Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

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.

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 !

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.

I’m human too - ask my husband and five kids. Therapy isn’t about having it all together ... it’s about showing up as we are, even on the messy days!

I’m human too - ask my husband and five kids. Therapy isn’t about having it all together ... it’s about showing up as we are, even on the messy days!

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

All the time. See my profile picture.

All the time. See my profile picture.

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.

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 :)

Absolutely! Just like anyone else, I have those days when things don’t go quite as planned, whether it is a bad hair day or moments when I'm feeling a little off. What matters, though, is showing...

Absolutely! Just like anyone else, I have those days when things don’t go quite as planned, whether it is a bad hair day or moments when I'm feeling a little off. What matters, though, is showing up authentically, even on those imperfect days. Some days, that can look like doing the bare minimum and celebrating small wins, like getting through a load of laundry. It is all about giving yourself credit for the little victories. I believe embracing our imperfections, including those off days, is a part of being human and essential to the healing process. It’s about showing yourself compassion and knowing that we don’t need to be perfect to show up or make progress.

Yes. Nearly every day - it happens when you have perfectionist traits (but I am working on that)

Yes. Nearly every day - it happens when you have perfectionist traits (but I am working on 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.

Yes of course! I am human. What is different for me now after doing my own inner work is that I have awareness of what is going on and I know how to manage it. I can come from a place of choice and...

Yes of course! I am human. What is different for me now after doing my own inner work is that I have awareness of what is going on and I know how to manage it. I can come from a place of choice and possibility rather than feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

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.

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.

All the time!

All the time!

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.

Absolutely! Just like everyone else, there are days when things don't go as expected, and I may feel a bit off. Experiencing ups and downs is completely normal. On those bad hair days, I make an...

Absolutely! Just like everyone else, there are days when things don't go as expected, and I may feel a bit off. Experiencing ups and downs is completely normal. On those bad hair days, I make an effort to practice self-compassion and remind myself that it's okay to take a break. I believe that adversity is an opportunity for growth, strengthening our resilience and nurturing empathy.

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.

Of course! I have days when things don't go as intended in my work with clients. I talk with clients about times when I feel that I have taken the wrong path or we have cross communication. I like to...

Of course! I have days when things don't go as intended in my work with clients. I talk with clients about times when I feel that I have taken the wrong path or we have cross communication. I like to regularly check in with clients to get their perspective on how the process is evolving.

Totally - dont we all - fortunately I have some very loving people around me - and a fabulous dog that loves me regardless of my hair.

Totally - dont we all - fortunately I have some very loving people around me - and a fabulous dog that loves me regardless of my hair.

Being a motorbike rider, I am prone to a little 'helmet hair' on the odd occasion... But don't we all have bad hair days?

Being a motorbike rider, I am prone to a little 'helmet hair' on the odd occasion... But don't we all have bad hair days?

Of course, I have had bad hair days, however I am resilient and don't allow a bad hair day to impact my day. By remaining focused on the task of assisting clients I find it easy to distract myself...

Of course, I have had bad hair days, however I am resilient and don't allow a bad hair day to impact my day. By remaining focused on the task of assisting clients I find it easy to distract myself from any unnecessary hairdo malfunctions that day.

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!

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

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

As a therapist you have to be very aware of what's going on' for you in the therapy room. If you feel triggered or have a reaction to something a client has said or done - it is really important to...

As a therapist you have to be very aware of what's going on' for you in the therapy room. If you feel triggered or have a reaction to something a client has said or done - it is really important to examine your own processes, and if necessary explain to the client how you are feeling, if you believe that will be of benefit to the client.

Yes, don't we all?

Yes, don't we all?