Doctor Jonny

Hi all! So, I woke up in a very bad mood on Saturday morning - not helped by the fact it was grey and raining! I was cheered up, however, when Barbara and Steve offered me a bagel - it was a chocolate marble one from a local bagel store, and it was totally amazing. My faith was restored and I set off for the long drive to Boston. I got to Alewife subway station, and parked up and took the train to Park St., Boston. There, it was raining too, but undeterred, I started to walk the Freedom Trail. There's an app for the iPhone for it. Basically, it's this red line on the pavements that you follow and it takes you around all the historic sites in Boston - the app tells you more ... read more

Hi All, So I thought I'd share with you a couple of bits of information that has really struck me... Firstly, how costly it is for patients to be here. This is a quote from the website: "Austen Riggs offers a range of programs, from the initial six-week intensive evaluation and treatment phase to other residential day treatment and aftercare programs. Fees range from $1,190/day at the highest level of evaluation and treatment to $220/day for aftercare. While the total length of stay can vary, individuals are strongly encouraged to stay for the minimum period of six-weeks of intensive evaluation and treatment, and a pre-payment of $47,000 is required on the day of admission. This pre-payment covers most of the cost of the evaluation and treatment phase, depending on program admitted to. There is also an ... read more

Hey! So, this morning, after breakfast, I had a yoga class - don't let anyone tell you it's easy!! After the class, I went on a walk around a trail called 'Simon's rock' - pics attached! Thought I may see a bear, but it wasn't to be today! Did some reading in the sunshine back at my place, before driving to Pittsfield for a BBQ with friends of Julia - Joe and Nancy. The steaks were to die for! Their house is next to a lake, and we spent the evening by the lake, drinking beer and toasting marshmallows! - Thanks to them for their hospitality! Seems Massachusetts has some weird State driving regulation - you can ignore a red traffic light if turning right, and they seem VERY liberal with respect to drink-driving! Just saying! ... read more

Hi all! So, this is going to be mainly photos. The weather was amazing today - spent the morning walking with my supervisor, considering boundaries in psychodynamic practice, and then I grabbed coffee (see pic of the choices we have!) and sat outside in the grounds of Riggs, reading notes on schizoid personality. Had more patient contact time today and also found my local gym - getting orientation there tomorrow. Anyhow, check out the photos and I hope all's well back home. xxx... read more

Barbara bought me two scones - she didn't want me to go into withdrawl! (Do Americans think we consume scones everyday???), so I had one for breakfast and Steve made me a black coffee. Drove to Riggs, and had an orientation day. OMG! What a place! The work they do is fantastic, but intense doesn't even begin to describe it! I've uploaded some more pics btw! I was taken to my office (next to the library) - I have my own office! There's free tea and coffee and snacks on-tap and lunc is free for staff! I can even eat breakfast and dinner with the patients for free! Will be giving that a go later this week! I was taken for a walk round the local golf-course by my supervisor - Dr David Mintz, who explained ... read more