Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Most definitely! ...Don't we all? After decades of life struggles, I have now come to accept that some days are just easier than others & to always have hope when it's been a not so great day -...

Most definitely! ...Don't we all? After decades of life struggles, I have now come to accept that some days are just easier than others & to always have hope when it's been a not so great day - that there is always tomorrow to be better. In those darker moments, I also remember to feel gratitude for any small things I can in the present, no matter how small. I find this strategy continues to bring me hope and calm within a storm of any size.

Absolutely! Some days, I think to myself, â??What the hell am I doing? Iâ??m in crisis, and Iâ??m helping others in crisis.â?? But thatâ??s the beauty of being human ... our emotions ebb and...

Absolutely! Some days, I think to myself, â??What the hell am I doing? Iâ??m in crisis, and Iâ??m helping others in crisis.â?? But thatâ??s the beauty of being human ... our emotions ebb and flow. I have tough days, just like anyone else. If anything, experiencing my own struggles helps me relate to my clients on a deeper level. It reminds me that we are all navigating lifeâ??s challenges, and that healing isnâ??t about having it all figured out; itâ??s about showing up, processing, and growing along the way.

Definitely bad hair days when I'm in need of a haircut and believe it or not, bad beard days too!

Definitely bad hair days when I'm in need of a haircut and believe it or not, bad beard days too!

Have you seen my hair? Seriously who doesn't, it's learning how to deal with those days that makes a difference though.

Have you seen my hair? Seriously who doesn't, it's learning how to deal with those days that makes a difference though.

Naturally ! I have the same challenges that beset most of us, trying to figure out what makes us human and humane and negotiating Life. Oh- and I do regularly have actual 'bad hair' days !

Naturally ! I have the same challenges that beset most of us, trying to figure out what makes us human and humane and negotiating Life. Oh- and I do regularly have actual 'bad hair' days !

Iâ??m human too - ask my husband and five kids. Therapy isnâ??t about having it all together ... itâ??s about showing up as we are, even on the messy days!

Iâ??m human too - ask my husband and five kids. Therapy isnâ??t about having it all together ... itâ??s about showing up as we are, even on the messy days!

In so much as - do I get bothered, angry, upset...sure....but not at the expense of my inner self.. I am a classic case study of 'the glass is always full'... this is my default and I have done so...

In so much as - do I get bothered, angry, upset...sure....but not at the expense of my inner self.. I am a classic case study of 'the glass is always full'... this is my default and I have done so my entire life, being able to see the 'other side'...I reframe and rephrase automatically... eg: when anxiety hit 15 years ago, those feelings in my tummy...I got to a point where I changed the narrative around those feelings...it was no longer 'anxiety' but 'excitement' of what the possibilities of a new future could be... using NLP strategies to reframe those automatic thoughts from negative to positive.

Yes, I have come to accept these days, often they last a few days or a week. I find my own therapy and supervision supportive. I also have built a network of people around me who I trust and am able...

Yes, I have come to accept these days, often they last a few days or a week. I find my own therapy and supervision supportive. I also have built a network of people around me who I trust and am able to confide in. Over time, I have found that usually these bad-hair days (or weeks!) are linked to my own personal and professional growth. Often they come with much self-doubt and many questions about where I am going with my life and my practice. I am learning over time to notice when I am in one of these ruts and to allow and accept it. This does not make it easy, but eventually there will be growth through the experience.

WE ALL DO!!! Its why on going self care is essential. It takes time to build up reserves to show signs of resilience. I assist my people to understand bio (biological), psycho (psychological) and...

WE ALL DO!!! Its why on going self care is essential. It takes time to build up reserves to show signs of resilience. I assist my people to understand bio (biological), psycho (psychological) and social influences on the individual. Mental illness is not a random occurrence. Neurologically we all get worn down. It takes time to build up our reserves and become resilient. I assist people to chart a course towards self efficacy.

Like everyone, I have normal fluctuations in mood and energy. Doing therapy is closely aligned with my personal values. If I am having a day when I'm not performing at my peak, I reflect on why I do...

Like everyone, I have normal fluctuations in mood and energy. Doing therapy is closely aligned with my personal values. If I am having a day when I'm not performing at my peak, I reflect on why I do therapy and that keeps me on the right track. I find therapy itself to be energizing and it's not unusual for me to feel motivation building throughout the day.

All the time. See my profile picture.

All the time. See my profile picture.

Oh yes, of course!

Oh yes, of course!

Sure do. I find it's best to be open to feedback and admit when I get things wrong. There is always a path forward after that.

Sure do. I find it's best to be open to feedback and admit when I get things wrong. There is always a path forward after that.

I cut my hair short with a electric clippers, so apart from the need for a beanie on cold days I generally feel good :)

I cut my hair short with a electric clippers, so apart from the need for a beanie on cold days I generally feel good :)

Absolutely! Just like anyone else, I have those days when things donâ??t go quite as planned, whether it is a bad hair day or moments when I'm feeling a little off. What matters, though, is showing...

Absolutely! Just like anyone else, I have those days when things donâ??t go quite as planned, whether it is a bad hair day or moments when I'm feeling a little off. What matters, though, is showing up authentically, even on those imperfect days. Some days, that can look like doing the bare minimum and celebrating small wins, like getting through a load of laundry. It is all about giving yourself credit for the little victories. I believe embracing our imperfections, including those off days, is a part of being human and essential to the healing process. Itâ??s about showing yourself compassion and knowing that we donâ??t need to be perfect to show up or make progress.

Not really as I am bald so....

Not really as I am bald so....

Doesn't everyone? I know I'm not perfect and I will have days when I feel off or when I don't want to do what I know is good for me. And that's okay - for me and for my clients.

Doesn't everyone? I know I'm not perfect and I will have days when I feel off or when I don't want to do what I know is good for me. And that's okay - for me and for my clients.

Absolutely! Just like everyone else, there are days when things don't go as expected, and I may feel a bit off. Experiencing ups and downs is completely normal. On those bad hair days, I make an...

Absolutely! Just like everyone else, there are days when things don't go as expected, and I may feel a bit off. Experiencing ups and downs is completely normal. On those bad hair days, I make an effort to practice self-compassion and remind myself that it's okay to take a break. I believe that adversity is an opportunity for growth, strengthening our resilience and nurturing empathy.

All the time and I have a 101 tips and techniques for catching up and coping with them.

All the time and I have a 101 tips and techniques for catching up and coping with them.

Very rarely. I enjoy what I do, and I consciously choose to take a positive mindset to each and very day. And if I am having a bad hair day, sitting down and listening and being present with...

Very rarely. I enjoy what I do, and I consciously choose to take a positive mindset to each and very day. And if I am having a bad hair day, sitting down and listening and being present with another human always puts me into a good mood.