Beyond Language in Relational Psychotherapy

‘This wonderful anthology is a feast of a book. As a reader, I find myself invited, engaged, stimulated, conversed with. Hargaden combines theory, poetry, neurobiology and political thought and weaves them in and out of rich and exciting case studies. Through these pages we can see the evolution of the author’s thinking and practice in relational psychotherapy as she explores the multiplicity of selves in the therapeutic engagement, describing a ‘way of knowing the other (which) allows for the uniqueness of both in the encounter because it is not fixed, static, or even consistent’.’

Charlotte Sills, professor, integrative psychotherapist, teaching and supervising transactional analyst, coach and supervisor

‘I had a visceral experience reading Helena’s book. I felt in my heart space an expansion and a warm stirring as I accompanied her on her journey. This book, skillfully and successfully demonstrates how the integration of the brain’s right and left hemisphere is more than an analytical tool, but one that holds the essence of our creative self, our personalities and our experiences. It therefore succeeds in highlighting the significance of bringing the ‘whole self’ into relationships.’ As I read it, I felt that Helena was giving the gift of her full self to the reader and what a generous gift!’

Hazel Hyslop, systemic psychotherapist, supervisor, tutor and leadership coach

‘Helena Hargaden has been at the forefront of developing relationality in transactional analysis for many years, about which this volume provides a living testament to the depth of her thinking. This selection, which encompasses a range of subjects, including transgenerational trauma, gender, anniversaries, culture, the relational third, boundaries, endings, money, the erotic, and politics, shows how Hargaden moves seamlessly from the clinical, through reflection, to the imaginative, and the theoretical. In this, we see Hargaden’s profound commitment to her clinical work, as well as her creativity in advancing relational theory. The book is lyrical, moving, humorous, and profound, and well deserves its place in this World Library series.’

Keith Tudor, Professor of Psychotherapy, Auckland University of Technology

‘Reading her new book, Helena Hargaden encouraged me to take the road less travelled when it comes to my working and personal life. She makes a strong plea that as Relational Transactional Analysts, apart from using our theoretical knowledge as our main source, we dare to dive into the endless resources of metaphors, literature, music and other creativity housing in the right hemisphere of our brain. It is a joy to read how she actually manages to give clear words to experiences that go beyond words. For me it was like arriving at a tantalizing resting place on my travels.’

Mirjam te Slaa, transactional analyst counseling and teamcoach, Bsc Speech therapy, PTSTA-C, The Netherlands

‘This profound, moving book is a must for all psychotherapy training course syllabuses. Not only a fascinating memoir documenting a 30-year career and a journey towards becoming a significant contributor to the workings and theory of relational psychotherapy, particularly in Transactional Analysis, it will also act as a guide for students, qualified psychotherapists and those outside the clinical field. Dr Hargaden's authority, energy, and humility will inspire the reader to use their whole minds, helping them synthesise the non-linear right-hemisphere 'noise' of their subjectivities with their left hemisphere' theoretical formulations' to bring deeper meaning and understanding into the therapeutic endeavour.’

Patrick Brook, co-founder and academic director, The Connexus Institute, Hove

‘As in a compilation album, this exciting book offers an enticing collection of the fifteen best hits produced by clinical master Helena Hargaden on both the art and the heart of psychotherapy. The result is an intimate invitation for psychotherapists and clinicians in general to tune the left hemisphere to the right as they read through, and at the same time listen to, a deeply inspiring and moving story of Hargaden's most personal, clinical, academic and creative experience.’

Zefiro Mellacqua,consultant psychiatrist and certified transactional analyst (CTA-P), head of Home Treatment Team, Ticino, Switzerland