Both Sides of the Couch A story of recovery told by a therapist and their client
By Anna Wickins and Paddy Magrane
When Anna Wickins began counselling with her therapist, Paddy Magrane, she could barely speak in their sessions, silenced by traumatic memories from two decades before. But as trust built, Anna felt able to open up and she started to talk about the terrifying ordeal she experienced at university. As Anna examined her past, a transformation was occurring across the room. Listening to her tale awakened painful memories in Paddy about the horrors that occurred at his boarding school.
After two years of healing work, Anna and Paddy embarked on an unusual therapeutic exercise: a visit to the site of her trauma, where Anna physically confronted the scenes of her nightmares. With Paddy’s reassurance and support, she was finally able to leave her demons behind. Once robbed of a voice, Anna now helps others to find theirs, in the same way that Paddy helped her.
Told in alternating perspectives, Both Sides of the Couch is a searingly honest account of how counselling shapes both client and therapist. A unique window into therapy, it shows, for the first time, the journey through the eyes of both participants. Both Sides of the Couch is a moving and inspirational story of finding light in the darkest of times.
Reviews
“Delicately written, with heartbreaking detail and searing honesty, Both Sides of the Couch is a hymn to the power of vulnerability.”
Erin Kelly, Sunday Times bestselling author
“A raw, honest and powerful book about the messy journey of healing ... that shines a light and offers hope.”
Madeleine Black, author of Unbroken
“What a powerful book. So insightful. So honest.”
Louise Beech, author of Eighteen Seconds
“As compulsively readable as a thriller but with the heart and depth of a modern classic in therapeutic writing. I will never forget this book.”
Sarah Hilary, award-winning author
“Bold, courageous and compelling, this innovative dual-perspective account of recovery from trauma demonstrates how a therapeutic relationship built on compassion and trust can navigate the vicissitudes of therapy towards healing and hope. A hugely brave, honest and important piece of writing.”
Dr Chris Merritt, clinical psychologist and author
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Buy this book
- Hardback, 288 pages
- ISBN: 9781785908927
- 20 August 2024
- £18.99
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781785909313
- 20 August 2024
- £12.99