The Crazy Psychologist

A new teenage assessment centre has been purpose-built on the island of Rousay in the Orkney Islands. Dr Angie Lawrence is the Clinical Psychology Director. She uses unorthodox methods to improve the lives of elective mutes and truants, plus children who are aggressive, have been abused or are suffering from eating disorders. Dr Lawrence takes some kids skinny dipping; others she gives sessions with Harry, an African Grey parrot also on the staff, together with Arthur, a Basset Hound. Along with her slightly unusual treatments, she also gives her patients responsibilities to overcome their traumas.

“That’s the beauty of Rousay. We are the safety net. They find a freedom they never had before. Domestic, imagined, and abusive pressures are suspended, not necessarily resolved. What we are doing is lighting tapers. One day some flicker of flame might just burn out the stubborn daemon that’s lodged deep in their minds.”

Her husband, Sam, is an artist and delighted to be on Orkney to further his seascapes, but he becomes increasingly concerned about Angie’s unorthodox treatment plans. As the traumas of Angie’s early life and the demons of her past are explored, Sam struggles more and more to understand the methods in her madness.

Why did Angie became a psychologist in the first place? Can she bring together a fractured family before it is too late? And can she cope with two doctorate students who are not what they seem to be..?

The Crazy Psychologist is a novel of family, history and redemption, all set in the stunning Orkney Islands.

Miller H Caldwell is the Vice Chair of the Scottish Association for the Study of Offending. He is a Society of Authors (Scotland) committee member. Miller is also a prolific author, and his titles include Operation Oboe, Restless Waves and Untied Laces. Educated in Angus and at the universities of London and Glasgow, he has been a full-time author since 2003.