Minutes of the General Assembly 2000
AGENDA
1. Report of the Provisional Board
2. Statutes and Bylaws
3. Next International Conference (ICCCEP)
4. Budget 2000-2003
5. Election of the Board 2000-2003
6. Suggestions, ideas and questions for the
future work
7. Miscelleanous
(First part, 27 June 2000, Time: 8.20 p.m. – 12.20 a.m.)
1 . INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Chairperson, Peter F. Schmid, welcomed everyone present to this first formal meeting after the foundation of the Association in Lisbon.
1.2 Board members were introduced and acknowledgement was given of their hard work during the last 3 years.
1.3 Members of the Board (present): Peter F. Schmid (Chair), Germain Lietaer, Margaret Warner, Alberto Segrera, Paul Wilkins
1.4 Apologies were received from: Elke Lambers, Suzanne Spector, João Hipólito
2. AGENDA
The agenda was introduced to the assembly.
2.1. Report of the Provisional Board.
2.2. Statutes and Bylaws.
2.3. Next International Conference.
2.4. Budget 2000 - 2002.
2.5. Election of Board 2000 - 2002.
2.6. Suggestions, Ideas and Questions for future work.
2.7. Miscellaneous.
2.8 Additional items.
2.8.1. Raised by Robert Oppenheimer:
“That the principles need to take into account the wide scope of practice of the membership beyond mental health, e.g. education, social work etc.”
It was agreed to discuss this under 2.6.
2.8.2. Raised by Nat Raskin:
“Has the Board received a letter from John Shlien?” He understood there was one in circulation. Some copies of the letter were made available.
2.8.3. Raised by Goff Barrett-Lennard:
Expressed a concern with one of the principles; it was agreed to discuss this within 2.2.
Procedure for the meeting was discussed. The chairperson explained the general voting procedures for the assembly. It was specified that:
(a) Votes Against the proposal would be taken first.
(b) Abstentions taken next.
(c) Votes in support of the proposal taken 3rd.
2.1. Report of the Provisional Board.
2.1.1. The Chair presented this report and the following points were noted:
* The Association was founded in Lisbon.
* The founding members elected a working group whose task it was to develop a detailed constitution and regulations, to be submitted to the membership at the ICCCEP V-2000 in Chigaco, and to manage the organizational necessities and budgets for the provisional period
2.1.2. The Board has produced:
(a) an invitation to membership
(b) a budget
(c) communications with the ‘external’ world and it has made representations where appropriate.
2.1.3. Eleven further colleagues were enlisted to assist the work of the Board. They worked together via an e-mail network facilitated by Alberto Segrera. They were : Minoru Hatase, Vladimir Hlavenka, Joãõ Marques-Teixeira, Bernie Neville, Maureen O’Hara, Shang Ho, Suzanne Spector, Marcia Tassinari, Brian Thorne, Paulus Wacker, Elizabeth Zinschitz). Thanks were acknowledged for their contributions.
2.1.4. Further work conducted by the Board includes:
(d) The establishment of a Swiss office and bank account.
(e) The establishment of a Home Page.
(f) A leaflet is now available.
(g) A letter of Invitation to membership.
(h) A letter of Welcome.
2.1.5. Preparatory work has also been commenced for
(i) A journal
(j) Membership of the World Association for Psychotherapy
(k) Membership is approximately between 200 and 250
(l) Several Associations are now in Membership
(m) A financial report has been produced
(n) Key note speakers for the 2nd World Council of Psychotherapy had been located
2.1.6. In conclusion the chair thanked all those who have supported the various initiatives, those who conducted the primary work in Lisbon and all colleagues who since then have helped the development of the Association.
2.1.7. Anne Wunderle presented the financial statement (Anne to submit detailed figures.)
Revenue (for 1999) 1207.53 Euro
June 2000 2177.55 Euro
The only expenses to date were for 7 hours of office work in 1999 (262 Euro).
The intention is to install the possibility of a credit card payment system for membership after 2001. (Estimated cost $700.)
Anne was thanked for her work as treasurer.
2.1.8. Details were given of eight Associations now in Membership, including the Network of European Associations for Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy (NEAPCCP).
2.1.9. No formal invitations have yet gone out to Associations because of resources to date; this is one of the future tasks for the Board.
2.1.10 It was explained (Alberto Segrera) that some members have paid twice (through an accounting error) and they will be credited next year.
2.2. Statutes and Bylaws
2.2.1. Introduction: A set of proposed statutes and bylaws had been drawn up by the Board during the previous 3 years and a paper (previously circulated) has been produced.
