This is a book of poems and prose from my view as a therapist, “on the outside looking in,” watching people as they suffer in pain, in shame, many times in isolation and confusion. It is about seeing how some recover and lead richer, fuller lives, raising families and working. It is about watching those with a mental illness and substance abuse problem struggle to live more positively with “co-occurring disorders.”
It is my public forum about private issues that may be encouraging to others who have a mental illness. You are invited to “step into my head” for a while as I process what I’ve seen and reflect on those who have taught me a great deal. I count it an honor to be involved in this intimate process called therapy.