Department of Counseling
Vienna: Birthplace of Psychotherapy
June 19-30, 2004

By Anne McMullan, Second-Year Student

"The next morning we weighed anchor and went to sea. It was a great happiness to get away... I thought there never was such gladness in the air before, such brightness in the sun... all my malicious instincts were dead within me; and as America faded out of sight, I think a spirit of charity rose up in their place that was as boundless, for the time being, as the broad ocean that was heaving its billows about us. I wished express my feelings - I wished to lift up my voice and sing..."
from The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain (p. 27)

I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation as my flight makes its ascent into the sky, taking off for the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. This unique feeling, this energy, always catches me by surprise during these rare chances to travel abroad. Before the trip, there is all the list-making, packing, racing to the airport, getting an international student ID card, making sure I have enough cash, etc. And then the moment finally comes... I'm headed to a new land, stepping out of my comfort zone, getting the chance to remind myself that the world is much more vast than the America that has "...faded out of sight."

During the study abroad trip to Vienna, we visited many famous sites, enjoyed exploring the city of Vienna, and took turns teaching class on the four major theorists (Adler, Frankl, Freud, and Moreno). There was a single thread that held all these experiences together... the universal human condition was present in each moment. Some moments were profound while others were simple in their "everydayness." A quote from Montaigne stayed in my mind throughout the trip: "Humani nil a me alienum puto" which translates to: "I consider nothing human to be alien to me." It is invaluable to be exposed to a different culture, to hear a different language, to be immersed in the land where the beginnings of our profession took shape; but, there is also the chance to connect to others, and to see parts of ourselves in others' lives and histories. The awareness of this deeper connection to humanity is what made this trip most meaningful to me.

"Everydayness"

Vienna Airport

The baggage claim conveyor belt has passed by at least 20 times, and there is still no sign of my suitcase. I approach the "Lost Luggage" desk to inquire about the situation, fully confident that the man at the desk will magically produce my bag and I will be on my way. Instead, he says, "Ah, yes, Ms. McMullan... I have a note here... it seems that your luggage was unable to make it today. It is in Zurich, Switzerland, and we expect it sometime tomorrow." Aside from the humor I found in my suitcase being personified in this way (it decided to make a pit stop on the way: "Oh, I simply must see the Swiss Alps before going on to Austria!"), I was decidedly not amused. This was my first moment on the trip of experiencing the universal maxim: "Things do not always go according to plan" also known as, "Expect the unexpected." A few of my classmates also got a taste of this, when they were unable to make their scheduled connecting flights to Vienna. These events were small inconveniences; nonetheless, it was fascinating to see how each individual approached their circumstances. I was inspired by my classmates who faced these events with optimism and humor, and took it upon myself to do the same.

Café Hawelka, Vienna

After traipsing around the city, Fraser, Amy and I have found our way to this historic coffee shop and are soaking up the atmosphere. This places is a landmark in Vienna, and has been family-owned and operated for decades. There are people of all ages talking, reading, having coffee and cakes, and just being. The intimate dark wood interior, occasional waft of cigarette smoke, and small tables seems to transport one to another era. We are ravenously hungry, and when our waiter arrives, we innocently ask for a menu in an attempt to order a full-fledged lunch. After gently informing us there is no lunch menu in a coffee shop, the waiter offers some cakes and a simple snack of ham, cheese, and bread. We enjoy this simple fare, along with small cups of hot chocolate. Taking our cue from the people around us, we while away the next couple of hours talking about life, and enjoying each other's company.

The Flow House

We are about half-way through this first week, and I find myself alone for a few minutes in this magnificent house. Having the opportunity to come to Vienna is amazing; but, I never thought our accommodations would be so beautiful, spacious, and homey! My classmates and I are living on the second floor, while faculty and their families are staying on the lower floor. It's fun to see everyone in a different context, away from Winston-Salem. we have become our own sort of family here, with our own routines. Before class in the mornings, we all meander into the kitchen and have breakfast (otherwise known as "gathering time" for those of us who are not morning people!). After class, we usually have the afternoon free to explore and we kick around ideas of different activities we want to do. We typically end up dividing into three of four smaller groups. Then, we usually find our way into the larger group again for dinner, and strolling around the city center (complete with a nightly gelato break). It is a comfortable pace, and one that affords a good balance of academics and leisure.

As I wait for the hustle and bustle of the house to return, I sit down at the baby grand piano in the living room. I play a song that reminds me of home, and the beautiful strains echo through the house. This peaceful moment reminds me that every person needs some reflective time to be alone, and to absorb their experiences in solitude. The front door opens, and I smile to myself as I hear my friends talking, laughing... the house comes alive again.

Profound

Mauthausen Concentration Camp

Though this was the experience that touched me the most deeply, I am loath to try to express it in words. It seems that even the strongest words language can offer don't come close, and in aiming to capture the unthinkable, may instead trivialize. Instead, I will share a quote that a prisoner carved into the wall: "If there is a God, He must surely beg my forgiveness."

Elly Frankl's apartment

As Viktor Frankl's (the founder of Logotherapy) widow, Elly, animatedly tells our class about her husband's works, passion, sense of humor, and life's experiences, I am touched by what she is not saying. It is almost seven years since her husband's death, and I feel her sorrow in missing him is palpable. This adds even more poignancy to seeing the desk where he wrote his books, the bed where he slept, and the den where he entertained visitors. Though I am in awe of his life's works and the international fame he garnered for his theory, I mostly think about how his life was touched by happiness and tragedy, good and bad - and how he was just like the rest of us, finding ways to survive and thrive. Being so connected to humanity, to what made his story like so many others, is evident in the philosophy he shared. It is amazing to have the privilege to see a glimpse of his inner world.

Travel itself brings challenges, triumphs, frustrations, laughter, and a few tears... a fitting analogy for life. Sharing these experiences with one another strengthened our kinship as colleagues and friends; to step out of the classroom, to witness and share in the universality of the human condition... these are the gifts I will cherish long after graduation.

Another narrative from the 2004 Vienna trip, from Dawn Calhoun.