2.2.2. Since the first informal meeting on Saturday evening in Chicago further suggestions, modifications and alterations had been made.
These were as follows:
* Goff Barnett-Lennard: advocated changes to the text of the 3rd Principle.
* The Board (Item vi) point 1.
‘The Board to consist of a maximum of 9 (nine) persons.’
* The Bylaws (Item vii) (on Fees).
‘The Board may make exceptions in cases of financial hardship upon application by letter.’
* After 2000, the Board will be elected at the General Assembly to serve until the following General Assembly.
2.2.3. Two new points had been introduced, now numbering 3 and 4 under para vi (The Board) and the original number 3 now becomes point 5.
*The new point 3 now to read:
‘The elections will be co-ordinated by a Committee appointed by the Board.’
*The new point 4 now to read:
‘The Board is charged with the task of developing proposals to form committees.’
2.2.4. The chair invited discussion on the Principles (Section I of the Statutes and Bylaws.)
Suggestions were made to:
(a) change the word ‘therapeutic’ in point 3 to ‘healing’ (Harald Gassner.)
(b) include the term Actualising Tendency within the first principle (Margarethe Letzel.)
(c) introduce a 6th principle to include a commitment to the importance of PCA in the field of Education, acknowledging those professional within that field.
Extensive discussion followed these points. Further suggestions were received:
(d) ‘Diversity’ to be made very explicit within the principles.
(e) to make modifications to principle 3.
The chair then outlined the following procedural process:
The Assembly has to reach absolute consensus (for each aspect of the Statutes and Bylaws). For the adoption of the principles, where proposals and suggestions have been made these will be discussed and voted upon first.
2.2.5. Principle 1 was then discussed and proposals made, as follows.
The original proposal reads:
1. “A commitment to the primary importance in Psychotherapy and Counselling of the relationship between therapist and client.”
2.2.5.a A proposal by Margarethe Letzel was as follows:
‘A commitment ... and client on the basis of the core concept of the actualising tendency.’ (underlining identifies the new suggestion.)
A vote was held on this suggested modification.
Result. Against: 22.
Abstentions: 22.
For: 34.
This indicated a majority but not a consensus.
2.2.5.b A second proposal was received in the following words:
‘To A.T. (actualising tendency) or not to A.T. That is the question.
The Board to be delegated to decide the exact wording.’
A vote took place on ‘leaving AT in the principle and leaving the exact wording to the Board’
For 28.
Abstentions: 22
Against: 11.
No consensus was reached on this point.
A procedural proposal was made by Robert Oppenheimer that: ‘following votes that were not unanimous, time be given to those concerned to discuss the proposals in detail in a subcommittee and to present these at a second meeting of the Assembly later in the Conference.
This motion was seconded and voting was as follows:
Against: 22.
Abstentions: 10.
For: 37.
2.2.6. Principle 2 was accepted.
2.2.7. Principle 3 is stated in the proposed Statutes as:
* ‘A belief in the efficacy of the conditions and attitudes conducive to therapeutic movement first postulated by Carl Rogers and a commitment to their active implementation within the therapeutic relationship.’
Extensive discussion was held around this principle and two proposals were made to amend this to include the following.
2.2.7.a ‘A fundamental confidence in the conditions and attitudes conducive to therapeutic movement.’ (underlining identifies the new suggestion.)
2.2.7.b ‘A commitment to the implementation and continued investigation of the conditions and attitudes conducive to ....’
The vote taken on 2.2.7.a resulted in:
Against: 8.
Abstentions: 19.
For 25.
This result reflects a majority but not a consensus. A sub committee to be convened by Ned Gaylin and Margarethe Letzel to discuss further, for presentation at 2nd session of general meeting.
The vote taken on 2.2.7.b resulted in:
Against: 27.
Abstentions: 20.
For: 4.
A subcommittee co-ordinated by Irene Fairhurst and Goff Barrett-Lennard was appointed to suggest wording for presentation to the 2nd session of the general meeting.
2.2.8. Principle 4 . The original wording reads:
“A commitment to an understanding of both clients and therapists as persons who are at one and the same time individuals and in relationship with others and with their environment.
2.2.8.a An amendment prosed by Suzanne Keys:
“A commitment to ... with others and with their diverse environments and cultures. (underlining represents new words)
2.2.8.b It was also proposed to alter the word “therapists” to “therapists/counsellors”.
Voting Results.
Against: 0.
Abstentions: 0.
For: Majority/Consensus.
2.2.9. Principle 5 was accepted as presented.
2.2.10 Proposal to include in Principle 6:
2.2.10.a A general proposal to include all other professionals (other than those in mental health working as counselors / therapists) was proposed by Robert Oppenheimer and voting to add this 6th principle was as follows:
Against: 47.
