Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

The God of Small Things- Arundhati Roy

The God of Small Things- Arundhati Roy

Musically, I am a fan of John Darnielle (of the Mountain Goats) and Mark Oliver Everett, among others. They share an appreciation for all kinds of human experience that I find inspiring. I enjoy...

Musically, I am a fan of John Darnielle (of the Mountain Goats) and Mark Oliver Everett, among others. They share an appreciation for all kinds of human experience that I find inspiring. I enjoy reading binges when I find myself with spare time, and if I can name one author who stands out, Dave Eggars is the one that comes to mind. He writes insightful fiction that makes me think in new ways, and biographical stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, in a very down to earth way. I couldn't choose just one of those stories that inspires me.

One of the best books I have read recently is called “Stepping out of self deception by Rodney Smith. My favourite song is “It's a wonderful world” which can work as a loving...

One of the best books I have read recently is called “Stepping out of self deception by Rodney Smith. My favourite song is “It's a wonderful world” which can work as a loving kindness meditation.

Vital Lies, Simple truths. Daniel Goleman When I read this something clicked and I had a ‘I got it moment’. Always look for what the mind clings too.

Vital Lies, Simple truths. Daniel Goleman When I read this something clicked and I had a ‘I got it moment’. Always look for what the mind clings too.

Too many to mention, films from art like Kubrick , Fellini and Coppola's work to more pop culture films with some depth like the Wachowskis Matrix. ( I had another lifetime as a film student and...

Too many to mention, films from art like Kubrick , Fellini and Coppola's work to more pop culture films with some depth like the Wachowskis Matrix. ( I had another lifetime as a film student and wannabee filmmaker...) I also love Van Gogh's paintings.

The things which have inspired me and continue to do so are many and varied: • Victor Frankl's book, “Man's Search for Meaning” given to me by my father • My father's letters...

The things which have inspired me and continue to do so are many and varied: • Victor Frankl's book, “Man's Search for Meaning” given to me by my father • My father's letters to me and the wisdom of his writings • The films, “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” (early1970s), “Easy Rider”, “WoodStock” (late1960s) and As it is in Heaven (2003) • Watching Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev dance Swan Lake and Giselle • Leonard Cohen singing Bird on a Wire” and “Hallelujah”

Have you checked out Maree Davidson's art, she uses smiling animals and encapsulates a cartoon style. I have many in my home, particularly above the toilet to make visitors smile. My favourite...

Have you checked out Maree Davidson's art, she uses smiling animals and encapsulates a cartoon style. I have many in my home, particularly above the toilet to make visitors smile. My favourite theme of movies are psychological, war and true stories. Love stories and comedies are too superficial for me, I like to philosophise afterwards.

No bad parts - Richard Schwartz

No bad parts - Richard Schwartz

The song Good Riddance (by Greenday) Part of the lyrics: So make the best of this test And don't ask why It's not a question But a lesson learned in time It's something unpredictable But in...

The song Good Riddance (by Greenday) Part of the lyrics: So make the best of this test And don't ask why It's not a question But a lesson learned in time It's something unpredictable But in the end it's right I hope you had the time of your life

Books Mindsight and Parenting from the inside out by Daniel J. Siegel Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Books Mindsight and Parenting from the inside out by Daniel J. Siegel Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Hope inspires me. In my first year working as a counsellor - it was the look on a clients face when they came to a place of understanding from a 'feeling' level, what letting go of trying to control...

Hope inspires me. In my first year working as a counsellor - it was the look on a clients face when they came to a place of understanding from a 'feeling' level, what letting go of trying to control another adult would actually mean for them. It was like watching the lights come on, realisation, relief, joy, tears and hope. Being witness to another person experiencing real hope, is truly inspiring.

Brene Brown, I love all of her books and my most recent book that was not work related was The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, the true story of a very inspirational woman.

Brene Brown, I love all of her books and my most recent book that was not work related was The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, the true story of a very inspirational woman.

I recently re-read Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, In terms of therapy, Yalom's The Schopenhauer Cure has enthused me to return to group therapy work.

I recently re-read Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, In terms of therapy, Yalom's The Schopenhauer Cure has enthused me to return to group therapy work.

I am a really big fan of the 90's English band Blur and the song 'Tender' has always inspired me. If you look at the lyrics you can probably guess why (I need to find someone to heal my mind). This...

I am a really big fan of the 90's English band Blur and the song 'Tender' has always inspired me. If you look at the lyrics you can probably guess why (I need to find someone to heal my mind). This is the song that calms my mind.