Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

There are so many - where do I start! I know that all I can do is do the best I can on any given day and hope I can be that candle in the darkness for my clients when they need it most...so we can...

There are so many - where do I start! I know that all I can do is do the best I can on any given day and hope I can be that candle in the darkness for my clients when they need it most...so we can walk out of the darkness together and they continue their journey with a new sense of hope and inspiration.

One of the big challenges we're facing today is this kind of paradox. On one hand, technology has us more connected than ever, but it's also left a lot of people feeling isolated and disconnected....

One of the big challenges we're facing today is this kind of paradox. On one hand, technology has us more connected than ever, but it's also left a lot of people feeling isolated and disconnected. We've shifted from in-person relationships to virtual ones, and that's brought some real challenges, especially when it comes to making those genuine, meaningful connections. Plus, because we're always plugged in, it can be really tough to give our full attention to the person right in front of us when they need it most. And constant connectivity also make it difficult to truly listen. With all the distractions around us, it's easy to just skim the surface of conversations instead of really engaging and listening deeply. That's why we need to practice active and empathetic listening to foster more meaningful connections.

I think that the most significant problem that we face in the world today is the lack of care for our mother Earth. I think that this political, and institutional lack of care is having, and will have...

I think that the most significant problem that we face in the world today is the lack of care for our mother Earth. I think that this political, and institutional lack of care is having, and will have massive negative effects now and into the future.

A lack of self compassion, lack of self acceptance and too much focus on bolstering self esteem and outer achievement has sadly affected our capacity to connect to others, to give and receive love and...

A lack of self compassion, lack of self acceptance and too much focus on bolstering self esteem and outer achievement has sadly affected our capacity to connect to others, to give and receive love and feel fulfilled. Another concern I share with many is our disconnection from the Mother Earth and from what sustains us - leading to more harm and sadly, more disconnection.

I feel that there are many problems in the world today. The largest challenge I see is staying connected - with each other, with community, and globally. We have the world at our fingertips with...

I feel that there are many problems in the world today. The largest challenge I see is staying connected - with each other, with community, and globally. We have the world at our fingertips with technology, but strangely feel less connected. Loneliness is becoming an enormous issue in all ages and world-wide.

Being too busy to understand and listen to those around us

Being too busy to understand and listen to those around us

Interpersonal trauma.

Interpersonal trauma.

Where do I start!? The world is facing so many challenges, but at the heart of it, I believe the most significant problem we face is disconnection ... disconnection from ourselves, from each other,...

Where do I start!? The world is facing so many challenges, but at the heart of it, I believe the most significant problem we face is disconnection ... disconnection from ourselves, from each other, and from the natural world. We are more 'connected' than ever through technology, yet loneliness, isolation, and misunderstanding are everywhere. People are struggling with unresolved trauma, cycles of pain, and societal pressures that tell them to suppress rather than process. Instead of fostering deeper connection, we often turn to distractions, avoidance, or unhealthy coping mechanisms. If we could truly see and hear one another, without judgment, without fear - I believe so much healing could begin.

I think that the toxicity of some social and mainstream media and how that's impacting people to view the world in more binary ways (us versus them) is a real problem that can lead many to view life...

I think that the toxicity of some social and mainstream media and how that's impacting people to view the world in more binary ways (us versus them) is a real problem that can lead many to view life more negatively than is healthy. It also helps alienate people and reduce their healthy social experiences. However, there is so much evidence showing that a poor social life and loneliness leads to very poor health outcomes including degenerative diseases such as dementia.

Great question, with many answers. For me, I see one of the most significant problems we face is a lack of connection. In so many ways humans have become disconnected from ourselves, each other,...

Great question, with many answers. For me, I see one of the most significant problems we face is a lack of connection. In so many ways humans have become disconnected from ourselves, each other, nature, meaningful work, purpose, and spirituality. If we look at the root causes of dis-ease both emotional and physical I think the disconnection we feel in these areas of our lives is an important factor we need to address.

The time that we have on this planet is quite short. We could choose to be a little kinder to each other while we are here. I believe that a lot of the world's problems could be reduced simply by...

The time that we have on this planet is quite short. We could choose to be a little kinder to each other while we are here. I believe that a lot of the world's problems could be reduced simply by caring well for our families.

The most significant problem we face is probably climate change, however, I think we are thwarted from facing the challenge largely due to the disconnected individualism of the West. I think we need...

The most significant problem we face is probably climate change, however, I think we are thwarted from facing the challenge largely due to the disconnected individualism of the West. I think we need to find ways to relate to others from all walks of life and all political agendas. I think when we really understand another with cultivated empathy and care we can share their plight, and others can share ours.

The media.

The media.

Lack of supportive community. I think the individualistic culture is a huge problem and so many of our difficulties stem from lack of mature, capable community.

Lack of supportive community. I think the individualistic culture is a huge problem and so many of our difficulties stem from lack of mature, capable community.

Disconnectivity and obsession with thoughts.

Disconnectivity and obsession with thoughts.

Information overload provided by the insistent and ongoing access through social media and technology - we need to learn to switch off technology, get back to basics... smell the air, feel the...

