This book is a personal account of the enduring value of an appropriate psychotherapeutic intervention, and is set within the author's lifespan to date. It is also a unique view of how it feels to be the subject of a published case study. Following a long period of resistance to the therapeutic process, a direct channel to the author's unconscious is established via the art of the written word. It is a first person, chronological account of the psychological signposts that relentlessly point the author toward an unavoidable therapeutic encounter, one that will ultimately have the strength to contain her frightening experience of mental disturbance. The reader is afforded the opportunity to watch the story unfold, and to draw their own academic conclusions. Some of the psychological processes are presented in 'real' time, and will help to illustrate the link between experience, theory and practice in psychotherapy. --- from the publisher About the Author: Susan Fereday was educated at a London Secondary Modern School and went on to achieve a BA in Art and Design, a Diploma in Counselling, and an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling. Initially working as a Laboratory Technician, she changed to a career in social work, and for eighteen years worked with children, young people with disabilities, and people with mental health issues and learning difficulties. She now lives in France with her second husband and a variety of animals. She has two children and seven grandchildren. |