Abstentions: 3.
For: 4.
2.2.10.b Wording suggested:
“A commitment to the importance of the PCA in Education and to the inclusion of those education professionals working to promote a Person Centered Environment in schools and colleges in the World Association.”
As no consensus was achieved Robert Oppenheimer and Jin Wu formed a committee to re-present a new formulation for the 2nd meeting of the Assembly.
2.2.11. The meeting then moved to discussion of Goals (Section II of the Statutes).
Several points were raised:
* What is meant by PCA/Client Centered Therapy (are definitions required?)
* Point 3 - the use of the term “paradigms”
* Throughout the statement of Statutes and Bylaws how do we refer to the various subcategories of role, theoretical orientation etc.
e.g. Person - centered / experiential
or Person - centered and experiential.
* Point 7 - the issue of the Journal in the English language.
2.2.12. After discussion,this last item was voted upon and decision resulted in a unanimous vote to leave the words “in the English Language” within point 7.
Against: 0.
Abstentions: 0.
For: Consensus.
2.2.13. The chair introduced a possible 5 proposals on the inclusion / exclusion of particular sentence structures that
(a) used “/”
(b) used “and”
(c) used “and” and “paradigm”
(d) used “paradigms”
(e) used “person centered”
The chair invited the Assembly to give an indication (to show without formally voting) the range of attitudes towards the above. Following this it was formally proposed NOT to vote on these issues and to constitute a subcommittee to discuss further under the chairmanship of Germain Lietaer and to present their suggestions at the 2nd meeting of the Assembly.
Against: 0.
Abstentions: 0.
Proposal to have a committee - MAJORITY / CONSENSUS.
2.2.14. A proposal was received on the constitution of the Board (Section VI of the Statutes):
“ The Board consists of a maximum of 9 persons, formed with an effort to reflect the diversity of the membership, in terms of geography and theoretical approach.”
One person was against this in the first vote and following discussion changed their position to Abstention, this giving a consensus in favour on the 2nd vote.
This concluded the voting on the Statutes.
2.2.15. The Assembly was invited to make any suggestions to the Bylaws. A series of questions were asked , seeking clarification on various points including wording of statements concerning expenses to Board members (Robert Elliott) , e-mail usage and resignation periods.
2.2.16. Robert Elliott proposed that a new bylaw VI.10 to read as follows:
“The members of the Board are granted a contribution towards expenses incurred in addition to their attendance at the Associations’ International Conference, provided that the Associations’ financial situation allows it”.
2.2.17. A vote was taken to adopt the complete Bylaws as they stand plus the above proposition.
Against: 0.
Abstentions: 0.
For: Unanimous.
(This led to the humorous observation that we now have Bylaws but no Statutes!)
3. Next International Conference.
3.1. An offer was made by Roelf Takens from the Netherlands and Marijke Baljon, the Chairperson of the Dutch ‘Association for Client Centered Psychotherapy’, to host the Conference in the “first whole week of July”, 2003 (approximately 5th -) in the region 20 km to the East of Amsterdam, where a possible location has been identified. The Dutch Association were thanked for their invitation / offer and the assembly voted unanimously to accept.
3.2 A proposal was made to name the Conference the same as the Association i.e. the ‘International Conference on Person Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling.’ This was also voted for unanimously.
3.3 The Chair pointed out that the World Association is in charge of the Conference.
4. Budget 2000 - 2003
4.1 Anne Wunderle presented the budget for the year 2000 which is (as at 1999 plus recent revenues):
Revenues: Balance 1999: 1207.53 EUR Expenses: Office 18 hr: 674 EUR
Revenues: 2292.47 EUR Credit card payment setup: 700 EUR
Total: 3500 EUR 1374 EUR
Balance: 2126 EURO
4.2 If the Journal is able to be launched in 2001 - 2002 increases may have to be made to the membership fee. Following discussion on fees, Alberto Segrera proposed that:
“ The new Board is authorised by the Association to explore and implement ways of obtaining funds and to give differential fees to particular groups (e.g. low income)”.
Voting was unanimous.
4.3. A vote was then taken to adopt the complete budget with the proviso that the Board was authorised to increase the membership to $50 (at the value of todays currency) in relation to the production of a journal.
This was voted on unanimously.
Procedure: The timetable to arrange the 2nd session, of the assembly was then discussed and a time set for Thursday am. 8.30 - 10.00. This to be announced at breakfast and dinner on Wednesday - Margaret Warner making room arrangements.
