With you it is not so bad to be crazy

It had never occurred to me to put down on paper what my work as a psychiatrist has taught me, but it had to my wife Annelies. I am a talker, Annelies loves to write. It took some persuasion to get me started, but finally I did and for that I am now very grateful. A cornerstone of our marriage is the “love of truth.” What is the truth about reality and of what does reality consist. As writing progressed I soon realised that my insights as a psychiatrist differed little from our joint vision of the human condition. So they are not just mine they are also hers. As we chose to do this without outside help it can be classed as a true joint venture. While it wasn’t always very easy, it truly has been worth it. The whole process has given me much more than the book before you. This English version is the result of another joint venture. My friend Monny Curzon offered to ‘anglicise’ my own translation. I always admired his English, and his offer gave me courage. It was a joy to work together and I am very grateful that he made this possible. Blame me where the text is not flawless. Marlena Reisman’s editing made it all more fresh and crisp. Thanks for that. As I wrote, I realised how much I have learned from the people I met along the way. In gratitude I want to mention some of them. Martin Kuilman, chef de clinique at the Valeriuskliniek, Mario Montessori with whom I spent seven years in psychoanalysis, Yvo van Orshoven of the ‘original awareness’ and the carpetbeater! And Gert Groot Landeweer of craniosacral therapy and the communication programs. My heart goes out to my patients who gave me their trust and patience. Again and again they kept me on the right track. They were an unflinching reflection for me. I dedicate this book to them and to all of our, sometimes deeply hidden, vulnerable selves. Coen Blom

Coen Blom writes about what he learned in 50 years as a psychiatrist–what works and what doesn’t in direct contact with patients. He reveals what they need to get going again. And all he has learned from them. He takes us into his office to divulge useful ‘bedside manners’ for psychiatrists and other practitioners. Not sparing himself in the process. After all, a psychiatrist is his own instrument. In short, readable chapters, Coen takes on the various aspects of this difficult subject. While the focus seems to be about practitioner and patient, he shows us the vulnerability we all face in trying to survive in this confusing and ambiguous world. In so doing, Coen provides life tools that can be used by everyone. Productspecificaties ISBN: 9789077322628 Auteur: Coen Blom Boeksoort: 875 - Psychiatrie Uitgever: Mension Aantal pagina's: 120 Verschijningsvorm: Paperback / softback