With you it is not so bad to be crazy

It had never occurred to me to put down on paper what my
work as a psychiatrist has taught me, but it had to my wife
Annelies. I am a talker, Annelies loves to write. It took some
persuasion to get me started, but finally I did and for that I
am now very grateful.

A cornerstone of our marriage is the “love of truth.” What is
the truth about reality and of what does reality consist. As
writing progressed I soon realised that my insights as a psychiatrist
differed little from our joint vision of the human condition.
So they are not just mine they are also hers.
As we chose to do this without outside help it can be classed
as a true joint venture. While it wasn’t always very easy,
it truly has been worth it. The whole process has given me
much more than the book before you.

This English version is the result of another joint venture. My
friend Monny Curzon offered to ‘anglicise’ my own translation.
I always admired his English, and his offer gave me
courage. It was a joy to work together and I am very grateful
that he made this possible. Blame me where the text is not flawless.
Marlena Reisman’s editing made it all more fresh and
crisp. Thanks for that.

As I wrote, I realised how much I have learned from the
people I met along the way. In gratitude I want to mention some
of them. Martin Kuilman, chef de clinique at the Valeriuskliniek,
Mario Montessori with whom I spent seven years in psychoanalysis,
Yvo van Orshoven of the ‘original awareness’ and
the carpetbeater! And Gert Groot Landeweer of craniosacral
therapy and the communication programs.

My heart goes out to my patients who gave me their trust and
patience. Again and again they kept me on the right track.
They were an unflinching reflection for me.

I dedicate this book to them and to all of our, sometimes deeply hidden, 
vulnerable selves.

Coen Blom