Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

“Man’s Search for Meaning” 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...

“Man’s Search for Meaning” 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

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.

I am profoundly inspired by artists in all media.

I am profoundly inspired by artists in all media.

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

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

There are many works that inspire me, too many to mention! I have recently viewed a television series called 'Six Feet Under' which I have found particularly engaging and inspiring. It presents a...

There are many works that inspire me, too many to mention! I have recently viewed a television series called 'Six Feet Under' which I have found particularly engaging and inspiring. It presents a whole gamut of life transitions and changes the characters have to face in a very rich, humane and sympathetic manner.

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

I love Cheryl Strayed's book of letters of advice, called 'Tiny, Beautiful Things'. A recent film that I enjoyed was, 'She Said' about journalists that spearheaded the Me, Too movement. I like jazz...

I love Cheryl Strayed's book of letters of advice, called 'Tiny, Beautiful Things'. A recent film that I enjoyed was, 'She Said' about journalists that spearheaded the Me, Too movement. I like jazz and blues and so can't go past the song, 'Blue Moon' by Billie Holiday. My favourite era in visual art is Expressionism - art that is kind of consistent with the therapy process in that it aims to depict a person's subjective experience of the world rather than objective reality.

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.

Jerry Maguire inspires me. It is one of my all-time favourite movies.

Jerry Maguire inspires me. It is one of my all-time favourite movies.

The book 'Soulcraft' by Bill Plotkin. The book 'Rest' by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang The book 'The power of place' by Winifred Gallagher The book 'Switch' by Chip & Dan Heath The film 'Instinct' with...

The book 'Soulcraft' by Bill Plotkin. The book 'Rest' by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang The book 'The power of place' by Winifred Gallagher The book 'Switch' by Chip & Dan Heath The film 'Instinct' with Anthony Hopkins The song 'Into the mystic' by Van Morrison The song 'Spirit Bird' by Xavier Rudd The song 'Bring 'em all in' by Mike Scott The song 'Change' by Tracy Chapman The song 'Life on Earth' by Snow Patrol The song 'Human' by Rag 'n' Bone Man The song 'Vor í Vaglaskógi' by Kaleo

Book - Cutting through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa (Pema Chodron's teacher). Film- Good Will Hunting Song - The leaves that are green James Taylor

Book - Cutting through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa (Pema Chodron's teacher). Film- Good Will Hunting Song - The leaves that are green James Taylor

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

Too many to name… 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 name… 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 Hari’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.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

There are many books, films, and works of art that inspire me and my work as a psychologist. One that particularly stands out is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning. The book explores the human...

There are many books, films, and works of art that inspire me and my work as a psychologist. One that particularly stands out is Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning. The book explores the human search for purpose and meaning in life, even in the midst of extreme suffering and hardship. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and it inspires me to help my clients find meaning and purpose in their own lives.

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

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.

Already Free is a documentary about two colleagues of mine that have overcome great personal hardships and turned their lives around to not only an ordinary but an extoridinary existence where they...

Already Free is a documentary about two colleagues of mine that have overcome great personal hardships and turned their lives around to not only an ordinary but an extoridinary existence where they have discovered their true selves

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.

The Gift of Therapy - Irvin D. Yalom Starry Night painting by Van Gogh

The Gift of Therapy - Irvin D. Yalom Starry Night painting by Van Gogh

Mister God This is Anna by Fynn Stand by Me

Mister God This is Anna by Fynn Stand by Me

Tough question! Book: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby Film: I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I never get sick of watching Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Maybe it's not inspiring, but...

Tough question! Book: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby Film: I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I never get sick of watching Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Maybe it's not inspiring, but it's absurd, and I love absurdity! Song: There's too many to pick, but I have always loved Tiny Dancer by Elton John because of that excellent scene in Almost Famous where they all sing it on the tour bus. (That's another movie I never get sick of - Almost Famous!) Art: Anything by Mark Rothko

The book 'Flourish' by Martin E.P. Seligman. A book on positive psychology that looks at the areas of Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationsips, Meaning and achievment in a person's life and these...

The book 'Flourish' by Martin E.P. Seligman. A book on positive psychology that looks at the areas of Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationsips, Meaning and achievment in a person's life and these elements togehter define 'Wellbeing'.

I like many books, songs and art - but I wouldn't say I have one that inspires me. It is people's stories that inspire me the most - that's when you will see me write a blog or start some research.

