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Dear all, I am replying to Erica's email on-list, since David's initial cautionary email taking community and critical psychology perspectives, and his subsequent response have been in this domain, and I think the correspondence raises issues that require an open debate. I guess I need to give a little of my background which illustrates my own understanding of a process through which I have moved my position towards a somewhat more critical stance, and leading to my wanting to propose inclusivity on the list and openness in our debates. I was trained as a counselling psychologist in South Africa from 1989, in a department that included academics who had been strong opponents (through OASSSA, for those familiar with this grouping) of the psychology that appeared to have 'bought into' and had been silent in its condemnation of apartheid era discrimination and atrocities. Thus, our training had a strongly developed community psychology thread, and all trainees (in clin., ed., and coun. psych) were required to engage in community-psychologically based initiatives. I experienced much stronger politicisation at that point in my life (having previously been in quite conservative teaching environments). Looking back, in South Africa we needed all of the opposing voices - both those within the system, and those from the outside, in order to mobilise the changes that unfolded. My experiences from that point and onwards through the democratisation of society were thus of working in what might be considered 'mainstream' psychology, but always scrutinising practice from a community psychology lens. I know that my own work and insight has evolved over the past two decades, and I am grateful for the input from more critical psychologies, enabling my thinking to shift from more individualistic approaches to those that follow CP principles. I realise that this is informed by having worked through the 90's and into this decade in a resource-strapped context, where we needed 'all hands on deck' and were careful of working together, even if we disagreed with approaches, hoping that through discussion, modelling and persuasion, psychology could be moved to a more progressive and liberatory positioning. Since moving to the UK in 2003, it was only when I attended my first CP conference in 2005, that I felt some sense of there being a 'home' for me in psychology here. Up to that point I had experienced mainstream psychology as quite alienating for me, given the dominant discourses and approaches that I encountered. I decided to put some energy into the work towards a BPS section because I had encountered other people who also felt alone in their psychology-related workplaces, and had a sense that in order to influence changes in practice and policy one needs to work both from without (in terms of critical psychology) and within the BPS structures. I realise that this opens me to criticisms, but the responses to our work in proposing the section have been heartening, signalling a groundswell of support for working differently. I guess this may be seen by some as supporting the whole 'psy' edifice, but from my perspective (which I acknowledge might be seen to be too conciliatory) I can't think of alternatives that might play a role in influencing public policy and practice. I have appreciated the often robust debate on this list, and continue to learn from and think differently as a result of my engagements on the list. I support much of what was expressed in Penny's email about the principles and practice of CP, and hope that whilst we can remind one another of the need for a critical and systemic stance, the tone of our communications will always be respectful of others' positions, both in terms of context and background. We are on a journey, to some extent together, as we try to forge support for those who are more marginalised than ourselves; and I hope that we will communicate in ways that don't exclude those who would like to engage together. I've run out of time to talk about the work in which I am engaged here, Erica, and will be in touch off-list. Jacqui (A) -----Original Message----- From: The UK Community Psychology Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Erica Brostoff Sent: 26 April 2010 07:02 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [COMMUNITYPSYCHUK] Activity on the Tybalds Estate Dear Jacqui, Thank you again for your reply, it was a very positive response to the efforts we have made in a confused situation in the London Borough of Camden. I apologise again for my hasty reply to you, incorrectly addressed, as I have had my head down in a presentation to a postgrad seminar in London, pursuing my own research interest as a retired psychologist, and have just surfaced. Your e-mail suggests that you have no overwhelming quarrel with the way in which I have presented my material on the discussion list, although my contributions have been completely a-theoretical. Or, alternatively, that in the circumstances the lack of theory is less important than a positive outcome, if it is viewed as a positive outcome. However, one of the leading members of the network has taken me to task in a personal e-mail, over my contributions as not being "community psychology", and, equally not being "critical psychology", and urging me to read Foucault and others. The strong feeling was left that my contributions were not appropriate on this website, as I say, not being "community psychology". I run the risk of stirring up difficulties between members by writing to you, and this is not my intention, as it is counterproductive. However, I would like to explore this with you to get a possibly alternative view, as I find the situation personally painful., and somewhat worrying academically. I feel that issues of principle should be addressed openly in an website, and that it is possible to do this in a civil manner. Thus I would like to achieve a more positive perspective on what I have contributed, and also find some resolution to a sense of having acted unprofessionally in doing so. I have replied yesterday to the correspondent, asking that person for an EXEMPLAR of a similar situation or issue which HAD been addressed in a manner which fitted the concept of "community psychology": which i feel is a reasonable request. I have also canvassed yesterday in the local community management to see