Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Nature inspires me every day. Watching the wonders of life and all its beauty.

Nature inspires me every day. Watching the wonders of life and all its beauty.

A work of art that inspires me is a painting I have on the wall in the lounge. It is a dot art painting. When I look at it, it changes my understanding in a moment as it holds so much meaning and...

A work of art that inspires me is a painting I have on the wall in the lounge. It is a dot art painting. When I look at it, it changes my understanding in a moment as it holds so much meaning and knowledge and consciousness, the whole universe in a single painting. I feel my relationship with the world and the universe and it takes me out of self-limiting identification into the inter-connection between nature, spirit and the cosmos.

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

Gene Keys, Soulcraft and Women who run with wolves.

Gene Keys, Soulcraft and Women who run with wolves.

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...

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.

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.

Aah so many how do I choose? Movie: RED, Book: Birth without cruelty. Event: referendum to end aparatheid. Work of Art: Maggie Laubscher's “Ducks”

Aah so many how do I choose? Movie: RED, Book: Birth without cruelty. Event: referendum to end aparatheid. Work of Art: Maggie Laubscher's “Ducks”

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.

Any art form that captures the universality of human experience is inspiring as it tells us about ourselves. Think of the enigmatic beauty of the Mona Lisa, the strength and wisdom of Atticus Finch in...

Any art form that captures the universality of human experience is inspiring as it tells us about ourselves. Think of the enigmatic beauty of the Mona Lisa, the strength and wisdom of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mocking Bird”, the power of Freddie Mercury singing “We are the Champions”, the glorious Fauré's Requiem, or the torment of Healthcliff in “Wuthering Heights”. My favourite inspiring moment is singing with my choir: singing together with friends, making gorgeous harmonies, with some fun dance moves all culminating in a great warmth of shared experience that brings us together.

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

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

The Fighting Temeraire - JMW Turner

The Fighting Temeraire - JMW Turner

Two books - Lost Connections by Johann Hari, and Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. There was no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bore witness that a man had the greatest of courage,...

Two books - Lost Connections by Johann Hari, and Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. There was no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bore witness that a man had the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.” (from Man's Search for Meaning)

THRIVE

THRIVE

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!

A song that makes you smile & builds self-esteem has got to be good right? And so the song that does this for me is an ol' country & western one. You may know it. Oh Lord it's hard to be humble...

A song that makes you smile & builds self-esteem has got to be good right? And so the song that does this for me is an ol' country & western one. You may know it. Oh Lord it's hard to be humble when I'm perfect in every way. I can't help but look in the mirror, I get better looking each day. To know me is to love me I must be one helluva man (gal). Oh Lord it's hard to be humble but I'm doin' the best that I can. Always brings a smile to my face & I definitely feel better when I sing it. Give it a try some time.

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 love the book Nurturing Resilience by Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell

I love the book Nurturing Resilience by Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell

London Grammar Strong. Amazing vocals but even more powerful lyrics.

London Grammar Strong. Amazing vocals but even more powerful lyrics.

When I read the story of Anne Frank for personal reasons as a child I began to understand the strength of the human mind.

When I read the story of Anne Frank for personal reasons as a child I began to understand the strength of the human mind.

The 'Pursuit of Happyness' book really inspired me as it clearly portrays the message to never give up having hope for the future, despite the adversities that you need to overcome. By developing more...

The 'Pursuit of Happyness' book really inspired me as it clearly portrays the message to never give up having hope for the future, despite the adversities that you need to overcome. By developing more resilience in ourselves we can achieve great things in life.

The Primal Wound A Transpersonal View of Trauma, Addiction, and Growth, John Firman, Ann Gila

The Primal Wound A Transpersonal View of Trauma, Addiction, and Growth, John Firman, Ann Gila

From Little Things Big Things Grow - Paul Kelly song

From Little Things Big Things Grow - Paul Kelly song

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Some Powerful Lessons from this book: Fear is a bigger obstacle than the obstacle itself “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the...

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Some Powerful Lessons from this book: Fear is a bigger obstacle than the obstacle itself “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.” Any new pursuit requires entering uncharted territory †that's scary. But with any great risk comes great reward. The experiences you gain in pursuing your dream will make it all worthwhile.

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

The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle

The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle

'The one straw revolution' by Masanobu Fukuoka 'Working on yourself alone' By Arnold Mindel

'The one straw revolution' by Masanobu Fukuoka 'Working on yourself alone' By Arnold Mindel

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.

So many!! As a starting point… Book - Sing, & Don't Cry by Cate Kennedy is a memoir of an Australian who volunteered in Mexico for two years. I volunteered in Mexico myself briefly - and this...

So many!! As a starting point… Book - Sing, & Don't Cry by Cate Kennedy is a memoir of an Australian who volunteered in Mexico for two years. I volunteered in Mexico myself briefly - and this book began my interest in the importance of culture and community in mental health (and the role that song, dance and laughter also play). Film - Samsara…a film without dialogue but a brilliantly choreographed story line with moving images and music. Song - “I Can Only Be Me” - written by Stevie Wonder, performed by Eva Cassidy. Event - Live music will always move me and touch me - whether it makes me dance, laugh, sing or cry - it makes me feel alive!!

Climbing Mt Warning Paul Klee Paintings Ryan Presley Mandalas Byzantine decor and mosaics

Climbing Mt Warning Paul Klee Paintings Ryan Presley Mandalas Byzantine decor and mosaics

The movie Christopher Robin

The movie Christopher Robin

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

Some of my favourite books are The Alchemist by Paul Coelho, The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, Lost connections Johann Hari

Some of my favourite books are The Alchemist by Paul Coelho, The Prophet by Khalil Gibran, Lost connections Johann Hari

I'm going to pick the art of the French impressionist Claude Monet - his plein air' paintings manage to capture so much light, and I believe that sometimes that is what we are doing in the therapy...

I'm going to pick the art of the French impressionist Claude Monet - his plein air' paintings manage to capture so much light, and I believe that sometimes that is what we are doing in the therapy room - allowing the light to come in!

The Emotional Brain by Joseph Le Doux

The Emotional Brain by Joseph Le Doux

I get inspiration from so many things that it's difficult to name one. When I did my Master's Dissertation, I mentioned The Scream' by Edvard Munch to illustrate how many people feel when they first...

I get inspiration from so many things that it's difficult to name one. When I did my Master's Dissertation, I mentioned The Scream' by Edvard Munch to illustrate how many people feel when they first come into therapy. Relating this back to the previous question, I think it epitomises daily life more than ever for many people.

I recently watched 'Marriage Story' and thought that the acting was excellent and a great depiction of some of the modern challenges associated with relationships.

I recently watched 'Marriage Story' and thought that the acting was excellent and a great depiction of some of the modern challenges associated with relationships.

My favorite film ever is the romantic Italian film Il nuovo cinema paradiso. I literally balled my eyes out when I first saw it in the cinema.

My favorite film ever is the romantic Italian film Il nuovo cinema paradiso. I literally balled my eyes out when I first saw it in the cinema.