Information overload provided by the insistent and ongoing access through social media and technology - we need to learn to switch off technology, get back to basics... smell the air, feel the water... don't just throw down your cup of coffee... be in the moment! Hold that warm cup, smell the aroma, really take in that first sip, the second and just be.... we need to learn to be present.

That despite all our advances in technology, our lives are as busy and chaotic as ever! We are expected to take on too many roles and give too much of ourselves... there are just so many people who...

That despite all our advances in technology, our lives are as busy and chaotic as ever! We are expected to take on too many roles and give too much of ourselves... there are just so many people who are burning out due to the pace at which society expects us all to live. We all deserve to pause and rest at times. Balance is crucial.

The current stressors that most people are under stemming from the current cost of living crisis is definitely up there.

The current stressors that most people are under stemming from the current cost of living crisis is definitely up there.

Loneliness and lack of safe and secure connection with others.

Loneliness and lack of safe and secure connection with others.

Disconnection with nature and all it has to offer.

Disconnection with nature and all it has to offer.

One of the most significant problems we face in the world today is the overwhelming pace of life and the unrealistic expectation to have everything together at all times. Constant messages from...

One of the most significant problems we face in the world today is the overwhelming pace of life and the unrealistic expectation to have everything together at all times. Constant messages from various sources bombard us, suggesting that we're not enough as we are. This pressure to meet unrealistic standards can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy. It's crucial for us to challenge these societal norms and cultivate a culture of acceptance, self-compassion, and authenticity.

Isolation. I do wonder if its easy to feel disconnected. I specialise in helping everyone to understand how they are responding to their circumstances or experiences or situation in life and feel more...

Isolation. I do wonder if its easy to feel disconnected. I specialise in helping everyone to understand how they are responding to their circumstances or experiences or situation in life and feel more in control.

Changing environments and the effect they have on our thought spirit and all.

Changing environments and the effect they have on our thought spirit and all.

This is a difficult question to answer. But here are some thoughts. Life is mysterious and complex. There are both breathtaking and devastating facets of life in both our inner and outer worlds. We...

This is a difficult question to answer. But here are some thoughts. Life is mysterious and complex. There are both breathtaking and devastating facets of life in both our inner and outer worlds. We have to deal with all of these. Often life twists and turns unexpectedly. I'm focussed on how we deal with the process of meeting challenges in life as well as specific problems. If pressed I would say that in the outer world environmental degradation and climate change, and discrimination be it racial, gender, religious or other forms would be topics that concern me a lot.

Managing the busyness without going crazy!!!!! COVID is a real challenge and is affecting people's sense of peace, creating anxiety and depression.

Managing the busyness without going crazy!!!!! COVID is a real challenge and is affecting people's sense of peace, creating anxiety and depression.

Connectedness. I answer this question quite quickly, as it's a theme I can see recurring through many realms of my work. In this age of social media, digital demands, complex family dynamics and a...

Connectedness. I answer this question quite quickly, as it's a theme I can see recurring through many realms of my work. In this age of social media, digital demands, complex family dynamics and a shifting workplace culture, the ability for people, couples, families to truly connect is under more pressure then ever. When someone feels isolated, disconnected from support networks, family/friends or just that no one 'has your back', the feeling can be tremendously confronting and overwhelming. A real focus of my work is about 'bringing people back from that sense of isolation and being disconnected. Addressing the sense of isolation that Facebook, 24/7 work demands, smart phones, geographical pressures or poor communication can bring. I believe the demands of 21st century careers and technology have added a pressure and weight that is having real consequences and outcomes on relationships.

People today sometimes lose sight of the important things in life by focusing on the material things instead of the all important connection with family, love and friendship, as well as demonstrating...

People today sometimes lose sight of the important things in life by focusing on the material things instead of the all important connection with family, love and friendship, as well as demonstrating their resilience in always having hope for tomorrow.

People can have a tendency to be so mentally identified, they can disconnect from their natural being. I would place this as a root contender for pathology.

People can have a tendency to be so mentally identified, they can disconnect from their natural being. I would place this as a root contender for pathology.

Prioritising economics over environmental safety and social wellbeing

Prioritising economics over environmental safety and social wellbeing

Self-Awareness Communication (effective communication is based in self-awareness) Compassion (also based in self-awareness and self-compassion)

Self-Awareness Communication (effective communication is based in self-awareness) Compassion (also based in self-awareness and self-compassion)

Greed for money, power, status and the delayed care for our environment and fellow human beings.

Greed for money, power, status and the delayed care for our environment and fellow human beings.

Secure attachments, and difficulties in relationships, as people are more distracted these days by TV and mobile phones. There is a lack of connection within the family home.

Secure attachments, and difficulties in relationships, as people are more distracted these days by TV and mobile phones. There is a lack of connection within the family home.

I think one of the most significant problems is disconnection with each other due to the use of technologies, that can be quite addictive. As with everything else though, technology can be used for...

I think one of the most significant problems is disconnection with each other due to the use of technologies, that can be quite addictive. As with everything else though, technology can be used for both positive and negative outcomes - it is a wonderful way to maintain connection through a pandemic such as the recent and ongoing COVID-19. Another issue we face is the backlash to more individual freedoms, and there has been an increase in racism, homophobia and transphobia in recent times; so advocacy for social change is important.

Isolation and disconnection within our relationships.

Isolation and disconnection within our relationships.