Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Films - I love the film work of Wim Wendes (Wings of Desire, Perfect Days, Paris Texas). Books- Memories, Dreams, Reflections (Jung), The Way of the Dream (Marie Louise Von Franz)

Films - I love the film work of Wim Wendes (Wings of Desire, Perfect Days, Paris Texas). Books- Memories, Dreams, Reflections (Jung), The Way of the Dream (Marie Louise Von Franz)

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!

I often return to the haiku of Kobayashi Issa. His poetry captures the fragility, humour, and beauty of everyday life with just a few wordsâ??reminding me to slow down and stay present.

I often return to the haiku of Kobayashi Issa. His poetry captures the fragility, humour, and beauty of everyday life with just a few wordsâ??reminding me to slow down and stay present.

Anything to do with the teachings and practices of non-dual Tantrik yoga and philosophy. This spiritual traditions is life affirming and teaches us how to navigate human embodiement, how to work with...

Anything to do with the teachings and practices of non-dual Tantrik yoga and philosophy. This spiritual traditions is life affirming and teaches us how to navigate human embodiement, how to work with our emotions, how to recognise and how to move beyond our conditioning, to truly know the depths of human existence.

Book: The Plague - Albert Camus Film: Harold and Maude Song: The lost words blessing Artwork: Water Lilies #1 - Ai Weiwei Events: clown school with Fabio Motta, guitar/mandolin ensemble with Ben...

Book: The Plague - Albert Camus Film: Harold and Maude Song: The lost words blessing Artwork: Water Lilies #1 - Ai Weiwei Events: clown school with Fabio Motta, guitar/mandolin ensemble with Ben Dix & Darryl Barron

Sun in My Mouth by Björk (words by e.e. cummings)

Sun in My Mouth by Björk (words by e.e. cummings)

It has to be a song as music is definitely my healer. These songs are always on repeat when I need a lift: Groove Is in the Heart by Deee-Lite, Emotional Rescue by the Rolling Stones, and Dance Hall...

It has to be a song as music is definitely my healer. These songs are always on repeat when I need a lift: Groove Is in the Heart by Deee-Lite, Emotional Rescue by the Rolling Stones, and Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung. I guess you can tell my era!

Everything by C.G. Jung. Also The Matter with Things, Iain McGilchrist. Marie-Louise Von Franz, Barbara Hannah, M. Esther Harding, Edward Edinger, Robert A. Johnson, Vine Deloria Jnr, Iain...

Everything by C.G. Jung. Also The Matter with Things, Iain McGilchrist. Marie-Louise Von Franz, Barbara Hannah, M. Esther Harding, Edward Edinger, Robert A. Johnson, Vine Deloria Jnr, Iain McGilchrist, Shakespeare, Rumi; Van Gogh's Starry Night, Rodin's the Thinker, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and Casa Calvet; the Apocalypse Tapestry, Peer Gynt Suite, Four Seasons, Ode to Joy, Mozart's piano concertos and the Rolling Stones, Wild Horses. Archaeologists Marija Gimbutas and Esther Jacobson-Tepfer. Too many great documentaries: Matter of Heart, Tashi and The Monk, Awake, Big Silence, Planet Earth...

One of my most favourite books is called The Awakened Heart: Opening Yourself to the Love You Need by Rollo May. Film - Dead Poets Society, Manchester by the Sea Song - God Only Knows, The Beach...

One of my most favourite books is called The Awakened Heart: Opening Yourself to the Love You Need by Rollo May. Film - Dead Poets Society, Manchester by the Sea Song - God Only Knows, The Beach Boys

One book that continually inspires me is *The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse* by Charlie Mackesy. Its simple yet profound messages about kindness, resilience, and the importance of connection...

One book that continually inspires me is *The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse* by Charlie Mackesy. Its simple yet profound messages about kindness, resilience, and the importance of connection beautifully capture the human experience. The gentle wisdom in its words and illustrations reminds me daily of the power of hope, empathy, and staying true to ourselves. Itâ??s a heartwarming reminder of what really mattersâ??and why I do what I do.

Ajahn Brahmavanso's book of opening the door to your heart'. It contains little stories with opportunities for deep reflections presented in a unique way inviting readers to look at life in a simple...

