The Poet and the Psychotherapist: In Gratitude for the Life and Work of Seamus Heaney (1939–2013). (14th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ward, Siobhan
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychotherapy. Volume 30:Number 4(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 475
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2014-10-14
• Subjects: Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychothérapie -- Périodiques; 616.8914
• DOI: 10.1111/bjp.12108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-9883

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In this paper, I explore the question whether the inclusion in clinical training of a more observational and research‐based approach focused on evidence of outcome, as advocated by Knox (2013), risks eroding the subjective experience which is at the heart of the analytic encounter. I suggest that psychotherapists have always had to maintain a dual perspective of objective observer and experiencing subject. I compare the duality of the psychotherapist and the duality of the poet, using the poetry of Seamus Heaney for illustration purposes. I refer to themes and values shared by psychotherapy and Heaney's poetry, which make this comparison especially apposite. I refer to Heaney's poetry to illustrate that the maintenance of objectivity need not be at the expense of subjectivity and that the tension between the two perspectives makes for creativity. I also refer to certain of Heaney's poems for their educational value in expressing eloquently certain key concepts and aims of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. I liken Heaney's inclusiveness and non‐sectarianism to Knox's willingness to include within clinical trainings and practice an approach which seeks out and learns from research in other related disciplines.</p> </abstract>