Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Everything by C.G. Jung. Also The Matter with Things, Iain McGilchrist. Marie-Louise Von Franz, Barbara Hannah, M. Esther Harding, Edward Edinger, Robert A. Johnson, Vine Deloria Jnr, Iain...

Everything by C.G. Jung. Also The Matter with Things, Iain McGilchrist. Marie-Louise Von Franz, Barbara Hannah, M. Esther Harding, Edward Edinger, Robert A. Johnson, Vine Deloria Jnr, Iain McGilchrist, Shakespeare, Rumi; Van Gogh's Starry Night, Rodin's the Thinker, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and Casa Calvet; the Apocalypse Tapestry, Peer Gynt Suite, Four Seasons, Ode to Joy, Mozart's piano concertos and the Rolling Stones, Wild Horses. Archaeologists Marija Gimbutas and Esther Jacobson-Tepfer. Too many great documentaries: Matter of Heart, Tashi and The Monk, Awake, Big Silence, Planet Earth...

Book: Things I Don't Want to Know, Deborah Levy Film: The Taste of Cherry, Abbas Kiarostami Song: My Island Home, the Warumpi Band Art: The Rock Garden, Nek Chand, Chandigarh

Book: Things I Don't Want to Know, Deborah Levy Film: The Taste of Cherry, Abbas Kiarostami Song: My Island Home, the Warumpi Band Art: The Rock Garden, Nek Chand, Chandigarh

There are many books, films and songs that inspire me. I also find Nature profoundly inspiring. I recently saw the film and read the book Tracks, this is a section I found particularly moving: I...

There are many books, films and songs that inspire me. I also find Nature profoundly inspiring. I recently saw the film and read the book Tracks, this is a section I found particularly moving: I reviewed what I had learned. I had discovered capabilities and strengths that I would not have imagined possible in those distant dream like days before the trip. I have rediscovered people in my past and have come to terms with my feelings towards them. I learned what love is... I understand freedom and security. The need to rattle the foundations of habit. That to be free one needs constant and unrelenting vigilance over one's weaknesses. A vigilance which requires a moral energy most of us are incapable of manufacturing. We relax back into the molds of habit. They are secure, they bind us and thus contain us at the expense of freedom. To break the molds, to be heedless of the seductions of security in impossible struggle... is to be free to learn, to test yourself constantly, to gamble. It is not safe. I have learned to use my fears as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, and best of all I have learned... I want to remember all this. I want to remember this place and what it meant me, and how I had arrived here. I want to fix it so firmly in my mind and body that I will never, ever forget. (Robyn Davidson)

Jungian Analyst, Robert Johnson's books - He, She and We have been very influential in understanding feminine and masculine psychology.

Jungian Analyst, Robert Johnson's books - He, She and We have been very influential in understanding feminine and masculine psychology.

Song: Ladder by Stuart Davis.

Song: Ladder by Stuart Davis.

'The Body Keeps the Score' Bessel van der Kolk, 'Waking the Tiger' Peter Levine, 'In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Encounters with Addiction' Gabor Mate, 'The Heroic Client' Duncan, Miller, Sparks.

'The Body Keeps the Score' Bessel van der Kolk, 'Waking the Tiger' Peter Levine, 'In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Encounters with Addiction' Gabor Mate, 'The Heroic Client' Duncan, Miller, Sparks.

There are many. My Brother and I were hypnotized by a movie called Escape to Witch Mountain as children. I loved the wonder of outer space and special powers being used for good. I love Under a...

There are many. My Brother and I were hypnotized by a movie called Escape to Witch Mountain as children. I loved the wonder of outer space and special powers being used for good. I love Under a Tuscan Sun because it is a story about hope, healing and joy, but the surprise of how this can occur. It shows that sharing love and care brings joy not just to ourselves, but to those around us. I have read several of Paulo Coelho's books and loved the Alchemist as it shows that what we seek is where we started. I also loved Veronica Decides to Die. It was the first book that I read about mental health and I loved its tender understanding and honoring of Veronica and her feelings.

Recovering from emotionally immature adults by Lindsay Gibson and Bittersweet by Susan Cain.

