Both Sides of the Couch : A story of recovery told by a therapist and their client

When AnnaWickins began counselling with her therapist, Paddy Magrane, she could barelyspeak in their sessions, silenced by traumatic memories from two decadesbefore.But as trust built, Anna felt able to open up and she started to talkabout the terrifying ordeal she experienced at university.As Anna examined herpast, a transformation was occurring across the room.Listening to her taleawakened painful memories in Paddy about the horrors that occurred at hisboarding school. After twoyears of healing work, Anna and Paddy embarked on an unusual therapeuticexercise: a visit to the site of her trauma, where Anna physically confrontedthe scenes of her nightmares.With Paddy's reassurance and support, she wasfinally able to leave her demons behind.Once robbed of a voice, Anna now helpsothers to find theirs, in the same way that Paddy helped her. Told inalternating perspectives, Both Sides of the Couch is a searingly honestaccount of how counselling shapes both client and therapist.A unique windowinto therapy, it shows, for the first time, the journey through the eyes ofboth participants.Both Sides of the Couch is a moving and inspirationalstory of finding light in the darkest of times.