The Psychotherapy Section is the main forum for psychologists and others who share an interest in psychotherapeutic psychology.
As one of the oldest specialist groups within the BPS it has a long and distinguished history as a meeting ground for discussion of psychotherapy and related issues.
The aims of the Section are:
- To further psychological understanding of the personal, social and cultural issues involved in psychotherapy and to examine critically and elaborate their meanings for the psychology of human experience and conduct;
- To promote scientific investigation of psychotherapy which employs research paradigms appropriate to its subject matter;
- To provide a forum for the discussion and exchange of ideas in relation to the above which avoids aligning itself with any school within the broad discipline of psychotherapy;
- To work closely with other Sections, Divisions and Special Groups of the Society in pursuit of these aims and, where appropriate, to collaborate with external agencies and organisations.
The specific goals of the Section are:
- To comment and advise on professional issues in psychotherapy only insofar as these relate to the personal, social, cultural, and scientific issues which are the primary concern of the Section;
- To disseminate information about such new ideas and approaches by means of a newsletter;
- To explore and communicate issues of importance for the discipline of psychology which are especially highlighted within psychotherapy and which challenge more simplistic notions of science;
- To make available information about psychotherapy within the Society and to relevant external bodies;
- To organise a varied and accessible annual programme of events which promotes the discussion of new ideas and approaches within psychotherapy which are relevant to the Section's aims;
- To represent interest in psychotherapy and the psychology of psychotherapy on the Society's Council and Scientific Affairs Board.