A Therapeutic Exchange

"A therapeutic exchange: independence vs dependence" took place in London on 27 October 2006.

Therapeutic intervention can be a deciding factor in creating effective support plans for homeless people. A therapeutic exchange offers important practical advice and support around certain models, enabling delegates to consider the use of these techniques as an integral part of the support plans for your clients.

These models include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), a way of helping people cope with stress and emotional problems; Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a treatment for helping people who use problematic and sometimes life-threatening behaviours to cope with intense and unstable emotions; and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an experiential approach designed to facilitate the achievement of values and goals through psychological flexibility.

Rebecca Sycamore, Director of Regional Development, Homeless Link opened the conference.

Helen Keats, Policy Manager at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), gave a government perspective on therapeutic intervention and homelessness

Dr Nick Maguire, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from the University of Southampton presented backgruond information on Exploring the psychological and emotional needs of homeless people

Dr Suzanne Sambrook, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from the Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust explained Dialectical behaviour therapy, specifically when working with victims of domestic violence

Mark Webster, Psychotherapist at SWEST Portsmouth explained further Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people with substance abuse

Steve Bulbeck, Single Homeless, Rough Sleepers & Support Service Manager, and Vicky House, Clinical Psychology Team, Single Homeless and Rough Sleepers Services, both from Brighton and Hove City Council updated us on their progress in developing the use of psychological thinking and practice within supported housing provision across Brighton and Hove.

Dr Nick Maguire returned to give a more detailed explanation on Cognitive behaviour therapy