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Psychoanalysis, the NHS, and Mental Health Work Today

Editor : Alison Vaspe

Reviews and Endorsements

'This excellent book shows the ways in which the psychoanalytic work of experienced and new clinicians benefits both patient and professional. It begins with the metaphor of primitive forces in human nature being like a tiger in the room — “He who rides the tiger dare not dismount” — but notes that not to reflect on relationships in anxious times of risk is also dangerous, in a culture blindly hitting the target but missing the point. This book has a belief that inequality, injustice, and lack of care for the vulnerable in our society is bad for the mental health of us all. It offers the hope of analytic adaptation in a time of extinction anxiety. An obituary of psychoanalysis in the NHS would be premature when such life and energy is evident in an evolving discipline.’
— Dr James Johnston, Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy, Leeds, and author of the 2017 policy report to the Royal College of Psychiatrists 'Learning from the Cradle to the Grave: The psychotherapeutic development of doctors from the beginning to the end of their career in medicine and psychiatry'

‘This book is for all of us, whether we work in mental health services or are its patients. We are reminded that, essentially, we are all vulnerable. The vibrancy and applicability of psychoanalytic thinking and practice to help make sense of our different experiences of these services are at the crux of this book. In a market-driven, cost-conscious NHS, this book argues that we ignore the strain of this emotional work at our peril.’
— Lesley Day, psychotherapist, reflective practice and organisational consultant, and former Head of Service at Cassel Hospital

‘This original book is essential reading for all those concerned with mental health in the NHS. It has thought-provoking chapters on the value of psychoanalytic thinking both in outpatient and inpatient settings. The authors explore the key analytical contribution to understanding institutions. An important aspect of this is supporting staff in stressful clinical situations.’
— Nick Temple, President of the British Psychoanalytical Society (2012–2016) and Chief Executive of Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust (2003–2008)