Dear Colleagues,
The EFPP and central and eastern European networks have now held two conferences,
the first in Prague in October 2001 and the 2nd conference took place
in Riga on September 27-28th 2002. Although this was a clinical conference
with papers from all three sections time was set aside for continuing
with discussion begun in Prague last October, about establishing closer
links between "east " and "west" and the important
issues raised there.
Arising from the discussion it was resolved to set up a website where the dialogue could continue. The suggestion was welcomed with enthusiasm and you are now invited to contribute to the discussion with questions, suggestions and comments. Click here to send an email to the webpeople...
The following were issues raised at the Riga conference
Training
standards: It was suggested that a future conference should deal with
structures of training and supervions.
Relationship
with IPA Eastern Committee: This newly established committee is now
also setting up structures to support training. It was suggested that
a member of that committee should be invited to the next EFPP C&E
European conference.
Frequency
of conferences: these should be as regular as time commitments allow
so as to keep up the momentum.
Those presentations at future clinical conferences should not be exclusively
from the "east".
An
offer was made to hold the next EFPP conference in Estonia probably
within 12 -18 months. Timing will need careful planning so as not to clash
with too many other events.
Child and Adolescent Section Meeting held in Riga Latvia
Six
participants form Latvia and one form Lithuania were present
Lydia Tischler represented the
EFPP Child and Adolescent Section
There is a sense that Child Psychotherapy is not valued in Latvia. This is due partly to the fact that the Insurance is reluctant to pay for the therapeutic treatment to children.
The lack of training priovions is also a major factor the possibility of bringing together the three Baltic countries for training events was considered. Suggestions please! There is a great wish to get some training under way.
To refresh your memories I have included some of the conlcusion reached at the Prague conference which was reported in detail on the EFPP website.
Training standards
There was a request for greater clarity of the standards expected. The current byelaws are somewhat ambiguous in setting minimum and expected training standards.
European Association EAP
The EAP is avery attractive for organisations whose training standards fall below those of the EFPP and do not feel able to apply to for membership of the EFPP. A number of speakers stressed that importance for them of belonging to a European body, which gives better standing with their government departments, and the EAP offers them this validity at present.
National Networks
Psychotherapy
organisations and training institutes with variable training standards
teaching psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis have spread in
a number of countries, notably Russia and Poland. These larger organisations
with less rigorous training requirements often have greater influence
with government bodies.
Forming National networks in these countries is going to prove quite a
challenge. The EFPP may need to offer some helpful suggestions
Financial considerations
There was much enthusiasm from the delegates to participate as fully as possible with their EFPP colleagues in the west. However, the relative imbalance in the earning capacity and currency exchange rates between east and west makes the cost of travelling, in order to attend conferences and delegates meetings, especially if they are held in the west, prohibitively expensive. This remains a thorny issue and will require a creative solution.
Conclusion
National
networks "east " and "west" have a mutual ongoing
concern: the development and strengthening of viable training programmes
in Europe.
