177 - Families, relationships and the power of connection with Julia Samuel

Human beings are hard wired to adapt to unexpected life events but how do we manage this process alongside our natural need to control? Psychotherapist, Julia Samuel MBE has been interested in this question throughout her 30 year career supporting families with grief and bereavement. Julia founded the charity Child Bereavement UK and has worked extensively with families in the NHS and private sector as well as writing books on grief, family, and change. In this episode, the experts discuss human nature and our response to adverse life events and times of transition. Julia speaks of the importance of love and connection with others and about the impact menopause can have on relationships, family life and work. Julia’s tips for helping your relationship: Be aware of how you’re communicating in your relationship and look at what has changed Try and form a regular habit like going for a walk together to talk and listen to each other and make time to reflect Be aware of your own inner critical voices and turn down the volume on those. Turn up the volume of self-compassionate voices and practice being kinder to yourself Remember connection with others is key throughout our lives For more information about Julia Samuel and her books, visit juliasamuel.co.uk For support and information if you have experienced the loss of a child or care for a grieving child, visit www.childbereavementuk.org