whether there are other issues, such as "youth facilities'" where a research or action approach which is deemed more "community psychology" might be applied, and I may receive a preliminary reply this week. For information, one of the community psychology fraternity (Dr. Tim Anstiss) did offer his services free, but our committee has not taken this up, as I have just reminded the local manager of the community centre). My background is a B.Sc. (Experimental Psychology), and M.Sc. (Social Psychology), both London degrees and the latter from LSE. In scrolling down my in-box for the name of the local community centre manager re future research, I noted your name as a contributor to the website earlier, and that you, yourself are from a Social Psychology background. Therefore, I feel reasonably comfortable writing to you on this topic. My correspondent pointed out that you had been extremely active in trying to promote the Community Psychology Section, and I think this is sorely needed. When we started research here, I did not know that there was such a thing as community psychology, and we were winging it. ( Also I have personally benefitted in my own research through my contact with Dr. Cameron, though that is a side issue). When I posted my first contribution about difficulties on the estate, I received a personal reply from Craig Newnes, suggesting that "the problems may be your fault" i.e. my fault. There was no attempt to explain what this might mean, and I was simply furious about this. A discussion about this with certain other members ensued, and I found it so painful and infuriating that I probably still have some of the e- mails unopened. There are times when one can deal with this sort of thing and times when one cannot. As regards the overall situation, I have some sympathy with the complaint just made to me that this is, in a sense, not "community psychology". Yet it does show the ambiguities of action in the community in full light, which it is more than likely that academic reports may smooth over so that they appear more clear-cut in their application than is likely in real life. I simply do not have the time nor the wish to present this material in a more sophisticated way. One reason is that there are behind-the-scene issues which we are never going to be able to access, such as the complex of factors which have led the staff and line-managers in the Housing Office covering our estate, to be more forthcoming with money and more co-operative. The reasons may be quite arbitrary, or they may be quite subtle and hidden. One factor, is that, I personally, went out of my way to be accommodating (as Secretary of the Tenants Assocaition, literally encouraging access to contractors on Decent Homes work, to use facilities that could be modified as offices, which were empty here, thus facilitating work which was behind schedule for the whole of Holborn, and I always try to act in that positive spirit) I was very struck by the positive way in which you dealt with Craig Newnes complaint about IAPT and think your response is a model of how these issues should be aired. Without reading any Foucault or other recommended readers, I feel that Craig in particular is not living in the real world, and has some idealised vision of idealised social action which simply doesn't happen without some strong motivation behind it. From time to time social situations become so intolerable, with someone sufficiently energetic and able to provide a focal point, that action does occur which can make a substantial difference. In a sense, this is what happened on our estate, though the element of intolerability was long term and grinding, rather than arising out of serious hazards which occur on other estates. I am really putting myself in your hands to an extent, because social psychology also has its hard-edged side in experimental work, such as "Embodied Grounding" (2008) Semin. G. R. and Smith, E. R. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press and much of this work is valuable. However, there is always the gulf between theory/experimental work, and practice. I have been concerned that in the field I am working in which is roughly "intuition" I have received another personal attack, as I perceive it, questioning my truthfulness as regards some data I offered. I have written to a senior woman psychologist in the BPS about the issue of personal attacks, even if they are not in public, as I think this is a serious professional issue, which has a potential to be cut short serious debate about the nature of acceptable data in psychology. My current correspondent in the community psychology network is not consciously trying to do this, but, nevertheless, by failing to offer an exemplar, I think is putting the burden upon me, when I have already offered something which I consider to be valuable, in favour of some rather nebulous ideal. I am sure you are extremely busy, but it has eased my sense of having acted in an unprofessional manner by posting the material about Tybalds, by sharing some of this burden with you. I would be grateful if you could take it at face value and NOT try to locate the source of the comments at this stage. Perhaps you could see a way in which this issue might be aired ont the network, as I have also had one or two positive comments, that what I wrote was helpful - seeming to suggest that others were grappling with situations which theory was not able to accommodate readily. I would also love to see Craig Newnes state what it is he is seeking in terms of "community psychology", so that we could be spared random firing from his direction. Finally, I am putting forward the notion of a one day symposium on Innovative Psychology, to be run in London each year, to Dr. Cameron who has feet in several camps and who organisedthe postgrad seminar jointly between the Positive Psychology group and the London Section. My aim would be to attract the attention of the media and put pressure on decision makers to be more innovative. A consultant child psychologist at the postgrad day was bemoaning the fact that there were many innovations his research team would like to offer mothers and babies in distress, but could not get them sufficient attention within the present system. I hope to discuss this shortly with Dr. Cameron, whose remit is positive psychology, which has come under some attack recently, and so"innovative" might be more