In this edition of Ask the Experts, we explore questions on happiness at work, acupuncture, and passive aggression in relationships

I’m Miserable at Work. How Do I Make a Strategic Career Change?

You know how it goes: the Sunday night dread, the ache in your stomach. All the signs are there; you have outgrown your job. Maybe you loved it once, but times have changed and you have changed. Maybe you reached a dead end. Maybe you now have other dreams. Whatever the reason, you know it’s time for a change. So, how do you get started?

1. Ruminate on what you want to keep

If you've had a certain amount of success in your career, there are probably elements that you would like to hold on to. Find the things you want to keep and make a note of them - you'll do best if you find a career that keeps the best bits of your former life.

2. Work out what you have grown out of

What are the things you'd happily never do again? Take an inventory of the things you will gladly leave behind. Be sure to check that these are not major components of a new role.

3. Decide what success looks like for you

We are constantly bombarded with messages about what success is supposed to look and feel like, but if you are thinking of choosing again in 2017, you need to be able to hear the voice inside that has a very personal definition of success.

When you combine what you love with what makes you feel successful, work never becomes a chore.

Read the full article on the Life Coach Directory. Written by Erica Sosna - Career Coach and New Business Coach.

'Voluntarily Sticking Needles in Me? What is Acupuncture?'

Acupuncture treatment restores the equilibrium of the body and mind, and is always devised around the personal constitution of the patient, rather than just the symptoms they are experiencing.

Acupuncture has been studied and researched much more in the past 30 years, and is acknowledged for its beneficial effects in treatment of lower back pain and migraines, as well as in support of IVF, and digestive issues. We now see significant increase in patient referrals from general practitioners, gynaecologists and fertility specialists.

Fine, hair-thin needles are inserted into certain points on the body to stimulate the healing process or reduce pain. A combination of points in a prescription is assessed according to a very specific diagnosis, following taking an extensive medical history, observation of the pulse and tongue, and gentle abdominal palpation. We discuss lifestyle, diet, exercise, previous medical history, sleep patterns, digestion, bowel movements, any pain and its location and, if you're a woman, details about your menstrual cycle. During the treatment, the sensation felt is described as a tingling or dull ache. The needles are single-use, sterile and disposable and the common post-treatment response is to feel calm and relaxed.

If you have been prescribed medication, it makes sense to tell your doctor that you are planning to have acupuncture. You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.

Enjoy acupuncture. It will gently steer your body into what it knows so well - healing itself.

Read the full article on Therapy Directory. Written by Gordana Petrovic BScHons TCM RSM MAcS.

'My Boyfriend Called Me Passive Aggressive; What Does He Mean?'

Passive aggression is a destructive pattern of behaviour that can be seen as a form of emotional abuse, that bites away at trust between people. It happens when negative emotions and feelings build up and are then held in on a self-imposed need for acceptance by another, dependence on others or to avoid further arguments or conflict.

It could be seen as a defence mechanism that people use to protect themselves; possibly automatic or stemming from early experiences. What they are protecting themselves from will be unique and individual to each person, although might include underlying feelings of rejection, fear, mistrust, or low self-esteem.

To overcome the effects of passive aggressive behaviour, you need to become aware of the underlying feelings causing your behaviour. Take responsibility for your actions, and try not to feel attacked when faced with a problem, but instead take an objective view of the situation. Learn to be assertive in expressing yourself. You have a right to your thoughts and feelings, so communicate them with honesty and truth to strengthen your relationships.

When facing the passive aggressive behaviour of others, try to be understanding and explain how their behaviour is affecting you. Communicate calmly without blaming and be honest about your part in the situation. If the aggressive behaviour continues to affect you, set clear rules for what you will and won’t accept. Stay strong and focused to get on with your life in a positive way.

Read the full article on Counselling Directory. Written by Andrea Harrn, a leading expert in passive aggressive behaviour and the author of the best-selling The Mood Cards. To discover whether passive aggressive behaviour is affecting your life, please fill in this free questionnaire.

This article was originally published 17 March 2017 and updated 30 April 2026.