Blog

As therapists working with relational trauma, we are likely to know and to hear a good deal about shame. But are we neglecting its counterpart? What happens to the goal of therapy with survivors when we start paying closer attention to pride? Ken Benau, author of Shame, Pride and Relational Trauma, introduces his concept of ‘pro-being pride’, and explains why accessing this enlivened experience of being and relating is key to transcending shame.

How does war impact children psychologically, and what can we do to support the emotional wellbeing of young refugees arriving in the UK? Integrative Arts Psychotherapist Sheetal Amin shares some starting points for therapists, including examples of adjusting the frame, and reflects on how readily our society’s attitude to and treatment of refugees can compound the trauma of war.

What are the constraints of therapy with children who are in court proceedings, and who may be called upon to give evidence? Where does a child’s emotional welfare sit in the process? In her fourth occasional blog, independent social worker Gretchen Precey sheds light on the legal procedures and therapeutic pitfalls involved, and shares how supporting alleged victims of sexual abuse to “talk about not talking about it” may sometimes be the best we can offer.

How can we help more women, from diverse backgrounds, to access mental health support? On International Women’s Day 2022, Melanie Dottin of The Maya Centre explains how this intercultural women’s therapy centre in North London is engaging women for whom therapy remains taboo, out of touch with socioeconomic realities, or is simply too big and perhaps too triggering a first step.

This week, the UK’s eating disorders awareness charity, BEAT, is campaigning for UK medical schools to implement comprehensive training on eating disorders. How well are therapists prepared to work with these? Jeanne Magagna, former Head of Psychotherapy Services at Great Ormond Street Hospital and author of a new book on eating difficulties in children, sets out some of what she would like to see covered in psychotherapy trainings, from psychoanalytic insights to ethical imperatives.