It had never occurred to me to put down on paper what mywork as a psychiatrist has taught me, but it had to my wifeAnnelies. I am a talker, Annelies loves to wr... » 

It had never occurred to me to put down on paper what mywork as a psychiatrist has taught me, but it had to my wifeAnnelies. I am a talker, Annelies loves to write. It took somepersuasion to get me started, but finally I did and for that Iam now very grateful.A cornerstone of our marriage is the “love of truth.” What isthe truth about reality and of what does reality consist. Aswriting progressed I soon realised that my insights as a psychiatristdiffered 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 classedas a true joint venture. While it wasn’t always very easy,it truly has been worth it. The whole process has given memuch more than the book before you.This English version is the result of another joint venture. Myfriend Monny Curzon offered to ‘anglicise’ my own translation.I always admired his English, and his offer gave mecourage. It was a joy to work together and I am very gratefulthat he made this possible. Blame me where the text is not flawless.Marlena Reisman’s editing made it all more fresh andcrisp. Thanks for that.As I wrote, I realised how much I have learned from thepeople I met along the way. In gratitude I want to mention someof 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’ andthe carpetbeater! And Gert Groot Landeweer of craniosacraltherapy and the communication programs.My heart goes out to my patients who gave me their trust andpatience. 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 «