4.4 Returning to the theme of the budget:
The chair thanked all members of the Board and Anne and the Swiss Secretariat; a proposal was made by the Assembly to mandate the Board to set a budget for 2002/3 in relation to contemporary finances at that time.
This was voted unanimously.
5. Election of Board 2000 - 2003.
5.1. The demands and expectations of work to be done were briefly outlined by the chair before opening the discussion for proposals.
5.2. Elisabeth Zinschitz proposed that, as many people were now very tired, the assembly should not proceed with elections to the Board and that such elections were held at the second session now scheduled for Thursday.
Against: 12.
Abstentions: 12.
For: 5.
5.3. It was decided that a final decision would be made at the 2nd session but existing nominations would be presented to the assembly.
5.4 5 members of the existing Board are prepared to stand.
Peter F. Schmid.
Elke Lambers.
Germain Lietaer.
Alberto Segrera.
Margaret Warner.
4 other nominations had been received:
Robert Elliott.
Anne Wunderle.
Alberto Zucconi.
Vera Cury.
5.6. The chair explained that after the elections the Board will assign functions to the members.
Provisionally, a tentative proposition is:
Germain Chair.
Alberto S Communication with outside world.
Anne W Swiss Secretariat.
Alberto Z Treasurer.
Vera Individual member contacts.
Elke Secretary to the Board.
Margaret Contact for the next Conference.
Peter Home Page.
Robert Journal.
5.7. A suggestion was also made to ensure that other possible nominations be sought/nominated before the elections take place. Suggestions included Mary Hendricks Gendlin, Janet Tolan, Nat Raskin, Goff Barrett-Lennard.
5.8. In the future there will be an election committee that will create the structures for full voting by the membership.
5.9. Gill Wyatt, Roelf Takens and Irene Fairhurst were nominated to act as a provisional election committee to receive nominations up until 6 PM on Wednesday 28.06.00.
This was proposed and voted on unanimously.
6. Suggestions / Ideas / Questions for Future Work.
6.1 Discussion included:
* Possible development of library facilities.
* World Association details on Home Page.
* Implementation of mechanism of continuous feedback loop between members and the Board, possibly requiring a list server.
* That the Home Page should be extended largely to make it a World Wide Service of information and mailing exchanges.
* Details of the Home Page address were given.
* Simultaneous publication on the Web of the journal as well as paper version.
* To have a library on the Web.
* To promote special interest groups amongst members.
7. Miscellaneous.
7.1. Just one item was raised , by Irene Fairhurst who wished to consult others in the Assembly in relation to the current political situation in the UK in relation to
(1) Proposed government legislation (which could be adopted within a year.)
(2) Training criteria published by the European Association for Psychotherapy.
She circulated a paper that has been put together to be used to counter the current training criteria which are based on academic and /or medical models. Any ideas / assistance colleagues could contribute from their experience in other countries gratefully received.
A request was made to put the paper on the Web.
Concluding Statement.
Everyone on the Board was thanked again for all their hard work during the last 3 years.
The meeting was formally closed at 12.15 a.m.
[This part of the minutes taken by Colin Lago in absence of Elke Lambers. The New Board wishes to thank him very much]
(Second part: 29 June 2000, Time: 8.30am to 11am)
Present from the Board: Peter F. Schmid (Chair), Germain Lietaer, Alberto Segrera, Margaret Warner
The Chair welcomed those present to the second part of the General Assembly and confirmed the agenda carried over from the 1st part of the meeting on 27/06/00
2. Statutes and Bylaws
5. Election of the Board 2000 - 2003
6. Suggestions, ideas and questions for future work
7. Miscellaneous
2.2. Statutes and Bylaws
2.2.13 Name of Association and Conference.
Following the meeting of the sub-group Germain Lietaer proposed the following changes to the Statutes:
2.2.13.a In the title "/" becomes "and" ie World Association for Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling
2.2.13.b The following sentence is added at the beginning of the document:
The terms "Person-Centered" and "Experiential" and the concepts and processes they encompass have an extensive, rich and evolving history. The choice of the phrase "Person-Centered and Experiential" is intended to promote continued dialogue and development; it is not intended to favour any particular understanding of these approaches and their relationship.
2.2.11. Goals
The Association has the following goals:
*3. To promote person-centered and experiential perspectives and to support and encourage the scientific study as well as the improvement of practice, specifically in the field of psychotherapy and counseling,
*6. To have a commitment to the organization and support of international conferences, in particular the International Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy Conference (abbreviated as PCE Conference) and possible future developments of it.
The Chair proposed a vote on the changes proposed by this subgroup, including ‘developments’ (plural) in Goal 6 (second voting) and excluding the name of the conference.
