Memories

Memories Peter Wilson Director of Young Minds (the National Association for Child and Family Mental Health) recalls leaving the then Hampstead Clinic and the following encounter with Miss Freud.

In reading through the very many contributions offered for this section, we have been struck by the recurrence of several themes: first and foremost, Anna Freud's reputation as a teacher of exceptional talent; her intellectual strength; integrity; a continuing curiosity which was firmly rooted in the concept of ‘normality’, exploring from that as a secure base; a shy personality, socially uneasy with small talk, inclined to emotional reticence but capable of deep friendship and great grace; and, above all, someone committed to the internal — and external — health of children and young people. A dry and occasionally acerbic sense of humour is not far away, as our first contributor shows.

It was at that point in my life when it was time to move on; to make the break from the place that had brought me up and find my own place in the big wide world. Time, in fact, to leave the Anna Freud Centre (psychoanalysis) and enter the world of the Maudsley Hospital and the Institute of Psychiatry (academic, behavioural, cognitive). After ten or so years of childhood and adolescence, time now to grow up.

To ‘mother’ herself, I presented myself: my decision, my firm and courageous intention. A historic moment, none the less — not easy, not straightforward, not comfortable. Daunting, perhaps a better word. ‘Miss Freud,’ I said, ‘I have been offered important work in the Maudsley; I have decided to resign from the clinic.’

A quizzical look — head nodding, as it often did seemingly in sufferance, but with interest, if lack of comprehension. I hurried on, emphasizing the virtue of the new post and the value of everything I had learned. Her expression was one of curiosity, but equally of