Philip J. Barker

Severe Depression: A practitioner's guide Philip J. Barker 1992 edition

Philip Barker's view of severe depression is that it is possible to reach out to the deeply wounded, withdrawn and despairing person and, together, take the first few steps towards safety, growth and autonomy following a logical and rational programme of regaining control of thought and activity. The message of the book is that depression does not possess the person but that the sufferer owns, and can, therefore, overcome this most disabling experience of prolonged anguish. The author writes from a personal view and from a wide experience, particularly in working with women. "Severe Depression" aims to help the reader to see that depression is common, "normal" and understandable. Those of us who appear to function well, socially and professionally, often are insensitive and unobservant to these "facts" of severe depression. Great works of art and profound insights are created and experienced during "the dark night of the soul" - if it is survived. This approach to severe depression is not for the superficial or the coldly clinical therapist but for those who are able to stand beside the sufferer, man or woman, as they first find their feet and then find their way alone and independently. Included in this book is a self-help guide, which is also published separately for personal use.