Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Regardless of the medium, I'm attracted to anything quirky, off-beat, hilarious, thought provoking, emotionally salient. To pick just one, the French comedy Amelie, with Audrey Tautou, is a...

Regardless of the medium, I'm attracted to anything quirky, off-beat, hilarious, thought provoking, emotionally salient. To pick just one, the French comedy Amelie, with Audrey Tautou, is a favourite film: it's funny, intelligent, fast-paced, astute, mysterious, seductive, visually engaging and a sheer delight to watch. As for my favourite novel, Alexis Wright's Carpentaria holds a very dear place in my heart and soul.

Sooo many inspirations. I gravitate to books and films that celebrate the individual's courage to stand for justice and humane values, even at the risk of social or personal ostracism. Where...

Sooo many inspirations. I gravitate to books and films that celebrate the individual's courage to stand for justice and humane values, even at the risk of social or personal ostracism. Where faithfulness in the inherent goodness that is within human beings is explored. Music draws us into connection with our deeper selves, our joys, our wildness and our despair, and I love too many musical genres to name any in particular. Having said that, the poetic wisdom of rock poets of my youth have had big influence - Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stephens, Lennon & Macartney, Joni Mitchell. Various writings of Buddhist wise people, 'In an Unspoken Voice' by Peter Levine, 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van de Kolk, 'A Path Made By Walking' by Julie Diamond are influential books in my learning towards becoming a therapist.

It is almost too many to mention. I love reading and music! But if I can share with you the words of Kathy Steele - this is poetic, I think, and it inspires me as I sit with the most wounded people,...

It is almost too many to mention. I love reading and music! But if I can share with you the words of Kathy Steele - this is poetic, I think, and it inspires me as I sit with the most wounded people, who share their trauma with me. Sitting With The Shattered Soul -Steele, K. (1987) So how do you sit with a shattered soul? Gently, with gracious and deep respect. Patiently, for time stands still for the shattered, and the momentum of healing will be slow at first. With the tender strength that comes from an openness to your own deepest wounding, and to your own deepest healing. Firmly, never wavering in the utmost conviction that evil is powerful, but there is a good that is more powerful still.

Jerry Maguire inspires me. It is one of my all-time favourite movies.

Jerry Maguire inspires me. It is one of my all-time favourite movies.

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.

There is a song I remember from when I was young if theres one thing in my life that's missing, its the time that I spend alone. I would love the words and the story to it. Yet today I see how...

There is a song I remember from when I was young if theres one thing in my life that's missing, its the time that I spend alone. I would love the words and the story to it. Yet today I see how people do not miss the time that they spend on their own. Loneliness sets in...yet our own company should be our best company. I know we are human and we seek for connection, but this is different from not standing the thought of being alone.

Already Free is a documentary about two colleagues of mine that have overcome great personal hardships and turned their lives around to not only an ordinary but an extoridinary existence where they...

Already Free is a documentary about two colleagues of mine that have overcome great personal hardships and turned their lives around to not only an ordinary but an extoridinary existence where they have discovered their true selves

One of my favourite books in psychology is 'The Dance of Anger' by Harriet Lerner.

One of my favourite books in psychology is 'The Dance of Anger' by Harriet Lerner.

In general: stories of survival, against the odds.

In general: stories of survival, against the odds.

Off the top of my head, the book 'Return to Love' by Marianne Williamson is the one I can always remember the name of ! I also think the 'School of Life' regularly has some great episodes- relevant,...

Off the top of my head, the book 'Return to Love' by Marianne Williamson is the one I can always remember the name of ! I also think the 'School of Life' regularly has some great episodes- relevant, useful, easily digestable and often entertaining.

Too many to name, however, certain Buddhist chants and visualisations truly inspire me and keep me buoyant and grateful.

Too many to name, however, certain Buddhist chants and visualisations truly inspire me and keep me buoyant and grateful.

Any book, film, song or work of art that moves me emotionally inspires me to be kinder, more compassionate and more courageous.

Any book, film, song or work of art that moves me emotionally inspires me to be kinder, more compassionate and more courageous.

