20th ISPS International Congress in the United Kingdom
Making real change happen
30th August - 3rd September 2017 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Can a conference be a catalyst for change?
It is exactly this wish that inspired the title and theme of the 2017 ISPS international congress.
Sadly this is a wish born out of frustration. Attitudes, practices and services too often seem barely touched by the steadily developing understanding of psychological and social aspects of psychosis and of what is helpful for people who experience it. So we aim for this conference to be not only about the valuable sharing of new research, ideas and developments, but also, as in the title, about making real change happen. The large number of organizations who have given their support to this conference can be seen here.
We are delighted to be meeting in the exciting city of Liverpool. Carl Jung saw it as 'the pool of life' and we hope its rich heritage (not just football and music!) will make it an energizing setting for a conference thinking about change. Information about the social programme can be found here and you can book tickets for both social events at the same time as registration.
Delegates at previous international conferences have often commented on how ISPS events stand out. They point to the unique mix of opportunities not only to learn from high quality presentations, but also to join a rich dialogue between people with a wealth of experience and expertise, a fertile mix of professionals from a wide range of disciplines, and people whose experience and expertise comes through personal experience of psychosis.
ISPS conferences have also traditionally been warm and welcoming gatherings, where people go away feeling inspired and reinvigorated. We hope this one will be no exception and look forward very much to welcoming you to Liverpool in August 2017.
Alison Summers, Chair of ISPS 2017 organizing committee
Jan Olav Johannessen, Chair of ISPS
PHD psyshology-schema therapist
5 年The conference will play an important role in changing the perspective of views, attitudes of the people of the community
Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
7 年I am glad to hear that you are looking forward to ISPS international meet. I was there in new york in 19th ISPS international meet. I hope to make this time if my study plans work out.
Retired Professor of Psychology--D.N. Psy. Doctor of Naturopathic Psychogy
7 年We have come so far in our knowledge since the belief in humors, demons and devils, and bad childhoods as the cause of psychosis. This is true in all areas of psychology. But--we have so far to go in getting people to accept and use what we know. Ignorance, fear, blaming of the victim, a failure of empathy--a belief that it can never happen to me or those I know, a desire to do mental health on the cheap--all these things hold us back. I look at the progress and wonder if we will ever use the knowledge. Mental illness remains "something different," nasty, embarrassing for too many people and institutions. There is also a willful ignorance about mental illness among many. A suspicion that these people could clean up their act if they wanted to. A swift kick in the pants is what they need! I hope I am wrong about change--and acceptance of our dawning knowledge and skill to help.