by Bernadette Keefe

THE WORKSHOP

Dr Szondi (1893-1986) a biologist and neurologist, came to believe that our psychology was just as much genetically defined as our physical tendencies. By using Szondi’s concept of four personalities "Vectors", graphologists can understand personality as a continuing and dynamic process. The clear graphological signs attributed to his four Vectors provide ready-made and meaningful syntheses of signs, and they also provide clues for career advice.

BERNADETTE KEEFE. My career developed in public relations. It was in 1972, as a junior assistant in the press office of an international management constancy, that I had my first “brush” with graphology. September 1987 I started the 3-year part-time training course with The British Academy at their London College of Graphology. Forgive the cliché, but it was indeed a “journey of discovery”. I was determinate to learn and wanted to become a first-rate graphologist. Nevertheless, 1990 saw my BAOG Diploma and 1992 my advanced Diploma. In 1992, I also established my current private practice (The Graphology Consultancy Limited). Also in 1992, I undertook a rather demanding counseling course, and in 1993 achieved a Royal Society of Arts Certificate in Counseling Skills. Then, after serving for two years as Vice Principal for the LCOG and the BAOG, and now, as a governor examiner, and tutor for the College, the harsh realities of teaching this vast subject have involved me in another steep learning curve.

My particular passion lies in the use of Szondi’s theories, both in my professional work and in training groups of qualified graphologists. I have found its contribution illuminating and immensely valuable in getting to the depths of individuals. It is a pity that it takes a long time to get a true grasp of Szondi. So few books are available in English. My school-type French has involved me in months of over-the-telephone-translating with my dear colleague Monique Stirling. (This is where so many of my European colleagues benefit from their bilingual and trilingual abilities.) It would be a dream realized to see several Szondi texts made available to graphologist of the English speaking world.