Letters
Nothing to be sniffy about
IN the July issue news section Peter Hegarty disparaged studies
about olfaction and sexual orientation on the grounds that they did not
include lesbian and bisexual participants. On the contrary, we would
argue that the comparisons of heterosexual men, heterosexual women and
homosexual men are based on sound biological theory that we have
mentioned in the pages of The Psychologist before (see Dickins &
Sergeant, 2004).
That differences were found is of considerable interest, and should not be
so readily dismissed simply because other possible comparisons could be
made. In fact, there are potentially very different biological
explanations for different orientations, and it is not immediately
obvious that other comparisons would be especially fruitful. Where
appropriate, biologically oriented studies have indeed included
lesbians (e.g. Trevathan et al., 1993). However, the category of
‘bisexual’ is of a rather uncertain status for various reasons,
including the finding from one study that male participants who
identified as bisexual only responded sexually to one sex (see Wilson
& Rahman, 2005, pp.14–21).
Hegarty asserted that nature/nurture research on sexual orientation has
little practical importance. While we do not doubt that practical
problems are serious, the history of science shows that solutions are
best found when some understanding of the relevant aspects of the world
is achieved.
In short, we find it rather dispiriting that The Psychologist should
allow the Chair of the Lesbian and Gay Section to rubbish research that
he appears to know little about, simply because it concerns issues of
sexuality.
Tom Dickins
University of East London
David Hardman
London Metropolitan University
Mark Sergeant
Nottingham Trent University
References
Dickins, T. & Sergeant, M. (2004). Encouraging open debate [Letter to the editor]. The Psychologist, 17, 184.
Trevathan, W.R., Burleson, M.H. & Gregory, W.L. (1993). No evidence
for menstrual synchrony in lesbian couples, Psychoneuroendocrinology,
18, 425–435.
Wilson, G. & Rahman, Q. (2005). Born gay: The psychobiology of sex orientation. London: Peter Owen.
The editor, Jon Sutton, replies to the editorial point raised: I
thought that it would make for a better news story if an alternative
view was sought. Do others think that critical comment improves news
coverage?
Beware of false prophets
I AM sure we are all delighted that Craig Newnes has received a
human rights award from the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR)
for his opposition to psychiatric medication and the over-labelling of
children (News, July 2005). Readers should know that the CCHR is a
front organisation of the Church of Scientology and has its own
therapies and philosophies to promote. The Wikipedia entry on
Scientology is perhaps better balanced than many other views of this
controversial belief system (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology), and
provides links to their own view of the scandals that have accompanied
their history, as well as those of critics and sceptics of the
movement.
Attempting to accurately and fairly summarise their model of mental
aberration could be said to bias argument against them – at least for
more Earth-based and unimaginative thinkers – as the theory involves a
galactic tyrant (Xenu) who stacked hundreds of billions of frozen souls
(thetans) around Earth’s volcanoes 75 million years ago before blowing
them up with hydrogen bombs and brainwashing the survivors with virtual
reality films for 36 days. The traumatised thetans subsequently entered
human bodies where they manifest residual PTSD from the cataclysm,
which we now observe as psychopathology. Removal of thetans requires
specialist techniques known only to specialist Scientologist
counsellors.
Given the foregoing, it seems at least possible that their leader, L.R.
Hubbard, was a better pulp science-fiction writer than he was messiah,
scientist, or psychotherapist. We are right to be cautious about the
over-prescribing of medication for psychological and behavioural
problems, and the gratuitous over-diagnosis of arbitrary (rather than
empirically observed and replicable) conditions. We should also be
cautious that any humane and legitimate critique of psychiatric (and
occasionally psychological) hegemony is not hijacked by more irrational
political, religious and social movements (let alone proselytising
celebrities) discrediting what would otherwise be a legitimate
argument.
Vincent Egan
Glasgow Caledonian University
A deterrent to the most able?
I AGREE wholeheartedly with comments about selection for clinical
training raised by Samantha Hardingham (Letters, October 2004) and
Jonathan Radcliffe (Letters, March 2005). The present system requires
that candidates gain relevant work experience before submitting their
application; and, from what I understand, candidates usually have to
work for at least two years after graduation before they are given
serious consideration
by selection panels. Such a system places ‘strong motivation’ as a
primary selection criterion because it demands that candidates show
their dedication by working for a substantial period on low or no pay.
However, while it may attract the most motivated graduates I believe
that this system deters many of those who are most able.
