How therapy explores reality

Dr Michael Bartram
Friday 05 May 1995 23:02 BST
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From Dr Michael Bartram

Sir: Bryan Appleyard is misguided to lump psychotherapy in with aromatherapy or colonic irrigation. The latter procedures result in a sense of physical well-being and doubtless calm the mind.

Psychotherapy is made of sterner stuff. It is an elaboration of the Socratic injunction: know thyself - including thyself in relation to others and to the world. It is not an escape from, but an exploration of reality. It is open to abuse but so are other respected callings such as medicine and teaching.

Yours faithfully,

MICHAEL BARTRAM

London, N6

3 May

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