'The big interview’ usually features a high-profile practitioner, often one who has published a bestselling book or contributed in other significant ways to the development of the profession. In this issue, however, the practitioner interviewed could be described as very much ‘under the radar’, quietly going about her professional life seeing clients and supervisees.
That quiet life changed for Jenny Pearson, however, when she heard a podcast by the broadcaster Nicky Campbell, talking for the first time about the abuse he suffered while attending the Edinburgh Academy, and she realised the teacher he was discussing was her late father. Jenny chose to ‘out’ herself as his daughter and get in touch with Nicky to help him and all of her father’s victims – and herself – process the ongoing trauma of the physical and sexual abuse inflicted on them at one of Scotland’s most prestigious fee-paying schools. The resulting podcast featuring Jenny’s conversation with Nicky won best interview at the 2023 British Podcast Awards, and it’s now been followed up by a BBC Panorama documentary. Don’t miss Jenny’s brave and compelling interview by Catherine Jackson on pages 24-28.
'The interviews with the practitioners featured in ‘The big issue’ left me feeling inspired and hopeful about the possibilities for our profession post-pandemic'
Many of the practitioners featured in ‘The big issue’ could be considered more conventionally high profile, with book contracts, successful social media accounts and thriving therapy businesses. What struck me when I talked to them about the appeal of portfolio working – combining client work with other income streams – was that before their ‘big breaks’ they were just putting in the hours as committed practitioners like many other thousands of BACP members. But they were also all looking for an answer to the question ‘what next?’ – as one interviewee, Rima Sidhpara, put it – and for ways to develop their creative, entrepreneurial and business sides. The interviews left me feeling inspired and hopeful about the possibilities for our profession post-pandemic. I am also aware that portfolio working does not suit everyone, and many practitioners thrive on full-time client work – if you are one of them, do get in touch with your experiences at therapytoday@thinkpublishing.co.uk
Sally Brown Editor
