ABSTRACT
After working together on The Project for a year, Frank and Dan expand their work to include a group of five therapists forming a study group.
During the next year Dan introduced his writing into Frank’s treatment, a bit at a time. Meanwhile, Frank began writing a second novel. He thought of his writing, and their work on The Project, as a new therapeutic paradigm.
Publishing their work could potentially harm Frank. Since a public response was inevitable, they needed experience presenting The Project in the world. Dan decided to use The Project as the basis of a ten-week course given to a study group of five therapists. This would be a safe public space. The group read Frank and Dan’s writing, met with Frank on two occasions, and provided accounts of their experiences. Frank was moved by his experience of this supportive group.
This successful experience led to the creation of an ongoing study group in which Frank was a member. The group met for the next three years studying the role of rapport, love and imagination in therapeutic change. During this period, Frank’s mother and wife died of cancer. The chapter concludes with Routledge offering to publish their book.
