discuss the normality of sibling fights, the importance of setting realistic expectations, and strategies to avoid escalating conflicts. They emphasise the need for parents to remain calm, not intervene unnecessarily, and spend individual quality time with each child. The episode also offers insights into avoiding comparisons between siblings and reflects on how parents' own experiences with sibling rivalry can affect their children.
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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Agony Aunties: “Is It Too Late for Me?” Turning 60, Being Single & Reclaiming Joy
In this heartfelt episode, the Agony Aunties respond to a moving question from a listener approaching 60 who fears her life may be over because she’s still single. What unfolds is a powerful conversation about redefining happiness and connection in later life. They explore how meaningful relationships don’t have to be romantic, and share practical ways to find joy through new activities, communities, and friendships. The concept of radical acceptance is introduced as a transformative mindset — one that helps us embrace our reality with compassion rather than resistance.
The episode also tackles the deeper societal narratives around aging, womanhood, and self-worth, especially the pressure placed on women to define their value through relationships. The Aunties offer a fresh perspective on how to maintain your erotic energy — not just in the sexual sense, but in keeping your sense of aliveness, creativity, and self-expression vibrant. It’s a thoughtful, empowering listen for anyone wondering if it’s too late to start again. (Spoiler: it’s not.)
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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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.
Follow Julia on Instagram for more tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life’s challenges: @juliasamuelmbe
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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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