Recovering from emotionally immature adults by Lindsay Gibson and Bittersweet by Susan Cain.

I can share several! Book: Being and Event by Alain Badiou. Film: Once Upon a Time in Anatolia by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Songs: 'Hoist that Rag' by Tom Waits, 'Sun In My Mouth' by Bjork. Event: the...

I can share several! Book: Being and Event by Alain Badiou. Film: Once Upon a Time in Anatolia by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Songs: 'Hoist that Rag' by Tom Waits, 'Sun In My Mouth' by Bjork. Event: the October Revolution

In this kind of work, the book that had a significant impact on me was “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk. It talks about how trauma and our nervous system connect and the unique...

In this kind of work, the book that had a significant impact on me was “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk. It talks about how trauma and our nervous system connect and the unique way they turn up or on when we least expect it.

It's a quote that inspires me: But anything exposed by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. - Eph 5: 13-14

It's a quote that inspires me: But anything exposed by the light will be illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. - Eph 5: 13-14

Ajahn Brahmavanso's book of opening the door to your heart'. It contains little stories with opportunities for deep reflections presented in a unique way inviting readers to look at life in a deep...

Ajahn Brahmavanso's book of opening the door to your heart'. It contains little stories with opportunities for deep reflections presented in a unique way inviting readers to look at life in a deep and meaning full way. Elton John's - Goodbye English Rose written for Princess Diana - highlights the immense potential one person has in changing the World to the better. Her courage, compassion to heal the hearts and minds of those who she knew and those who she didn't. Stage drama by Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favourites (Marina Prior did it jusitce). The story of pain and tragedy put together capturing the audience in the suspence of this intense human experience of one's emotions. The experience of tragedy, love, pain, grief and every other emotion, how it all has a rippled effect on others and their community.

Rudyard Kipling's poem IF If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their...

Rudyard Kipling's poem IF If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dreamâ€and not make dreams your master; If you can thinkâ€and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!” If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kingsâ€nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, Andâ€which is moreâ€you'll be a Man, my son!

I have been influenced by so many people and experiences that it's hard to come up with particular examples without skewing the impression they might leave.

I have been influenced by so many people and experiences that it's hard to come up with particular examples without skewing the impression they might leave.

The profound story of Yeonmi Park will forever be an inspiration for me. Her sheer willingness to not only endure the horrific circumstances of life in North Korea, but to also thrive and find meaning...

The profound story of Yeonmi Park will forever be an inspiration for me. Her sheer willingness to not only endure the horrific circumstances of life in North Korea, but to also thrive and find meaning in life is a remarkable testament to the human spirit.

The book Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Glen Gabbard

The book Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy by Glen Gabbard

The Bible has many stories of love, loss, life, death, hopelessness, wisdom, victory, hope and faith and so many life lessons.

The Bible has many stories of love, loss, life, death, hopelessness, wisdom, victory, hope and faith and so many life lessons.

'The Death of Socrates' by Jacques-Louis David. Such an immortalizing of a hero for truth.

'The Death of Socrates' by Jacques-Louis David. Such an immortalizing of a hero for truth.

Dr Brian Weiss's book, Many Lives, Many Masters, had a great influence on the development of my spiritual life. I have read all of his books and attended a conference with him in 2012 and find him to...

Dr Brian Weiss's book, Many Lives, Many Masters, had a great influence on the development of my spiritual life. I have read all of his books and attended a conference with him in 2012 and find him to be an inspiring teacher and leader. I admire that he eventually worked up the courage to write this book when he was worried about his reputation and how it would be received by colleagues in his field.

I love Nick Cave's work, also Björk. I am very inspired by the music of Hawaii as well.

I love Nick Cave's work, also Björk. I am very inspired by the music of Hawaii as well.

BOOKS The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk Waking the Tiger - Peter A Levine Sex Outside the Lines: Authentic Sexuality in a Sexually Dysfunctional Culture - Dr Chris...

BOOKS The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk Waking the Tiger - Peter A Levine Sex Outside the Lines: Authentic Sexuality in a Sexually Dysfunctional Culture - Dr Chris Donaghue MUSIC Works by Hybrid, Henry Saiz, Underworld, Tool, The Presets, RATM, Massive Attack to name a few. My musical tastes are eclectic, with a heavy leaning towards electronic and 90's grunge!

