Blog posts by Post Traumatic Growth Specialist, Sinta Ebersohn, about cultivating family resilience through all adversities and traumatic experiences.
Have you ever stopped to wonder what you’re really passing on to your children? Most of us immediately think about practical things. We hope to leave them a good education, financial security, family traditions, treasured possessions or perhaps simply a better life than the one we had ourselves. Those things certainly matter, but over the […]
What If We Passed Down Wisdom Instead of Trauma? Read More »
When Celebration Becomes a Mirror for Unhealed Pain The festive season arrives each year like a brightly wrapped parcel, placed in the centre of our collective living room. It promises joy and reunion, abundance and belonging. Yet for millions of people across cultures and continents this season does not feel like a gift. It feels
Addiction at the Festive Table Read More »
Why Humans Promise the Sacred When Everything Is at Stake There are moments in human history where language itself feels too thin to hold what is happening. Moments when people stand at the edge of annihilation and reach for something older than strategy and stronger than fear. In those moments humans do not merely plan
Vows Made in Battles and War Read More »
Family Leadership: Parenting a Child Who Shows Signs of Anxiety and Fear There exists a peculiar alchemy in the moments when a parent first notices their child shrinking from the world. Perhaps it begins with a reluctance to attend birthday parties or those unexplained stomach aches before school or the way small hands grip yours
The Quiet Architecture of Loss and Longing Hoarding is not merely a problem of mess. It is an ancient conversation between people and things shaped by scarcity and plenty, by grief and by hope. It is a practice that can begin as simple thrift and slowly mutate into an organising principle that governs a life.
Why So Many Legal Practitioners Become Rude, Bombastic, Disrespectful and Self Important Human civilisation has always appointed certain people to interpret its rules, but across cultures one finds a recurring pattern. Many legal practitioners behave as though the rest of the human race is made of lesser clay. Lawyers, advocates, attorneys, magistrates and judges often
When a Child’s Anger Is Not “Bad Behaviour” There is a particular kind of pain a child carries silently. It is the pain of being caught between two parents during a high-conflict divorce and worse, being coached, manipulated or emotionally coerced to reject one of the people they love most in the world. This process
The Link Between Aggression and Parental Alienation Read More »
There are some Christmas traditions that fade quietly with time and then there are those rare few that feel like they’ve been waiting for us. This hand-crafted wooden Advent Calendar, designed by Sinta Ebersohn, belongs to the latter. It is not a trinket, nor a gimmick, nor another “buy it and forget it” festive accessory.
A Hand-Made Advent Treasure That Brings Your Family Back to the Table Read More »
Year-end stress and the quiet trauma of loneliness The year closes like a book that everyone else is reading aloud. Lights go up in shops, adverts promise joy, family photographs multiply on social feeds and everywhere there is some version of a party. For those facing the festive season alone the music lands differently. The
Facing the Festive Season Alone Read More »
Honouring the Power of the Sea and the Journey of Resilience November 5 has been designated by the World Tsunami Awareness Day (also referred to as International Tsunami Day) as a moment of shared reflection, communal learning and collective resilience. The designation reminds us that the sea may rise in fury, but our human spirit
A Rare Beacon of Resilience in an Era of Overwhelm In our rapidly shifting landscape of screens, streams, social platforms and ceaseless noise, the concept of media and information literacy shines like a lantern in a storm: guiding us, energising us, scaffolding our ability to respond rather than merely react. For those of us committed
Media & Information Literacy Read More »
When One Parent’s Rights Are Erased: What the UK Presumption Repeal Means for Children, Families and Justice Imagine a house where one of the two pillars is quietly removed. The roof sags slightly, the walls strain and eventually cracks begin to appear. In family law the pillar is often the presence of both parents in
