of IAPT, the emphasis for psychologists and psychological therapists has been on specific skills training rather than the broader social, cultural and human values that interweave with psychotherapy. As these aims are clearly embodied in the psychotherapy section constitution, this section is well placed to provide training that addresses these broader values. A very successful and well-attended two-day training conference was held in March 2009 under the title ‘Psychotherapy and Empowerment in Groups’. We attracted a varied range of speakers using group psychotherapy within contexts that cross social and cultural boundaries between NHS, voluntary and private sectors and with client/user groups that challenge psychotherapists to innovate and adapt, for example women with learning difficulties, women in prison with dangerous and severe personality disorder. Participants heard how psychotherapists were adapting psychotherapeutic methods to meet the challenge of particular client groups, for example embracing AA approaches to alcohol addiction within psychotherapy groups. They also heard an NHS director of nursing and a chief executive describe their agendas in relation to clients using psychological therapies and Professor Jenny Firth Cozens talking about incorporating compassion into organisational agendas. We have continued to improve the communications and infrastructure of the section. This is a slow process, but this year has seen the appearance of a website for the section, compiled and edited by one of the committee members, Leslie Yeung, who has had the Society website training. It is informative and interesting for members. Through this and the growing e-mail list, we hope to continue the work of raising the profile of the section. Our review editor, Adrian Hemmings, is working on a face lift for the regular section review, updating its form and function, spurred on by Rachel Varley, assistant editor. This year we have for the first time obtained partnership and sponsorship for the 2010 training conference with an NHS trust, the Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust, assisting both with finance and publicity. This is planned for 29-30 March 2010. We have been fortunate in attracting speakers of distinction, such as Phil Mollon and Paul Gilbert, who can provide both stimulating presentations and engaging workshops that develop psychotherapeutic skills, meeting the requests of our members. The theme of the conference is ‘Beyond Words: Trauma and the Human Condition’. Finally, thank you to a hard working committee and please see our website for further information: www.bps.org.uk/ps/ps_home.cfm. Angela Douglas, Chair
Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section During 2009, the Qualitative Methods in Psychology Section (QMiP) remained the largest of the British Psychological Society's Sections and one of the largest networks with the Society. Membership support has enabled us to be extremely active in promoting qualitative methods in psychology and sponsoring relevant events and awards.
Events QMiP sponsored several events during 2009. Brendan Gough was invited to hold a showcase event on 23 February at the University of Nottingham, and it was on ‘Researching Gender: Qualitative Approaches’. Alison Tweed was also sponsored to hold an event on ‘Reflective and Reflexive Practice’ on 29 April at the University of Leicester. We held our Annual General Meeting on 15 October at Aston University. Thank you to the members who joined us; we really value your contribution. The AGM was followed by a workshop led by Wendy Stainton A N N U A L R E V I E W 2009
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