Longest Journey

Relationship difficulties, anxiety and depression are common triggers for men and women to seek counselling. Amanda Stuart describes how for many clients it becomes clear in counselling that old wounds — neglect, hurt and anger — are at the heart of the presenting problem, often decades later. She decided to write The Longest Journey to highlight the effect of buried pain, which often links to childhood.

The author interviewed a number of ex-clients to understand what had changed in their lives as a result of counselling. Their experiences include sensitive issues — abuse and the suicide of a parent — topics still taboo in our society. Clients were aware of significant change. Relationships were easier and they felt happier. Reading his story, a man in his thirties said: “I’m blown away. Looking back on my time in counselling, I can see how much I’ve changed. Others have seen it in me too.”