Following my attendance at the BPS Annual Conference in Liverpool as an ambassador for the Division of Counselling Psychology, I was asked to write an account of my experience. No problem I thought. My first conference, three days of events and six hundred delegates, I was surely going to have something to say.
As an ambassador, my role was to help staff the division’s exhibition with my fellow ambassador, David Goss from Manchester University and Helen Nicholas, Chair of the Division of Counselling Psychology. In return, I received a bursary which covered the conference fees, accommodation and travel. Having just started a new job and with course deadlines looming, I did wonder if taking time out was the wisest move. Happily, I can say it definitely was and I have returned already looking forward to next year’s conference.
I would certainly recommend the role of ambassador. It was an excellent way to meet people and experience a mixed world of students, trainees, clinicians and academics, all drawn to our exhibition. There were many questions about counselling psychology and the role of the BPS. It was enjoyable to engage in these discussions and promote the work of counselling psychologists. Being an ambassador also provided opportunities to meet those who work for the BPS and hear about the work that goes on behind the scenes to support and promote our profession.
I had the chance to attend many talks and workshops. Inevitably I scanned the programme for topics related to my current research and clinical work. I left the LGBT symposium feeling informed and inspired and hopeful that my research will make a contribution to this field. I was glad I attended Professor Richard Crisp’s keynote on adapting to diversity as he addressed the benefits diversity brings to creativity and performance. Professor Sir Cary Cooper’s keynote on gross national well-being: enhancing mental capital and well-being at work, was very engaging and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities for change in the work place.
At the trainee conference, I heard Susan Van Scoyoc’s keynote on making the most of the supervisory journey and although I am not a supervisor, I was welcomed into the supervision conference and participated in their workshops on safe uncertainty and interdisciplinary supervision. Supervision has played such a valuable role in my development to date, so I was pleased the topic had such good coverage on the programme.
I was also keen to attend some events which represented new topics for me. The opening keynote by Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore on the social brain in adolescence, provided me with some insight into neuroscience research. My understanding of the work of the BPS was furthered by attending the presidential address by Professor Dorothy Miell and by listening to the incoming president, Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes.
As a trainee and NHS employee, I identify with being a student, researcher and clinician. At different times, the conference attended to each of these identities and many more besides. Throughout the conference there were opportunities to increase my appreciation of the broad range of work that psychologists are engaged in. By talking to the other delegates and exhibitors, I learnt more about the other divisions and branches within the BPS and I picked up a variety of BPS publications and journals. The conference certainly helped strengthen my identity as a counselling psychologist and member of the BPS. It was helpful to step outside of university and my clinical day job and take in a wider view of the world of psychology. I left with a greater understanding of the influence psychologists have in wider society, renewed enthusiasm to publish my research and pondering opportunities for the future. I would therefore encourage anyone who has not yet been to the annual conference to consider attending next year’s event in Nottingham.
I will end with my thanks to the BPS for an informative and enjoyable conference and particular thanks to BPS Chairs Nicola Gale and Helen Nicholas and my fellow ambassador David Goss, for their warm welcome and for encouraging a networking novice.
Lucy Wilman
City University London