Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

â??Manâ??s Search for Meaningâ? by Viktor E. Frankl The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Dead Poets Society The Pursuit of Happyness Good...

â??Manâ??s Search for Meaningâ? by Viktor E. Frankl The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Dead Poets Society The Pursuit of Happyness Good Will Hunting Fix You by Coldplay Let Her Go by Passenger The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

Sooo many inspirations. I gravitate to books and films that celebrate the individual's courage to stand for justice and humane values, even at the risk of social or personal ostracism. Where...

Sooo many inspirations. I gravitate to books and films that celebrate the individual's courage to stand for justice and humane values, even at the risk of social or personal ostracism. Where faithfulness in the inherent goodness that is within human beings is explored. Music draws us into connection with our deeper selves, our joys, our wildness and our despair, and I love too many musical genres to name any in particular. Having said that, the poetic wisdom of rock poets of my youth have had big influence - Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stephens, Lennon & Macartney, Joni Mitchell. Various writings of Buddhist wise people, 'In an Unspoken Voice' by Peter Levine, 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van de Kolk, 'A Path Made By Walking' by Julie Diamond are influential books in my learning towards becoming a therapist.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I see myself primarily/first as a parent. I have three children, but I feel the responsibility of parenting extends beyond my immediate family. The relationship in...

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I see myself primarily/first as a parent. I have three children, but I feel the responsibility of parenting extends beyond my immediate family. The relationship in this book, between father and son, moved me to tears many times and inspired me to greater authentic care and love for my children, and others generally.

A great resource for gay and bisexual men is Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Mens Lives which was published by Walt Odets in 2019. I would encourage any man who is struggling with aspects of gay...

A great resource for gay and bisexual men is Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Mens Lives which was published by Walt Odets in 2019. I would encourage any man who is struggling with aspects of gay life to read this book.

I am profoundly inspired by artists in all media.

I am profoundly inspired by artists in all media.

There are so many! I'm inspired 'in the moment'. I would rather experience a moment of inspiration, or awe, than hold one or two things that I consider the inspiration. There is much in the world to...

There are so many! I'm inspired 'in the moment'. I would rather experience a moment of inspiration, or awe, than hold one or two things that I consider the inspiration. There is much in the world to be inspired by: the Northern Lights; sunrises; moments between friends or lovers or animals; serendipitous discoveries; a piece of music which makes my feelings soar; an unexpected short poem which captures the essence of something I haven't been able to articulate; feeling my own heartbeat; too many things to mention in 200 words. But despite what I have said in Qu 9, the world can be a beautiful and inspiring place. Just look at those pictures of Earth taken from space. Miraculous.

A Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl The Gift of Therapy - Irvin Yalom

A Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl The Gift of Therapy - Irvin Yalom

This has nothing to do with therapy, but gosh, I love it... skydiving followed by surfing. Just sublime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2zKARkpDW4

This has nothing to do with therapy, but gosh, I love it... skydiving followed by surfing. Just sublime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2zKARkpDW4

In recent time (September 2024), the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been a very powerful source of confirmation for my clinical work. It has the potential to change the way...

In recent time (September 2024), the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has been a very powerful source of confirmation for my clinical work. It has the potential to change the way people are being viewed and treated.

Iâ??m inspired by Brené Brownâ??s The Power of Vulnerability. Her work beautifully highlights the courage it takes to be open and authentic, and how real growth comes from embracing our...

Iâ??m inspired by Brené Brownâ??s The Power of Vulnerability. Her work beautifully highlights the courage it takes to be open and authentic, and how real growth comes from embracing our imperfections. Itâ??s a powerful reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a source of connection and strength - something I strive to bring into my practice every day.

As a bible believing Christian, the bible still manages to amaze me every day.

As a bible believing Christian, the bible still manages to amaze me every day.

Currently reading The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Dideon, about her journey of grief after losing her husband John Dunne. Beautifully observed and very readable too. I have just finished the...

Currently reading The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Dideon, about her journey of grief after losing her husband John Dunne. Beautifully observed and very readable too. I have just finished the Neapolitan Quartet, four books by Elena Ferrante. It is a compelling and epic story of friendship between Lila and Lenu. Anything written by the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh uplifts and inspires me.

I'm highly interested in Dolores Cannon's work in Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. This is my area of interest in books and training events that inspires me.

I'm highly interested in Dolores Cannon's work in Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. This is my area of interest in books and training events that inspires me.

The Rose by Amanda McBroom has been a long-time favourite; then came Lean on Me by Bill Withers; You Raise me Up by Josh Groban; and most recently I Will be Here by Stephen Curtis Chapman.

The Rose by Amanda McBroom has been a long-time favourite; then came Lean on Me by Bill Withers; You Raise me Up by Josh Groban; and most recently I Will be Here by Stephen Curtis Chapman.

Regardless of the medium, I'm attracted to anything quirky, off-beat, hilarious, thought provoking, emotionally salient. To pick just one, the French comedy Amelie, with Audrey Tautou, is a...

