Activism
ACTIVISM
Activism is core to both my personal and professional identity. Psychology and Psychotherapy are very powerful ideas at this point in history, being used both for good and, often inadvertantly, for harm. If i can use my social power, clinical experience and research skills to assist grassroots organisations, or survivor groups, I will.
Half my working week is spent on pro bono work which includes running a clinic for those on long-term disability benefits as part of a wider endeavour to make long-term psychotherapy available for all.
I am involved in an emerging collective of psychiatric survivors, radical professionals and activists who are fighting for something better. I am also Foreign Correspondent for Robert Whitaker's Mad in America.
My main areas of activism are listed below. You can find out more about campaigns and protests I am involved in by following me on twitter.
However, please, please do not contact me if you need help with making a banner. I am notoriously awful.
CAMPAIGNING FOCUS
'THE DIAGNOSIS OF 'BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER' (BPD)
Women with this diagnosis, alternatively known as EUPD, are often survivors of abuse and other severe trauma, yet are treated as 'manipulative' and 'attention-seeking' within the psychiatric system. The misogyny of this diagnosis damages people. Read more here.
WELFARE REFORM
People with disabilities and mental health problems are being persecuted by the Department of Work and Pensions. An often unrealistic aim of 'recovery' and return to work is driving many to suicide. Claimants are subject to 'psychocompulsion', made to feel worthless, increasing despair. Read more here.
LONG TERM THERAPY FOR ALL
NHS cuts mean that most people are only able to access very brief, technique focused therapies. The middle classes are often able to access depth therapies via the private sector, but the masses are forced into therapies which are based on management rather than exploration despite, often, wanting something different. Read more here.