Mother Tongue and Other Tongues: Narratives in Multilingual Psychotherapy

The issue of identity and difference has taken on a more defensive hue, with an inward-looking nostalgia of sameness based on fear rather than understanding. Communication is essential for survival, and the speaking person is an individual but also part of a culture or cultures with dense collective and individual shapes. This collection addresses how language affects therapists and their patients, and how it can be understood culturally and therapeutically.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2021
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

In today's world, the issue of identity and difference has taken on a more defensive tone, with a growing inclination towards an inward-looking nostalgia of sameness driven by fear rather than genuine understanding. The experience of encountering a different language, its spoken nuances, and the visual representation of the "other" has become increasingly complex, imbued with projections of powerlessness, fear, terrorism, and survival. Identity itself has become even more intricate, encompassing not only individual characteristics but also the intricate interplay between one's culture or cultures and the collective and individual shapes they possess.

The concept of identity, that profound sense of belonging, is essential, brimming with possibilities and, at times, quite discomforting as it navigates the tensions between who we are and who we are becoming. It sits alongside more complex historical narratives of languages and cultures being altered, lost, or erased due to the territorial ambitions of powerful nations driven by conquest and economic gain.

This collection aims to explore the multifaceted impact of language on therapists and their patients, while also shedding light on its cultural and therapeutic dimensions. Drawing from talks presented at the Multi-lingual Psychotherapy Centre (MLPC), the contributors offer not only therapeutic perspectives but also their roles as academics, writers, and artists. Through their reflections, memories, and stories, the book provides a glimpse into the multilingual journey pursued by the MLPC over the past two decades, leaving ample room for contemplation and reflection.

Among the contributors to this book are Cédric Bouët-Willaumez, Giselle China, Patricia Gorringe, and Nats. Each of their contributions brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table, contributing to a rich and diverse exploration of the subject matter.

In conclusion, the issue of identity and difference has assumed a more defensive posture in our times, driven by fear rather than genuine understanding. The experience of encountering a different language, its spoken nuances, and the visual representation of the "other" has become increasingly complex, imbued with projections of powerlessness, fear, terrorism, and survival. Identity itself has become even more intricate, encompassing not only individual characteristics but also the intricate interplay between one's culture or cultures and the collective and individual shapes they possess. This collection aims to shed light on the multifaceted impact of language on therapists and their patients, while also exploring its cultural and therapeutic dimensions. Through the contributions of esteemed scholars, writers, and artists, the book provides a glimpse into the multilingual journey pursued by the MLPC over the past two decades, leaving ample room for contemplation and reflection.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912691852