I like many books, songs and art - but I wouldn't say I have one that inspires me. It is people's stories that inspire me the most - that's when you will see me write a blog or start some research.

What a Wonderful World - by Louis Armstrong Live Like you were Dying - by Tim McGraw Wherever you go, There you Are - by Jon Kabat-Zinn

What a Wonderful World - by Louis Armstrong Live Like you were Dying - by Tim McGraw Wherever you go, There you Are - by Jon Kabat-Zinn

The teachings of the great divine, are here for all to access on our planet, with information never before shared with humanity - about this moment in time, who we are, where we came from, what's...

The teachings of the great divine, are here for all to access on our planet, with information never before shared with humanity - about this moment in time, who we are, where we came from, what's going on in the greater universes, and what the ascension process is all about. The divine channel, Suzanna Maria Emmanuel, is bringing through this body of teachings, and this has profoundly influenced me and enabled me to fast-track healing in my life. I use many of the techniques with clients, and all who come to see me benefit from high energetic frequencies, that I work with, in every session.

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

All things creative has the power to inspire me! Perhaps its a slow walk through the bush hearing the symphony of the bird song, sometimes its the crashing waves along our coastal cliffs, a play /...

All things creative has the power to inspire me! Perhaps its a slow walk through the bush hearing the symphony of the bird song, sometimes its the crashing waves along our coastal cliffs, a play / film that hits a tender note within or an art exhibition filled with shapes and colour; and when a client has an aha moment whilst reflecting on their creative creation.

The Choice - By Edith Eger (book) (adversity) The Daily Stoic - By Ryan Holiday (book) (a reminder always to question) The Deepest Breath - Movie (strength, commitment and connection)

The Choice - By Edith Eger (book) (adversity) The Daily Stoic - By Ryan Holiday (book) (a reminder always to question) The Deepest Breath - Movie (strength, commitment and connection)

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

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.

Here are a few notable books: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: This profound memoir explores the experiences of Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, as he reflects on...

Here are a few notable books: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: This profound memoir explores the experiences of Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, as he reflects on finding meaning in life even in the midst of extreme suffering. It provides powerful insights into human resilience, the pursuit of purpose, and the ability to find hope in the most challenging circumstances. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This novel presents a young shepherd boy as he seeks his personal legend and discovers the importance of listening to one's heart, embracing change, and following one's dreams. It imparts lessons about the power of self-belief, the pursuit of one's true purpose, and the transformative nature of the journey. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: This spiritual guide invites us to embrace the present moment and find inner peace. It explores the concept of mindfulness and offers insights into letting go of past regrets and future anxieties, allowing readers to connect with their true essence and live more fulfilling lives. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: This book presents four principles rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom that can guide us towards personal freedom and happiness. It explores the power of impeccable word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing one's best, providing a roadmap for personal transformation and improved relationships. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer: This spiritual guide delves into the nature of consciousness, self-identity, and inner freedom. It offers practical insights and practices to release limiting beliefs, let go of emotional blockages, and experience a more expanded state of being.

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

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

There are many books, films, songs and art works that inspire me. It is impossible for me to select just one... The things that inspire me are anything that someone has taken the time to...

There are many books, films, songs and art works that inspire me. It is impossible for me to select just one... The things that inspire me are anything that someone has taken the time to create. However, I am grateful to all the people that create the above things that do inspire us and help us on our journey of life.

I'm currently reading Look What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. It is challenging me to think about the many dimensions of power that exist in all relationships and explore in my own mind how it can be...

I'm currently reading Look What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. It is challenging me to think about the many dimensions of power that exist in all relationships and explore in my own mind how it can be addressed. I also really enjoyed the Australian film Lantana.

I have been deeply inspired and influenced by so many books, films, songs and works of art from varying walks of life and traditions! It's challenging to narrow it down to one. However,...

I have been deeply inspired and influenced by so many books, films, songs and works of art from varying walks of life and traditions! It's challenging to narrow it down to one. However, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

I like many forms of music, art and film, though tend to be drawn to music of my era like prog rock or contemporary jazz and fusion - each requires active engagement from the listener, a bit like...

I like many forms of music, art and film, though tend to be drawn to music of my era like prog rock or contemporary jazz and fusion - each requires active engagement from the listener, a bit like therapy itself.

My favourite movie is Lilo & Stitch due to the themes around choice, empowerment, resistance, families of choice, and friendship.

My favourite movie is Lilo & Stitch due to the themes around choice, empowerment, resistance, families of choice, and friendship.

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