Finding a Voice: Trauma, Creativity and the Human Capacity

Finding a Voice: Trauma, Creativity and the Human Capacity to Heal

 Celebrating the launch of Middleton et al Cannot Play and Cannot Sing (Hembury Books)

eiseEducation is delighted to present a special event celebrating the launch of Middleton et al Cannot Play and Cannot Sing — a deeply personal collection of poems, songs, stories and images revealing another side of one of Australia’s leading psychiatrists and internationally recognised figures in complex trauma and dissociation.

For decades, Warwick’s professional life has centred on understanding severe childhood trauma and dissociation. Alongside this work, another form of expression gradually emerged through poetry, songwriting, art and music. The book represents this creative journey and includes a musical collaboration with his son, Hugh Middleton, culminating in the accompanying 15-track album, I Want to Live Before I Die. 

In this special launch event, Warwick and Hugh Middleton will discuss the book, its music and the creative collaboration between father and son.

Professor Martin Dorahy will explore longings and their expression through creativity, connection, loss and hope. Phyllis Klein will reflect on creativity and psychological survival, exploring how poetry and artistic expression can facilitate meaning-making, emotional expression, connection and healing. Dr Valerie Sinason, poet, author and retired psychoanalyst, will consider psychoanalysis and creativity as truth-seeking processes — and how words, music and art can approach painful experiences and silences that may be difficult to express directly. Facilitated by Dr Kris Rao, this special Saturday morning of conversation, music and reflection celebrates not simply the launch of a book, but the capacity of creativity to give voice to experience, create meaning and foster human connection.

Venue: Live Webinar (Zoom registration required. Please check your booking confirmation email).

Date: Saturday, 5th December, 2026

Time: 09:00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. (Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra Time)

Cost: Free (Live Webinar Only)

$19 (Live Webinar &/or Access to Recording for 90 days)

CPD Certificate: 2 Hours. CPD certificates are issued to attendees who meet one of the following criteria: attend the live webinar with at least 80% attendance, or watch the webinar recording and complete the associated assessment component.

About eiseEducation: eiseEducation is a global leader in professional development for psychotherapists and mental health practitioners. We offer expert-led webinars, short courses, and training programs designed to deepen clinical skills and support evidence-based practice. With roots in Australia and New Zealand and an expanding global audience, eiseEducation is committed to empowering those who support mental health and emotional well-being around the world. Discover more at eiseeducation.com