Homer, Sophocles, Aeschylus, Sigmund Freud

Homer, Sophocles, Aeschylus, Sigmund Freud

Anguish | August Friedrich Albrecht Schenck | 1878 This painting creates a visceral feelings in me. As a mother, I find myself transfixed on the utter grief and primal need to protect. ...

Anguish | August Friedrich Albrecht Schenck | 1878 This painting creates a visceral feelings in me. As a mother, I find myself transfixed on the utter grief and primal need to protect. Beautifully painted and very powerful work.

I find all forms of creativity inspiring, but Caitlin Moran's 'How to be a Woman' popped into my head for its humorous take on how we can beat ourselves up for not meeting the expectations of others....

I find all forms of creativity inspiring, but Caitlin Moran's 'How to be a Woman' popped into my head for its humorous take on how we can beat ourselves up for not meeting the expectations of others. Like the counselling experience, much of what it says could be something you already sense or know, but might not have been able to articulate so clearly, or perhaps needed reminding about. I think it also inspires us to embrace all of the authentic, messy parts of who we are, and even find the joy in them.

Films: Call Me By Your Name, Anatomy Of A Fall

Films: Call Me By Your Name, Anatomy Of A Fall

Non-Fiction: John O'Donohue - Anam Cara Fiction: Jack London - Martin Eden Film: To Kill A Mockingbird Song: Peter Green - I've Got A Mind To Give Up Living Art: The Naked Studio - Brett Whiteley

Non-Fiction: John O'Donohue - Anam Cara Fiction: Jack London - Martin Eden Film: To Kill A Mockingbird Song: Peter Green - I've Got A Mind To Give Up Living Art: The Naked Studio - Brett Whiteley

Smiles of a summer night - Ingmar Bergman.

Smiles of a summer night - Ingmar Bergman.

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Mate

One of the many people that truly inspire me, as I have probably mentioned time and time again, is Dr. Gabor Mate, who is a Canadian psychiatrist. Having had the privilege of reading most of his...

One of the many people that truly inspire me, as I have probably mentioned time and time again, is Dr. Gabor Mate, who is a Canadian psychiatrist. Having had the privilege of reading most of his books and listening to countless interviews that he has been a part of, I always try and remind myself of the 'why' instead of the 'what' in my day to day life. This, in my opinion, is one of the key factors for any individual who has the privilege of assisting others in life.

The book: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson because it demonstrates the fragility of life events.

The book: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson because it demonstrates the fragility of life events.

Book: 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. Music: J.S. Bach and lots of other things....

Book: 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. Music: J.S. Bach and lots of other things....

Movie: - Intouchables, Orlando, Baraka... many more TV Show: - After Life, Ted Lasso Book: - Veronika Decides to Die, Miracle of Mindfulness, Lam Rim, Anything by Irvin Yalom, The Happiness...

Movie: - Intouchables, Orlando, Baraka... many more TV Show: - After Life, Ted Lasso Book: - Veronika Decides to Die, Miracle of Mindfulness, Lam Rim, Anything by Irvin Yalom, The Happiness Hypothesis. Art: - too many to name and so many unnamed. Anything done by a child :)

There are so many inspirational books, films and songs but right now I can't go past Moana. A beautiful story of girl strength, determination and desire to set things right. Love the songs too!

There are so many inspirational books, films and songs but right now I can't go past Moana. A beautiful story of girl strength, determination and desire to set things right. Love the songs too!

Actually when I really think about it, any book, film, song, event or work of art has inspired me in some way. It has pulled my mind into a different point in time, a different location, or story, or...

Actually when I really think about it, any book, film, song, event or work of art has inspired me in some way. It has pulled my mind into a different point in time, a different location, or story, or existence. Sometimes I think perhaps that's what makes everything so unique and valuable when it comes to creative inspiration. All these things give us a picture we can walk into at any time to see things differently.

There are many but what immediately comes to mind is Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist which inspires and deeply comforts me, and that I've often turned to in troubled times. The version of the song...

