This groundbreaking event brought together topical themes from both therapy and politics, at a time when the interaction between these two fields is particularly sharp-edged. The government is planning state regulation of psychotherapy and counselling; is this a democratic move? Will it empower either clients or practitioners? And how democratic are therapy institutions themselves?
power in the therapy room and in groups
democracy in therapy organisations and accreditation structures
people power in the outer world – listening to all viewpoints
democracy in the inner world – respecting all aspects of experience
All these themes were present in this conference – which will was organised along experiential and participatory lines, not the usual talking heads!