Doctor

Jane Graham

Philosophy

Evidence in the form of writings from the 600s to 1200s AD suggest that we can trace the earliest forms of Mental Health care in Britain back to the Celtic Church.

Each monastery had monks known as ‘friends of the soul’ or ‘Anam Cara’ and their role was to befriend those suffering with melancholia and ennui – a weariness for life. Their aim was to support the sufferer to return to the world and to engage once more in social connection.

While this may sound a little superficial, in fact the monks undertook the journey of true companionship, walking alongside, connecting and bonding, sharing heart and mind and the inner self without judgment. Teaching and sharing the art of belonging.

The relationship between a ‘friend of the soul’ and another was characterised by mutuality – demonstrating and embracing mutual respect for the other; sharing common values and wisdom regardless of age, gender, race, or sexual identity; working collaboratively with the ability to challenge each other when necessary.

I believe that these earliest of values should be at the centre of all therapeutic care and therefore I embrace the philosophy and wisdom of these earliest ‘friends of the soul’ as my own, embedding their philosophy within the heart of all areas of my clinical practice