It seems surprising to be writing the last editorial for the year. I sometimes joke in January that “It’s nearly Christmas” only to find, in what seems like the blink of an eye, that it nearly is. I think it is reasonable to say that 2020 has been a particularly unusual year, but I would like to refresh the positive idea that it is not the difficulties we face, but what we create in the face of those difficulties. We have all faced experiences that have disturbed and disrupted our sense of wellbeing. Yet, at the same time, I have heard so many stories of personal growth, community engagement and positive social change that I am still encouraged to believe that given the opportunity and the appropriate circumstances we have the capacity to move towards health and wellbeing. It seems that even events that impact our heart and soul can take our lives towards that place of wonder and possibility.
I would like to share with you one of my heart and soul experiences. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my mentor and wonderful friend Ernest Rossi. In acknowledgement of my personal association with Dr Rossi and the extraordinary contributions that he made to the practise and understanding of psychotherapy, I have written an article honouring his life. “My Apprenticeship with Ernest Rossi, PhD” is both a personal story and an academic summary that I hope gives you some insight into the man and his mind.
In a beautiful balance, we have been given access to the opening chapter of a fascinating book by Catherine Stauffer, Emotional Neglect and the Adult in Therapy. Catherine introduces us to four clients and utilises their stories to help us understand what happens to someone’s sense of self and the deficits that result from the absence of parental care and love.
I am also very pleased to have received more book reviews From our regular contributor Gunnel Minett. We are introduced to two fascinating books Breath: The New Science of A Lost Art by James Nestor and This Life: Why Mortality Makes Us Free by Martin Hagglund. Minett’s reviews are not only a description of what the books offer but also enhanced with additional commentary and reflections on how the book contributes to our better understanding both as individuals and as therapists.
Everyone at the science of psychotherapy wishes you all the very best of this festive season. We hope you enjoy and value deeply from whatever you and your family celebrate this time of year. May the New Year be the bearer of the promise so many hope for. May your wishes come true.
RICHARD HILL | EDITOR
CONTENT
Research: Loneliness in Youth; A Hunger for Social Contact
My Apprenticeship With Ernest Rossi
Richard Hill
The Experience of Being an Ignored Child
Kathrin Stauffer
Book Reviews: What Has Death Got To Do With Life; Is Breathing the New Frontier in Medicine?
Gunnel Minett
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