Editorial

In this stimulating and thought provoking issue of Inside Out we have continued to unfold and develop a number of themes which we hope are of interest to you. We are particularly pleased to be able to include articles from each end of the experiential spectrum of psychotherapy – from the student trainee to the practitioner of 40 years.

International contributor Violet Oaklander, with over 40 years experience in the field, develops the therapeutic process with children and adolescents with wisdom and understanding. Her insights show how valuable it is to work with young people, giving them confidence, strength, self-esteem and healing ways to deal with their world as they
grow and develop.

In her article on Becoming a Counsellor, Lena Lenehan introduces a new strand to the journal. Giving her personal insight into the process of training opens the way for many more articles. We look forward to a regular student contribution in future issues. A major debate at present is the concern about training courses. Two further articles reflect this.

The interview with Catherine O’Dea raises a number of important questions for all of us working as psychotherapists. The personal perspective may result in an unspoken challenge to all of us. Is there a limit to the number of years a therapist can see individuals in great distress and still remain sane?

Creative therapy articles continue to give insights on how personal ideas based on already established therapies are being used in the therapy room. The question of what it is to work in a humanistic and integrative way is also raised. There is food for thought with the responses to previous articles. We value your responses as letters or articles and encourage more of you to respond.

An article about future government health policies raises the issue of the position of psychotherapy as part of the governmental mental health strategy. It raises questions about the official perception of psychotherapy and the unchallenged position of psychiatry.

It is with regret that we have to report the death of one of our members, Douglas Finlayson.

We remind you that ‘The Space…’ is there, inviting you to share a memory, a poem, or a drawing. We also are appealing for any back copies of Inside Out from numbers 1 – 39. Anyone with duplicates or any copies they no longer want, please contact a member of the editorial board.