Having worked internationally as a journalist, teacher and as a therapist, my interest has always been in people.

My observation is that often our greatest sadness and frustration lies in the misunderstandings we have about ourselves and others.

We see someone lash out and label them aggressive. We see a child rock on their chair and believe they are disruptive.

Sadly, the truth is that people often shout when they feel helpless. Children who feel anxious or tired or bored sometimes move their bodies unconsciously to bring their brains back online.

Often the behaviour we see tells a very different story from the feeling underpinning it.

But when we struggle to understand difference - in age, race, identity, culture, neurocognition, etc. - our discomfort and fear tends to fill the gaps.

My belief is that the more we understand, the more our tolerance and empathy deepens, so we can accept the different parts of ourselves and others.