About Sirius Nomad

Metanoia (an ancient Greek word for "changing one's mind") is the psychological theory of Carl Jung, which denotes a process of reforming the psyche as a form of self-healing, a proposed explanation for the phenomenon of psychotic breakdown.

In Jung's psychology, Metanoia indicates a spontaneous attempt of the psyche to heal itself of unbearable conflict by melting down and then being reborn in a more adaptive form. Jung believed that psychotic episodes could be understood as existential crises, and were attempts at self-reparation.

Jung's concept of Metanoia influenced R. D. Laing and the Therapeutic Community Movement, which aimed to support people whilst they broke down and went through spontaneous healing, rather than thwarting such efforts at self-repair by strengthening their existing character defenses and thereby maintaining the underlying conflict.

My work explores this healing process, its transformative effect and potential for spiritual and psychological growth. It also deals with my current sense of dislocation and disconnection from my past in Northern Ireland, where I was brought up during the Troubles. It reflects the emotional impact of this schism and my attempt at re-rooting in Scotland.
 

"Healing is an act of freedom. They didn't build asylums to set people free" - Unknown