The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The real motivation was purely selfish. I was on a quest to help myself. I believe the same is true for most people who go into mental health. We are drawn to this particular profession because we are damaged – we study psychology to heal ourselves. Whether we are prepared to admit this or not is another question.

‘In order to be a good therapist, you must be receptive to your patients’ feelings – but you must not hold on to them – they are not yours – they do not belong to you.’