Does hyper- or hyposensitivity cause you to feel overwhelmed or under-stimulated in environments others may find normal? Psychologist Luricka Fick considers whether mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety and risk-taking behaviour, may point to sensory integration issues. She discusses the role dopamine plays in over- and under-responsiveness, and the benefits of a sensory integration assessment.

Al meer mans en vroue besluit om nie kinders te hê nie. Wat vuur hierdie besluit aan, hoe behoort dit geneem te word, en watter gevolge kan dit hê?

Is your natural inclination visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic? How can you apply this knowledge to deepen your connection with others – and, most importantly, with yourself? Human development specialist Dr Melodie de Jager explores our sensory systems and preferences, offering practical tips on increasing our awareness, enhancing self-care, and even choosing spot-on gifts.   

In sunny South Africa the festive season is associated with candles bending in the heat, al fresco dinners, splashing about in pools and spectacular sunsets. Wherever you happen to be, you’re welcome to keep my platform company while I’m taking time off till 9 January!

Kies mense hul seksuele oriëntasie? Watter 4 fasette behels seksuele identiteit? Pastorale narratiewe terapeut dr. Marietjie van Loggerenberg belig wetenskaplike navorsing wat epigenetika insluit, seksuele vloeibaarheid en die uitsluiting van gay, transgender, interseks en ander mense - onder meer in ‘n geloofskonteks.

Palliative care nursing sister Cherry Armstrong’s “Cancer: navigating the journey” helps cancer patients and their loved ones face this challenge, from the time of diagnosis to remission or terminal stages. Cherry addresses common questions and fears, treatments, side effects, medical aids, nutrition, complementary therapies, caring for a loved one, and what to say and do. Cherry speaks from experience - and from the heart. Sponsored content.

In an intimate relationship, different viewpoints create stress and conflict. By illuminating each partner’s key motivational drive, the Enneagram provides clarity which – used mindfully – supports self-awareness and liberates one’s partner from unrealistic expectations. Transformation coach Renier Cronje explains how accepting and normalising each partner’s survival fears can strengthen a relationship and provide a gateway to love.

While we love our children deeply, parenting is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Three moms share their views of the challenges and joys of motherhood and offer practical insights, coping ideas and strategies.

Clinical sexologist Catriona Boffard discusses the most important sex organ, the brain: its role in arousal, why the mind and the body aren’t always on the same page, common misconceptions regarding sexual intimacy, and the importance of feeling safe. She clarifies the dual control model, false versus realistic expectations, and using your mind to heighten your sexual enjoyment. Sensitive content: intended for adult listeners.

Prospective parents often find decisions regarding birth route, birth care provider, caring for a newborn, etc. daunting. BabyGym Institute programme director and childbirth educator Cozette Laubser offers guidance on being ready for parenthood, financial concerns, choosing experts wisely, babies’ brain development, skin-to-skin contact, practical decision making, and reducing the stress parenthood brings.

Many menopausal and perimenopausal women lack down-to-earth support. Functional medicine health coach Anita Hamilton-Williams explains which hormonal and other changes trigger certain symptoms. She discusses practical solutions - including targeted nutrition - from a holistic and bio-individual viewpoint, bearing in mind the role of stress. Most of all, Anita offers support in affecting these changes step by step.

South Africa is one of the 5 countries with the highest postpartum depression rates worldwide. The stigma attached to this condition makes it hard for new moms to admit they’re not coping. Counselling psychologist Luricka Fick discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of postnatal depression, the question of “fantasy versus reality”, and sensible steps a mom or her loved ones should take.

Hoewel versuim om onderhoud te betaal ‘n kriminele oortreding is, ontvang talle primêre versorgers nie die onderhoud wat hulle of hul kinders toekom nie. ‘n Nuwe inisiatief verhoed dat onderhoudwanbetalers voortgaan om krediet te ontvang terwyl hulle onderhoud verskuldig is – en ‘n nuwe toep help geskeide ouers om misverstande en konflik te beperk. (Hierdie artikel het in die Februarie 2023-uitgawe van ‘rooi rose’ verskyn.)

Men and women are wired differently. Psychologist and former serial killer profiler Dr. Micki Pistorius’ insights into the male psyche are arresting. She describes men as heroes and warriors. How do men view emotions, dating, female friends and marriage? What are their strongest drives and deepest fear? How does one best communicate with a man? Dr. Pistorius’ book, “Heroes”, offers answers that every woman should note.

Understanding the differences in the way men and women communicate, can ease life at work and at home. Through her science-backed work, body language expert Tania Steyn reconnects people with their “primary language” by increasing self-awareness. She points out dissimilarities between the sexes’ communication styles, and non-verbal behaviour traps women can avoid to develop leadership presence. Learn more about lunch chasers, fire gazers and nest builders, and why you shouldn’t cross your arms in the workplace.

Business & executive coach Dawn Klatzko discusses the objectives of coaching, the importance of a chemistry check, and how coaches use profiling instruments to help their clients achieve their goals. She illuminates the neuroscience-based Mind Dynamix Profile Instrument, explaining why our “experts” power down during stress and how Mind Moves tap into neuroplasticity.

Can childhood trauma cause infidelity? Which patterns are involved in the unravelling of a love relationship? Counselling psychologist Dr. Ingrid Artus clarifies what happens emotionally and physiologically, the effect of betrayal, dealing with trauma, and affairs as a possible form of addiction. She offers the antidotes to criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling.

None of us is immune to relationship fallouts. Counselling psychologist Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling clarifies what conflict entails, its purpose, causes and effects, and explains what happens in your body during a quarrel. She recommends rules for fair fighting and reveals the secret behind handling disagreements really well.  

Occupational therapist Tanya Muir sheds light on sleep problems encountered by parents, babies and young kids. Combining evidence-based solutions with her experience as a mom, Tanya explains how sleep deprivation can affect caregivers’ physical and mental health, weight loss after pregnancy, and love relationships. She offers practical interventions for getting better sleep all round.

Seksuele molestering en verkragting is algemener as wat ons dink en die oortreders is dikwels vertrouelinge. Pastorale narratiewe terapeut dr. Marietjie van Loggerenberg praat deernisvol oor die gepaardgaande trauma, misplaaste skaamte en skuldgevoelens, en geheimhouding. Sy verduidelik hoe seksuele misbruik in narratiewe terapie benader word: jy kán jou beperkende identiteitsverhaal herskryf. Sensitiewe inhoud, vir volwasse luisteraars bedoel.