Psychosomatic Health is an exploration of the relationship between physical and psychological wellbeing. It draws on postmodern and narrative theory to consider the psychosomatic processes which underpin and enhance health. The text adopts a psychoanalytic stance rooted in the work of D.W. Winnicott, and reviews the work of other major psychoanalytic figures on the question of body and mind, enabling students and practitioners to engage with a variety of perspectives. Clearly written and well illustrated with examples throughout, the author makes extensive use of infant observation extracts and real-life case studies to explore the experiences of movement and touch and their meanings for the individual. As a basis for working effectively with psychosomatic disturbance, the author introduces her original concept of 'body storylines'. Case studies explain how this therapeutic approach can be used to encourage therapists to think about their relationship to their experiences, their use of physicality and their use of their bodies as 'barometers of psychological change'. This broad ranging text pulls together contemporary developments from across a range of disciplines, including psychoanalytic theory, clinical psychology, medicine, complementary medicine and philosophy, to demonstrate a better understanding of clinical practice.

This practical and accessible book of case studies takes a new look at self-harm, focusing particularly on the under-explored area of `hidden' self-harming behaviour. These behaviours may not be immediately identifiable as self-harm by counsellors, therapists or their clients, but Maggie Turp shows how recognition and understanding of hidden self-harm can improve practice with those affected. The author begins by discussing extracts from infant observation studies that reflect on the role of maternal care in encouraging the tendency towards self-care. A series of detailed case studies follows, including a client who has a serious eating disorder, a client who abuses recreational drugs, works excessively to the detriment of his mental and physical health and sustains a series of unconsciously invited 'accidents', and one caught up in 'self-harm by omission', who fails to 'take care' and delays seeking vital medical care. The clinical accounts highlight the importance of attending to the client as a whole person and of building on the self-caring tendency that has prompted him or her to seek help in the form of counselling or psychotherapy. Written from a psychoanalytic perspective, but using straightforward language, Hidden Self-Harm is a valuable resource for social workers, psychologists, teachers, nurses and lay helpers as well as for counsellors and psychotherapists.