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.

Neurofeedback practitioner Lize Maritz explains how EEG biofeedback rewires imbalances in clients’ brain waves for optimal functioning. She describes examples of health issues that can be addressed, how performance can be optimised, why Brain Harmonics is completely safe, and what clients can expect from assessment and brain training.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Elisa Mecco discusses the definition of bipolar disorder, its subtypes, possible causes, symptoms and treatment. She describes the success she sees in her practice applying BrainWorking® Recursive Therapy and offers advice to the loved ones of individuals with bipolar disorder. Elisa considers it possible to live a fully independent life as long as this mood disorder is managed efficiently.
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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.

Even before the worldwide pandemic, burnout took on epidemic proportions. Now – on top of that – we are experiencing Covid fatigue. Master coach Judy Klipin explains how to identify Covid fatigue and offers practical tools and self-care strategies to help our bodies and minds rest and recharge, benefit our relationships, and optimise our performance at work.

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.

Social worker Annette de la Porte shares the heart-rending story of her husband’s chronic depression, which lasted for 35 years and ended in self-death. She freely speaks about living with André’s depression and the possibility of self-death, finally losing him in May 2020. Annette shares the depth of her grief and explains how faith and Emotional Logic, a practical tool for befriending our emotions, have helped her cope and grow.  

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”.

Daryl Brown survived a suicide attempt but lost his legs. In spite of this, he now has a fulfilled life. Daryl shares his struggle with depression, the conflict between his spirituality and sexuality, bullying, and isolation. Although he knows what it’s like to have no hope left, he has found ways to overcome physical and mental health challenges. This is a story of the power of the human spirit.

It may be unconventional, but Brainworking® Recursive Therapy is rapidly gaining ground. Clinical psychologist Rafiq Lockhat tells podcast host Mariette Snyman how it originated, how it works, what its advantages are and to which conditions – from phobias to eating disorders and substance abuse – it can be applied.

Who would have thought that being kind has scientifically proven benefits? In “The five side-effects of kindness” Dr. David Hamilton describes how the brain, heart and immune system benefit from their owner’s kind thoughts and actions. In fact, kindness kan relieve depression, slow the ageing process and strengthen relationships. Experiment with these practical guidelines to enhance your life on different levels – they’re free!

Although some never make it known, at least one in ten South Africans suffers from some form of mental illness at one stage or another. Veteran journalist Marion Scher tells podcast host Mariette Snyman about her recent book, “Surfacing”. On these pages she shares the personal stories of people who have learnt to live fulfilled lives despite challenges like depression, anxiety disorder, a daughter’s suicide or bipolar disorder.