Ajahn Brahmavanso's book of opening the door to your heart'. It contains little stories with opportunities for deep reflections presented in a unique way inviting readers to look at life in a simple yet deep and meaning full way. Elton John's - Goodbye English Rose written for Princess Diana - highlights the immense potential one person has in changing the World to the better. Her courage, compassion to heal the hearts and minds of those who she knew and those who she didn't. Stage drama by Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favourites (Marina Prior did it jusitce). The story of pain and tragedy put together capturing the audience in the suspence of this intense human experience of one's emotions.

The most inspirational Movies are A beautiful mind and Schindler's List The most inspirational books Beloved and White Teeth

The most inspirational Movies are A beautiful mind and Schindler's List The most inspirational books Beloved and White Teeth

I love this question and there is never one thing that inspires me but to answer the question I need to say the movie 'About Time'.

I love this question and there is never one thing that inspires me but to answer the question I need to say the movie 'About Time'.

No bad parts - Richard Schwartz

No bad parts - Richard Schwartz

I love the film Another Year by Mike Leigh. Everyone I know who has watched it thinks it is boring. And it kind of it because it follow the course of domestic life over a year. I love it though...

I love the film Another Year by Mike Leigh. Everyone I know who has watched it thinks it is boring. And it kind of it because it follow the course of domestic life over a year. I love it though because it shows the patterns that people create in their lives and how they play out. And I love the main couple who journey through each season of one year in their garden allotment, simply growing food and loving each other.

It's a quote that inspires me: But anything exposed by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. - Eph 5: 13-14

It's a quote that inspires me: But anything exposed by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. - Eph 5: 13-14

One work of art that deeply inspires me is the book The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. This profound and transformative book beautifully encapsulates the essence of Buddhist teachings...

One work of art that deeply inspires me is the book The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. This profound and transformative book beautifully encapsulates the essence of Buddhist teachings and the practice of mindfulness. Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle and compassionate writing style guides readers on a journey towards cultivating mindfulness in everyday life. The book offers practical techniques and insights that inspire me to slow down, be fully present, and find peace and joy in the present moment. It serves as a constant reminder to embrace mindfulness as a powerful tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and the cultivation of inner peace. The Miracle of Mindfulness has had a profound impact on my own practice and has been a source of inspiration in guiding others towards a more mindful and meaningful existence.

There are many. My Brother and I were hypnotized by a movie called Escape to Witch Mountain as children. I loved the wonder of outer space and special powers being used for good. I love Under a...

There are many. My Brother and I were hypnotized by a movie called Escape to Witch Mountain as children. I loved the wonder of outer space and special powers being used for good. I love Under a Tuscan Sun because it is a story about hope, healing and joy, but the surprise of how this can occur. It shows that sharing love and care brings joy not just to ourselves, but to those around us. I have read several of Paulo Coelho's books and loved the Alchemist as it shows that what we seek is where we started. I also loved Veronica Decides to Die. It was the first book that I read about mental health and I loved its tender understanding and honoring of Veronica and her feelings.

The book Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Glen Gabbard

The book Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Glen Gabbard

Iâ??m a big fan of Brené Brown and her insightful books on vulnerability, courage, and connection. Outside of work-related reading, one of the most inspiring books Iâ??ve recently enjoyed is The...

Iâ??m a big fan of Brené Brown and her insightful books on vulnerability, courage, and connection. Outside of work-related reading, one of the most inspiring books Iâ??ve recently enjoyed is The Girl Who Fell from the Skyâ??the true story of an extraordinary woman whose resilience and strength left a lasting impression on me. These books continue to inspire and shape both my personal journey and my work with others.

Homer, Sophocles, Aeschylus.

Homer, Sophocles, Aeschylus.

I have just finished the 2024 Booker prize-winning novel 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey. It is beautifully poetic, with a simple premise and wonderful insights into what it is to be human. Last week,...

I have just finished the 2024 Booker prize-winning novel 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey. It is beautifully poetic, with a simple premise and wonderful insights into what it is to be human. Last week, I saw the one-woman theatre production 'BATSHIT by Leah Shelton, exploring women's mental health in a patriarchal culture. It was spot-on, moving, creative and fabulously performed. Song...Agnes Obel-'The Curse', because it's gorgeous!

One book that inspires me is Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. Itâ??s a therapistâ??s memoir thatâ??s both funny and insightful, reminding me that therapists are human too and that...

One book that inspires me is Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. Itâ??s a therapistâ??s memoir thatâ??s both funny and insightful, reminding me that therapists are human too and that personal growth is a constant journey of change and self-awareness.

