To: ClientDiscussions@yahoogroups.com
From: math_mad@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, Aug 14, 2008 20:01 -0700
Subject: Re: [Client Discussions] Can we discuss this subject???
Hi
Cba's comments speak to a number of important aspects of the situation, but there is also an overall "politics" to consider. When I joined this list, I put a link on the website to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1967 speech to the American Psychological Association, regarding how "behavioral science" needs to be re-organized so as to support "creative maladjustment."
King was assassinated soon after and the message was mainly lost on the psychologists. We've slowly put together aspects of what this involves. Getting them to listen has been .. hard. Dan Fisher was able to participate in the New Freedom Commission but they gave him a hard time, too. The Campaign for M.H. Reform that came out of it was dominated more by the clinical psychologists ("APA Practice Org.") and our voice given less weight, with the consequence (for instance) that CONTAC (the West Virginia Technical Assistance Center) decided that the
grassroots imperative was that they leave.Today there's a new turn because the APA has found its "soul" in distress due to its support of the role of psychologists in torture of detainees. "Do no harm" is .. challenged. Saturday there is a demo at the APA Boston meeting sponsored by "Ethical APA" against the present polity of the organization.
Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR, one of the activist groups connected with the APA) just published a blog
Creative Maladjustment and Learned Helplessness by myself and Lynne Stewart. We're back arguing MLK, Jr.'s point and now they find they have to start listening.Hmmmm.
Andrew Phelps
Cba wrote:
I have been only reading your entries, but have to reinforce Vvv's important observations. As Consumer Advocates we have a different agenda than the systems advocates. To genuinely transform the system, there needs to be a real shift to a humanistically-based, trauma-informed approach which is organized around the dreams and hopes of the person going through a life changing experience. That will take organizing and political power, in the highest offices of your county, states and country. The established interests will not give up their privilege to define our reality. We need to make our own true voice be heard. That is the voice that resonates with who we truly are, as unique and beautiful individuals, sharing a mosaic which is our cover and protection.