Journal December 2025 Release - Flipbook - Page 31
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were stimulated by our therapeutic conversations and your curiosity in the form
of emailed questions.
During our previous conversation, Perfectionism had become a huge problem in
her life. It made her strive for perfection in every sphere of her life. We set about
carefully deconstructing the half-truths it bases its tricks on, Joanna said she felt
"enlightened”, when Perfectionism's half-truths were exposed. (Her husband
dryly suggested she swallow a lit candle when in search of enlightenment.) We
had such a laugh when she remembered his comments and shared his dry wit in
our conversation.
Regards Jo Viljoen
Overwhelm amidst the slow miracle of recovery.
The letter-writing process was life-changing for Joanna and me, but I noticed that
there were times when she felt overwhelmed by the intensity and the
perpetuation of the process, as well as all the questions. I was concerned that SS
might infiltrate our efforts from the inside out and decided to ask David’s advice.
"Jo Viljoen" Tuesday, May 08, 2001, 9:33 PM
Re: Joanna
Dear David,
I am noticing that Joanna is feeling overwhelmed at times at the intensity and the
variety of questions we share in our emails. I know you said from the get-go that
we should monitor the process and we have “weeded out” whatever Joanna feel
is not significant or perhaps distressing.
David: THANK JOANNA FOR NOTING WHAT SHE CONSIDERS SIGNIFICANT.
Jo:
Thank you very much. David, I have had to go slow with passing your letters
onto Joanna.
An Apprenticeship in Extremis
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, December 2025 Release, p. 5-44.
www.journalnft.com