There are many but what immediately comes to mind is Paulo Coehlo's book The Alchemist which inspires and deeply comforts me, and that I've often turned to in troubled times. The version of the...

There are many but what immediately comes to mind is Paulo Coehlo's book The Alchemist which inspires and deeply comforts me, and that I've often turned to in troubled times. The version of the song Home from the Diana Ross musical film The Wiz, sung by Michaela Jae Rodriguez and Billy Porter from the show Pose is very special to me. And the recent Wicked film is profoundly moving and reflective of current world problems.

I have been influenced by so many people and experiences that it's hard to come up with particular examples without skewing the impression they might leave.

I have been influenced by so many people and experiences that it's hard to come up with particular examples without skewing the impression they might leave.

There are so many but I love 'Women who run with the wolves'

There are so many but I love 'Women who run with the wolves'

One work that deeply inspires me is the book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Frankl's perspective on finding purpose even in the most difficult circumstances has been incredibly impactful....

One work that deeply inspires me is the book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Frankl's perspective on finding purpose even in the most difficult circumstances has been incredibly impactful. His exploration of how we can find meaning through suffering and his emphasis on personal responsibility in shaping our lives resonates deeply with my own values as a therapist. The way he combines psychological insight with existential philosophy has shaped how I approach challenges and the importance of resilience and hope.

Song: 'It Is Not Meant To Be'; Tame Impala. Book: 'The Courage to be Disliked'; Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Film: 'Marie Antoinette'; directed by Sofia Coppola. Record: 'Mother'; Cleo Sol....

Song: 'It Is Not Meant To Be'; Tame Impala. Book: 'The Courage to be Disliked'; Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Film: 'Marie Antoinette'; directed by Sofia Coppola. Record: 'Mother'; Cleo Sol. Art: every Studio Ghibli movie ever.

Ahhh there are so many. The Bible is one that inspires me and helps me through life. More are on my website - see self help resources.

Ahhh there are so many. The Bible is one that inspires me and helps me through life. More are on my website - see self help resources.

I can share several! Book: Being and Event by Alain Badiou. Film: Once Upon a Time in Anatolia by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Songs: 'Hoist that Rag' by Tom Waits, 'Sun In My Mouth' by Bjork. Event: the...

I can share several! Book: Being and Event by Alain Badiou. Film: Once Upon a Time in Anatolia by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Songs: 'Hoist that Rag' by Tom Waits, 'Sun In My Mouth' by Bjork. Event: the October Revolution

Too many to prioritise

Too many to prioritise

I am inspired by the fluid dreamscapes present in the surrealist movement, namely in the works by Salvador Dali. I have long since admired Daliâ??s 1944 surrealist piece 'Dream, Caused by the Flight...

I am inspired by the fluid dreamscapes present in the surrealist movement, namely in the works by Salvador Dali. I have long since admired Daliâ??s 1944 surrealist piece 'Dream, Caused by the Flight of a Bee (Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening)'. It speaks to some of Dali's ideas on the nature of the subconscious mind, and to the alluring and mystical relationship between dreams and waking reality. Many of the ideas and concepts in the book below have inspired and expanded my thinking on the nature of the mind: The Book by Alan Watts, The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, Cultivating Spiritual Maturity by Lalitha Thomas, When The Body Says No by Gabor Mate & Conscious Uncoupling by Katherine Woodward Thomas.

I love Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and on certain days I find 90's RnB and Nirvana very motivating!

I love Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and on certain days I find 90's RnB and Nirvana very motivating!

Jungian Analyst, Robert Johnson's books - He, She and We have been very influential in understanding feminine and masculine psychology.

Jungian Analyst, Robert Johnson's books - He, She and We have been very influential in understanding feminine and masculine psychology.

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Film: The Tattooist of Auschwitz Song: I miss you by Adele Event: Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Art: The Mona Lisa. Such a tiny piece of art which may or...

Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Film: The Tattooist of Auschwitz Song: I miss you by Adele Event: Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Art: The Mona Lisa. Such a tiny piece of art which may or may not reflect the true emotions of a woman.

'The Body Keeps the Score' Bessel van der Kolk, 'Waking the Tiger' Peter Levine, 'In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Encounters with Addiction' Gabor Mate, 'The Heroic Client' Duncan, Miller, Sparks.

'The Body Keeps the Score' Bessel van der Kolk, 'Waking the Tiger' Peter Levine, 'In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Encounters with Addiction' Gabor Mate, 'The Heroic Client' Duncan, Miller, Sparks.