The Gift of Therapy - Irvin D. Yalom Starry Night painting by Van Gogh

The Gift of Therapy - Irvin D. Yalom Starry Night painting by Van Gogh

Talking out of Turn by the Moody Blues.

Talking out of Turn by the Moody Blues.

To begin, the book I am reading at present and cannot put down is What Happened to You? By Bruce Perry and Oprah. The last podcast I listened to was with Glennon Doyle on Anxiety: Is it Just Love...

To begin, the book I am reading at present and cannot put down is What Happened to You? By Bruce Perry and Oprah. The last podcast I listened to was with Glennon Doyle on Anxiety: Is it Just Love Holding Its Breath. An event I most recently attended was the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW. The art that inspires me most is Australian Aboriginal Art. Finally, I have had a resurgence in my enjoyment for Fleetwood Mac again.

Mister God This is Anna by Fynn Stand by Me

Mister God This is Anna by Fynn Stand by Me

THE STATE OF AFFAIRS - by ESTHER PEREL

THE STATE OF AFFAIRS - by ESTHER PEREL

It isn't a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires me the most. It's my best friend, Juls. She loved me and saw something special inside of me when no one else could. She believed...

It isn't a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires me the most. It's my best friend, Juls. She loved me and saw something special inside of me when no one else could. She believed in me, even when I would give up on myself, or lose hope. She saved me more times than I can remember. The world lost the most incredible woman when she lost her battle with breast cancer at 35, at a time when her life was in many ways just beginning. I miss her so much every single day, but am so very grateful for her friendship over two decades, and the incredible memories I hold deep within my heart. To Infinity and Beyond!

I am profoundly inspired by artists in all media.

I am profoundly inspired by artists in all media.

I enjoy anything by CS Lewis, especially The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe. I am inspired by many songs and musicians but piano to play and listen to is my great love.

I enjoy anything by CS Lewis, especially The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe. I am inspired by many songs and musicians but piano to play and listen to is my great love.

Tough question! Book: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby Film: I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I never get sick of watching Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Maybe it's not inspiring, but...

Tough question! Book: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby Film: I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I never get sick of watching Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Maybe it's not inspiring, but it's absurd, and I love absurdity! Song: There's too many to pick, but I have always loved Tiny Dancer by Elton John because of that excellent scene in Almost Famous where they all sing it on the tour bus. (That's another movie I never get sick of - Almost Famous!) Art: Anything by Mark Rothko

So many! Inspiration comes in many different forms depending on where I am at in life but books are a constant. I always have about 6 on the go. Stories that speak to the thread of a women's journey...

So many! Inspiration comes in many different forms depending on where I am at in life but books are a constant. I always have about 6 on the go. Stories that speak to the thread of a women's journey through the generations always capture my heart. I also enjoy books that capture what life was like in a different time. Therapeutically, the Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk and Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine, Healing our Attachment Wounds by Diane Poole Heller were game changer's for me among many others. I am currently reading My Grandmothers Hand's by Resmaa Menakem which offers a very insightful and alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racial divide! Very inspiring!

Radiance Sutras, The book of longing, the vein of gold are some books I love. Favourite movie would probably be Dangerous Beauty, it inspired me to see a world where sexuality wasn't shamed and was...

Radiance Sutras, The book of longing, the vein of gold are some books I love. Favourite movie would probably be Dangerous Beauty, it inspired me to see a world where sexuality wasn't shamed and was largely integrated.

I get inspiration from countless sources. The children's author Astrid Lindgren is one source. Her motto “Give the children love, love and more love, and common sense will come by itself”,...

I get inspiration from countless sources. The children's author Astrid Lindgren is one source. Her motto “Give the children love, love and more love, and common sense will come by itself”, is simple yet so important. As an adult, I love revisiting these books and their subtle messages. Follow Astrid's motto, and we see a lot more happiness in the world. And - we would need a lot less counselling and therapy at an adult age.

A Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl The Gift of Therapy - Irvin Yalom

A Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl The Gift of Therapy - Irvin Yalom

There are many works that inspire me, too many to mention! I have recently viewed a television series called 'Six Feet Under' which I have found particularly engaging and inspiring. It presents a...

