Beyond the Medical Gaze

Thanks to advances in medical care, over the last half century, people are living longer. While this is clearly welcome news it also means that more people are living with long term health conditions (LTCs). This growing number of people, across all ages, can face daily symptoms, medical monitoring, and invasive treatments. Yet, the psychological and emotional impact of living with a LTC is not routinely recognized or addressed in healthcare practice. A cultural change in healthcare towards more holistic practice is long overdue to better support this growing population. This book aims to provide an overview of psychologically informed approach to healthcare for healthcare professionals and anyone looking to deliver or receive more holistic healthcare.

Liza Morton, PhD, C. Psychol is a Chartered (BPS) and Registered Counselling Psychologist (HCPC) and a Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University. Born with complete heart block and a hole in her heart, in a world first at the time, Liza was fitted with her first cardiac pacemaker at just 11 days old in 1978 and she has depended on pioneering medical treatment since. She is the co-author of Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to Coping Well with Congenital Heart Disease.