Posts by Sue Watson

“Whenever you become anxious or stressed, outer purpose has taken over, and you lost sight of your inner purpose. You have forgotten that your state of consciousness is primary, all else secondary.” Eckhart Tolle This week we are exploring your life meaning or you’re meaning for life. Sunday began two important awareness campaigns for October:…

“War is over … If you want it.” John Lennon I write this piece today after day one of five of Sand Tray Therapy extensive.  Whilst the brain is slightly overloaded (and yes it will get more over the course of the weekend) – my mind is at peace.  I feel that I have made…

“It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.”  Albert Einstein This week’s topic is wisdom, and this often comes with learning, not necessarily age.  To be able to learn is an artform as your mind needs to be open and willing to look at a question and seek…

“You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness.” Jonathan Safran Foer This week I am exploring happiness and the above quote certainly rings true when wanting to avoid huge emotions. In any relationship, emotions are needed and at times, even emotions that we don’t like to experience.  Avoiding a more negative type…

There is no way around the hard work.  Embrace it.”  Roger Federer It’s no secret that I have been struggling attempting to fit in a new therapy and the learning that this requires into my life.  I am slowly going through the assessments prior to attending the five-day intensive and hoping that my learnings so…

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential…these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” Confucius Growth, both personal and professional can take a lot of time, work, and investment. I have been reflecting recently and have realised that I began working towards my…

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.” Thomas Merton Finding balance in life can be really tricky at times.  There doesn’t seem to be enough time, enough money or energy. Unfortunately, sometimes, we really need to stop and prioritise what is really important to us and…

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”  Tahereh Mafi Merrraim-Webster’s definition of compassion is “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” I have been travelling recently, both for pleasure and for work to attend conferences. …

“It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It’s as simple as that.” Tove Jansson Curiosity often leads to learning, and this is certainly true for me on my current journey.  I started reading a book on art therapy, which led to…

“Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and appreciated. Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day. Take the time to recognize and value the people around you and appreciate those who make a difference in your lives.”  Roy T. Bennett I once worked with a client and attended his virtual visit with a…

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” Mark Twain I was lucky to find a support person who encouraged me at my first full-time position.  I had left school in year eleven as a…

“I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.”  Steve Maraboli My life has certainly changed over the years, especially with relationships – both those of family and friends. The relationships change and alter as we all develop, change and grow. …

“Books … they’re kind of a compulsion for me. To find a great bookstore is a great thing.” Philip Seymour Hoffman I have purchased so many books over the past few months.  Books are also a compulsion for me and at the recent conference, three new books were purchased and are sitting patiently waiting for…

“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better” Sidney Sheldon I love my local libraries (and yes due to living in a border town – I access…

“The world needs specialists and highly trained people with advanced degrees, no question about it. But the world also needs diversity and versatility. It needs people who know as much about our value system as they do about our solar system. Roger Smith I like to think of myself as a generalist – one who…

“The social brain is in its natural habitat when we’re talking with someone face-to-face in real time.” Daniel Goleman Telehealth is an amazing opportunity for both the clinician and client.  It means that we can continue to work together despite distance or the inability to leave the house during times of being unwell.  This was…

“Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be returned.”  Steve Maraboli The people who staff the various helplines are doing a wonderful job.  And did you know that some are volunteers and not…

“Be willing to ask!” Abhishek Ratna Who can help you?  Well, that depends on what you are seeking to solve or find out about. There are a range of people in the community who are available to assist.  For those seeking mental health support, there are a range of options, and the choice is always…