The British Psychological Society’s Division of Clinical Psychology is beginning its 50th birthday celebrations at its annual conference in London this week.
The conference is taking place at the Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, London W1, from 2-4 December 2015. Around 450 psychologists and service users are expected to attend over the three days of the event.
There are six keynote speakers:
- Jacqui Dillon, Hearing Voices Network England – ‘The psychological is political’
- Dr John Hall, Oxford Brookes University – ‘Understanding our past: contexts and challenges’
- Professor Francesca Happé, Kings College London – ‘Autism grows up: achievements, challenges and opportunities in autism research’
- Dr Nadine Kaslow, Past President American Psychological Association, Emory University, USA – ‘Uniting clinical psychology for the future’
- Professor Glenys Parry, University of Sheffield – ‘Using research to improve clinical practice and influence national policy: the good, the bad and the ugly’
- Dr Miranda Wolpert, Anna Freud Centre – ‘Going for gold in child mental health: a vision for the next 50 years’
The conference will also see the launch of ‘Clinical Psychology in Britain: Historical Perspectives,’ a history of the profession edited by John Hall, David Pilgrim and Graham Turpin and published by the British Psychological Society’s History of Psychology Centre.
Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes, President of the British Psychological Society, says:
“As President, and particularly as one who happens to be a clinical psychologist, I want to wish many happy returns to the Division of Clinical Psychology.
“This is an extremely important anniversary for us all, but I also happen to know that the Division is far from looking backwards. In an age of adversity and austerity, clinical psychologists continue to strive to offer a unique, positive, effective and significant contribution to the nation’s wellbeing.”
Richard Pemberton, chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology, says:
“Over the 50 years the Division has been in existence, clinical psychologists have made major contributions to health and social care and helped to transform the way care and treatment is delivered.
“We are moving from mental and physical health and disability care systems, which are overreliant on sedation, to a forward-looking multiprofessional practice in which good psychological care plays an increasingly significant part. We now understand the social origins of distress – the interplay of adversity, trauma, relationships and life events that can threaten our psychological well-being – and what we all and services can do to help.
“This conference will be the start of a year-long programme of events to raise public awareness of our contribution and our plans to increase access to our work and services."