Regardless of the medium, I'm attracted to anything quirky, off-beat, hilarious, thought provoking, emotionally salient. To pick just one, the French comedy Amelie, with Audrey Tautou, is a favourite film: it's funny, intelligent, fast-paced, astute, mysterious, seductive, visually engaging and a sheer delight to watch. As for my favourite novel, Alexis Wright's Carpentaria holds a very dear place in my heart and soul.

The Polish film Cold War (2018) has everything: romance, music, politics, history, glamour, psychological depth and tragedy. It is exquisitely shot in black and white, and deservedly won many awards....

The Polish film Cold War (2018) has everything: romance, music, politics, history, glamour, psychological depth and tragedy. It is exquisitely shot in black and white, and deservedly won many awards. The return of Alexei Navalny to Russia and his subsequent death last year in a Russian prison, makes it even more relevant today.

I adore the movie The Age of Adeline for the wonderful meaning about change that it offers. Victor Frankl Mans Search for Meaning A very small and unimposing book about the power imagining a...

I adore the movie The Age of Adeline for the wonderful meaning about change that it offers. Victor Frankl Mans Search for Meaning A very small and unimposing book about the power imagining a better life whilst living in a Nazi concentration camp. Watching the Israel National Dance Company Bathsheva's Anaphase, I ended up shaving my head the next day, to try to break out of the monotony of modern life. Dance theatre is powerful. Too many books to mention.

The Spell of the Sensuous'; Perception and Language in a More Than Human World' by David Abram.

The Spell of the Sensuous'; Perception and Language in a More Than Human World' by David Abram.

Coming Through Slaughter (Michael Ondaatje), Paris Texas (Wim Wenders), Descent into the Maelstrom (Radio Birdman), William Kentridge

Coming Through Slaughter (Michael Ondaatje), Paris Texas (Wim Wenders), Descent into the Maelstrom (Radio Birdman), William Kentridge

Ron Kurtz's book Graceful Unfolding, and Ram Dass's book, Be Love Now.

Ron Kurtz's book Graceful Unfolding, and Ram Dass's book, Be Love Now.

Good Inside, by Dr Becky Kennedy. A must-read, and pretty much sums up my approach when working with children and parents. Kids are good :)

Good Inside, by Dr Becky Kennedy. A must-read, and pretty much sums up my approach when working with children and parents. Kids are good :)

Too many to nameâ?¦ I mostly get moved by music, art, and books - not so much by movies. Music serves a thousand roles - from Phoenix or Chaka Khan making me dance, to choral music that brings me to...

Too many to nameâ?¦ I mostly get moved by music, art, and books - not so much by movies. Music serves a thousand roles - from Phoenix or Chaka Khan making me dance, to choral music that brings me to tears. A favourite book is Johann Hariâ??s Lost Connections (I have bought 9 or 10 copies and shared them around), but I also loved Light and Shadow by Mark Colvin. When it comes to art, I am often moved by individual pieces. I have an incredible piece by a friend of mine, Cindy Scharka, of a homeless man sleeping on the cardboard that the artwork is done on. And my missus has a collection of beautiful art from contemporary Indigenous artists like Jason Wing, Maddie Gibbs, and Blak Douglas that I find very beautiful. I think what all of these creative expressions share is a search for truth and connection. This is how they inspire me and my work.

Long walk to freedom: the autobiography of Nelson Mandela.

Long walk to freedom: the autobiography of Nelson Mandela.

The books: Family Evaluation, an approach based on Bowen theory, by M. Kerr and M. Bowen Family therapy in clinical practice, by M. Bowen Growing yourself up, how to bring your best to all...

The books: Family Evaluation, an approach based on Bowen theory, by M. Kerr and M. Bowen Family therapy in clinical practice, by M. Bowen Growing yourself up, how to bring your best to all of life's relationships, by Jenny Brown Differentiation of self, by Peter Titleman The brain that changes itself, by Norman Doidge Sapiens: a brief history of humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari The hidden life of trees, by Peter Wohlleben Marriage rules, by Harriet Lerner When things fall apart, by Pema Chodron The dance of connection, by Harriet Lerner The dance of anger, by Harriet Lerner Becoming your best, by Ronald Richardson Be the person you want to find, by Cheri Huber After the ecstasy the laundry, by Jack Kornfield Radical acceptance, by Tara Brach A path with heart, by Jack Kornfield Women who run with the wolves, by Clarissa Pinkola Estes The experience of insight, by Joseph Goldstein One dharma, by Joseph Goldstein Passionate marriage, by David Schnarch The diary of Anne Frank, by Anne Frank Parenting from the inside out, by Daniel Siegel and Mary Hartzell

So many. Recently it has been Lost Connections by Johann Hari. I loved he wrote about his personal journey with depression and what he thought was the leading cause. It is a well written book, with...

So many. Recently it has been Lost Connections by Johann Hari. I loved he wrote about his personal journey with depression and what he thought was the leading cause. It is a well written book, with good research and some interesting ideas. I believe it offers new insights into depression and our human condition.

There are too many to name! Some that come to mind are: Movies: The Truman Show, Revolutionary Road. Amazing Grace, Authors: Hermann Hesse, Llewellyn Vaughan Lee, Ken Wilber Music: Adele singing...

