Hi all,

 

"On Learning From the Patient"  was one of the first books I read soon after qualifying as a Hypno-Psychotherapist. It not only inspired me in my work, but it gave me a unique perspective that although obvious now, was not there in the beginning. It opened me up to learning from the patient/client, surprisingly!

 

When I heard that Patrick was going to be close to home and was to run a workshop on his new book "Learning From Life", I wanted to meet the man that 8 years ago took me into greater depths within the therapeutic world and the nature of therapy, that had sparked something within about the work that could be done and what would make a difference. I hoped he would be up to his books.

 

I was not to be disappointed. We heard stories about life … his life and life as a therapist. At times of true pain in the stories he shared, he was emotional … at times when he illustrated heart breaking traumatic moments in his work with clients, tears were behind his eyes as he paused …. holding the moment … breathing back in the experience of a time where 2 people in a room share something unique; maybe it is a partial understanding of something `un-understandable' or maybe it is the emotional encounter of bearing the unbearable, of what has been in life. He reminded me of the depth one has to be willing to go to, and hold, when being a therapist.

 

He talked of "trauma", of that which cannot be born alone, but which the therapist has to (at least) be able to tolerate….all be it, only just. He taught me that sometimes `only just' can be what counts!

 

We experienced the uniqueness of the 'other' in the room and something he named as - "nameless dread", where there is a past time of the mother's inability to tolerate the infants experience of "feeling they are dying".

 

He emphasised that the key in therapy is simply listening to the clients prompts, and being `non certain' about what is being shared, because (in ancienct Indian language) being certain is imprisoning and being non certain is freedom, he led us to listening with 'two hands' … just listen and hear!

 

If you get the chance to hear Patrick speak, it is not just the knowledge and his perspective that may interest you … it is the man himself, within his work with clients, that will make you think; it is the people who have changed in his presence and the lives he has literally saved that will touch you.

 

I am so pleased that Patrick gave us insights into his personal journey and how the depths he has experienced has made him the man that he is and led the therapy that he gives .. such humanity, and uniquely worked, seamlessly, into the psychoanalytic approach. Touching, inspiring, stirring and memorable. The books are good, but ... he was more! - To read his work see "On Learning From the Patient"

 

He may have now retired, but I am sure he will present to groups again. You really have to hear and experience him. It was profound. If you get a chance, go see him!

 

Sandra.