Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Musically, I am a fan of John Darnielle (of the Mountain Goats) and Mark Oliver Everett, among others. They share an appreciation for all kinds of human experience that I find inspiring. I enjoy...

Musically, I am a fan of John Darnielle (of the Mountain Goats) and Mark Oliver Everett, among others. They share an appreciation for all kinds of human experience that I find inspiring. I enjoy reading binges when I find myself with spare time, and if I can name one author who stands out, Dave Eggars is the one that comes to mind. He writes insightful fiction that makes me think in new ways, and biographical stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, in a very down to earth way. I couldn't choose just one of those stories that inspires me.

Hmmmm... George Eliot: Middlemarch. An early feminist & 'psychologist', who wrote: Prelude: Here and there is born a Saint Theresa, foundress of nothing, whose loving heartbeats and sobs...

Hmmmm... George Eliot: Middlemarch. An early feminist & 'psychologist', who wrote: Prelude: Here and there is born a Saint Theresa, foundress of nothing, whose loving heartbeats and sobs after an unattained goodness tremble off and are dispersed among hindrances, instead of centering on some long recognisable deed. Finale: (But).....the growing good of the world is partly dependent on un-historic acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half-owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs. We can't all be heroes and superstars, but the dogged work of the unfamous (doctors, nurses, teachers, therapists, and all other 'technicians of life') also contributes to 'the growing good of the world. I am inspired by the courage of every individual who chooses hope over despair, who believes that their small contribution matters as much as the next persons, and who has a vision for a healthy, happier future because of the changes and growth they have embraced.

Dr Helen Fisher's work on love is fascinating. Also Dr Steven Porges 'Our Polyvagal World - how safety and trauma change us' has been eye-opening. Art and literature are constant inspirations in my...

Dr Helen Fisher's work on love is fascinating. Also Dr Steven Porges 'Our Polyvagal World - how safety and trauma change us' has been eye-opening. Art and literature are constant inspirations in my life!!

No bad parts - Richard Schwartz

No bad parts - Richard Schwartz

One work that continues to inspire me is the poem â??How I Became a Warriorâ? by Jeff Foster. It speaks to the quiet, everyday bravery of turning toward our pain with gentleness, and choosing...

One work that continues to inspire me is the poem â??How I Became a Warriorâ? by Jeff Foster. It speaks to the quiet, everyday bravery of turning toward our pain with gentleness, and choosing presence over avoidance. I often share it with clients because it captures the heart of what healing can look likeâ??not dramatic or perfect, but honest, compassionate, and deeply human. Its message reminds me that strength isn't about never breaking down, but about learning to stay with ourselves when we doâ??and finding meaning, even in the most tender places.

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.

There are so many works that inspire me, each offering unique insights into the human experience and our connection to the world. Books such as Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari...

There are so many works that inspire me, each offering unique insights into the human experience and our connection to the world. Books such as Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari and The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté have deepened my understanding of the challenges we face in modern life and the importance of healing and self-awareness. Carl Jungâ??s writings, such as Memories, Dreams, Reflections, and Alice Millerâ??s The Drama of the Gifted Child have profoundly influenced my perspective on the unconscious mind and the impact of early experiences on our lives. Films like Fantastic Fungi by Louie Schwartzberg remind me of the interconnectedness of all living things and the beauty of natureâ??s wisdom, while Van Goghâ??s art and history inspire me with their raw emotion and the courage to express oneâ??s inner world. I also find inspiration in works like Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia Axline, which highlights the transformative power of therapy, and Michael Pollanâ??s books, such as How to Change Your Mind, which explore the intersection of science, consciousness, and personal growth. Other influential works include The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward by Britt Frank, Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear by Dr. Carl Hart, and James Fadimanâ??s writings on psychedelics and consciousness. Each of these works, in their own way, reflects the resilience, creativity, and complexity of the human journey, and they continue to inspire me both personally and professionally.

The God of Small Things- Arundhati Roy

The God of Small Things- Arundhati Roy

Vital Lies, Simple truths. Daniel Goleman When I read this something clicked and I had a â??I got it momentâ??. Always look for what the mind clings too.

Vital Lies, Simple truths. Daniel Goleman When I read this something clicked and I had a â??I got it momentâ??. Always look for what the mind clings too.

Too many to mention, films from art like Kubrick , Fellini and Coppola's work to more pop culture films with some depth like the Wachowskis Matrix. ( I had another lifetime as a film student and...

Too many to mention, films from art like Kubrick , Fellini and Coppola's work to more pop culture films with some depth like the Wachowskis Matrix. ( I had another lifetime as a film student and wannabee filmmaker...) I also love Van Gogh's paintings.

Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

One of the best books I have read recently is called ââ?¬Å?Stepping out of self deception by Rodney Smith. My favourite song is ââ?¬Å?It's a wonderful worldââ?¬Â which can work...

One of the best books I have read recently is called ââ?¬Å?Stepping out of self deception by Rodney Smith. My favourite song is ââ?¬Å?It's a wonderful worldââ?¬Â which can work as a loving kindness meditation.

The things which have inspired me and continue to do so are many and varied: • Victor Frankl's book, ââ?¬Å?Man's Search for Meaningââ?¬Â given to me by my father • My...

The things which have inspired me and continue to do so are many and varied: • Victor Frankl's book, ââ?¬Å?Man's Search for Meaningââ?¬Â given to me by my father • My father's letters to me and the wisdom of his writings • The films, ââ?¬Å?Brother Sun, Sister Moonââ?¬Â (early1970s), ââ?¬Å?Easy Riderââ?¬Â, ââ?¬Å?WoodStockââ?¬Â (late1960s) and As it is in Heaven (2003) • Watching Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev dance Swan Lake and Giselle • Leonard Cohen singing Bird on a Wireââ?¬Â and ââ?¬Å?Hallelujahââ?¬Â

Books Mindsight and Parenting from the inside out by Daniel J. Siegel Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Books Mindsight and Parenting from the inside out by Daniel J. Siegel Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown