Well my hope is that this will mean a different perspective on the world and
each other on ALL sides. There are numerous Moslems who are unhappy with
the rise of militant "fundamentalism" yet who are on the rough end of public
comment in pubs etc in the UK.
I hope I am not being naiive but I am sending out energy that this leads to
a fundamental shift in international relations and human relationships - no
black and white but all the complexities of grey, as well as a shift into
more human values by capitalist societies/organisations - after all this
could not have happened if airlines had not put profit before passenger
safety.
In terms of the other issues raised I think it is the responsibility of all
therapists to stay with and explore whatever is in the field - otherwise
immense creativity may be stifled and it does put us in the position of
expert (which is not our rightful place - I believe we offer the tools for
people to access more of themselves, not that we direct them towards what to
access).
All the best
Audrey
----- Original Message -----
From: "Norman Claringbull" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2001 10:41 PM
Subject: Re: American Situation
> I quite agree that we should use this list for it's true purpose. That, as
> far as I am concerned, is the development of therapy and therapists.
> However, just as some of us have felt compelled to put the case for a
robust
> response to the WTC attack so have others felt the need to put the case
for
> a pacifist one. In that sense, both sides of this debate have misused this
> list. On the other hand, perhaps we haven't. After all, therapists are
only
> a part of society and in my view we should be servicing it not leading it.
> Therefore, I don't find it to be surprising that within our own ranks that
> there are divisions paralleling the divisions in society.
>
> Having said that I do feel that there are some serious issues for
therapists
> arising out of all of this discussion that have been ignored. I have
> consistently asked two questions, which for me are important. Perhaps
others
> have different questions. I would genuinely be interested in getting some
> comments.
>
> 1) Will the effects of this attack be so profound that we as therapists
will
> eventually have to reconsider our personal values and the base of the
> modelling that underpins our services to our clients? For example, look at
> the profound effects that coping with WW2 and its immediate aftermath had
on
> therapy growth and development in both the UK and the USA. It is my own
> belief that there will indeed be a fundamental shift in therapeutic
> provision and therapeutic theory as a direct result of these events and
the
> coming assault on terrorism. My own research focus is very likely to be
> shifted to examine this proposition.
>
> 2) Why is it, that in this case, the apparent majority opinion amongst
> therapists seems so much at odds with the prevalent views in the nations
> within which most of us live? I can't believe that it is because
therapists
> really do have a greater ability to reach the moral high ground than every
> body else, (even though some postings might be trying to convince me
> otherwise). Another way of putting this question is to ask if therapeutic
> values can prosper if they are in conflict with their host societies?
>
> So, that's my contribution for now. If people want to carry in sending
> flamers or taking "holier-than-though" positions then that's up to them.
> Shooting the messenger won't alter the message. We are supposed to be
> thinkers; let's think!
>
> Norman
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