There are many works that inspire me, too many to mention! I have recently viewed a television series called 'Six Feet Under' which I have found particularly engaging and inspiring. It presents a whole gamut of life transitions and changes the characters have to face in a very rich, humane and sympathetic manner.

The book 'Flourish' by Martin E.P. Seligman. A book on positive psychology that looks at the areas of Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationsips, Meaning and achievment in a person's life and these...

The book 'Flourish' by Martin E.P. Seligman. A book on positive psychology that looks at the areas of Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationsips, Meaning and achievment in a person's life and these elements togehter define 'Wellbeing'.

I like many books, songs and art - but I wouldn't say I have one that inspires me. It is people's stories that inspire me the most - that's when you will see me write a blog or start some research.

I like many books, songs and art - but I wouldn't say I have one that inspires me. It is people's stories that inspire me the most - that's when you will see me write a blog or start some research.

What a Wonderful World - by Louis Armstrong Live Like you were Dying - by Tim McGraw Wherever you go, There you Are - by Jon Kabat-Zinn

What a Wonderful World - by Louis Armstrong Live Like you were Dying - by Tim McGraw Wherever you go, There you Are - by Jon Kabat-Zinn

The teachings of the great divine, are here for all to access on our planet, with information never before shared with humanity - about this moment in time, who we are, where we came from, what's...

The teachings of the great divine, are here for all to access on our planet, with information never before shared with humanity - about this moment in time, who we are, where we came from, what's going on in the greater universes, and what the ascension process is all about. The divine channel, Suzanna Maria Emmanuel, is bringing through this body of teachings, and this has profoundly influenced me and enabled me to fast-track healing in my life. I use many of the techniques with clients, and all who come to see me benefit from high energetic frequencies, that I work with, in every session.

I am an avid reader of different novels and non-fiction work. I am inspired by new ideas.

I am an avid reader of different novels and non-fiction work. I am inspired by new ideas.

'The Brain that Changes Itself' by Norman Doidge as it provides clear proof that under the right circumstances each of us can harness our brain's plasticity to change the way our brain and mind...

'The Brain that Changes Itself' by Norman Doidge as it provides clear proof that under the right circumstances each of us can harness our brain's plasticity to change the way our brain and mind operate and hence the way we are in the world.

I love reading, films, art and theatre. I am studying (law) at the moment; so my head is often in text books right now, but reading novels is an accessible joy.

I love reading, films, art and theatre. I am studying (law) at the moment; so my head is often in text books right now, but reading novels is an accessible joy.

Neville Symington - the Making of a Psychotherapist Julie Henderson - How to feel as Good as Possible despite Everything Serge Benhayon - The Way it Is Tina Kopa & Catherine Wood Sounds of Soul

Neville Symington - the Making of a Psychotherapist Julie Henderson - How to feel as Good as Possible despite Everything Serge Benhayon - The Way it Is Tina Kopa & Catherine Wood Sounds of Soul

That's a hard one to answer as there are so many, though I'm currently reading 'Surrender' by Bono from U2 which has me hooked. Bono writes about his own personal journeys through his relationships...

That's a hard one to answer as there are so many, though I'm currently reading 'Surrender' by Bono from U2 which has me hooked. Bono writes about his own personal journeys through his relationships and experiences and how the historical context has impacted his personal growth at each life stage. His capacity to reflect upon his experiences and himself to work towards personal growth is inspiring.

The laws of human nature from Robert Greene is the last book I have read and it was very insightful. It helped me understand human nature and its laws on a deeper level.

The laws of human nature from Robert Greene is the last book I have read and it was very insightful. It helped me understand human nature and its laws on a deeper level.

Song: 'It Is Not Meant To Be'; Tame Impala. Book: 'The Courage to be Disliked'; Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Film: 'Marie Antoinette'; directed by Sofia Coppola. Record: 'Mother'; Cleo Sol....

Song: 'It Is Not Meant To Be'; Tame Impala. Book: 'The Courage to be Disliked'; Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi Film: 'Marie Antoinette'; directed by Sofia Coppola. Record: 'Mother'; Cleo Sol. Art: every Studio Ghibli movie ever.