Repealing the Presumption of Parental Contact Read More »
Children’s Book on Parental Alienation You can win this delightful children’s book about the experience of Fenix, after her separated parents had a disagreement and she is prevented from seeing her dad. This book, skillfully written by Emanoela Cassins and beautifully illustrated by Williana Fernandes addresses the difficult topic of parental alienation in an age
Lucky Draw (31 October 2025) Read More »
The word “woke” started in African-American Vernacular English as a vital wake-up call: remain alert to oppression, stay awake to injustice. Linguist Tony Thorne explains that the phrase existed in youth and street culture long before it entered mainstream discourse. In 1938, blues musician Lead Belly recorded Scottsboro Boys with a spoken line: “I advise everybody to
How the Woke Narrative Became Toxic Read More »
A reclaiming of Courage and Care There is a common picture of the stoic as a sealed vessel of feeling, a person who endures without complaint and who forgets they are human. That image is both a caricature and a theft. Stoicism at its best is not emotional numbness. It is a set of crafts
Stoic: What it really means Read More »
A Crisis of Trust, Identity and Belonging He walks home after work, slow steps pressing into twilight, carrying in his heart the invisible weight of parenthood. He treasures the name on the birth certificate, the lullabies, the dreams. And then he learns: the biology is not his. The bond he lived, believed, sacrificed for, all
In the quiet aftermath of a crisis, where sirens fade and the world resumes its rhythm, a subtle shadow lingers. Imagine empathy as a vast ocean absorbing the tempests of others’ storms, only to churn its own turbulent waves within. This is the essence of vicarious trauma, an invisible companion to those who stand on
Navigating Vicarious Trauma for First Responders Read More »
On 9 September, the world observes International Falsely Accused Day. A day that sounds almost surreal, until one pauses to realise how many lives have been irreparably scarred by an untruth dressed as evidence. A false accusation is not merely a misplaced word or a misunderstanding; it is a calculated claim that wounds reputations, severs
False Accusations: When Truth Becomes the First Casualty of Conflict Read More »
International Day of Charity 5 September There is a quiet ceremony to giving. A hand reaches out, a basket passes, a neighbour drops soup at a doorstep, a team clears time to mentor a new hire. These gestures look small yet they braid a thread that holds families, workplaces and whole societies together. On the
Charity and the Human Thread Read More »
The Unfinished Work of Healing A river that was once dammed continues to murmur downstream. So too does the legacy of slavery, a force that began with the brutal subjugation of human beings into systems of exploitation, forged out of greed and sustained by the denial of dignity. Although it has been legally abolished in
Slavery’s Echo Through Centuries Read More »
There is a kind of quiet terror when one realises that accountability is not an external judge but one’s own reflection in the still waters of conscience. It nudges us into revelation and ownership. It demands we stand in full view of our choices, flaws and all It asks us to recognise that we are
Accountability: Why So Many Tremble Before Its Mirror Read More »
Across generations and geographies, the measure of a society has always been how it treats its most vulnerable. Children. Elders. Women. Persons with disabilities. The displaced. The poor. Survivors of trauma. These are not fringe members of our human story, they are the thread that reveals the strength or fragility of the social fabric we
Protecting Vulnerable Persons in a Fractured World Read More »
Every year on the first Friday of August, glasses are raised in unison across continents for International Beer Day. What started as a small celebration in a Californian bar in 2007 has become a global ritual observed in more than 80 countries by people who perhaps have little in common beyond their shared appreciation for
International Beer Day: A Toast to Culture, Connection and Coming Back to Life Read More »
