Charlatans, guerrillas and responsible intellectuals: Setting out the limits and new directions for the person-centred experiential paradigm

Presented by Dr David Murphy

The person-centred experiential paradigm is limited by its association with, and relation to, the counselling and psychotherapy professions (otherwise referred to here as ‘psy’ professions). In this talk, I will problematise the current state of training and regulation of the psy profession and some of those involved with it, identify, and critically appraise attempts at change, and propose some alternative possible next right steps. The aim in the first part will be to set out and reveal several specific examples of how the edifices associated with training and regulation, which are alleged to protect the public, are in fact designed to support the profession and protect the interests of a relative minority. For some, action (in the form of a guerrilla tactic) against this ‘system’ is a natural response. But what ‘system’ are people acting against and fighting within? And is there even a single system to be fought, or are there various inextricably linked systems of which an explication of their connections is needed? The ‘guerrilla tactics’ of many well-intentioned and committed psy professionals will be considered and critically appraised. These will be examined in terms of the extent such action can truly transform the systems whilst also existing within the system. Or, whether their efforts are inescapably fated, subject to a form of ‘failure by design’. The concluding section of this talk will examine the notion of ‘responsible intellectuals’, identify who they are, and propose a number of actions that can be engaged with, for a fuller evolution and expansion of potential inherent in the person-centred experiential paradigm. The talk will be followed by a discussion.

This event will take place on Wednesday 12 December at 18.00-19.30 in Room B. LT1 The Exchange, Jubilee Campus.

For further information, and to register your place, please visit the event page.