Dr Emmy Van Deurzen 

Political and social events can affect individuals profoundly, revolutionizing their lives in such a way that their entire existence is in question, not just physically, but also emotionally, mentally, socially, culturally and spiritually.  Such existential shattering is most obvious in the stories of refugees and survivors of war.  Emmy’s experience in working with Holocaust survivors and refugees from war torn areas, served as a blueprint in understanding the plight of some of the five million people who found themselves caught up in one of the most significant political challenges in the UK, which was the 2016 Brexit referendum. Emmy will draw illustrations from her work in a special emotional support project (ESSE), for the EU27 citizens who were most affected.  Some of these people were struggling with the shock of a shattered existence, which put everything in question: their life choices and values, their identity, their livelihood, their safety, their future and the unity of their families.  They were isolated, bereft and in despair and many benefited greatly from an existential method in tackling their crisis to rise again.