Susan Horne

In May this year, Gabriela Mercado and John O’Connor brought their ‘Breaking Bad’ travelling roadshow south to Ōtautahi to present to a group of interested psychotherapists. Our local branch had not been functioning for some considerable time, with energies drained after a series of devastating events. The ongoing consequences of which, over the years, impacted on us personally and professionally; and the organisation of Branch activities became more and more reliant on a few already over-committed individuals.

On a crisp but sunny Sunday afternoon, 15 or so psychotherapists gathered to hear Gabriela and John’s presentation. We greeted each other with delight; some of us had not seen old friends for a while.

The talk by John and Gabriela was intimate and generous, stimulating a good discussion and enthusiastic participation. The warmth and depth of relationship was palpable; it was obvious we had felt somewhat starved of an opportunity for in-depth conversation. There was talk of meeting again, and Mark Murphy has kindly organised a further early evening meeting in the same venue this month where Kathy MacKenzie will start us off with a short clinical vignette.

We are hopeful that we will be able to continue meeting in this way on a 2- monthly basis, with a simple format, in an easy relaxed manner, sharing the responsibility of keeping the conversation flowing.