It is sometimes hard to find hope, especially when the world seems to be ridden with conflict and crisis. So perhaps we should be thankful that spring is here, with its sense of possibility and optimism.
Leigh Riby discusses the potentially uplifting effect of spring in his article 'How music heals'. But he is writing specifically about the Spring concerto from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. We all, perhaps, instinctively know that music can make us feel good. But Leigh’s neuroscientific research seeks to understand why, as it explores the connection between music, the brain and mental wellbeing.
Have you ever wondered, for example, why you might play a sad tune when you are feeling low? The article will hopefully inspire you to listen to music in a slightly different way. The research also has important and exciting implications for the future development of music therapy.
It’s hard to feel good if you have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Instead, you are likely to be besieged by feelings of shame. Dr Nicole Schnackenberg explains in 'Conversations with shame' how people with BDD project that shame onto a body part or parts, in the hope of becoming lovable. Nicole also explains how a voice dialogue approach can be helpful with BDD clients, as it allows both client and therapist to understand the BDD as a frightened, vulnerable part of the self.
Attitudes towards transgender people are becoming more hostile and antagonistic, as anyone familiar with current political discourse or media content can testify. Does that hostility find its way into the therapy room? In 'Are you a trans-hostile therapist?' , Ellis J Johnson asks us to think about our own practice and to question whether we are working anti-oppressively. Ellis also challenges the ‘exploratory’ approach to therapy with trans clients. Is it neutral, as some suggest? Or does it instead seek to pathologise trans experiences?
Transgender people are far more likely than the cisgender population to experience mental health difficulties, which is perhaps not surprising, given the hostile terrain. They can also face barriers to accessing care – and one of the biggest barriers is the long waiting time for an appointment at an NHS gender identity clinic. CJ Webb writes on p25 about the corrosive effect of the long wait on the mental health of transgender people – and how NHS Talking Therapies services can offer support.
'Attitudes towards transgender people are becoming more hostile’
We are living in a digital age. Many of us – clients and therapists – spend a lot of time online. Of course, online communities can be supportive. They can also help to raise awareness of mental health issues. But do they come at a cost? On p29, Andrew Reeves wonders whether social media can address the complexities of real-life experiences of mental ill health or whether it distorts our understanding of ourselves and each other.
hcpj.editorial@bacp.co.uk
I would like to say a fond farewell to Judy Stafford, who works in the Journals and Professional Standards departments of BACP. Judy has written a column for the journal for many years, but has now stepped back from her writing role. I am sure readers will join me in thanking Judy for her valued contribution to the journal.
'When you work in a healthcare setting, there is no typical working day – it is one of the joys but also one of the challenges of the job'