The Caveman - Reflections from psychotherapy on the fear of death

A free extract from Tales From the Valley of Death: Reflections from psychotherapy on the fear of death by Ross G. Menzies & Rachel E. Menzies.

Tales from the Valley of Death explores the complex lives of individuals who have been crippled by death-related fears and related existential issues as revealed by candid interviews with their psychotherapist, internationally renowned clinical psychologist Professor Ross Menzies. As we read Ross’s discussions with his clients, we hear them talk candidly in verbatim interviews, revealing much about the impact of both good and bad therapy, the struggle to be well, and the human spirit that strives to overcome mental illness through an understanding of oneself. Vivid first-hand accounts reveal their private histories, core thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that drove their mental health dilemmas. For some, the struggle has gone on for years as they tried different therapies and therapists.

Chapter 3

The Caveman

For more than a decade, Berat rarely left the apartment that he shared with his mother. During the worst of it, a period that lasted for over three years, he would not permit any light to be switched on, day or night. His insisted that the refrigerator was permanently turned off, along with the washing machine and dryer. No cooking of any sort was allowed. He didn’t sleep in a bed, preferring a thin mat on the floor. He lived in primitive conditions and almost complete darkness, like a caveman. …