In My Room

One room. Over 25 years of recovery stories

Jim Lucey has been working for more than 25 years with patients suffering from mental health problems. Every day, people at their most vulnerable present to Jim in his room at St Patrick’s University Hospital and reveal their fears, their traumas, and very real predicaments. Most of the assessments described in this book took place in this room.

‘The room is a space for the mind, and a metaphor for the mind at the same time. Most of us will never find ourselves on a psychiatrist’s couch and yet our lives would be perilous if we did not make space for our mental health. In this space, we can hold up a mirror and acknowledge our search for meaning. By going to the room, life becomes more resourceful and rewarding. In showing up there, we show up for life itself.’

Jim Lucey has been working for more than 25 years with patients suffering from mental health problems. When people at their most vulnerable present to his room at St Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, they reveal their fears, traumas, and very real human predicaments. Most of the assessments described in this book took place in this room. While the patients’ stories are diverse, one common theme emerges – that of recovery. The psychiatrist and patients show us that recovery is possible, if we can find a way to engage.

Many of us find it difficult to speak of the mind, and care of the mind requires an ability to listen and to reflect. This inspiring book will give you many moments of reflection as you journey with Jim’s patients towards recovery, and will restore your faith in the human experience.

Reviews: 

'Using the art of clinical storytelling, Professor Lucey allows us to enter his room – an extraordinary space where theory informs practice and practice informs theory ...  In My Room provides valuable insights that will benefit every human being interested in better understanding mental health.  This is a beautiful book that should be read out loud at times, shared with others, and openly discussed' Charlotte R. Shore, RN, BSN, Newton Wellesley Hospital, USA and David A. Shore, PhD, Harvard University

‘What a sublime pleasure to read a book about a topic that isn't easily accessible...read more...