Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

I love books/films/songs/art that inspire deep emotions from within. I love to feel the story and imagine (or identify with) being on that journey even if it's challenging. For that reason I have a...

I love books/films/songs/art that inspire deep emotions from within. I love to feel the story and imagine (or identify with) being on that journey even if it's challenging. For that reason I have a huge range of genre's that appeal to me, but always ones that have a 'feel good', humorous or inspirational themes stand out for sure. There are just too many great options to list to name just one!

The book that has had the greatest impact on me is Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. It was truly life-changing. This book helped me process and move forward with the...

The book that has had the greatest impact on me is Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. It was truly life-changing. This book helped me process and move forward with the understanding of being parented by the â??unmothered motherâ?? archetype. Through its stories and wisdom, I came to see my mother in a different lightâ??not just as my mother, but as a woman shaped by her own unhealed traumas, passed down through generations. She loved me through the lens of her own pain. This realisation created a profound shift in me and how I understood her mothering style. I was able to forgive her, in a sense, through that understanding. As a mother myself, it gave me the awareness and motivation to break that cycleâ??to heal my own wounds so my daughter wouldnâ??t have to carry them forward. This book remains a guide for me, one I return to time and time again to reinforce this understanding and remind myself of the power of generational healing.

Apart from the Bible, the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Josef Pieper and Joseph Ratzinger. I'm inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi, St Theresa of Calcutta and St Charles de Foucauld.

Apart from the Bible, the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Josef Pieper and Joseph Ratzinger. I'm inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi, St Theresa of Calcutta and St Charles de Foucauld.

Many, two that come to the forefront are 1: The Bible and the teaching of Christ and 2. Viktor E. Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning.

Many, two that come to the forefront are 1: The Bible and the teaching of Christ and 2. Viktor E. Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning.

The poem Love After Love by Derek Walcott the book The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

The poem Love After Love by Derek Walcott the book The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

I'm a Frida Kahlo fan! Frida's ability to express emotional pain and resilience through her raw, vivid art inspires me. Kahloâ??s life and art remind me of the power of turning suffering into...

I'm a Frida Kahlo fan! Frida's ability to express emotional pain and resilience through her raw, vivid art inspires me. Kahloâ??s life and art remind me of the power of turning suffering into something meaningful. How we can hold both brokenness and strength at the same time is amazing. Her honesty and self-exploration reflect so much of what I value in the therapeutic process: courage, self-inquiry, and the reclaiming of oneâ??s story.

Rasputin! The new re mix by MAJESTIC & BONEY M... upbeat, happy and just 'go' to for me! I love all art as it is an expression of the person so I really am curious when I see art. Ongoing self...

Rasputin! The new re mix by MAJESTIC & BONEY M... upbeat, happy and just 'go' to for me! I love all art as it is an expression of the person so I really am curious when I see art. Ongoing self development books such as Dalai Lama - The Art of Happiness, Erchart Tolle, The Power of Now. For my holiday read... espionage/spy thriller... anything by Daniel Silva!

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.

Its ever changing. I do however prefer to live in a world where we express ourselves through the arts. I encourage all my people to bring what inspires them into the therapy experience to explore...

Its ever changing. I do however prefer to live in a world where we express ourselves through the arts. I encourage all my people to bring what inspires them into the therapy experience to explore their situation.

Atticus Finch - a fictional small-town lawyer played by Gregory Peck in the film To Kill a Mocking Bird'. It's also a great book. Atticus is a life-long hero of mine. He embodies what it means to be...

Atticus Finch - a fictional small-town lawyer played by Gregory Peck in the film To Kill a Mocking Bird'. It's also a great book. Atticus is a life-long hero of mine. He embodies what it means to be an everyday person who has the courage to live in harmony with his personal values. If I can do the same in my life, then will consider it to be a life well-lived.

I am an avid reader. The first books that inspired me were Wuthering Heights and The Odessa File. The latter inspired my fascination and love of history, and the lessons we need to learn.

I am an avid reader. The first books that inspired me were Wuthering Heights and The Odessa File. The latter inspired my fascination and love of history, and the lessons we need to learn.

Victor Frankl's Mans Search for Meaning is a profoundly wise book that I pick up and read every few years. I love the Danish film Babette's Feast for its sensitive exploration of love, grace,...

Victor Frankl's Mans Search for Meaning is a profoundly wise book that I pick up and read every few years. I love the Danish film Babette's Feast for its sensitive exploration of love, grace, generosity and the beauty of creativity in varied forms.

Song: Blackbird by the Beatles Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise Blackbird singing...

Song: Blackbird by the Beatles Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these sunken eyes and learn to see All your life You were only waiting for this moment to be free Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of a dark black night Blackbird fly, blackbird fly Into the light of a dark black night Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise You were only waiting for this moment to arise You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Yes, 'The Sibling Society' and other books by the American author and poet Robert Bly

Yes, 'The Sibling Society' and other books by the American author and poet Robert Bly

I'm inspired by any of Martha Beck's worksâ??her writing beautifully blends personal growth, intuition, and resilience, reminding me of the transformative power of embracing our true selves. And, of...

I'm inspired by any of Martha Beck's worksâ??her writing beautifully blends personal growth, intuition, and resilience, reminding me of the transformative power of embracing our true selves. And, of course, Carl Jungâ??s books, though often challenging to read, have had a profound influence on my understanding of the psyche and personal growth.

Star Trek - the good guys ultimately win

Star Trek - the good guys ultimately win

What I find most inspiring at the moment is my voluntary work in an aged care centre. Knowing that my visits help lift peoples' spirits and listening to the stories the residents tell about their...

What I find most inspiring at the moment is my voluntary work in an aged care centre. Knowing that my visits help lift peoples' spirits and listening to the stories the residents tell about their lives is very uplifting.

One work that particularly resonates with me is The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown. In this book, Brown explores the concept of vulnerability and how embracing our imperfections can lead...

One work that particularly resonates with me is The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown. In this book, Brown explores the concept of vulnerability and how embracing our imperfections can lead to greater connection, resilience, and authenticity. Her insights align with my belief in the importance of self-compassion, acceptance, and embracing our humanity in the face of societal pressures to be perfect. It's a powerful reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a source of strength and connection in our lives. Music and art inspire me and are integral to my therapeutic approach. Recognising their capacity to evoke emotions and aid healing, I embrace their inclusion in sessions. Music soothes the soul and allows for emotional expression and relaxation. Likewise, art serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and exploration. I believe in their transformative potential for deeper understanding and personal growth in therapy if the client would like to utilise these tools.

Aah so many how do I choose? Movie: RED, Book: Birth without cruelty. Event: referendum to end aparatheid. Work of Art: Maggie Laubscher's ââ?¬Å?Ducksââ?¬Â

Aah so many how do I choose? Movie: RED, Book: Birth without cruelty. Event: referendum to end aparatheid. Work of Art: Maggie Laubscher's ââ?¬Å?Ducksââ?¬Â

Songs Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake - this song is full of joy and happy vibes Movies Matrix - we are all waking up from a dream where we have no power and realising we are powerful...

Songs Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake - this song is full of joy and happy vibes Movies Matrix - we are all waking up from a dream where we have no power and realising we are powerful beyond belief Books The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle Awaken the Giant Within - Tony Robbins High Performance Habits - Brendon Burchard The Tao te Ching - various editions Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. Pirsig