25th Annual ACAT Conference 2019: Integrating Trauma Developments into CAT

Nick Barnes, 2019. 25th Annual ACAT Conference 2019: Integrating Trauma Developments into CAT. Reformulation, Winter, pp.4-5.

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A hugely successful, and oversubscribed, ACAT Conference set out to challenge the CAT community into thinking about how we integrate the more recent developments within the field of trauma into our thinking and practice. With the heightened understanding and recognition of trauma and the need for support, interventions and services to enable a narrative that articulates this experience, impact and recovery, it was timely that ACAT held a national conference focusing specifically on this theme. Expertly choreographed and delivered by organisers Clive Turpin, Andrea Daykin, Mandy Wildman, with invaluable support from the ACAT staff team, the 25th national conference served up a treat of a day – a day for exploration and reflection.

The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) presented by one of its leading exponents, Lucy Johnstone, was a powerful start to the day. Developed by clinicians and service user campaigners, and being strongly endorsed by the British Psychological Society, the model looks to offer a radically new perspective on why people experience mental distress – a model that purposefully positions itself as an alternative to the more traditional models based on psychiatric diagnosis.

“Signs and symptoms” in this framework tries to understand how we make sense of these difficult experiences and how messages from wider society can increase our feelings of shame, self-blame, isolation, fear and guilt.
Not surprisingly, the PTMF presents its own perceptions and interpretations of power and potential threat to reckon with. There was much excitement, possibly even relief, that here was a model that spoke to the “trans-diagnostic” world of the CAT therapist, but in the later sections of the day, in reflective groups set aside to reflect on some of the presentations and discussions, the mood may have been less embracing, and more curious in searching for reflective tolerance – of standing in the spaces to embrace and welcome clinicians from both camps. It was very welcome as a reminder that the CAT thinking is open and tolerant and willingly receptive to hear clinicians from all camps and listen to them through its dialogic ears.

Other speakers on the day helped reinforce the core aims and objectives of the day, sharing understandings about trauma that often are underplayed or dismissed. Joy Schaverien, a Jungian Analyst spoke about 'Boarding School Syndrome: The Psychological Trauma of ‘Privileged Children.' and helped us all think carefully about whether we take notice when clients might talk about their early experiences of separation and loss brought about through the boarding school system. She asks us to consider whether our own prejudices might influences our offer of support, as we might fail to acknowledge trauma, blinded by our own perceptions of privilege, whilst providing a perspective of the privileged and powerful in our society, and a consideration of how their earlier experiences may currently influence decisions in parliamentary corridors. These reflections through a CAT informed lens, see how societal reciprocal role procedures come to perpetuate quiet trauma of the of the inner world. Such analytic insights invite us to be more with our clients’ early experiences.

Tim Sheard helped us connect mind and body. In his talk 'Moving CAT beyond its identification with the observing eye: Does working with developmental trauma confront us with a need to integrate embodiment into CAT?', Tim brought to life the need for us to be thinking about what might be going on in the space between and within – and how this can be, and needs to be, noticed physically; so often the only means of communication within the context of trauma.

Lastly Rhona Brown brought us something of the bigger picture. ‘Traversing together or falling apart: remaining ‘alongside’ in CAT in a troubled world’ was a talk that gave the permission that might have been missing earlier in the day – permission for things to be “unfinalized”. In a presentation filled with questions about how we see the self and the other, and our capacity for marginalising the outsider, this came across as a very honest way of ending the day – an embracing of curiosity.

Considerable numbers in attendance generated a quorate for the AGM, making it possible for our chair, Alison Jenaway, to work her way swiftly and efficiently through the agenda of nominations of officers, reports and further motions to ensure robust participation and an active involvement of the membership. Gone is our motto “Understanding leades to Change.” Can you think of a better one? Answers on a postcard!
The day wrapped up with reflective groups “to get deeper into questions, thoughts, feelings and issues that arise from presentations”. and the pensive plenary leaving us food for further thought.

And we end with a huge heartfelt thanks to the conference organisers for delivering a fascinating conference, and one that might really support the CAT community in thinking about where we position ourselves and our practice in these interesting times.

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Full Reference

Nick Barnes, 2019. 25th Annual ACAT Conference 2019: Integrating Trauma Developments into CAT. Reformulation, Winter, pp.4-5.

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Letter from the Chair of ACAT
Alison Jenaway, 2019. Letter from the Chair of ACAT. Reformulation, Summer, p.5.

ACAT Conference 2016: “Resilience in the Face of Change” Reflections on our experience organising the conference at the University of Exeter
Clinical Organisers – Andrea Daykin and Mandy Wildman, 2016. ACAT Conference 2016: “Resilience in the Face of Change” Reflections on our experience organising the conference at the University of Exeter. Reformulation, Winter, pp.35-36.

Letter from the Chair of ACAT
Alison Jenaway, 2018. Letter from the Chair of ACAT. Reformulation, Winter, p.4.

Trauma, Trauma and More Trauma: CAT and Trauma in Learning Disability
Julie Lloyd, 2019. Trauma, Trauma and More Trauma: CAT and Trauma in Learning Disability. Reformulation, Summer, pp.44-46.

From Relational Mapping to Being Relational
Steve Potter, Marie-Anne Bernardy-Arbuz, Claire Regan, Nick Barnes, 2020. From Relational Mapping to Being Relational. Reformulation, Summer, pp.23-26.

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25th Annual ACAT Conference 2019: Integrating Trauma Developments into CAT

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