Book: Things I Don't Want to Know, Deborah Levy Film: The Taste of Cherry, Abbas Kiarostami Song: My Island Home, the Warumpi Band Art: The Rock Garden, Nek Chand, Chandigarh

Book: Things I Don't Want to Know, Deborah Levy Film: The Taste of Cherry, Abbas Kiarostami Song: My Island Home, the Warumpi Band Art: The Rock Garden, Nek Chand, Chandigarh

I have a couple of small sculptures my children made in early high school years that inspire me when I see them. They remind me of how much I love them, and how special it is to be their mum. And they...

I have a couple of small sculptures my children made in early high school years that inspire me when I see them. They remind me of how much I love them, and how special it is to be their mum. And they add a touch of quirkiness to our home, which I love, too.

One work that inspires me deeply is the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book has had a profound impact on how I understand and approach both life and therapy. Tolleâ??s speech about...

One work that inspires me deeply is the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This book has had a profound impact on how I understand and approach both life and therapy. Tolleâ??s speech about the importance of living in the present moment and the transformative power of mindfulness resonates with me on many levels. The Power of Now encourages readers to step out of the constant stream of thoughts that often dominate our minds and to connect with the present moment. This message is relevant to personal well-being and forms the foundation of much of my work with clients. The idea that true peace and fulfilment come from being fully present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future is a guiding principle in my life and practice. This book inspires me because it offers a simple yet profound approach to living that can lead to greater clarity, peace, and connection. It reminds me to slow down, be more mindful in my daily interactions, and help others find that same sense of presence and peace in their lives.

Dibs in search of self.

Dibs in search of self.

All the light We Cannot see by Anthony Doerr

All the light We Cannot see by Anthony Doerr

I'm a huge reader and love incorporating popular culture references into therapeutic discussions. I've been known to reference Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Batman, Parks and Rec, Mean Girls, The...

I'm a huge reader and love incorporating popular culture references into therapeutic discussions. I've been known to reference Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Batman, Parks and Rec, Mean Girls, The Good Place, and many other books and movies in conversations in therapy (they were appropriate and made sense at the time I promise!).

There are many books, films and songs that inspire me. I also find Nature profoundly inspiring. I recently saw the film and read the book Tracks, this is a section I found particularly moving: I...

There are many books, films and songs that inspire me. I also find Nature profoundly inspiring. I recently saw the film and read the book Tracks, this is a section I found particularly moving: I reviewed what I had learned. I had discovered capabilities and strengths that I would not have imagined possible in those distant dream like days before the trip. I have rediscovered people in my past and have come to terms with my feelings towards them. I learned what love is... I understand freedom and security. The need to rattle the foundations of habit. That to be free one needs constant and unrelenting vigilance over one's weaknesses. A vigilance which requires a moral energy most of us are incapable of manufacturing. We relax back into the molds of habit. They are secure, they bind us and thus contain us at the expense of freedom. To break the molds, to be heedless of the seductions of security in impossible struggle... is to be free to learn, to test yourself constantly, to gamble. It is not safe. I have learned to use my fears as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, and best of all I have learned... I want to remember all this. I want to remember this place and what it meant me, and how I had arrived here. I want to fix it so firmly in my mind and body that I will never, ever forget. (Robyn Davidson)

A song called Nature Boy comes to mind. It was composed by Nat King Cole and the lyrics go like this... There was a boy A very STRANGE ENCHANTED boy. They say he wandered very far, very far, over...

A song called Nature Boy comes to mind. It was composed by Nat King Cole and the lyrics go like this... There was a boy A very STRANGE ENCHANTED boy. They say he wandered very far, very far, over land and sea. A little SHY and SAD of eye, But very wise, VERY WISE was he... Until one day, ONE LUCKY day he passed my way, And while we talked of many things Fools and Kings This he said to me: ââ?¬Å?The greatest thing YOU'LL ever learn Is just to love And be loved, in return...

Book - Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston MD, Irvin Yalom's Love's Executioner, To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee Film - Manchester By The Sea (Recent), The Green Mile, Finding...

Book - Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston MD, Irvin Yalom's Love's Executioner, To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee Film - Manchester By The Sea (Recent), The Green Mile, Finding Nemo Art - Michael Leunig inspires me, architecture in Europe, the streets of Paris & Prague. Song - Vienna - Billy Joel, Nina Simone - Wild Is The Wind, Be Thou My Vision - Van Morrison.