Too many balls in the air? Clinical psychologist Dr Colinda Linde shares how being diagnosed with cancer shortly after the birth of her twins inspired her to come up with a plan for the many demands moms face. She introduces her guide for managing work-life balance, relationships - and guilt.

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.

Are you getting enough sleep? Clinical and neuropsychologist Mark Eaton considers possible causes of sleep deprivation, including anxiety, traumas associated with sleeping, and disorders such as sleep apnoea. He explains how sleep challenges may affect us physically, psychologically, socially and cognitively and suggests interventions - notably the fast-working BrainWorking Recursive Therapy which can address challenges on 3 levels. Sponsored content.

With heart-wrenching honesty Jawaahier Petersen recalls the murder of her father, the music icon Taliep Petersen. She describes how the trauma started with an earlier attempt on his life, the loss and betrayal she and her siblings experienced, and how she suffered from depression and panic attacks. In her mid-thirties, Jawaahier finds herself back in therapy. She urges all who need help to seek it, since the bravest way to create your life script is by “holding your own pen.”

Carrying excess weight - especially abdominal fat - could point to elevated cortisol levels. Naturopathic doctor Faryal Luhar discusses possible causes and how cortisol surges affect our physical and mental health. She outlines the role of hormones like DHEA, testosterone, leptin, and ghrelin, and offers practical advice on how to regain and maintain healthy cortisol levels. Sponsored content.

Since there’s no cure for Tourette Syndrome, where does one find hope? Transformational coach Cherona Dannhauser shares valuable insights from journeying with Luke (17), such as addressing co-occurring conditions, identifying internal and external triggers, and exploring strategies to navigate motor and vocal tics. Understanding this neurodevelopmental disorder is key to emotional balance and constructive self-advocacy.

Does a phobia – perhaps a fear of flying, dogs, or public speaking – stifle your love of life? Do you feel embarrassed, since you know this overwhelming fear is irrational? Actually, your reaction is caused by a problematic neural pathway and can effectively be treated by BWRT®. Read more about this neuroscience-based psychological model, simple versus complex phobias, and Terence Watts’ invaluable BWRT self-help guide.

How would your life change if you could genuinely accept your inner world and align your actions with what matters to you? Counselling psychologist Bertus Swanepoel introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an evidence-based model focused on behaviour change. ACT addresses anxiety, mood disorders, chronic pain, overeating and other challenges by helping individuals strengthen their sense of self, develop psychological flexibility and take targeted action.

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.

Counselling psychologist Doreen Hofmeyr explains how BrainWorking® Recursive Therapy Level 3 targets the psychological aspects and underpinnings of physiological conditions like fibromyalgia. She discusses BWRT Level 1, 2 and 3; how fight/flight triggers are deactivated to create desired responses; and how Level 3 work accomplishes emotional relief and the best possible health outcome.

How have individuals with OCD been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic? Prof. Christine Lochner discusses global research findings regarding the prevalence rates, severity and the risk factors – including being single, a student or having sleep disturbances. Interesting: certain OCD symptoms may have developed to ensure the survival of our ancestors… Learn how to best manage a mental health condition during a pandemic.

Many parents, caregivers and young children are feeling stressed out, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Mari Payne, involved in Takalani Sesame, explains how adults can recognise overwhelming feelings in kids and support them; what is necessary for children to thrive; and why self-care for adults is so important. She offers easy and practical tips for calming down a child – and yourself!

Finding talking to your teen an uphill battle? Psychologist, coach and dad Hennie Vorster throws light on the development of adolescents’ logical-rational faculties, the power of their emotions, the world they inhabit, and why so many struggle with anxiety. He advises listening for emotion, guiding teens to focus on what is in their control, and using choices and consequences as parenting tools.

Experiencing anxiety is not a “choice”. One in four people has genetics for disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Clinical psychologist Dr. Colinda Linde clarifies these conditions, their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, including medication and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: a collaborative, research-based intervention.

Some time ago, Clive Vanderwagen felt he didn’t want to live anymore. Three weeks in a psychiatric hospital led to a marked mind-shift, followed by far-reaching career and lifestyle changes. Listen to Clive’s sincere account of re-framing challenges such as his mother’s suicide when he was a young boy; simple habits which nourish his mental and physical health; and the one-line plan that directs his life.

Can one learn to be happy? Absolutely, says personal transformation specialist Angela Hardy. The key lies in understanding how our minds create our feelings. Along with clarifying the working of the brain, the importance of being aware of our thoughts and of relaxing the body, Angela offers practical tips to help us live a more joyful life.

Personal transformation specialist Angela Hardy demonstrates that unconditional self-love is, in fact, possible. She explains why striving to be a better person is counter-productive, how knowing the nature of the mind can change one’s approach, and that self-sabotage programs can be cleared to allow for genuine and lasting acceptance of oneself and others.

Dr. Helene van Diemen discusses the advantages of effective communication between body, mind and soul, what gets in the way of understanding our inner workings, and how unresolved emotional issues relate to disease. She offers practical tips on listening to our body and trusting our intuition, and clarifies the Core Regeneration healing method.

Dr. Carel-Piet van Eeden, integrative practitioner, Catholic priest and independent Reiki Master from Johannesburg, explains what Reiki is, where it originated, how it works, what experiencing it feels like, and how it relates to the laying on of hands.

Clinical psychologist Heleen Loubser explains how trauma and chronic stress affect the body, contributing not only to emotional problems but also to physical health conditions. She discusses the fight/flight/freeze response, what happens when a survival response cannot be completed, and which symptoms may follow. Heleen shows how these adverse effects can be addressed by means of body-based therapies such as SE, TRE, EMDR, EMI, BWRT and hypnotherapy.