Actress Euodia Samson’s latest book, Know Thyself, focuses on mental health and wealth through counselling. Photograph: Supplied
Plumstead actress Euodia Samons is better known for her TV roles in Arendsvlei, Waterfront and Onder Draai die Duiwel Rond, but she has also written a book to make mental health and counselling more accessible
Ms Samson is a trained tension and trauma release therapist and an integrated wellness consultant with a diploma in communication and counselling from the South Africa College Of Applied Psychology (SACAP).
Her first book, Heal Your Gut, was released in 2022 in a quest to promote healthy living and good eating. Her latest book, Know Thyself, takes a more holistic mental health approach.
“The book has personal anecdotes on various topics of discussion. It is semi-autobiographical and looks at how I went about rediscovering myself. I hope this will allow others to tell their own story, and accept it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. To celebrate their journey as I am doing,” she says.
Three years ago, the 54-year-old started a daily Facebook Live show, which she says was well received and encouraged her to expand her counselling and consultation work.
“There are things people have blind spots for. They repeat cycles of behaviour and get stuck in patterns that are often destructive and have no clue as to why they do it. Counselling is the place where we delve into the exploration of the reasons why, but not all have the resources to come to counselling and are still very hesitant to seek it.”
She says the book focuses on areas she had to work on.
“I had to do an in-depth exploration of self, to fully understand myself, my triggers and my beliefs to get to their origins. Not only to get to a place of true acceptance of myself but also to have a clear idea of what will make me truly happy and content.”
She says the book will be particularly helpful for those in their 30s and older.
“I find after your late 30s, people seem to have more of a crisis as their set friends, behaviours, interests, job environment suddenly do not bring them the joy and satisfaction they once did. They start grappling with the reasons why, and often one starts blaming everything external for their lack of joy, but it’s the inward things that need looking at and rediscovery. Through the exercise portion at the end of every chapter, I hope that readers will do the exploratory exercises to truly benefit from this book.”
The book sells for R220 and can be ordered by calling 079 152 7478.