There are many but what immediately comes to mind is Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist which inspires and deeply comforts me, and that I've often turned to in troubled times. The version of the song Home from the Diana Ross musical film The Wiz, sung by MJ Rodriguez and Billy Porter from the show Pose is very special to me. I recently saw the film Coda which deeply touched my heart. So beautiful.

One work of art that deeply inspires me is the book The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. This profound and transformative book beautifully encapsulates the essence of Buddhist teachings...

One work of art that deeply inspires me is the book The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. This profound and transformative book beautifully encapsulates the essence of Buddhist teachings and the practice of mindfulness. Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle and compassionate writing style guides readers on a journey towards cultivating mindfulness in everyday life. The book offers practical techniques and insights that inspire me to slow down, be fully present, and find peace and joy in the present moment. It serves as a constant reminder to embrace mindfulness as a powerful tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and the cultivation of inner peace. The Miracle of Mindfulness has had a profound impact on my own practice and has been a source of inspiration in guiding others towards a more mindful and meaningful existence.

I like the power of Katy Perry's song Roar.

I like the power of Katy Perry's song Roar.

I have found a lot of inspiration from the Irish poet David Whyte. Particularly the following poem titled Self Portrait' which I have shared over the years with many of my clients: Self Portrait...

I have found a lot of inspiration from the Irish poet David Whyte. Particularly the following poem titled Self Portrait' which I have shared over the years with many of my clients: Self Portrait It doesn't interest me if there is one God or many gods. I want to know if you belong or feel abandoned, if you know despair or can see it in others. I want to know if you are prepared to live in the world with its harsh need to change you. If you can look back with firm eyes saying, “this is where I stand'. I want to know if you know how to melt into that fierce heat of living, falling toward the center of your longing. I want to know if you are willing to live, day by day, with the consequence of love and the bitter unwanted passion of your sure defeat. I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even the gods speak of God. David Whyte

I used to work at a Blockbuster Video for 7 years! Hard to choose a film... Recent selections include Book: Girl, woman, other. Show: Handmaids Tale Song: Kaytranada - Got it good Art:...

I used to work at a Blockbuster Video for 7 years! Hard to choose a film... Recent selections include Book: Girl, woman, other. Show: Handmaids Tale Song: Kaytranada - Got it good Art: Mattise

Currently I am loving, 'I am Me from the Greatest Showman. Powerful and moving.

Currently I am loving, 'I am Me from the Greatest Showman. Powerful and moving.

Green Book . Its a film inspired by true friendship that transcended race and class and the 1962 Mason-Dixon line.

Green Book . Its a film inspired by true friendship that transcended race and class and the 1962 Mason-Dixon line.

Victor Frankl- Man's Search for Meaning

Victor Frankl- Man's Search for Meaning

A song called Nature Boy comes to mind. It was composed by Nat King Cole and the lyrics go like this... There was a boy A very STRANGE ENCHANTED boy. They say he wandered very far, very far, over...

A song called Nature Boy comes to mind. It was composed by Nat King Cole and the lyrics go like this... There was a boy A very STRANGE ENCHANTED boy. They say he wandered very far, very far, over land and sea. A little SHY and SAD of eye, But very wise, VERY WISE was he... Until one day, ONE LUCKY day he passed my way, And while we talked of many things Fools and Kings This he said to me: “The greatest thing YOU'LL ever learn Is just to love And be loved, in return...

Love Actually (Film) Learning from the patient (book) Patrick Casement

Love Actually (Film) Learning from the patient (book) Patrick Casement

All the light We Cannot see by Anthony Doerr

All the light We Cannot see by Anthony Doerr

I love romance, so my favourite all-time movie is Romeo and Juliet, for it's music, acting, creativity and of course, story.

I love romance, so my favourite all-time movie is Romeo and Juliet, for it's music, acting, creativity and of course, story.

The first book that comes to mind is Mans Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl An Interrupted Life, the Letters and Diaries of Etty Hillesum both these books speak of the powerful spirit in Human...

The first book that comes to mind is Mans Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl An Interrupted Life, the Letters and Diaries of Etty Hillesum both these books speak of the powerful spirit in Human Beings.

'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk has been a game changing book for so many people. It's an exploration of the neuroscience and contemporary evidence for healing practices around...

