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'The views expressed are the views of the writer, not necessarily those of BACP. Publication does not imply endorsement of the writer's view' Apology We would like to point out that the headline of an article in our March issue – 'Legless and dangerous' – by Kate Hayes was not the headline submitted by the author and we apologise for any offence caused. Tee-hee: nasty one! Three cheers for William Johnston's letter 'Preserve us from tyranny' (May 2006). As a counsellor in the NHS, I heartily applaud his sentiments about the so-called NICE guidelines. NASTY brought a wry smile to my lips and a breath of fresh air to my day.
Alison Balaam EMDR: warning on safe use I would like to comment on the article on EMDR featured in the April 2006 issue of therapy today. As someone who has obtained a practice certificate in EMDR and utilises this technique on a daily basis, for treating psychological trauma within a CBT framework, I can vouch for its effectiveness when used in an appropriate manner. However, as a powerful and effective technique, it can equally be damaging when used incorrectly. Whilst this article scores strongly in terms of stimulating interest, it perpetuates a worrying trend in therapy today, in omitting to balance this with important safety information. I would also take exception to the author's view that this technique can be integrated into 'any therapeutic approach'. For EMDR to be used safely, I strongly agree with the position emphasised during training with the EMDR Institute, that this is an adjunct technique which should only be integrated into existing and appropriate professional practice. Furthermore, practitioners should be qualified to carry out an effective mental health assessment, to screen potential clients for contra-indicative effects (eg dissociation or psychosis) prior to treatment, as well as being competent to deal with adverse effects such as strong abreactions. Given the potential for harm with techniques such as EMDR, I believe that it is essential for practitioners to have a 'practising certificate' before offering this approach to clients, rather than simply undertaking 'some training' as noted by the author.
Dr Keith R Jones What price evidence-based training? I welcomed the article by Carol Jones, 'Burdened by experience' (therapy today, May 2006). It echoed some of my own feelings about the way in which we as counsellors are being 'examined, measured and cross-referenced'. I, too, believed that counsellor training was about facilitating the individual to come closer to a 'better way of being'. I agree with Carol's view that teaching establishments may need closer scrutiny, but feel the need to put forward my side in order to try and convey some of the struggles that occur when looking at this issue from a training perspective. As a lecturer on the counselling courses in an FE college, I am concerned at the way in which courses are being changed to produce more evidence-based learning than reflective practice. My own experience of training (for which I become increasingly grateful), although it demanded a high level of academic ability, was equally concerned with the personal development of the trainee counsellor. I'm not sure that being able to cross-reference and produce evidence of how personal development has taken place contributes to encouraging reflective practice. Which surely is what we are aiming for, isn't it? College courses are changing at introductory level. And I wonder how long it will be before this seeps into certificate and diploma courses. My concern is for counsellors of the future, and my feelings of responsibility as a trainer to get the balance right. I am saddened by the way in which integrity and values have been superseded by the need to view money as the key to success and happiness. Maybe I'm burdened by experience but it's a burden that I carry gladly and with pride.
Linda Barnsley Unpaid work: been there, done that Paul Richman's comments on the terms 'voluntary' and 'unpaid' counsellors (therapy today, May 2006) struck a chord with me. I did voluntary work for seven years before completing my training as a counsellor, and it seems there is a place for both. I volunteered at my local hospice as part of developing a career change, and was also happy to be on voluntary placements while I trained, mainly because I was able to live on benefits then. But the idea of voluntary qualified counsellors is another thing altogether. Putting aside the idea of serving the community, they are giving their time unpaid, having paid for an expensive training themselves. To that end, I have on several occasions, asked that voluntary (or unpaid) counselling posts be dealt with separately from paid jobs within BACP's jobs online service. I have been in paid counselling work for five years and, if looking for another job, do not wish to be offered the opportunity of applying for unpaid work. That element of my counselling career is over. It's time to pay the bills now, as others do! Brian Tasker An over-rigid, masochistic profession As evidenced by the column inches devoted to the topic of regulation and associated articles in the May edition of therapy today, rightly or wrongly the screws are being tightened on therapists. The default position of regulation supporters (wherever this may lead us) is of course that 'we must protect vulnerable clients'. And who could reasonably argue with that? (I assume here that all clients are vulnerable – they are, aren't they?) But to allow no serious further discussion of the responsibility – and sometimes motives – of the clients themselves, is dangerous indeed.We are at risk of encouraging an overly rigid and masochistic profession where patronising/mollycoddling the client is the name of the game. A game where therapists are of course guilty first, and subsequently must – with much time, stress and overwhelming difficulty – prove their innocence against increasing odds. I would also suggest that the balance is in danger of swinging even further against the therapist should a complaint be made. And here we enter into those minefield areas of 'Chaperoned Therapy', 'Enhanced Insurance Cover' and 'Sensible Restriction' with regard to who one dares to see, where, and for what. This is all too familiar to therapists in the USA, who have experienced the attention of 'professional complainants' out for easy financial gain. Think it couldn't happen here? Don't count on it. I can just see the Channel 4 adverts: 'Been abused by a therapist? Speak to us free with no obligation – no win, no fee.' Is it too late or still possible to lift that heavy veil and admit that yes, unpleasant, vindictive, attention-seeking, and highly destructive clients who aren't mentally ill can and do exist? Thankfully such clients are (as in society at large) small in number, but to be swept along on what appears to be an officially sanctioned tide of self abuse, in denial about the other side of therapeutic relationships and the responsibility of clients themselves, is worrying indeed. How easy it is to shoot fish in the barrel, but how much worse to naively, passively and unquestioningly drift toward playing the role of professional victim. David C Bonner Interested in working with Deaf people? I am keen to link up with any counsellors who have experience in working with D/deaf clients and also with those who have an interest in finding out more about the deaf community. Maybe you have some specialist communication skills already, having learnt BSL (British Sign Language)? Possibly you have had a referral for a deaf client and been unsure about working with them. I have worked in the British Deaf Community for 35 years as a social worker, community worker and BSL/English interpreter. I trained as a person-centred counsellor six years ago and now work wholly with deaf clients. Deaf people often hold onto stressful experiences for years as they have few options about therapy. They have uncertainties about communicating with a hearing counsellor and fears of being known if they seek a deaf counsellor in what is a close-knit, tightly networked community. I am in the early stages of planning an awareness/ training event to encourage hearing counsellors who are keen to look at the realities of working with this client group. If you are interested and would like to know more please contact me.
Caroline Bickerton Contact us We welcome your letters. Letters not published in therapy today may be published online at www.therapytoday.net subject to editorial discretion. Email your letter to: therapytoday@bacp.co.uk or post it to: The Editor, BACP, BACP House, Unit 15 St John's Business Park, Lutterworth LE17 4HB. Author guidelines for those interested in writing an article can be downloaded from www.therapytoday.net 'All submissions to therapy today will be considered and may be edited at the Editor's discretion. The Editor's decision regarding publication is final' |
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