One of my favourite books is Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak. This quote for me sums up the beautiful novel: I don't think I could love you so much if you had nothing to complain of and nothing...

One of my favourite books is Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak. This quote for me sums up the beautiful novel: I don't think I could love you so much if you had nothing to complain of and nothing to regret. I don't like people who have never fallen or stumbled. Their virtue is lifeless and of little value. Life hasn't revealed its beauty to them.

All things creative has the power to inspire me! Perhaps its a slow walk through the bush hearing the symphony of the bird song, sometimes its the crashing waves along our coastal cliffs, a play /...

All things creative has the power to inspire me! Perhaps its a slow walk through the bush hearing the symphony of the bird song, sometimes its the crashing waves along our coastal cliffs, a play / film that hits a tender note within or an art exhibition filled with shapes and colour; and when a client has an aha moment whilst reflecting on their creative creation.

The Choice - By Edith Eger (book) (adversity) The Daily Stoic - By Ryan Holiday (book) (a reminder always to question) The Deepest Breath - Movie (strength, commitment and connection)

The Choice - By Edith Eger (book) (adversity) The Daily Stoic - By Ryan Holiday (book) (a reminder always to question) The Deepest Breath - Movie (strength, commitment and connection)

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock is an art piece I love and one which is akin to the work I do, in that, if you look hard enough, you'll see different and interesting aspects of the whole - just as...

Blue Poles by Jackson Pollock is an art piece I love and one which is akin to the work I do, in that, if you look hard enough, you'll see different and interesting aspects of the whole - just as individuals are made up of different and interesting facets that make the person who they are today. The book, In My Skin by Kate Holden is an inspiring journey of strength and character, and is an interesting account of how her life spiralled out of control and how she came back from the brink. I like how relatable she is and how open, honest and thought-provoking the narrative was. I love all types of music and how much it can change your mood. If I was pushed to choose right now, it would probably be something upbeat from the Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd or Counting Crows.

Seinfeld, bad humour and anything entertaining is regenerative. All stories of people coming through adversity are insipiring.

Seinfeld, bad humour and anything entertaining is regenerative. All stories of people coming through adversity are insipiring.

The book 'Soulcraft' by Bill Plotkin. The book 'Rest' by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang The book 'The power of place' by Winifred Gallagher The book 'Switch' by Chip & Dan Heath The film 'Instinct' with...

The book 'Soulcraft' by Bill Plotkin. The book 'Rest' by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang The book 'The power of place' by Winifred Gallagher The book 'Switch' by Chip & Dan Heath The film 'Instinct' with Anthony Hopkins The song 'Into the mystic' by Van Morrison The song 'Spirit Bird' by Xavier Rudd The song 'Bring 'em all in' by Mike Scott The song 'Change' by Tracy Chapman The song 'Life on Earth' by Snow Patrol The song 'Human' by Rag 'n' Bone Man The song 'Vor í Vaglaskógi' by Kaleo

Here are a few notable books: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: This profound memoir explores the experiences of Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, as he reflects on...

Here are a few notable books: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: This profound memoir explores the experiences of Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, as he reflects on finding meaning in life even in the midst of extreme suffering. It provides powerful insights into human resilience, the pursuit of purpose, and the ability to find hope in the most challenging circumstances. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This novel presents a young shepherd boy as he seeks his personal legend and discovers the importance of listening to one's heart, embracing change, and following one's dreams. It imparts lessons about the power of self-belief, the pursuit of one's true purpose, and the transformative nature of the journey. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: This spiritual guide invites us to embrace the present moment and find inner peace. It explores the concept of mindfulness and offers insights into letting go of past regrets and future anxieties, allowing readers to connect with their true essence and live more fulfilling lives. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: This book presents four principles rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom that can guide us towards personal freedom and happiness. It explores the power of impeccable word, not taking things personally, not making assumptions, and always doing one's best, providing a roadmap for personal transformation and improved relationships. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer: This spiritual guide delves into the nature of consciousness, self-identity, and inner freedom. It offers practical insights and practices to release limiting beliefs, let go of emotional blockages, and experience a more expanded state of being.