There are too many to name! Some that come to mind are: Movies: The Truman Show, Revolutionary Road. Amazing Grace, Authors: Hermann Hesse, Llewellyn Vaughan Lee, Ken Wilber Music: Adele singing Someone like you'.

Music- anything by Bruce Springsteen and lots of other music as well! Nature photography The sound of birds and the wind in the trees Books - To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee), Broken Open...

Music- anything by Bruce Springsteen and lots of other music as well! Nature photography The sound of birds and the wind in the trees Books - To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee), Broken Open (Elizabeth Lesser)..... The fall of the Berlin Wall and the freeing of Nelson Mandela

The Language of Flowers The Streetsweeper To Kill a Mockingbird The Diary Anne Frank

The Language of Flowers The Streetsweeper To Kill a Mockingbird The Diary Anne Frank

John O'Donohue's book called Internal Echoes: Exploring our Hunger to Belong.

John O'Donohue's book called Internal Echoes: Exploring our Hunger to Belong.

Loads and loads! Most things inspire me to be honest because they come from the creative part of us and I am interested in that in almost every form. I love wandering in galleries, bookstores, going...

Loads and loads! Most things inspire me to be honest because they come from the creative part of us and I am interested in that in almost every form. I love wandering in galleries, bookstores, going to movies and listening to music: world, classical, pop, relaxation/chill, alternative, some pop. Here are a few that pop into mind. Books: Story About Feeling by Bill Niedjie, Life of Pi (now a film), The Shaman's Body by Arnold Mindell (actually anything by any Process Oriented Psychology person), The Secret River by Kate Grenville (also a Sydney Theatre production 2013) Poets and Mystics: Rumi, Hafiz, Hildegaard von Bingen, I Ching Book of Changes Events: Woodford Folk Festival - all of it especially the fire event, Five Rhythms and Nia dance classes. The film Where the Wild Things Are, and music bands such as Bliss, and Stringmansassy. Paintings: Waterhouse, Georgia O'Keefe, Wendy Chenoweth, artist Pixi Mix, Michael Leunig cartoons. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate�' poem by Marianne Wilkinson often credited to Nelson Mandela. Motherpeace Tarot and Jamie Sam's Medicine Cards.

There is a song I remember from when I was young if theres one thing in my life that's missing, its the time that I spend alone. I would love the words and the story to it. Yet today I see how...

There is a song I remember from when I was young if theres one thing in my life that's missing, its the time that I spend alone. I would love the words and the story to it. Yet today I see how people do not miss the time that they spend on their own. Loneliness sets in...yet our own company should be our best company. I know we are human and we seek for connection, but this is different from not standing the thought of being alone.

One of my favourite books in psychology is 'The Dance of Anger' by Harriet Lerner.

One of my favourite books in psychology is 'The Dance of Anger' by Harriet Lerner.

Too many to name, however, certain Buddhist chants and visualisations truly inspire me and keep me buoyant and grateful.

Too many to name, however, certain Buddhist chants and visualisations truly inspire me and keep me buoyant and grateful.

I love reading, films, art and theatre. I am studying (law) at the moment; so my head is often in text books right now, but reading novels is an accessible joy.

I love reading, films, art and theatre. I am studying (law) at the moment; so my head is often in text books right now, but reading novels is an accessible joy.

Neville Symington - the Making of a Psychotherapist Julie Henderson - How to feel as Good as Possible despite Everything Serge Benhayon - The Way it Is Tina Kopa & Catherine Wood Sounds of Soul

Neville Symington - the Making of a Psychotherapist Julie Henderson - How to feel as Good as Possible despite Everything Serge Benhayon - The Way it Is Tina Kopa & Catherine Wood Sounds of Soul

That's a hard one to answer as there are so many, though I'm currently reading 'Surrender' by Bono from U2 which has me hooked. Bono writes about his own personal journeys through his relationships...

That's a hard one to answer as there are so many, though I'm currently reading 'Surrender' by Bono from U2 which has me hooked. Bono writes about his own personal journeys through his relationships and experiences and how the historical context has impacted his personal growth at each life stage. His capacity to reflect upon his experiences and himself to work towards personal growth is inspiring.

Seinfeld, bad humour and anything entertaining is regenerative. All stories of people coming through adversity are insipiring.

Seinfeld, bad humour and anything entertaining is regenerative. All stories of people coming through adversity are insipiring.

The Faithful Gardener - Audio book by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

The Faithful Gardener - Audio book by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

I enjoy Christmas. The smell of cinnamon; decorating the house; Christmas lights are all traditions filled with nostalgia for me. I also like the fact that December is a time where joy seems to be...

I enjoy Christmas. The smell of cinnamon; decorating the house; Christmas lights are all traditions filled with nostalgia for me. I also like the fact that December is a time where joy seems to be tangible. Also, seeing the excitement and happiness in the kids eyes makes it a special and magical time of year.

The Shaman's Body by Arnold Mindell

The Shaman's Body by Arnold Mindell