On the twenty fifth of July 2025 the world observed the inaugural International Day for Judicial Wellbeing declared by the United Nations. This date honours the psychological and emotional burdens carried by judges who dispense decisions under intense scrutiny and weighty consequences. Their wellbeing surely matters. Yet while we turn our compassion toward the bench we
The First International Day for Judicial Well-being: What About Everyone Else? Read More »
Every year, millions of people across the globe find their lives forever changed by a single word: stroke. It arrives without warning, a sudden disruption to the normal flow of life and what follows is often a turbulent journey through physical loss, emotional upheaval and courageous resilience. For stroke survivors and their families, it marks
Stroke: Suffering from the Consequences – A Journey of Loss, Love and Hope Read More »
There is a word, soft as a whisper and loud as a roar, ancient as the stars yet young as every sunrise. A word that outlives war, weathers storms and wakes us even on the darkest mornings. That word is hope. Hope is not wishful thinking. It is not naive optimism nor blind positivity. Hope
Hope: The Most Powerful Word in the World Read More »
The Role They Play in Post Traumatic Growth In a world that rushes relentlessly, there exists an ancient companion who walks at the rhythm of healing, listens without judgment and mirrors the human soul with unflinching honesty. The horse, a majestic, primal and intuitive animal, is not just a relic of our shared past but
Cultivating Resilient Families and Workforces through Humour and Healing In a world bruised by burnout, fractured by trauma and held together by sheer will, there remains one irrepressible force that rises like sun through the storm. Laughter. Laughter is the original human defibrillator. It jolts the spirit back to life, breaks the silence of suffering
Jokes and Why Laughter is Truly the Best Medicine Read More »
Each June, the world softly turns its gaze toward a deeply human experience. Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is not only a call to action but a call to presence. A time to remember those who are slowly forgetting. A time to learn, to understand and to honour the ones living in a shifting reality. And a
In the Fading Light: A Love Letter for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Read More »
A celebration of power, purpose and legacy Throughout human history, the female body has been revered as the sacred vessel through which life is conceived, nurtured and brought forth into the world. Yet while much attention has been given to a woman’s fertile years, the less spoken but equally vital transition of menopause is often
Menopause: The Awakening of the Wise Woman Within Read More »
It Takes a Village to Protect a Childhood Every child deserves a childhood filled with play, learning, safety and hope. But for 160 million children worldwide, that dream is stolen by the harsh reality of child labour. Today, on World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), we come together as a global community of parents,
More Than a Trend – A Lifestyle of Resilience, Growth and Opportunity In a world that has transformed dramatically over the past century, few shifts have been as impactful, far-reaching and life-affirming as the global movement toward working from home. Once a privilege for a select few or a necessity for rural artisans, remote work
April 21 marks World Creativity and Innovation Day, a United Nations-designated day to celebrate the transformative power of creative thinking in solving global challenges and advancing sustainable development. For those navigating life’s adversities – whether as parents, professionals or individuals seeking post-traumatic growth – cultivating creativity and innovation is not just a luxury but a
Embrace Creativity and Innovation for Resilience Read More »
Each year, World Immunisation Week in April, reminds us of the extraordinary global health achievement that vaccination represents. Yet, it also opens an important dialogue about personal rights, scientific discovery, societal responsibility and the undeniable power of informed decision-making. A Brief History of Vaccines: Humanity’s Battle Against Disease The story of immunisation stretches back centuries.