Those advocating the present selection system are surely home-owning
established psychologists who don’t truly appreciate the financial
pressure and career uncertainly facing modern graduates. Uppermost in
the minds of most graduates is the need to pay off substantial student
debt and eventually gain a foothold on the housing ladder. The problem
with the system – as effectively highlighted by Jonathan Radcliffe – is
that those on board have no guarantee that they will eventually
undertake clinical training and achieve the financial security of
chartered status.
Those graduates who would make good clinical psychologists have the
ability to succeed in any number of professions and – given their
financial concerns – many of these will turn to careers offering more
definite financial prospects. I accept that graduates have to endure
several years on low pay, as this is a simple reality of the employment
market. However, I feel it unfair that they should have to do this with
no guarantee that their efforts will prove fruitful. It is especially
unfair, and even discriminatory, for older graduates who do not have
the fledgling years in which to take risks.
I would like to propose a different system that would maintain all the
benefits of the present system while providing more certainly for
graduates. Selection for clinical training should be made after
graduation based solely on candidates’ undergraduate achievements.
Successful candidates should then be required to work in a suitable
junior position, perhaps in a range of different settings. Subject to
satisfactory performance – and a remaining conviction that they wish to
become clinical psychologists – these candidates should then move on to
clinical training.
Andy Bellamy
15 The Toppings
Garstang
Lancashire
A branch for London and the Home Counties
VOTING is currently in progress to support or reject the proposal
for the formation of a London and Home Counties Branch of the BPS. If
at least 10 per cent of the membership in this geographical area
express their support for this process, the Branches Map of the BPS
will acquire an extra bit of colour.
So, is the London Branch really worth a support vote? There is an
argument that everything happens in London anyway, as it is – lectures
and workshops, training courses, major meetings, conferences, etc. Yet
the vast majority of these events are organised by universities or
commercial organisations, with the consequence that they are either
subgroup specific or extraordinarily expensive.
The BPS-generated events in London are on a downhill slope. The London
Lectures are a great initiative, but they are specifically designed for
A-level and undergraduate students. Having been run at the Imperial
College in 2004, the Annual Conference is unlikely to come back to
London in the foreseeable future. The London Conference, a well-known
but rather poorly attended event, is long gone from the BPS calendar.
So what is there for the thousands of psychologists who live or work in
London and surrounding areas?
It’s a great irony that the capital of the country and one of the most
densely populated areas does not have its own Branch. Most members of
the BPS, by virtue of living in a certain geographical location, are
automatically members of a corresponding Branch. Branch membership is a
free service offered by the Society to its members, which the Londoners
have never had the benefit of.
The initiative to form a Branch in London aims to redress this balance.
The Branch will enable cross-fertilisation within and between different
psychology professions through meetings, guest lectures, workshops,
debates and larger-scale events. When, for example, in 2004, Philip
Zimbardo was passing through London and offered to give a guest lecture
to the BPS, there was no mechanism in place to enable it to happen.
London Branch will become such a mechanism for most London-based events
and activities. It can also facilitate CPD opportunities, career events
and, possibly, dissemination of psychology to members of the general
public.
It is hoped that psychologists in this geographical territory with
interesting and creative ideas would nominate themselves to become
committee members and take their ideas forward.
Ilona Boniwell
An organiser of the London Branch
The Open University
A VAT anomaly
I HAVE, as a consultant clinical psychologist, had a private
practice for many years in conjunction with my NHS work. I have also
been heavily involved in teaching health professionals how to carry out
trauma psychotherapy and had a VAT registered trading company (John
Spector trading as…) to manage this training of health professionals as
distinct from my private practice, which was concerned with the
provision of psychotherapy to patients privately. I was advised by my
accountant to set things up this way.
Some months ago, shortly after I had turned my training company into a
limited company, I had a random VAT visit. The VAT inspectors were
entirely happy with my VAT returns but told me that I was liable for
VAT on my private practice, as that would be considered together with
my VAT registered training company as all part of my private business
earnings, even though they were entirely separate activities. This
amounted to several years’ back VAT up until the time I had become a
limited company.
I then discovered that if I had been a doctor or a nurse or indeed
anyone under the category of ‘professions subsumed under medicine’,
carrying out the same psychotherapy procedures that I had as a clinical
psychologist, then I would not have had to pay VAT on my private
practice. When I rang the BPS for guidance in this matter.
I was taken on the phone through a tortuous route on the BPS website to
a section on VAT which I could only have found with the guidance I
received. And when I managed to speak to someone at the BPS who knew
something about this area, I was told that the situation was so because
we were not statutorily regulated yet.
I am writing of my experience for two reasons. Firstly, to alert other
psychologists in private practice to the fact that even though ‘we are
specialists in psychological therapy’ and clearly an NHS profession in
most regards, we are not treated the same way as the other ‘professions
subsumed under medicine’ with regard to VAT, where we are in a much
more vulnerable position. This is a technical and anomalous position,
and I know from having talked to a number of psychologists since my
experience that it came as a great surprise to them.
Secondly, I am wondering why the BPS does not make this position
clearer to all psychologists, many of whom these days are in private
practice with or without their NHS involvement. It seems to me that at
the very least, there should be a well-flagged-up and easily accessible
section on the website about this matter. And further to that, I am
wondering, how as a profession, we have allowed ourselves to be put in
this disadvantaged position vis-à-vis our colleagues. It raises
questions about whether such disadvantage is legal and fair and whether
the BPS should be exploring this issue legally, if necessary going to
Europe.
John Spector
29 Hendon Avenue
Finchley
London N3
BPS President Graham Powell replies: This is a problem that has cropped
up on many occasions, and the Society has over the years tried to
persuade HM Revenue and Customs to revisit this but with little
success. When VAT was introduced in 1973 the Act stated that those
medical professions that were included in the Professions
(Supplementary to Medicine) Act 1960 would be treated as an exempt
supply. Unfortunately psychology was not included in the earlier Act
and therefore wasn't deemed to be VAT exempt. Since then any member
providing psychological services has had to register for VAT if their
earnings are over the threshold limit. There have been a number of
attempts over the years by the Society to change this but these have
always been rejected. The situation currently is that when the
profession manages to achieve statutory regulation then a further
attempt will be made to HM Revenue and Customs. It is felt that at this
point the Society will have a much stronger case.
Secondments to the Scottish Parliament
HAVING previously had the opportunity of working with POST for a
three-month secondment whilst undergoing a postgraduate degree, I would
interested to learn whether there are any initiatives to offer similar
opportunities for postgraduate/trainee clinical psychologists working
with the Scottish Parliament. I think there is a great deal to be
gained from psychologists gaining direct experience of working within
a policy/legislative context. Given that Scotland now has its own
parliament perhaps the BPS could consider ways to develop a similar
award to that of POST within Scotland.
Nicola Ann Cogan
Clinical Psychologist in Training
University of Edinburgh
Michael Stone 1943-2005
MICHAEL Stone, who was a long-standing member of the Society, died
suddenly on 17 July 2005 while on a touring holiday with his family in
Wexford, Republic of Ireland. He will be greatly and sadly missed by
all who knew him.
On leaving school, he achieved an LRAM qualification and taught music
in secondary schools in Glasgow. After his marriage, he undertook an MA
(Hons) degree in psychology with distinction at the University of
Glasgow. This was followed by lecturing posts in Jordanhill College of
Education, Glasgow, and in Moray House College of Education, Edinburgh,
where he assisted in setting up their (unfortunately short-lived) MSc
degree course in educational psychology. For a period of one year he
was visiting lecturer in psychology to two universities (namely, Regina
and Edmonton) in Canada He then became a Don in the Institute of
Educational Studies at the University of Durham.
The pinnacle of his career then followed when he became HM Inspector
for Education responsible for psychology teaching throughout England
and Wales, working out of the Birmingham then the Newcastle upon Tvne
offices of Ofsted. His interpretation of the task with schools and
colleges placed more emphasis on wider, helpful advice rather than
merely narrow inspection, so that he endeared himself to many staff by
his warmth of personality. He was also District Inspector for all
schools in the Borough of Walsall.
Before his retirement he continued his research in educational
psychology, until he was awarded a PhD by the University of Glasgow.
His pastime was studying the genealogy of his family roots in Ireland.
Michael is survived by his wife, two daughters and his granddaughter, to whom he was devoted.
John McCoy
Psychological Services
South Lanarkshire Council
NHS has got it wrong
IN October 2002 my schizophrenic medication reduction started –
under medical supervision. At the same time, I started to have weekly
sessions of CBT and clinical hypnotherapy – plus psychotherapy and
counselling.
Now, nearly three years on, I have achieved a 50 per cent medication
reduction. This tremendous reduction has only been possible through
persevering with my weekly therapy sessions, which have enabled me to
cope with the substantial withdrawal symptoms – such as an increase in
hearing voices, paranoia and delusional ideas. I have found that this
type of alternative therapy has been an excellent replacement for the
medication.
I want to stress that such therapy needs to be over a number of years
in order to be effective – for me at least. The 12 weeks CBT offer from
the NHS is not long enough for a single (i.e. 5mgs) medication
reduction. Even the pharmaceutical industry recommends at least 16
weeks for a single medication reduction. So – the NHS has got it wrong.
