Editorial 

Since our last edition, we have witnessed the unfolding of the crisis in Ukraine with the upheaval, trauma, suffering, and destruction that has ensued. Also evident is the resilience, fortitude and will to survive of our fellow Europeans in the most challenging of circumstances. It is encouraging to see the support from neighbouring countries as well as the willingness of other nations like our own to open our borders and endeavour to help our fellow human beings. There is an emerging awareness around our interconnectedness along with our connection to the natural world and these themes are evident throughout this edition of Inside Out.

Margaret Brady questions how to respond to the crises of these now uncertain times, as a therapist, parent and global citizen. Consideration is given to the effects of climate change denial and we are reminded of the path of the wounded healer, our interconnection, including hope and trust in the human potential. In an extract from her book, Emmy van Deurzen considers how we may live courageously in the face of existential crises and make sense of challenging situations, be they political, societal, personal or natural disasters. Mick Cooper in his engaging conversation with Paul Daly points out that wellbeing isn't just something that happens inside people's heads. It's also about the world that we live in and requires us to consider ‘what can we do to contribute towards social justice, change, and wellbeing?'

The world we live in plays a major part in the “Well Gardened Mind”, reviewed by Eileen Hanaphy, and we are reminded that when we work with nature outside of us, we work with nature inside. The importance water plays in our lives is captured in William Pattengill’s review of “Blue Mind”. Support and the collective are also conveyed in Elaine Smith’s reflection on last year's Supervision and Supervisor Accreditation Committee (SSAC) meeting with a timely reminder of the “Stone Soup” folk tale and its invitation to come forward in adding to the pot. Paul Hitchings welcomes the erotic into therapy and challenges the shame that dominates this area, encouraging a brave and open recognition of the erotic in our work.

Mick Devine writes to support therapists raised by parents who misused alcohol and talks about the continuance of the lifelong process of their own separation-individuation. Liam Gildea takes us through the reasons why he believes bipolar disorder is misunderstood and the role medication plays in its treatment. We also have a piece on the myths around, and the steps for changing our attitude to overcoming unwanted intrusive thoughts. Liz Gleeson describes how ritual, symbol and metaphor play a role in helping the bereaved and counterbalance some of the negative effects of a society that finds it hard to stop, even for a death. We are also treated to some heartfelt and poignant poetry.

Last but not least, this edition represents the final one with Margaret Brady as the chair of the Editorial Board. We would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution and presence that Margaret has made over the past eight years to Inside Out, as a chairperson, member, contributor and valued colleague. It goes without saying that Margaret will be missed greatly for her talent, spirit, positivity and professionalism always conducted in a grounded, soulful manner.

IAHIP 2022 - INSIDE OUT 97 - Summer 2022