The Faithful Gardener - Audio book by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

The Faithful Gardener - Audio book by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

My favourite film of all time is Picnic At Hanging Rock. Though I am a sucker for Frozen II (which is far better than the first one!)

My favourite film of all time is Picnic At Hanging Rock. Though I am a sucker for Frozen II (which is far better than the first one!)

There are many books, films, songs and art works that inspire me. It is impossible for me to select just one... The things that inspire me are anything that someone has taken the time to...

There are many books, films, songs and art works that inspire me. It is impossible for me to select just one... The things that inspire me are anything that someone has taken the time to create. However, I am grateful to all the people that create the above things that do inspire us and help us on our journey of life.

Bruce Lipton inspires me with his three books and readily available YouTube videos on changing negative beliefs and living your best life. brucelipton.com

Bruce Lipton inspires me with his three books and readily available YouTube videos on changing negative beliefs and living your best life. brucelipton.com

At the moment i cannot recommoned enough the book called Untamed by Glennon Doyle and by all means dowload the audio version to listen to in the car.. I did and just love it !!

At the moment i cannot recommoned enough the book called Untamed by Glennon Doyle and by all means dowload the audio version to listen to in the car.. I did and just love it !!

BOOKS: As a book addict (and writer) I cannot single out a book. I have hundreds of books on my bookshelf that I share with clients in sessions. TRAVEL: Travelling inspires me the most. I have...

BOOKS: As a book addict (and writer) I cannot single out a book. I have hundreds of books on my bookshelf that I share with clients in sessions. TRAVEL: Travelling inspires me the most. I have traveled to over 50 destinations and counting.

I am a Disney tragic - Lilo & Stitch where 'no one gets left behind' is certainly a favourite as are many of the Disney classics. Andre Bocelli has the capacity to move me to tears. John O'Donohue...

I am a Disney tragic - Lilo & Stitch where 'no one gets left behind' is certainly a favourite as are many of the Disney classics. Andre Bocelli has the capacity to move me to tears. John O'Donohue touches a deep place within. Judy Cannato and 'Field of Compassion' inspiring. Artistic masterpieces created out of love and with such concentration, imaginatively drawn and filled with colour, gifts from little ones just for me!

I'm currently reading Look What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. It is challenging me to think about the many dimensions of power that exist in all relationships and explore in my own mind how it can be...

I'm currently reading Look What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. It is challenging me to think about the many dimensions of power that exist in all relationships and explore in my own mind how it can be addressed. I also really enjoyed the Australian film Lantana.

Film: Wings of Desire; Art: Picasso's Minotauromachy; Literature: Charles Williams' books. All these art forms address the hidden background (soul) of our lives.

Film: Wings of Desire; Art: Picasso's Minotauromachy; Literature: Charles Williams' books. All these art forms address the hidden background (soul) of our lives.

How to raise your self esteem by Nathaniel Brandon

How to raise your self esteem by Nathaniel Brandon

I have been deeply inspired and influenced by so many books, films, songs and works of art from varying walks of life and traditions! It's challenging to narrow it down to one. However,...

I have been deeply inspired and influenced by so many books, films, songs and works of art from varying walks of life and traditions! It's challenging to narrow it down to one. However, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

I like many forms of music, art and film, though tend to be drawn to music of my era like prog rock or contemporary jazz and fusion - each requires active engagement from the listener, a bit like...

I like many forms of music, art and film, though tend to be drawn to music of my era like prog rock or contemporary jazz and fusion - each requires active engagement from the listener, a bit like therapy itself.

My favourite movie is Lilo & Stitch due to the themes around choice, empowerment, resistance, families of choice, and friendship.

My favourite movie is Lilo & Stitch due to the themes around choice, empowerment, resistance, families of choice, and friendship.

I enjoy Christmas. The smell of cinnamon; decorating the house; Christmas lights are all traditions filled with nostalgia for me. I also like the fact that December is a time where joy seems to be...

I enjoy Christmas. The smell of cinnamon; decorating the house; Christmas lights are all traditions filled with nostalgia for me. I also like the fact that December is a time where joy seems to be tangible. Also, seeing the excitement and happiness in the kids eyes makes it a special and magical time of year.

