Undressing

Description

"In O Neill's book - at once a case-history, a novella, and something more than either - we have a remarkable story of what two people can do for each other if they can experiment with trust. Adam PhillipsWhen therapist-in-training James O Neill starts his placement at a therapy centre in west London, his first referral is Abraham, a silent and frightened young man in a tightly-zipped, hooded anorak.For the majority of their initial sessions, Abraham hardly speaks. But O Neill gradually gains his trust and learns of the abuse and violence Abraham was subjected to as a child that caused him to hide away from the world - barely sleeping, too afraid to get undressed even in the shower.Over the many years they meet, Abraham s unfolding story and bravery inspire O Neill to confront his own complicated past. Together they achieve something radical, as Abraham creates his own kind of therapy and teaches O Neill to do the same.

James O'Neill is a psychotherapist with an independent practice in south London. Born in Toronto, he moved to London in 1977 where he taught history before starting therapy training. He is a member of the Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. This is his first book.

A brave and moving book which demystifies what it is to be a good and generous therapist. -- I read this extraordinary short story of a psychotherapist and his patient in a single sitting... A powerful testament, not only to therapy, but of the healing that trust, empathy and love can engender in all of us. Vegan cook Kate Ford shares her quick, easy recipes - with no odd ingredients * The Times *