Synopses & Reviews
This book arose out of the experiences of a group of counselors and psychotherapists working in the Service for the Seriously Ill and Disabled at the Westminster Pastoral Foundation between 1987 and 2001. The basic model used is psychodynamic, once weekly therapy, with home or hospital visits when necessary. Ten therapists contribute to the book, and two chapters are written by patients/clients.During their working life most therapists will meet patients/clients who are disabled or who develop serious or life threatening illness. Therapists are often unprepared for this encounter, which raises questions about their own mortality, and the meaning of life and death. This book aims to show how therapists can work effectively with ill or disabled people, by facing their fears, adjusting their techniques and, above all, by learning from the patient.Experiencing, thinking, and technique are the cornerstones of the therapeutic process, which the book reflects. Comprising thirteen chapters, the book begins and ends with the technical framework for the work-the assessment of physically ill or disabled people for therapy and the supervision of therapists working with such individuals. Six chapters are predominantly concerned with case material experiences, while other chapters focus more on understanding and technique.The Contributors: Ruth Archer, David Black, Susan Berger, Lavinia Chant, Rosemary Dixon-Nuttall, Gwen Evans, Anne Green, Linette Hatfield, Michael Kelly, Gertrud Mander, Celia Nightall, Judy Parkinson, Lynda Snowdon, and Dorothee Steffans
Synopsis
This book arose out of the experiences of a group of counselors and psychotherapists working in the Service for the Seriously Ill and Disabled at the Westminster Pastoral Foundation between 1987 and 2001. The basic model used is psychodynamic, once weekly therapy, with home or hospital visits when necessary. Ten therapists contribute to the book, and two chapters are written by patients/clients.
Synopsis
Little has been written about psychotherapy with the seriously physically ill and this book seeks to remedy that. The title Dual Realities refers to the inner reality of the individuals internal world and the outer reality of their illness and the interaction between the two. Out of this arena came an understanding that what is important for the client/patient is the meaning, for them, of their illness. Dual Realities aims to show how therapists can work effectively with ill or disabled people, by facing their fears, adjusting their technique and by learning from their patients. To the general reader it offers an insight into this important area of psychotherapeutic work. To us all it gives the opportunity to discover the courage of those who were willing to pursue the path of psychotherapy in the search for wholeness and meaning in their illness and who have allowed their explorations to be published. This book will be of value to both qualified and trainee counsellors and psychotherapists who find themselves working with clients/patients who are seriously physically ill or disabled. It will also be of interest to other professionals who care for ill people at home or in hospital and to anyone who wants to understand the emotional impact of a serious illness or disability on the individual and their families.Contributors: Susan Berger; Lavinia Chant; Rosemary Dixon-Nuttall; Gwen Evans; Anne Green; Linette Hatfield; Michael Kelly; Gertrud Mander; Celia Nightall; Judy Parkinson; Lynda Snowdon; and Dorothee Steffens