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Sue Gardner: Dark places

Sue Gardner is a Chartered clinical psychologist and President of the British Psychological Society.

04 October 2009

By Guest

I can’t believe I accepted this assignment. Surely any admission undermines my credibility as a psychologist? Or does failure to reveal something denote arrogance, lack of insight or self-consciousness with the same implications for reputation and self-esteem?

I’m cautious about excessive introspection without some trusted person to offer perspective and balance. I have a dark place inside which at various stages of my life has been occupied by ghosts, Daleks and negative emotions. Somehow I need this place though, to connect me to others especially those who want support with change and containment.

In working with people who have mental health needs and substance misuse I use their desire to escape their own dark place to form a connection which, together with the research evidence, best practice guidelines and clinical tools, can accelerate their journey to recovery. Perhaps if I understood myself fully my own journey would be over.

About the author

Sue Gardner is a Chartered clinical psychologist and President of the British Psychological Society.