Today's most pressing issue, seen through the lens of the compassion model, is the need for greater understanding and empathy worldwide. This shortage of empathy lies at the heart of many global...

Today's most pressing issue, seen through the lens of the compassion model, is the need for greater understanding and empathy worldwide. This shortage of empathy lies at the heart of many global problems, from environmental challenges to social inequalities. We understand that everyone has unique internal aspects with their needs. Similarly, every nation and person has their viewpoints and requirements on a global scale. By nurturing compassion, we can bridge these differences and discover common ground. By cultivating compassion and understanding, we can address global challenges together. This means acknowledging the various internal 'parts' that make up our global society and respecting their unique needs. Compassion enables constructive, empathetic discussions and cooperation to create a better world.

Currently reading The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Dideon, about her journey of grief after losing her husband John Dunne. Beautifully observed and very readable too. I have just finished the...

Currently reading The Year of Magical Thinking, by Joan Dideon, about her journey of grief after losing her husband John Dunne. Beautifully observed and very readable too. I have just finished the Neapolitan Quartet, four books by Elena Ferrante. It is a compelling and epic story of friendship between Lila and Lenu. Anything written by the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh uplifts and inspires me.

I love Leonard Cohen. There's a man who's explored his limits and wrestled with actualising his spirit. Recently I watched Where the Wild Things Are' with my kids. It's all there in that film -...

I love Leonard Cohen. There's a man who's explored his limits and wrestled with actualising his spirit. Recently I watched Where the Wild Things Are' with my kids. It's all there in that film - relationships, trying to follow your spirit, constraints and obligations, connection and intimacy. It's imperfect but it's authentic.

There are many books, films, songs, events and works of art that have inspired me and on a daily basis, new ones that inspire me. I am also constantly inspired by people, many of whom would not...

There are many books, films, songs, events and works of art that have inspired me and on a daily basis, new ones that inspire me. I am also constantly inspired by people, many of whom would not consider themselves to be inspirational, who are struggling to eke out an existence, overcoming adversity and who exhibit incredible courage battling illness and difficult challenges that life throws them. Perhaps the most significant piece of writing that inspired me, was one of my textbooks from my training, Robert Karen's “Becoming Attached - First Relationships and How They Shape the Capacity to Love” (1988). The title of this book unseated a deep inexplicable fear in me, which manifested itself in a reluctance to even open the cover of the book, followed by procrastination over reading it. Once I forced myself to read it (I had to, as it was compulsory reading as part of my training), I began to gain an understanding of what my fear was about and to work through it. The book provides an excellent summary of the history of Attachment Theory and the significant impact of early attachment history on a person's ability throughout life, not only to love, but to handle difficulties or even crises in their lives.

The Shaman's Body by Arnold Mindell

The Shaman's Body by Arnold Mindell

The six pillars of self esteem (and other works) by Nathaniel Branden (book) Any painting by Van Gogh Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (song)

The six pillars of self esteem (and other works) by Nathaniel Branden (book) Any painting by Van Gogh Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (song)

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

Certainly, books can be incredibly inspiring. Here are a few that have had a profound impact on me: The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel, and The Body...

Certainly, books can be incredibly inspiring. Here are a few that have had a profound impact on me: The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel, and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. These works explore various aspects of human psychology and well-being, offering valuable insights and perspectives.

There are so many! I'm inspired 'in the moment'. I would rather experience a moment of inspiration, or awe, than hold one or two things that I consider the inspiration. There is much in the world to...

There are so many! I'm inspired 'in the moment'. I would rather experience a moment of inspiration, or awe, than hold one or two things that I consider the inspiration. There is much in the world to be inspired by: the Northern Lights; sunrises; moments between friends or lovers or animals; serendipitous discoveries; a piece of music which makes my feelings soar; an unexpected short poem which captures the essence of something I haven't been able to articulate; feeling my own heartbeat; too many things to mention in 200 words. But despite what I have said in Qu 9, the world can be a beautiful and inspiring place. Just look at those pictures of Earth taken from space. Miraculous.