On the Couch

Dr Jane Edwards , Course director of the MA in Music Therapy at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University…

Dr Jane Edwards, Course director of the MA in Music Therapy at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.

Personal/family:I'm the problem middle child.

What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?

I think that Rosalind Franklin made a great contribution to medical science at a time when women were not that well accepted as academic researchers.

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What other career might you have chosen?Circus performer.

If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?

Better primary healthcare particularly for citizens' mental health needs, better psychological services especially for children, and more attention to services for the psychosocial care needs of patients of all ages.

What is your greatest fear?

That I will eventually audition for the circus and not be successful.

Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?

I grew up in the tropics in Australia with freckly white skin so I've had a few bits of problem skin removed.

I am a terrible patient, quite a geek about researching any procedures and wanting to know all the possible risks. I have been described as "internet positive".

When or where are you happiest?

I always feel completely happy when a qualified music therapist in Ireland gets a full-time permanent post.

How do you cope with stress?

Sail on Lough Derg or dream about joining the circus.

What is the trait you most admire in yourself?

My imagination.

What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

My inability to say no.

Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?

I have had reflexology and felt completely and totally relaxed afterwards.

Who or what makes you laugh?

I have had a few laughs about Irish university politics over the years.

What is your motto?

The personal is political.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme? I am a recovering Strictly Come Dancing addict.

What books would you bring to a desert islands?

The Passion by Jeanette Winterson is a long-time favourite re-read. The Life of Pi would get thrown in the bag for sure.

Also Hugo Hamilton's two recent autobiographical books have left a strong impression that I would like to re-visit.