Shuresh Patel
2a Cromwell Street
Preston
Rehabilitation psychology
I READ with interest the various contributions on disability in
July’s Psychologist. Having researched visual impairment and blindness
for over 20 years, I now find myself working as a neuropsychologist. I
am struck by how many of the psychological factors my former research
team at Nottingham University identified as far back as 1991 in people
who lost their sight are present in those who have suffered a stroke or
a brain injury.
Much of my time in neurorehabilitation is spent attempting to undo
negative self-images projected onto patients by others, including
neurologists and neuropsychiatrists who should know better. I find over
and over again the same ‘Unholy Trinity’ of anxiety, depression and low
self-esteem in individuals who have suddenly lost their fit to their
environment. Through CBT and self-efficacy training these factors may
be successfully remediated, resulting in individuals coming to reject
negative societal stereotypes and feeling that they are in control of
their lives once again.
For years I have held the belief that rehabilitation psychology should
be taught as a subdiscipline in its own right. Too many disabilities
and illnesses are treated as if they affected people in completely
different ways psychologically, whereas there exist considerable
commonalities. Until this is recognised, the opportunity for
cross-fertilisation of ideas from clinical and health psychology will
be lost, to the detriment of the client groups.
Lastly, although the Disability Discrimination Act prevents others from
discriminating against disabled people, one cannot legislate for how
individuals think or feel about themselves. Self-handicapping
cognitions often affect feelings and behaviours, and I believe that
psychologists have an important role to play in identifying and
removing any additional barriers to reintegration present within the
disabled person’s own mind.
Allan Dodds
16 Russley Road
Bramcote
Nottingham
Advertising limitations
I AM in independent practice and am interested in income protection
insurance. I therefore telephoned Citadel, who advertised in The
Psychologist, only to be told that, at age 57, I am too old to be
considered.
Age discrimination is not, unfortunately, against the law, but
accepting advertising copy which promulgates it would seem to go
against the long tradition of the British Psychological Society of
equal opportunities for all its membership. Why are the advertisers not
honest about the limitations of their cover?
Sue Vogel
1 to 1 Psychological Counselling
Bedford
The Psychologist got in touch with the advertiser and this is what they
said: Sue raises a fundamental point about both the nature of insurance
generally, and about income protection (IP) in particular, and so the
information may also be of interest to others.
IP is designed to replace a person’s income up to normal retirement age; and
the statistical risk of ill-health gradually rises with age. On both counts, IP is an age-sensitive product.
Citadel will provide protection for people up to the age of 60, with 50
as the latest age for first joining the scheme. As Citadel includes a
tax-free return of a share of the D&G’s profits at policy end (or
on earlier death), the D&G takes the view that in order to return
any meaningful profit share to the policyholder a minimum 10-year ‘run’
at the policy is required.
Insurance is a commercial activity, which involves the calculation of
specific risks, and therefore ‘discriminating’ against people in
various ways is inherent in it – think of life insurance, or motor
insurance, for example. Citadel will, by its very nature, also
discriminate on grounds other than age; so people who are very
overweight, or are already suffering ill health, or who carry out a
high-risk occupation, are also likely to
be excluded from the policy.
An advertisement is designed to provide reasons why people should
consider taking out the product. It would not be a sensible advertising
policy to include a list of reasons why people shouldn’t – otherwise
advertising would be much less effective.
Information
– I AM a graduate from London Metropolitan University in Applied
Psychology and Business Studies (Maj/Min), and I am interested in the
field of mental health, but I have not got any experience. If anyone in
London is willing to give me a chance to again experience in this field
please get in touch with me.
Tina Chauhan
Tel: 0781 233 4881; e-mail: [email protected]
– I AM doing my MSc research on clients’ experience of counsellors’
tears. I am seeking participants who are clinical or counselling
psychologists, both trainees and professionals, who have had personal
experience of
a counsellor crying during the course of their therapy. If you have
relevant experience and would be happy to be interviewed, then
I would be hugely grateful.
Lune Sckerl
Tel: 0771 784 5754; e-mail: [email protected]
– I HAVE a set of volumes from 1970 to 2000 of the British Journal of
Psychology – every one a gripping read. Unfortunately Part 1, 1981 is
missing out of the sequence. Please get in touch if you would like
these, free of charge.
John Beech
School of Psychology
University of Leicester
Tel: 0116 229 7185; e-mail: [email protected]
(Please note that some pictures may have been removed for copyright reasons)
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