I was delighted when WPF Therapy invited me to help them stage Just a Minute at their 40th Anniversary Celebrations on 30 June 2009. I love the game Just a Minute whether I’m a listener, a panellist or in the chair, and coincidentally, I also love anything to do with psychology. I simply knew that I would learn something by helping out at WPF!

As with any speaking engagement, the key is in the preparation. WPF had arranged suitable panelists in advance and had developed ample topics for me to play around with. Between us we had all of the equipment we needed and we had a room packed from wall to wall with enthusiastic supporters.

Starting with an easy topic is always a good idea, and the choice of “31 degrees Celsius” was in keeping with the current heatwave! And who cannot fail to have something to say about the good old British weather?

It never ceases to amaze me that the participants who appear to be the most reticent beforehand, are actually the most lucid when speaking. They can take any subject and torture it, and emasculate it, so that it conforms to their knowledge and beliefs. Having a panel of professionally qualified psychoanalysts also allows the chairman to experiment - to throw down the gauntlet - and to issue some bizarre and challenging topics.

Predictably “The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” was in there with much repetition of “tarts”. And I was surprised to learn that “Sigmund Freud’s Favourite Tube Station” is apparently Swiss Cottage. I had always thought that it was Upton Park . . . being two stops short of Barking!

Bonus points were awarded for good humour and points were also deducted for bad behaviour. Peter, my right hand man, did a splendid job as timekeeper and scorekeeper and kept me abreast of scoring opportunities that sometimes eluded even the chair. Running “Just a Minute” is not the sort of thing that can be done single handedly, and a functionary or two are great assets. A gavel is also a must, when attempting to disentangle hyperactive medical experts!

The greatest thing about working with local charities and smaller concerns, is that everybody is so committed to the cause. This was more like a big family outing, and as a comparative outsider, I was made to feel truly welcome. WPF Therapy undoubtedly has many talents, and the one I shall remember is the ability of every single member of staff to greet you with a genuine, warm and sincere smile. I have learnt that a smile works wonders!