Books by Julia Samuel

'Essential, clever and kind' Alain de Botton'I am a huge admirer of Julia's work' Elizabeth Day______________________With her usual warmth and wisdom, bestselling psychotherapist Julia Samuel explores the family: what we inherit and how we can changeRelationships fundamentally influence our health and happiness -- and family is the only relationship that we cannot leave, however much we might like to. But we think too narrowly about the impact of our families on our lives.Every Family Has A Story sees bestselling psychotherapist Julia Samuel turn from her work with individuals to sessions with a wide variety of families. Diving deep into eight case studies, with her usual storytelling panache and the latest academic research, she analyses a range of common issues including separation, step-relationships, leaving home, trauma and loss. In doing so, she reveals insightfully how deeply we are influenced by our families -- including the often under-appreciated impact of grandparents and siblings -- and offers universally applicable insights into how families can face challenges together. Her twelve touchstones for family wellbeing -- from fighting productively to making time for rituals, and from setting boundaries to allowing difference -- provide us with the tools to ultimately be better family members ourselves.Revealing forgiveness and learning amidst trauma and hardship, this is an honest and compassionate meditation on what we inherit and how we can create the families we wish for.______________________'Everyone who reads this will learn something profound' Dr Rachel Clarke'Offers vivid insights in a book for all families' Kathryn Mannix'I love every word she writes' Cathy Rentzenbrink

The first time she realised she was 'old' hit hard. She immediately saw herself as a wreck, it was depressing and reminded her that she was fed up to the back teeth being alone too, she was one unhappy bunny. She had so many regrets that were still festering away years on; she suspected they were reason for most of the cracks on her face. With determination and some money the physical bit she could tackle... but the happiness issue was harder. It could be death by stress and boredom if she didn't sort herself out and she wasn't having that! A bit of hindsight might answer why she became such a misery magnet. Looking back did hurt, but some memories were pure joy. Looking for contentment was hard work and what would she actually do with all that hindsight? What do oldies do with their remaining years these days?