Immunisation: Honouring the Journey, Embracing Informed Choice Read More »
A Legacy Written in Ink Long before digital downloads and audiobooks, the story of humanity was etched into clay tablets, papyrus scrolls and parchment. The earliest known book, The Epic of Gilgamesh, dates back over 4,000 years, offering a glimpse into ancient Sumerian life and the existential questions we still ponder today. Across cultures and
Books Build Resilience Through Life’s Toughest Storms Read More »
The Universal Message of Easter and the Power of Post-Traumatic Growth As Easter weekend wraps us in its gentle embrace, we’re invited into a moment of reflection. For many, Easter is a sacred celebration rooted in the Christian tradition – the story of sacrifice, death and miraculous resurrection. But even beyond religious beliefs, Easter offers
Easter: Rising Again Read More »
April 14th is Ex Spouse Day. I want to pause and honour something few are brave enough to talk about, let alone commemorate. This day isn’t just about acknowledging someone you once shared a life with. It’s about making space for the grief, the growth, the gut-wrenching shifts and the glimmers of healing that come
Ex Spouse: Honouring the Wounds and Wisdom of What Was Read More »
Every year on 5 April, the world pauses to observe the International Day of Conscience – a gentle but firm reminder to listen to that quiet inner compass that guides us in moments of moral complexity. But what is conscience, really? And in a world fractured by noise, trauma, division and distraction, how do we
Conscience – Cultivating a Life of Integrity, Compassion and Resilience Read More »
The Dark Reality of Intimate Partner Abuse and the Journey to Freedom When we hear the word toxic, what do we really mean? Is it just someone who’s bad for us? Someone who drains our energy, dismisses our feelings or fails to respect our boundaries? Or is there something more sinister lurking beneath the surface
Every year on April 2nd, the world comes together to observe Autism Awareness Day, a crucial opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity, dispel harmful myths and advocate for inclusion and understanding. For many families, educators and individuals on the autism spectrum, this day is more than just a symbolic gesture – it is a reminder of the
Autism: Embracing Neurodiversity with Compassion Read More »
Why a Waste-Free Future Matters More Than Ever Waste is any material, substance or byproduct discarded after primary use. It includes food scraps, plastic packaging, electronic waste and even wasted time and energy. Every year, billions of tons of waste are generated worldwide, much of which ends up polluting our environment, harming wildlife and contributing
As we mark 30 years of democracy, South Africa’s journey in recognising, respecting and protecting human rights is one of both progress and challenge. Since 1994, we have made significant strides in establishing equality, freedom and dignity as fundamental rights for all citizens. Yet, as we reflect on our history, it is crucial to ask:
Human Rights Day: Upholding Dignity and Fostering Resilience Read More »
Happiness is one of the most sought-after yet misunderstood human experiences. Across cultures and civilizations, the definition of happiness varies, yet its pursuit remains universal. From the concept of “Eudaimonia” in Ancient Greece, which emphasises a life of virtue and purpose, to the Danish idea of “Hygge,” which centres on coziness and contentment, happiness is
Happiness: The Science, Significance, and Strategies for a Joyful Life Read More »
Every year on February 21st, the world observes International Mother Language Day – a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity and raising awareness of the importance of preserving mother tongues. Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a cultural identity, a carrier of history and a foundation for cognitive and emotional
Mother Language: Celebrating the Power of Native Tongues Read More »
It’s What You Do With It That Matters Grief isn’t just about losing someone to death. It’s about losing anything that held deep meaning in your life. The end of a relationship, the loss of a dream, a betrayal you never saw coming – these are all forms of loss that leave wounds just as
Grief Is More Than Just Loss Read More »
Pregnancy can be a life-altering event, and when it is unplanned or unwanted, the challenges multiply exponentially. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct experiences that shape the decisions, emotions, and consequences faced by both parents and the child. Understanding the difference is essential in providing compassionate support and guidance. The Difference
Unplanned or Unwanted Pregnancy Read More »
January 24 marks the International Day of Education, a global acknowledgment of the critical role education plays in fostering peace, development and human potential. This day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of learning, while also prompting us to critically evaluate the scope and boundaries of educational institutions. Education encompasses far more than
Education: Focusing on Academic Excellence and Respecting Individual Autonomy Read More »
“Slavery is not an issue of the past. It’s an issue of today.” – Kailash Satyarthi January marks International Human Trafficking Month, and 30 July is World Day Against Trafficking in Humans – a time to shine a light on one of the darkest corners of our global society. Human trafficking, often referred to as
Human rights are the inherent entitlements that every person possesses simply by virtue of being human. They transcend race, gender, nationality and socio-economic status, forming the cornerstone of dignity, freedom, equality and justice in society. On International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, we are reminded of the universal need to protect and
Commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December) Living with a disability can be one of life’s greatest challenges, but it can also be a journey of strength, transformation and discovery. Each year, on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a reminder to celebrate the resilience and contributions of
Living with a Disability Read More »