Navigating the metaphorical path of life with its challenges requires a growth mindset, grit, the necessary support, and hope. Regaling us with captivating stories, counselling psychologist Karin Steyn offers practical tools & tips and encourages us to “fail forward.”

Do you struggle with making, keeping, spending or investing money? Wealth matrix mentor Farhana Goga explains how knowing your money blueprint can free you from guilt and shame, and how “doing the work” can heal money-related trauma, dissolve anxiety and fear, and empower you to attain financial freedom. Sponsored content.

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.

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.

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.

Do you need to be immersed in nature - yay or nay? Positive psychology coach Erica Terblanche tells us what science says about nature restoration, shares her deep involvement with nature as an endurance athlete, and tells mesmerising tales about kayaking with small groups in Greece. Discover a fresh approach to challenge, transformation and agency.

Positive psychology coach Erica Terblanche explains how to integrate scientifically proven building blocks of happiness into your life – including practising micro moments of connection, setting worthwhile goals, and discovering what you mean to others. Drawing from her remarkable experience as an international endurance athlete, Erica offers her personal insights into high performance, resilience and thriving.    

Clinical psychologist Jeffrey Rink explains how clinical hypnosis fits into the broader psychotherapeutic context. He discusses the definition of this form of hypnosis, its function, benefits, how it affects the body and brain, and how it relates to meditation.

Are you part of the 10% of the population experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder? Being traumatised can affect us in disturbing ways. Counselling psychologist Heinrich Benjamin defines trauma and highlights its causes, how it can be recognised, and how it is diagnosed. He focuses on the advantages of the successful use of BrainWorking Recursive Therapy in the treatment of PTSD and offers practical examples of life-changing results.

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.

Clinical psychologist Jeffrey Rink’s love of psychotherapy, nature, traditional African culture, symbolism and meditation come together in his intimate wilderness retreats. Don’t miss his stories about the mopani trees, elephant dung and termitaria – they inform and delight! Jeffrey explains what Ecopsychology is, how a sense of humour features on Ecopsychology Africa retreats, and how meaningful personal transformation takes place.

Losing a loved one has always been hard, but the pandemic has led to people dying alone in hospital, impacted on funerals, and contributed to a lack of closure in those left behind. Clinical psychologist Rafiq Lockhat describes how bereavement entails shock, functioning on autopilot, grappling with anger, sadness and guilt, and negotiating the readjustment phase. He explains how BrainWorking® Recursive Therapy can relieve intense pain in the case of normal as well as complicated grief.

Sensitive content: suicide is mentioned. Sponsored content.

When you survive a life-threatening situation, pandemic or other trauma during which someone else suffered or died, you may be overcome by guilt. This is commonly known as “survivor’s guilt”. Specialist psychiatrist Dr Kerryn Armstrong talks about “Covid-19 survivor’s guilt”, possible causes, signs, treatment, and its relationship to post-traumatic stress disorder. She offers practical strategies for coping and regaining your trust in yourself and the world.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a stressful condition that can become chronic if left untreated. Prof. Christine Lochner talks about the symptoms and causes of OCD, and how it is diagnosed and treated. She invites South Africans to participate in a voluntary, cost-free OCD study conducted in Cape Town and explains who may be included.

Educational psychologist Hannelie Spies explains how she supports teenagers and university students with ADHD by helping them improve their Executive Functioning, and by using BWRT® to address the emotional challenges caused by living with ADHD. These traumas include being misunderstood, bullying, low self-worth, anger issues, depression, and general, social or exam anxiety. Case studies illustrate the efficacy of this parallel approach.

A chronic illness like bipolar disorder can place heavy demands on a love relationship. Clinical social worker Sandy Lewis talks candidly about the emotional, financial and other realities of living with bipolar disorder. She offers advice on how to allow your partner to remain independent, provide the right kind of support while maintaining your own balance, communicate effectively, and let others in on the “secret”.