appropriate. Do you have any views about this idea, and do you feel community psychologists could contribute to such a day. I asked my correspondent about this, but the point was not answered. Thank you for your patience. Yours sincerely, Erica Brostoff, M.Sc. (BPS Member 002118) On 20 Apr 2010, at 14:17, Jacqueline Akhurst (J.Akhurst) wrote: > Dear Erica, > > It is encouraging to hear that your persistence and the work of some > courageous people have resulted in improvements for all of you. In > this > time when we seem to be assailed by stories of failure and difficulty, > it is good to hear an account of hopefulness. > > Jacqui (A.) > > > -----Original Message----- > From: The UK Community Psychology Discussion List > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Erica Brostoff > Sent: 20 April 2010 00:19 > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: [COMMUNITYPSYCHUK] Activity on the Tybalds Estate > > Dear Network Members > I have posted information about our Estate in Central London on two > previous occasions and I am writing to report enormous progress, at > least in the physical appearance of the estate and the satisfaction > of the committee and facilities for residents. The Holborn Housing > Office, is apparently making real efforts to make good the neglect of > the estate in previous years, and from various pots of money > available either through competitive bids that this estate can make, > or from government initiatives or Decent Homes finance, the following > improvements have been made. > 1. Changing a dog toilet to an orchard > 2. Significant raised beds for plants which match in design and > materials a new recycling area > and also matched wooden bollards to a design chosen by the committee, > which is very harmonious to look at. > 3. New lifts in two blocks > 4. Plans in train for a survey of underground services (gas, > electricity, water etc.) in a central area, prior to a design to > rehabilate this for better recreation > 5. A Pathfinder semi-natural playground updated from the former > playground (Government funds) > 6. Closure of one of the exits to make the estate less vulnerable. > There are still five or six exits, so a complaint from one resident > that it is becoming like a ghetto is somewhat surprising. > 7/ Plans for thorough cleaning of stairs and landings, with > consultation with tenants > 8. Vastly improved relations with Housing staff, for which there is > credit on both sides, but particularly that the Housing staff are > less defensive. > > I think credit is due to Dr. Sean Cameron, who conducted a research > into residents' needs two to three years ago, and to myself in > sticking it out as Secretary when the situation was almost > intolerable, and when the rest of the committee would have resigned > if I had done so. At the time the committee as a whole judged that > this would have not have made any real impact, but what did make > impact was the Council ignoring their own planning rules and causing > disruption which could be challenged by Councillors, thus putting the > Housing office at a disadvantage. Also, as mentioned previously, > the input of psychologists into the selection procedure for new staff. > > I am prompted to write now, as Craig seems to have a view that > psychologists have nothing to offer society, even if they happen to > be, among other things, qualified in Social Psychology with > backgrounds also in Sociology and Anthropology. Although he has > indicated strong feelings > it is not quite clear what his view is of how improvements in > people's well-being is to be achieved and it would be helpful if this > could be made explicit, as he is such a frequent contributor to the > network, and not necessarily known personally to all. > > With thanks, > Erica Brostoff. > > ___________________________________ > The Community Psychology List has a new website/blog at: > http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/ > There is a threaded discussion forum: > http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi > There is a twitter feed: > http://twitter.com/CommPsychUK > To post on the website blog, forum or twitter feed, contact Grant or > David at the email addresses below. > David Fryer ([log in to unmask]) or Grant Jeffrey > ([log in to unmask]) > To unsubscribe or to change your details on this COMMUNITYPSYCHUK > list, > visit the website: > http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=COMMUNITYPSYCHUK > > ___________________________________ > The Community Psychology List has a new website/blog at: > http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/ > There is a threaded discussion forum: > http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi > There is a twitter feed: > http://twitter.com/CommPsychUK > To post on the website blog, forum or twitter feed, contact Grant > or David at the email addresses below. > David Fryer ([log in to unmask]) or Grant Jeffrey > ([log in to unmask]) > To unsubscribe or to change your details on this COMMUNITYPSYCHUK > list, visit the website: > http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=COMMUNITYPSYCHUK ___________________________________ The Community Psychology List has a new website/blog at: http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/ There is a threaded discussion forum: http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi There is a twitter feed: http://twitter.com/CommPsychUK To post on the website blog, forum or twitter feed, contact Grant or David at the email addresses below. David Fryer ([log in to unmask]) or Grant Jeffrey ([log in to unmask]) To unsubscribe or to change your details on this COMMUNITYPSYCHUK list, visit the website: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=COMMUNITYPSYCHUK ___________________________________ The Community Psychology List has a new website/blog at: http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/ There is a threaded discussion forum: http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi There is a twitter feed: http://twitter.com/CommPsychUK To post on the website blog, forum or twitter feed, contact Grant or David at the email addresses below. David Fryer ([log in to unmask]) or Grant Jeffrey ([log in to unmask]) To unsubscribe or to change your details on this COMMUNITYPSYCHUK list, visit the website: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=COMMUNITYPSYCHUK