Welcome to the Spring 2012 edition of Inside Out.

At the start of this new year, we offer original perspectives with articles on narcissism, short term psychotherapy and a Parenting through Sand Programme. We also welcome an article by John Rowan that explores the world of boundaries in the therapeutic space. Legal negligence is the subject of another contribution that offers detailed practical information on the law relevant to psychotherapy practice. We hope you will find these robust articles both stimulating and informative.

The recent appalling loss in Glandore Bay, Co Cork, of an Irish and Egyptian fishing crew reminds us of the fragility of life. The Celtic Tiger is gone a number of years now and many people in our country struggle both in their economic environments and in their inner worlds.  We are delighted to bring to you a conversation with Joan Freeman of Pieta House where much valuable work is done in sitting with and re-resourcing those whose inner worlds have become unbearable. Joan received a People of the Year Award last September from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Another perspective on suicide is given in an essay that looks at its personal and professional impact in the experience of a psychotherapist. The writer explores the difficulties we experience in finding a language for suicide and discusses how we might formulate new ways of relating to it.

The start of a year is often a time when people reflect on their lives. It can be a time for getting back to basics: a time to remember what nourishes and resources us as psychotherapists. So we have included in this edition some poems from an inspirational poet who also gives us a sense of how she gathers in her words.

As mentioned in the Editorial of the Autumn 2011 edition, this is the year we arrive at the tenth anniversary of the revival of this journal. Under consistent stewardship, Inside Out has provided a forum for humanistic and integrative exploration, debate and dialogue over these years with an ethos of diversity and open discussion. Psychotherapists, students, trainers, authors, international contributors and interested parties have all filled its covers.  We would like to celebrate this and it is hoped to hold an early summer social event to mark the occasion – details to follow.

As we do so, we would also like to invite you, the reader, to send in to the Editor your opinions on this journal or to respond to the contents of this or earlier editions. We welcome and encourage submissions for publication: articles, letters and pieces for ‘The Space’.

The Editorial Board would like to say ‘thank you’ to all those who contributed writings to the journal in 2010.

We wish all our readers a contented and successful 2012.