Healing of a Psychotherapist: A Journey of Rebellion, Reflection and Redemption

An unhappy childhood often affects who we become in adulthood and our capacity to enjoy whatever successes we achieve. In Healing of a Psychotherapist: A Journey of Rebellion, Reflection, and Redemption, Charles McCormack, MA, MSW, LCSW-C, uses his own life in illustration. With searing honesty, McCormack lays bare his personal and professional ordeals, along with the lessons he’s drawn and continues to draw. Though his story is unique, his struggles are not; thus, McCormack’s narrative works its way into the heart of each of us. His take home, the one given to him by his mother on her deathbed, is clear. Staring into his eyes, she was emphatic: “Charlie. Have a good life. Have a good life.,” refusing to break her hold upon him until he finally committed, “I will, mom, I will, “ all the while thinking, “how the hell do I do that?” McCormack hopes that sharing his story through this book brings his readers insight and healing.

Mr. McCormack holds master's degrees in Psychology and Social Work. Since 1974, he has worked in in-patient psychiatric units, family violence, sexual abuse treatment, and SUDs treatment programs, and private practice. In 1988, he was named the Senior Social Worker of Adult Long-term Inpatient Services at Sheppard Pratt. His writings include “Treatment of the Borderline/Schizoid Couple,” 'Treating Borderline States in Marriage,' and 'Essence' (memoir), awarded the Montaigne Medal for being the most thought-provoking of books. He was a long-term faculty member of the Washington School Psychiatry and Clinician of the Year (Maryland Society of Clinical Social Work). Long before social work embraced trauma-informed approaches, McCormack wrote about and trained social workers in ways of conceptualizing and humanizing work with individuals and couples impacted by major psychopathology. In 2023, McCormack was the recipient of the University of Maryland School of Social Work's Emeritus Award for contributions to the profession.