Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Falling Down, the movie with Michael Douglas. Its a movie which presents the impact of pressures which are present in everyday life can turn people into something they wouldn't ordinarily be. It...

Falling Down, the movie with Michael Douglas. Its a movie which presents the impact of pressures which are present in everyday life can turn people into something they wouldn't ordinarily be. It presents someone who is cornered, unheard and trying to do his best and no one is listening. For me it represents that no matter your best intention life can continue to throw you curve balls and you have to pull on your inner strength and resource to manage them.

I have a few songs that always inspire me. Show em What You’re Made of - Backstreet Boys Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles Lazarus Drug - Meg Washington

I have a few songs that always inspire me. Show em What You’re Made of - Backstreet Boys Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles Lazarus Drug - Meg Washington

The book that has had the greatest impact on me is Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. It was truly life-changing. This book helped me process and move forward with the...

The book that has had the greatest impact on me is Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. It was truly life-changing. This book helped me process and move forward with the understanding of being parented by the ‘unmothered mother’ archetype. Through its stories and wisdom, I came to see my mother in a different light—not just as my mother, but as a woman shaped by her own unhealed traumas, passed down through generations. She loved me through the lens of her own pain. This realisation created a profound shift in me and how I understood her mothering style. I was able to forgive her, in a sense, through that understanding. As a mother myself, it gave me the awareness and motivation to break that cycle—to heal my own wounds so my daughter wouldn’t have to carry them forward. This book remains a guide for me, one I return to time and time again to reinforce this understanding and remind myself of the power of generational healing.

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

One book that has inspired me, after the death of a close friend is It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine. It powerfully reminds me of the importance of validating grief, trauma, and...

One book that has inspired me, after the death of a close friend is It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine. It powerfully reminds me of the importance of validating grief, trauma, and emotional pain, rather than trying to “fix” it. This perspective influences my counselling approach, helping me create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges and losses.

The movie Christopher Robin

The movie Christopher Robin

Apart from the Bible, the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Josef Pieper and Joseph Ratzinger. I'm inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi, St Theresa of Calcutta and St Charles de Foucauld.

Apart from the Bible, the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Josef Pieper and Joseph Ratzinger. I'm inspired by the life of St Francis of Assisi, St Theresa of Calcutta and St Charles de Foucauld.

People love to laugh, mock or get outraged at his ideas, but I have found that actually reading and trying to deal honestly with Sigmund Freud is like looking up at a mountain. I am also in awe of the...

People love to laugh, mock or get outraged at his ideas, but I have found that actually reading and trying to deal honestly with Sigmund Freud is like looking up at a mountain. I am also in awe of the thought of a man who I think is perhaps his most interesting interpreter - not Jacques Lacan, but the sociologist Phillip Rieff. I have been a musician and love music, art, and literature of many kinds. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue will be a lifelong favourite. I'm currently listening to Gigi - self titled.

I am inspired by Viktor Frankl 'Man's Search for Meaning'.

I am inspired by Viktor Frankl 'Man's Search for Meaning'.

For me it is a recent film and a very old book. The film: 2025's If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and the book: 1946's Man’s Search for Meaning. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a sharp, darkly funny...

For me it is a recent film and a very old book. The film: 2025's If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and the book: 1946's Man’s Search for Meaning. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is a sharp, darkly funny and emotionally raw portrayal of burnout, identity strain and the quiet unraveling that occurs when people are expected to keep functioning without pause. It holds deep compassion for exhaustion rather than pathology, allowing humour and humanity to sit alongside distress, without rushing toward neat resolutions. Man’s Search for Meaning continues to inspire me through its profound exploration of dignity, choice and meaning in the face of suffering. It shows how, even under extreme pressure, individuals can find meaning, process suffering through reflection and expression, and work through profound physical and psychological stressors in order to keep living with purpose. Together, these works reflect a core belief in my practice: that many of the challenges people face today stem from disconnection, from self, others and meaning, and that healing begins not with fixes, but with understanding, presence and ongoing care for self and from a support network.

