Remarkable lives: Julie Leibrich in conversation with Jerome Carson

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a profile of Julie Leibrich.

Design/methodology/approach

After a short introduction by Jerome, Julie provides a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include community care, discovery and sanctuary.

Findings

Julie is a psychologist, a poet and someone who has “lived experience” of mental health problems. Julie tells us about the historical problems of implementing community care, here and in New Zealand; she suggests that discrimination towards the mentally ill is more important than stigma; she talks about the importance of “A Gift of Stories” and why she has written her latest book on sanctuary.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates that Julie provides a unique perspective on recovery, though she prefers the term discovery. Her experiences as a research psychologist and as someone with lived experience have informed her writing.

Citation

Leibrich, J. and Carson, J. (2012), "Remarkable lives: Julie Leibrich in conversation with Jerome Carson", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 175-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301211281023