'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk has been a game changing book for so many people. It's an exploration of the neuroscience and contemporary evidence for healing practices around Trauma, and it has sat on bestseller lists around the world for years since it was published - with good reason. I'm a wide reader and also absolutely love the essayist and novelist Olivia Laing ('To the River' and 'The Lonely City' are favourites), and am a big fan of Janet Malcolm, but I am also a real geek and read almost every one of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels when I was younger.

'Come and Get Your Love' - Redbone Honestly, since Chris Pratt danced to this in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, its hard to hear this without doing a bit of a strut walk - a brief moment...

'Come and Get Your Love' - Redbone Honestly, since Chris Pratt danced to this in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, its hard to hear this without doing a bit of a strut walk - a brief moment of self confidence, whether it is real or feigned. But beyond that, I actually love the lyrics of this piece which, to paraphrase, say, 'Stop thinking there is something wrong with you because there isn't - and you can have the things you need if you seek them out'.

Anything written by James Hollis (Jungian therapist).

Anything written by James Hollis (Jungian therapist).

I recently watched Gurrumul - the Gurrumul story and was deeply inspired and moved.

I recently watched Gurrumul - the Gurrumul story and was deeply inspired and moved.

'The Summer Day' by Mary Oliver

'The Summer Day' by Mary Oliver

Book. The Alchemist. Paulo Coelho I loved this book as it taught me about following process and life path.

Book. The Alchemist. Paulo Coelho I loved this book as it taught me about following process and life path.

I have a couple of small sculptures my children made in early high school years that inspire me when I see them. They remind me of how much I love them, and how special it is to be their mum. And they...

I have a couple of small sculptures my children made in early high school years that inspire me when I see them. They remind me of how much I love them, and how special it is to be their mum. And they add a touch of quirkiness to our home, which I love, too.

I will have to come back to this question so I'll share one of each: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinko Estes (also a book for men btw!) Apocalypse Now (l love war movies) Lovely Day...

I will have to come back to this question so I'll share one of each: Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinko Estes (also a book for men btw!) Apocalypse Now (l love war movies) Lovely Day - Bill Withers Anything where people hit the streets in solidarity for change or celebration - Me Too; collapse of the Berlin Wall, VE Day 1945, Pride etc. The Scream by Munch (we all had to paint a version in high school and it has always stayed with me)

Book - Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston MD, Irvin Yalom's Love's Executioner, To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee Film - Manchester By The Sea (Recent), The Green Mile, Finding...

Book - Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston MD, Irvin Yalom's Love's Executioner, To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee Film - Manchester By The Sea (Recent), The Green Mile, Finding Nemo Art - Michael Leunig inspires me, architecture in Europe, the streets of Paris & Prague. Song - Vienna - Billy Joel, Nina Simone - Wild Is The Wind, Be Thou My Vision - Van Morrison.

The book would be: The Dance of Anger, by Harriet Lerner The film would be: The Mighty

The book would be: The Dance of Anger, by Harriet Lerner The film would be: The Mighty

I love music. Especially harmonies. The song Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap speaks to my heart. I also love the dreaminess of Monet's landscapes. I'm a romantic at heart.

I love music. Especially harmonies. The song Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap speaks to my heart. I also love the dreaminess of Monet's landscapes. I'm a romantic at heart.

Paul Watzlawick's “Pragmatics of Human Communication” are nearly as inspiring as “Sesame Street” - I am absolutely serious. The most important event of my life was attending...

Paul Watzlawick's “Pragmatics of Human Communication” are nearly as inspiring as “Sesame Street” - I am absolutely serious. The most important event of my life was attending Kindergarten. I truly believe that everything we really need to know we learn in Kindergarten: sharing, cleaning up and that Cookies and Milk solve most problems. I am actually serious.

I remember watching a performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto and thinking, This piece of music must be one of the high points of human existence.

I remember watching a performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto and thinking, This piece of music must be one of the high points of human existence.

DW. Winnicott's 'Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment' - his thoughts on parents and infants have had an enduring influence on me.

DW. Winnicott's 'Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment' - his thoughts on parents and infants have had an enduring influence on me.