AUTUMN 2020: EDITORIAL

At the time of our last issue, the crisis of Covid-19 was in full swing, and many of us were in the grip of huge fear and anxiety as we grappled with events none of us had ever encountered before. Now we find ourselves adjusting, learning to live with the virus amongst us, forging some kind of ‘new normal’, even as uncertainty continues to surround us. For most therapists, the pandemic meant a massively abrupt change from the traditional way of working and the necessity to adapt as creatively as possible. We don’t survive hugely disruptive events such as these without looking after ourselves and getting the support we need, and perhaps the articles in this issue will go some way to providing readers with a modicum of that.

The issue opens with an interview with Dr Kate Anthony on her experience in delivering training for those practicing therapy online. Some therapists, who may have initially switched to online work with reluctance, may now perhaps see the potential that lies in online provision of therapy, and this interview will provide tips and pointers in this regard. We also read about countering fear in the time of Covid in a reflection by Sarah Ruane. Fear is like an ever-present dog nipping at our heels and Sarah’s reflection provides a reminder of the value of connecting to love as an antidote. In ‘The Space’, the hope that came with easing of restrictions is expressed in the poetry of Ca O’Neill.

We know of course, as therapists, that the axiom of the need for self-care and support does not apply just to Covid times, but to the role itself that we have taken on. Being a therapist is a demanding and complex job and in this issue we have articles that explore some of those challenges: how therapists are impacted when their client dies by suicide, and also the impact and warning signs of what can be a shadow side in the therapy world, the narcissistic bully.

As if to remind us just how challenging the therapist’s role can be and how diverse, complex and often marginalised the populations are that the profession works with, we have a number of articles that describe just that. We have research articles on the experience of working with young people with ADHD, as well as on working creatively with young asylum seekers, and on working with people who experience homelessness.

There is plenty more to find in an issue packed with variety, that we hope you will find both interesting and thought-provoking. Please consider contributing a piece yourself; we are always looking for new authors and want to support new voices being heard. The next submission deadline is 1 December.

Finally, the Editorial Board is currently in a period of transition; we are losing one valued member while welcoming others. The Editorial Board would like to acknowledge the huge contribution and commitment shown by Maeve Dooley through her work as an Inside Out editor over the last five years. Maeve is moving on to other interests and she will be missed for the humour, positivity and groundedness she brought to the Board. We wish Maeve all the best in the future and we would also like to welcome new members Paul Daly, David Newman, Jamie O’Crowley and William Pattengill.