Speak your MIND

You’re reclined back on a couch, while the therapist sits in a nearby chair with a notepad and pen in hand. They are watching your every move, jotting things down, probing into your upbringing and childhood traumas one question at a time. “And how does that make you feel?” they enquire.

‘Some people think that therapy is only for the disturbed. It’s really not’

Human nature

‘WE ALL HAVE ISSUES OF DIFFERING TYPES AND INTENSITIES. ALL OF US ARE VULNERABLE AND FLAWED AND STRUGGLE WITH WHAT IT IS TO BE HUMAN’

For a lot of people, this is the image that springs to mind at the mention of the word therapy. Without getting therapy ourselves, movies and TV shows are often our only references, and they don’t always do the best job of illustrating the process and relationships involved. Even after hours of detailed lectures and theory work at the University of Sydney, psychology professor and therapist Gillian Straker found that her students still had questions about what actually went on behind the closed door.

Alongside highly experienced psychologist Jacqui Winship, the pair put () highlights our shared humanity, shared struggles, and the life-changing power of the therapy relationship.