Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Often....but not as often as I used to, before I met the most amazing therapist. Now when my hair is bad I don't just go to bed and hide it under a duvet, I take it for a walk....lol

Often....but not as often as I used to, before I met the most amazing therapist. Now when my hair is bad I don't just go to bed and hide it under a duvet, I take it for a walk....lol

Absolutely! It’s on these days that I draw on skills I have learnt so that I can better manage whatever has ruffled my feathers that day.

Absolutely! It’s on these days that I draw on skills I have learnt so that I can better manage whatever has ruffled my feathers that day.

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

Absolutely! Some days, I think to myself, ‘What the hell am I doing? I’m in crisis, and I’m helping others in crisis.’ But that’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 life’s challenges, and that healing isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about showing up, processing, and growing along the way.

Of course! Hair, moods, and nervous systems all have their own rhythms. I show up anyway.

Of course! Hair, moods, and nervous systems all have their own rhythms. I show up anyway.

Yes, have you seen my hair lately?, just like everyone, I have “bad hair” days! I think it’s important to remember that we’re all human, and life isn’t always perfect. I bring the same...

Yes, have you seen my hair lately?, just like everyone, I have “bad hair” days! I think it’s important to remember that we’re all human, and life isn’t always perfect. I bring the same honesty, authenticity, and down-to-earth approach to counselling, helping clients feel safe to explore challenges without pressure to be “perfect.”

Absolutely! i am not a perfect therapist, and I am human too!

Absolutely! i am not a perfect therapist, and I am human too!

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!

I have challenging times and my life is not perfect.

I have challenging times and my life is not perfect.

I have days where I feel that I might have missed something, or where I am not sure what to do with a client. My rule is always listen first and then try some creative process to bring out what needs...

I have days where I feel that I might have missed something, or where I am not sure what to do with a client. My rule is always listen first and then try some creative process to bring out what needs to be known.

Absolutely. Yes. I’m human. Some days are messier than others. I think that’s part of what helps me show up with empathy and realism rather than perfection. Therapy isn’t about having it all...

Absolutely. Yes. I’m human. Some days are messier than others. I think that’s part of what helps me show up with empathy and realism rather than perfection. Therapy isn’t about having it all together; it’s about being present, reflective, and willing to engage honestly, on good hair days and bad ones. For me, it's simply about being honest and genuine in my approach whether I am feeling like a rock star on the day or feeling a bit foggy. I think sometimes when someone can see the imperfection of even their therapist, they can also be a little less harsh on themselves.

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.

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 :)

I frequently have literal bad hair days - curly hair and humidity do not make it easy! But yes I'm a human being and I struggle with the things that some of you struggle with - being vulnerable,...

I frequently have literal bad hair days - curly hair and humidity do not make it easy! But yes I'm a human being and I struggle with the things that some of you struggle with - being vulnerable, intimacy, balancing my relationship and work, loneliness.

Yes. Often. I’m not backwards about them either. When they come up, I usually go back to basics and look at things physically and neurobiologically. How have I been sleeping? Eating? Training? What...

Yes. Often. I’m not backwards about them either. When they come up, I usually go back to basics and look at things physically and neurobiologically. How have I been sleeping? Eating? Training? What has my environment been like? Is life feeling disorganised or overloaded? Most of the time I can usually find a few small things that have gradually compounded into a rough stretch. But beyond that, the process itself pulls me back into the present moment. In a strange way, it becomes a kind of informal mindfulness practice — less about escaping the experience and more about slowing down enough to properly notice what is happening.

Absolutely! I very much have bad days. I've learned how to meet myself on those days with self-compassion (rather than criticising myself for not having it all together). I know what it's like to...

Absolutely! I very much have bad days. I've learned how to meet myself on those days with self-compassion (rather than criticising myself for not having it all together). I know what it's like to struggle, and I know that healing isn't about becoming perfect.

Yes of course! I can get as moody and grumpy as anyone. I get tired and sooky and forget I have many wonderful tools and supports around me. It all passes, even though sometimes it's hard to remember...

Yes of course! I can get as moody and grumpy as anyone. I get tired and sooky and forget I have many wonderful tools and supports around me. It all passes, even though sometimes it's hard to remember that.

Who told you? My worst experiences are when I think this process is all about me and that I need to make something happen. I know this could sound like the common joke complaint when going to a...

Who told you? My worst experiences are when I think this process is all about me and that I need to make something happen. I know this could sound like the common joke complaint when going to a doctor and the doctor asks YOU what you think is wrong with you! And you're desperate to have the Doctor offer expertise and knowledge. To say whats wrong. This is an important distinction. The therapeutic space is not 'medical' - but truly, I would consider a 'bad hair' day the times when I try too hard and fail to listen and respond to whats happening in the moment.

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.

Absolutely—just like everyone else, I have days that feel messy, stressful, or imperfect. I believe it’s important to normalise that being human means having ups and downs, and therapy isn’t...

Absolutely—just like everyone else, I have days that feel messy, stressful, or imperfect. I believe it’s important to normalise that being human means having ups and downs, and therapy isn’t about being flawless. Those experiences help me stay grounded, empathic, and connected to the real challenges people face. Growth doesn’t require perfection—just willingness to show up.

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 days when my hair doesn’t cooperate, but I also have effortless good hair days. Like most things, it’s just one day, and tomorrow can be completely different—sometimes it’s all...

Yes, I have days when my hair doesn’t cooperate, but I also have effortless good hair days. Like most things, it’s just one day, and tomorrow can be completely different—sometimes it’s all about perspective.

Yes, don't we all?

Yes, don't we all?

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

Somehow a bad hair day is right in some way and has meaning. Therapy can help with bad hair days.

Somehow a bad hair day is right in some way and has meaning. Therapy can help with bad hair days.

Everyday as my hair is very very long, wild and a mind of its own.

Everyday as my hair is very very long, wild and a mind of its own.

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.

Yep. It seems no matter how self realised we may be, we are never free from psychological disturbance. I kind of love this truth. It keeps us with our humanity.

Yep. It seems no matter how self realised we may be, we are never free from psychological disturbance. I kind of love this truth. It keeps us with our humanity.

No - my best friend is a hair dresser :)

No - my best friend is a hair dresser :)

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.

Yes - I use hair spray!

Yes - I use hair spray!