Can your sensory profile affect your mental health?
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.
Strengthening self-love: understand your sensory preferences
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.
Is dementia a disease of the brain - and not the soul?
How can you communicate with someone living with cognitive impairment in a way that benefits both you and them? Dr. Rayne Stroebel clarifies the World Health Organisation’s view that the consciousness of individuals with dementia is never lost. He offers practical pointers for being deeply present and caring in a relational way, suited to family members as well as caregivers.
The Enneagram for couples: understand yourself and your beloved
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.
A good-enough dad against the background of Western society
Clinical psychologist Jeffrey Rink emphasises the concept of a “good-enough” dad and considers what a “good-enough” society would look like. Which elements should our society address? Can spirituality significantly contribute to easing fathers’ role, and also assist in a broader societal context? And what about psychotherapy? Join Jeffrey in his probing of these profound questions.
How to slow down ageing: Blue Zones and nutrigenomics
What’s the secret behind the healthy centenarians of the Blue Zone areas? Functional medicine health coach Anita Hamilton-Williams discusses connectivity, natural movement, down-shifting, a diet rich in bio-actives and other factors contributing to these individuals’ well-being. Her practical tips can help you incorporate some of these habits into your life.
Three moms: “This helps me stay sane”
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.
Postnatal depression: when to get help
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.
Inside information: the way men view relationships
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.
How to communicate with your teenager
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.
My son has diabetes: our low-carb lifestyle
Discovering that your child has Type-1 diabetes is traumatic. Knowing that a coma may be fatal, making optimal, sustainable lifestyle changes, and successfully managing your child’s school and social life creates constant stress. Food writer Vickie de Beer shares what this path has taught her, and how the advantages of a low-carb lifestyle inspired her to write best-selling cookbooks.
Affairs: why they happen and how they can be addressed
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.
How to manage conflict in your personal relationships
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.
Are YOU an empath?
Do you feel others’ emotions in your body? Are you sometimes called “too sensitive”? Master transformation coach Liezl Thom explains how this gift can become a curse – but that awareness of what’s going on, realising that you can choose not to experience others’ feelings, and learning how to close yourself off when necessary will transform you into an empowered empath.
Caregivers: prioritising yourself while caring for others
Individuals caring for a loved one or someone with a challenging condition often neglect their own well-being. This can result in exhaustion on top of experiencing fear, anxiety and even guilt. Caregiver advocate Meriam Boldewijn explains how a simple self-care system can help caregivers regain their balance and realise that they are “worthy of a wonderful life too.”
Sexual etiquette: 10 dos and don’ts in the bedroom
What should you bear in mind when making love? Dr. Elna Rudolph, medical doctor and sexologist, reveals ten rules for sexual etiquette.
The beneficial role of mediation in schools
Sas Otto, accredited mediator and experienced educator, explains how mediation or alternative dispute resolution can be used in schools to resolve conflict creatively and effectively. It can be used in a variety of cases, including disciplinary problems and disputes resulting from peer pressure, bullying or abuse. Sas clarifies the ground rules, principles, advantages, duration and cost of mediation and shows how mediation can take hands with restorative justice, which relies on reconciliation rather than punishment.
Divorce mediation: how it works and why it’s a good choice
Couples who are getting divorced needn’t go to court. Laurie Greyvenstein, accredited family mediator, clarifies mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR). He points out why divorce mediation is much cheaper, faster and more flexible, and explains concepts such as maintenance, parenting plans, and the voice of the child.
Pregnant? The story behind the app that could become your best friend
“My Pregnancy Journey” is a comprehensive educational – and beautiful - mobile app focused on South Africa and the African continent, created by Jacqui Rogers. Aimed at smoothing the ride for moms to be and changing the distressing birth stats prevalent in many developing countries, it has won both local and international awards. Jacqui talks about developing the app, its features, its affordability, the scope for expansion - and how it has changed her life.
Women and sexually transmitted infections: dealing with stigma and shame
Being sexually active can lead to contracting an STI. Dr. Jireh Serfontein, medical doctor and sexologist, talks about common sexually transmitted infections, their symptoms, testing, treatment and the effect on one’s health and intimate relationship. She discusses the management of shame, stigma and “STI phobia”.