Editorial

Tony Bates’ book review on Catherine de Courcy’s very moving, personal story in her book
 ‘Adventure in Grief’ epitomises what this autumn issue of our journal is about. He states:-

‘Therapy is not for the fainthearted; it involves a lot more than simply overcoming 
uncomfortable symptoms. It is a journey of discovery that takes a person through some very 
dark and difficult places where the outcome is uncertain, but where there is the possibility 
of awakening their true selves and living more freely as human beings.’

Frank Dorr’s profoundly moving obituary on the passing of our long esteemed IAHIP 
member and friend, Brendan Connolly, can only stop us all in our tracks and wonder how
 our lives, not only as psychotherapists, but as human beings touch all those we come into
 contact with. The conversation between Noírín Ní Riain and Shirley Ward also touches on 
the vulnerability of life and listening, leading to the true genius of a voice that heals so
 many people not only in Ireland but many other countries. It is hoped that Noírín will join 
us, to sing for us and nurture our souls on Friday 5th March before our AGM.

Bronagh Starr’s work with male adolescents and parents tells of the struggles of these 
young men as they mature in a world of conflict. Eleanor Carey’s work on Eating Disorders 
and Marion Rackard’s contribution on The Cursed Pleasure of Drink discuss two major 
dysfunctions which prevent a better quality of life. Often the reasons that cause us
 dysfunction in our lives come from an invisible source and June Atherton in her wisdom
 describes a major benefit of Sand Therapy as making the invisible, visible. Fiona Ferret is 
in real trouble, and it is real trouble. Underlying this satirical, tongue in cheek adventurer 
are some very serious problems in the world that are brought to our notice. Debbie 
Hegarty’s article on Becoming an Integrative Psychotherapist contains her reasons for
 wanting to understand human pain, which led her into training.

At this moment in time IAHIP are taking stock of what we want for our profession and a
great deal of time and energy has been invested in where we are now. Fees support this
 work but we need more for our fees. The value of volunteered hours of service in IAHIP 
amounts to more value than we could ever afford. Members really need to bring their
 thoughts and energy to the organisation – you are all needed. The quality of dialogue 
between us enhances opportunities for development, not projections or transferences, but 
true dialogue. As in our relationships, and therapist, client work, there needs to be a you, 
me and us. If this important aspect between organisations is missing, nothing works, or
 moves forward without it. It becomes us and them which means conflict.

As the year 2012 approaches and the European Standards of Accreditation, and proposed
 Government Standards are initiated who will IAHIP accredit? Few courses are yet
 recognised, numbers of course participants are also falling, yet the number of new training
 courses appearing who are not accredited to any of our national bodies are mushrooming 
in the country. Where is ICP in all this? More needs to be done. Your comments please!