Seeking some feedback from her peers, a therapist requests insight regarding a young man who tried to gain internet fame, and comes to therapy to help him make sense of what happened one early morning...

The story itself is based on a folk tale - so presumably it was originally told as if it actually happened!

For this CPD I've updated the context to the present day to highlight some themes that are overlooked in the original telling; there might be misogyny, a hint of paedophilia even? And would you mention this to the client?  Another theme in this story concerns gender relations and how girls so often feel that they must offer perfection to be attractive. How do you feel about this man's story? And what am I missing?

But only one thing is certain in this case.

The desire for social recognition - and money - can make people behave in ways they don't wish to recognise. Never in a thousand years would this young man ever have imagined himself on a 'bottomless lake' with his friend's GoPro on his head, and a selfie stick! How would you help him to integrate this other version into his understanding of himself?

Meanwhile, as the therapist talks about the session you are invited to imagine yourself in her shoes; what theories come to mind? How would you proceed with this client? Is there safeguarding involved, should she be wondering about psychosis, and if she thinks this person is psychotic and you were in her position, what would you do?

Perhaps more worryingly, do you think that the therapist should contact the police for advice? 

See you on the 29th!