Being a father can be complicated, especially when you’ve known “fatherlessness.” Even boys who live with their fathers often have little opportunity to experience the meaning of manhood first-hand. The consequences include the universal wound many men carry, father hunger, and a deep sense of loneliness. Here are some practical ways to address these issues and to foster fathers’ connection with their children.

Does ageing inevitably lead to physical and mental decline, loneliness, and becoming “useless”? It needn’t. Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling discusses scientific studies proving that we have control over several ageing processes – provided we know what we can do and actually make the effort. Learn how to examine and edit your beliefs, develop your social portfolio, reduce stress and use exercise to help remodel your brain.

Before you say “I do” or commit yourself to a long-term relationship, it’s wise to do a reality check. How will you handle each of the five issues below? If you’re willing to learn and grow, you should be fine - especially with Dr. John Demartini’s practical advice and insights from Imago Relationship Therapy, which will help you turn infatuation into enduring love.

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.  

Hoewel die binnewonde wat mense opdoen nie met die blote oog gesien kan word nie, ly minstens 10% van die bevolking aan posttraumatiese stressindroom. Voorligtingsielkundige Heinrich Benjamin verduidelik wat PTSD is, wat dit kan veroorsaak, hoe ons dit herken en hoe dit gediagnoseer word. Hy belig die sukses en voordele van BrainWorking Recursive Therapy in die behandeling van akute en posttraumatiese stressindroom en bespreek twee gevallestudies.

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”.

Many couples long for a baby but are struggling to fall pregnant. Counselling psychologist and hypnotherapist Karin Steyn clarifies the Fertile Body Method, a holistic approach to male and female infertility including psycho-education, lifestyle considerations, hypnosis, visualisation and other forms of support. A couple’s relationship is strengthened and their fertility goals and expectations of parenthood are explored in a safe environment.

How do the brain and sensory preferences influence intimate relationships? Have you discovered your partner’s preferred sense? Developmental specialist Dr. Melodie de Jager explains how a little detective work concerning neurological wiring can foster mutual understanding and make partners more compatible.

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.

There’s a reason why babies are called bundles of joy, but while motherhood is a great privilege it can also feel like an enormous responsibility, especially for moms set on “getting it right”. Three warm-hearted women - a psychologist, social worker and clinical social worker - with children and grandchildren of their own offer aha moments, sensible approaches and practical tips that have helped them negotiate parenthood.

Would you like to become a shining example of 80 being the new 60? This is not dependent on your genes. Dr. Christiane Northrup urges us to let go of ageism and the expectation of physical decline by rewiring our brains and changing our lifestyle. The earlier we start, the better!  

Although one in five women will experience painful intercourse at some stage, this remains a taboo topic. Dr. Jireh Serfontain discusses possible reasons why love-making hurts, including the role of oral contraceptives and vaginismus. Treatment may incorporate specialised physiotherapy, dilators, and counselling. This problem also affects intimate relationships and partners; fortunately, medical help is available.

Maatskaplike werker Annette de la Porte het nie net werkservaring van depressie nie, maar het 34 jaar met depressie in die huis saamgeleef. As jy oor iemand besorg is en self swaarkry, is Annette se verduideliking van wat in die brein gebeur, die simptome en die behandeling van depressie inssiggewend. Sy gee praktiese raad oor die emosionele en ander gevolge vir die persoon met depressie sowel as vir die huismense, en hoe om dit te hanteer.

Although the safety and well-being of both Mom and Baby remain the foremost concern during childbirth, parents now have more choices: where their child should be born, who to include in their birth team, and what type of birth they prefer. Counselling psychologist and hypnotherapist Karin Steyn discusses the advantages of HypnoBirthing®, an approach to natural birth involving deep relaxation, releasing fear, tapping Nature’s own anaesthesia during labour, and “breathing down” you baby instead of “pushing”.

Dr. John Demartini, world-renowned human behaviour specialist, educator, author and business consultant, explains how determining our priorities enables us to reconnect with our true purpose, live empowered lives, improve our relationships and face our fears. These aren’t vague promises. The principles Dr. Demartini teaches are informed by history’s great minds, supported by science and shaped into practical tools.

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.

Een ding staan vas: niks bly soos dit is nie – veral wanneer ‘n pandemie die wêreld tref. Baie van ons moes emosionele, finansiële, gesondheidsverwante of ander terugslae die hoof bied en probeer steeds ons balans herwin. Wat bepaal of ons weer opstaan, of bly lê? Ilse Salzwedel gesels oor Floreer, ‘n praktiese gids met aangrypende verhale en duidelike riglyne oor hoe om ‘n betroubare hulpbron te ontwikkel: veerkragtigheid.

Wat is die positiewe sielkunde, en watter voordeel kan jy daaruit trek? Dr. Wilmien Human, kliniese sielkundige en senior dosent, praat oor praktiese maniere om algaande gelukkiger te leef. Navorsingsresultate wys dat hulpmiddels soos ‘n dankbaarheidsjoernaal op die lang duur stres kan verminder en ons fisieke gesondheid, immuunstelsel, verhoudings en vlak van tevredenheid ‘n hupstoot kan gee.

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.