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!

Yes, 'The Sibling Society' and other books by the American author and poet Robert Bly

Yes, 'The Sibling Society' and other books by the American author and poet Robert Bly

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.

Man’s Search for Meaning stayed with me because of its reflections on suffering, meaning, responsibility, and the human capacity to remain psychologically alive through immense hardship. On Becoming...

Man’s Search for Meaning stayed with me because of its reflections on suffering, meaning, responsibility, and the human capacity to remain psychologically alive through immense hardship. On Becoming a Person also influenced me deeply, particularly its exploration of authenticity, therapeutic presence, and what can happen when a person is genuinely encountered rather than managed, diagnosed, or reduced to symptoms.

I have found the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig, a considerable book that shaped my early thinking.

I have found the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig, a considerable book that shaped my early thinking.

Loads and loads! Most things inspire me to be honest because they come from the creative part of us and I am interested in that in almost every form. I love wandering in galleries, bookstores, going...

Loads and loads! Most things inspire me to be honest because they come from the creative part of us and I am interested in that in almost every form. I love wandering in galleries, bookstores, going to movies and listening to music: world, classical, pop, relaxation/chill, alternative, some pop. Here are a few that pop into mind. Books: Story About Feeling by Bill Niedjie, Life of Pi (now a film), The Shaman's Body by Arnold Mindell (actually anything by any Process Oriented Psychology person), The Secret River by Kate Grenville (also a Sydney Theatre production 2013) Poets and Mystics: Rumi, Hafiz, Hildegaard von Bingen, I Ching Book of Changes Events: Woodford Folk Festival - all of it especially the fire event, Five Rhythms and Nia dance classes. The film Where the Wild Things Are, and music bands such as Bliss, and Stringmansassy. Paintings: Waterhouse, Georgia O'Keefe, Wendy Chenoweth, artist Pixi Mix, Michael Leunig cartoons. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate…' poem by Marianne Wilkinson often credited to Nelson Mandela. Motherpeace Tarot and Jamie Sam's Medicine Cards.

Great Song: Everything Begins and Ends at Exactly the Right Time - Bluebottle Kiss

Great Song: Everything Begins and Ends at Exactly the Right Time - Bluebottle Kiss

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.

One work that continues to inspire me is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The book explores resilience, purpose, and the capacity of the human spirit to endure and transform even in the...

One work that continues to inspire me is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The book explores resilience, purpose, and the capacity of the human spirit to endure and transform even in the most painful circumstances. It reminds me of the power of hope, meaning, and connection in healing, and reinforces why I believe so strongly in supporting people to reclaim their sense of agency and direction, even when life feels overwhelming.

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 quote from the Doctor Who television series has always resonated deeply with me: “The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the...

A quote from the Doctor Who television series has always resonated deeply with me: “The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” This reflects a powerful truth about acknowledging both pain and joy, recognising that growth and healing often come from allowing space for the full range of human emotions.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Victor Frankl's Mans Search for Meaning is a profoundly wise book that I pick up and read every few years. I love the Danish film Babette's Feast for its sensitive exploration of love, grace,...

Victor Frankl's Mans Search for Meaning is a profoundly wise book that I pick up and read every few years. I love the Danish film Babette's Feast for its sensitive exploration of love, grace, generosity and the beauty of creativity in varied forms.

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

Star Trek - the good guys ultimately win

Star Trek - the good guys ultimately win

What I find most inspiring at the moment is my voluntary work in an aged care centre. Knowing that my visits help lift peoples' spirits and listening to the stories the residents tell about their...

What I find most inspiring at the moment is my voluntary work in an aged care centre. Knowing that my visits help lift peoples' spirits and listening to the stories the residents tell about their lives is very uplifting.

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.

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.

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”

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

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

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