Emmy van Deurzen, a Dutch existential therapist, relocated to the UK in 1977, drawn by the philosophies of Scottish anti-psychiatrist R.D. Laing. Laing famously posited that insanity could be a rational response to an irrational world. Van Deurzen, with her background in philosophy and psychology from France, began her career at the Arbours Association in London. This therapeutic community, founded on Laing’s principles, fostered an environment where individuals experiencing crises, alongside psychiatrists and therapists, lived as equals.
However, this experience proved to be a stark realization for Van Deurzen. The Arbours Association’s goal was to provide a space for individuals to “explore their madness.” While conceptually intriguing, the practical application involved a significant degree of self-medication with substances like alcohol and marijuana, leading to an unfortunate atmosphere. Residents frequently struggled with severe depression or psychosis, and nighttime disturbances due to hallucinations or suicidal ideation were common.
This led Van Deurzen to conclude that the anti-psychiatry movement had, in a sense, “lost its courage.” While it offered an alternative perspective on mental health crises and advocated for the release of individuals from asylums and the discontinuation of neuroleptic drugs, it often left them without adequate support. Van Deurzen recognized that this was insufficient. She believed that individuals in the throes of a mental health crisis require assistance to comprehend their experiences and to embark on a path toward healing.
It was at this juncture that Van Deurzen resolved to forge her own path. “From that moment on I just knew: nobody’s doing this. I’m going to have to do it myself,” she stated, dedicating herself to developing her unique therapeutic approach.