‘I left school with bulimia, promiscuity and a grade C in typing’
There are a lot of words online about Liz Bentley, but the words that stood out for me were from her own website: ‘Psychotherapist by Day/Comedian by Night’. How could I not be intrigued? Especially as she’s got a new book out – a memoir: ‘The Suicidal Therapist, Confessions of a Wounded Healer’. I knew I had to talk to this multi-tasking, Jacqui-of-all-trades, writes Michael Holland.
Liz Bentley ‘escaped from Essex’ as a 21-year-old and came to SE London after finding North London too dear. Plus, it was near to Deptford’s St Paul’s Church where she played in a band in The Crypt club there.
Initially, Liz had plans to be an air hostess or an ambulance driver, but was too short. She had been told she was a good listener, so became a Samaritan volunteer in New Cross, which became good experience for work in the Marie Stopes abortion clinic and progression onto a counselling course.
When Liz had to go into therapy as part of the course, she freaked out. ‘I knew I wasn’t in a good state…I left school with bulimia, promiscuity and a grade C in typing.’ Her latest book starts there, relating the journey of training to become a therapist, and inspiring conversations about everything that is mental health, from eating disorders and addictions, to disability and loss.
Was it easy for you to write?
‘No. It was truly difficult. Like uncorking an old bottle of red wine that doesn’t travel well. At the bottom was a sediment that’d been there for decades. It got shook up, I got re-traumatised and found out there were new layers to my childhood trauma. The book started out as a blog, ‘From Essex to London in 101 Boyfriends’… Writing is therapy, and I’m very pleased with how it’s ended up.’
Who is the book aimed at?
‘Anyone who has an interest in mental health – therapy students, therapists and those struggling in their therapy. And anyone interested in the beauty and ugliness of the human condition.’
Now, Liz has been a therapist for over 33 years, and a performer for more than 23, working extensively as a psychotherapist, supervisor and facilitator in the NHS, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham College and private practice, as well as becoming a cult live act on the comedy and spoken word scene with her unique Casio keyboard/ukulele combo, so I wanted to catch up with those in-between times:
How did your counselling work divert into comedy and writing?
‘My therapist told me about writing and acting classes at Morley College, where I read out a ‘serious’ short story at an open mic. People laughed. That first gig prompted an invite to join the ‘Apples and Snakes’ performance poetry people. I got the bug through them.’
What do you prefer: helping people get better or making people laugh?
‘I love both equally. In some ways they are similar. Listening therapy, being the deep layered understanding of the infant/child learned defence. Humour, being the ‘mature’ defence mechanism laid bare. Making sense to heal trauma, then seeing the funny side.’
I could relate to that and wanted to delve deeper, but this wasn’t that sort of interview, so I didn’t dive in.
Do you do many comedy gigs?
‘Not so much now. Covid and arts funding cuts saw to that. But also, the process of writing and publishing the book took me eight years from start to finish. The last couple of years were tough, so for light relief I played Casio keyboard in my son’s band ‘Pig City Committee.’ I could be found at local venues like The Old Dispensary, The Ivy House, and The Windmill in Brixton.’
Counselling and comedy are two big jobs; how does that impact on your life?
‘I put a lot of thought into how I structure my time. Sometimes I have to make compromises since I was diagnosed with MS in 1987.’
What goals do you have for the future?
‘I want to be the oldest person living, with the longest diagnosis of MS… I’ve got a novel on the go. I will continue working as a therapist and supervisor until I get dementia or die. My mobility was restricted at such an early age, I’ve never got into things that require standing or are physical, like cooking or gardening. I’m a great believer in sitting still but I’m also a great swimmer. I did a show in Edinburgh Fringe’s only swimming pool venue – I could be a ‘floating’ comedian rather than a ‘stand-up’. There is always a way.’
Anything you’d like to add?
‘Therapy works. Don’t struggle alone. If you’re worried about shame or fear, read my book and you’ll think and feel differently!’
Now the book is published, Liz Bentley is back doing solo stuff. Check out The Ivy House on 27th June, Free University of Glastonbury from 2pm (proceeds go to Centrepoint). Also, a free event on 9th July at 7.30pm, hosted at Ben Oakley’s gallery and Aimee Blu’s hair salon in North Cross Road, in collaboration with Rye Books, East Dulwich.
Talk and Q&A: Copleston Community Centre, Copleston Road, SE15 4AN. 29th July, 2pm – 2.30pm. Donations appreciated. Book your free seat with an*@*****************rg.uk
Amazon – £11.29: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suicidal-Therapist-Confessions-Wounded-Healer-ebook/dp/B0GC9LS63N
ISBN-13 : 978-1916552050
More information: https://lizbentley.co.uk/
