“The Tao that can be named is not the eternal Tao" Welcome to this introductory workshop designed to introduce the teachings of Eric Graham Howe, a psychiatrist and founding doctor of the Tavistock Clinic in 1920. An early supporter of Carl Jung, Howe introduced Eastern philosophy to British psychoanalysts. In 1953 he established the Open Way clinic later renamed the Langham Clinic in west London. He was a mentor and friend to Alan Watts and a mentor to R.D. Laing who became the clinical director of Open Way in 1962.
The author of 15 books written between 1931 and 1975, these are now rarely available and expensive when they are. I can only find two photographs of Howe and along with the scarcity of his books suggests that his alternative approach to psychiatry is close to eradication.
The Open Way offers an eclectic gathering of alternative spiritual approaches to psychological well-being. Howe was an ‘anti-systematic’ thinker who ”…lives by the conviction that no single system of ideas can possibly encompass or express the depth and complexity of the psyche or the cosmos…”
“Psychotherapy is a Way of life” At the Elephant Rooms I hope to explore what a twenty-first century ‘Open Way’ approach might be like. I am hoping that a small group of interested people can take this forward and offer a novel psycho-spiritual pathway to mental health and happiness.
Programme 9.15 Arrival and drinks 9.30 – 10.50 How did E Graham Howe transform negative words into benefits? 10.50 – 11.10 Break 11.10 – 12.10 Exploring the ideas of E Graham Howe together. 12 10 – 12.25 ‘The Open Way’ – putting it together 12.25 – 12.30 Closing meditative reading.
Handouts and Worksheets will be provided. Please contact David Steare via email david.steare@gmail.com or via text/phone 07906 082291 to reserve a place. When booking I will provide my bank details for payment that will be refunded if you are unable to attend.
