problems were overcome through self-help and group therapy, it is possible that the '90s may take this concept a step further.

If the system works for those who are sick, why shouldn't it work for those who are well? Clinical psychologist Dee Martin has been pursuing this theme for the last few years in her New York and Los Angeles practices and has now introduced her programmes to Bermuda.

"All of us live in two worlds -- the material world where we are concerned about our jobs and homes, etc. but it is the inner world that is all too often neglected,'' she says. "If we worked as hard on our inner thoughts and emotions as we do on achieving material success, we would eliminate most of the problems in our lives.'' Ms Martin stresses that most of the people she works with are already successful, high achievers. "They don't have any particular psychological problems but have realised that the scramble to success has tended to close down the emotional side of things.'' Now, she says, employers as well as individuals are coming round to the view that a well-integrated person is ultimately more valuable as an employee.

In New York, Ms Martin ran group seminars for one of that city's giant accounting firms. Some of the perhaps surprising results of her work with employees there have shown increased productivity and less absenteeism.

"Traditionally, we have been told to leave personal problems at home. This attitude starts in the schools and carries on throughout our working lives.

But on a purely realistic level, that just doesn't work. If we have a problem and have to hold it in, it disrupts our ability to work.'' With this in mind, Ms Martin appointed mentors within the firm, so that people could "open up'' about problems, which might range from divorce to the death of a loved one or even relatively minor worries that can, nevertheless, affect a person's overall mental well-being.

She said that when people had a chance to talk about themselves and their problems within that setting, it released pent-up emotion and energy and often, just the relief of talking allowed participants to get on with their jobs in a more productive and happier fashion.

In her seminars, Ms Martin develops the art of multi-dimensional, or intuitive thinking, rather than linear thinking which, she says, is the rational thinking of the outside world.

"We have to learn to do that naturally, without the artificial stimulation of drugs and alcohol. For some people, who are very uptight and not used to expressing themselves, this can be very difficult. So it is often these people, who may be extremely bright and talented, who turn to this artificial help -- usually with disastrous consequences.'' On an individual level, Ms Martin believes that just about everyone can be happier if they "allow a little self-love, to come into their lives.'' To illustrate her point, she mentions the passion flower. "Someone brought one in to me as a gift. It was absolutely beautiful -- but only for one day.

Then the petals closed and enfolded that beauty within.'' Ms Martin says that in the course of her work she is constantly surprised by the spiritual vacuum in many people's lives. "They have used their intellect to acquire material success, but inside they are totally numb. This is sad, because it is so unnecessary. I believe that none of us should settle for deadness in our lives but to enjoy it to the full. I'm committed to this concept for everyone. I don't believe my work is about illness, but about wellness!'' She will be holding a weekend seminar programme which is open to the general public, on January 30 and 31 at the Pompano Beach Club. Further details my be obtained by telephoning Ms. Martin at Ashton Associates, 295-0999.

TALKING IT OUT -- Participants in one of psychologist Dee Martin's group seminars in New York.