Votes: Against 0
Abstentions 3
For 48 Consensus
The Chair proposed a vote on the name of the conference (first voting)
Votes: Against 8
Abstentions 12
For 25 No Consensus
Discussion on name of Conference:
a lively and lengthy discussion followed covering issues of inclusivity of Counseling in title, use of term helping professions, awkwardness of length of title, use of subtitle, ‘World’ instead of ‘International’.
The Chair proposed to vote on: ‘World Person-Centered and Experiential Conference for Psychotherapy and Counseling’ (second Voting)
Votes: Against 0
Abstentions 12
For 54 Consensus
2.2.5. Principle 12.2.6. Principle 2
2.2.7. Principle 3
2.2.8. Principle 4
Proposals presented by Godfrey Barrett-Lennard and Ned Gaylin from the 3 sub-committees dealing with Principle 1 and Principle 3:
· The aim of the Association is to provide a world-wide forum for those professionals in science and practice who have a commitment to the primary importance of the relationship between client and therapist in psychotherapy and counseling.
· have a trust in the client's actualization process and phenomenologic world and their centrality to the therapeutic endeavour
· embody in their work those conditions and attitudes conducive to therapeutic movement first postulated by Carl Rogers
· have a commitment to and understanding of both clients and therapists as persons who are at the same time individuals and in relationship with others and their diverse environments and cultures.
· have an openness to the development and elaboration of person-centered and experiential theory in the light of current and future practice and research.
Discussion on these proposals:
discussion focused mainly on Principle 2 and particularly on the word "trust".
Janet Tolan proposed an amended Principle 2:
· hold as central to the therapeutic endeavour the client's actualizing process and phenomenological world.
The Chair proposed a vote on the changes including the amended Principle 2.
Vote: Consensus
Abstention 1
2.2.10 Principle 6.
Robert Oppenheimer tabled a letter including a proposal for Principle 6:
2.2.10.a Association membership will be open to all helping professionals and
2.2.10.b Trainees who wish to further the understanding and development of the PCA and Experiential approaches in psychotherapy, counseling and related fields.
Discussion on this proposal:
Lengthy and lively discussion centering on whether statutes and bylaws as they stand are welcoming, inclusive and clear regarding membership.
2.2.18. Section IV of the Statutes and Bylaws: Members and Structure
The Chair proposed a vote on the following amendments to Statute IV:
Members and Structure
*2. The Association is open to both organizational and individual members.
*3. Individual membership is open to helping professionals, trainees and other persons who wish to further the goals of the Association in Psychotherapy, Counseling and related fields.
*4. (continuation of original 2) It invites into its membership existing associations, organizations and institutions within and outside the university system which embrace its principles and goals (see I and II) and have clearly defined and published ethical standards.
5. (original 3)
6. (original 4)
Vote: Consensus
no abstentions
2.2. Statutes and Bylaws: a vote was held on accepting all statutes as they now stand
Vote: Consensus,
no abstentions
5.. Election of Board 2000-2003
5.1. The Chair informed the General Assembly that the work of a board member was on average 2-3 hours per week and that each member of the board would have a specific role. A provisional list of tasks worked out by the Board would be:
Chair: coordinate and support work of the whole board and provide an overview
External Relations: coordinate international events and go to conferences
Secretary 1: Membership: current and future individual and organizational members including publicity
Secretary 2: Board: minutes, announcements, conference contact
Treasurer: subscriptions, credit card payment, reminders, budget, accounts, report to General Assembly, deal with reduced fee requests
Information: web coordinator, translations, work with other Associations and Websites
Publications: journal proposal by end 2000 ie publisher, team and budget
Elections: internet votin
Concern of old board about lack of money for secretarial support for board members.
Budgeted only for database and accounts by Swiss Secretariat.
The Chair clarified that there was currently no money for board member travel expenses including attendance at international conferences.
5.8. Chair clarified that the nomination and voting procedure would be done by email prior to the next conference.
A vote of thanks to the old board wasproposed by Ned Gaylin and seconded by Janet Tolan to general applause.
5.9. The Chair handed over to the Election Group: Gill Wyatt, Irene Fairhurst and Roelf Takens
3 additional nominations for candidates had been received: Jerold Bozarth, Janet Tolan and Elisabeth Zinschitz.
Ballot papers were presented with 12 names. Members could vote for a maximum of 9 board members.
2 proxy votes were noted .
Each candidate made a short presentation including skills, qualities and experience relevant to specific tasks on the Board as outlined above.
Terry Daly presented Elke Lambers in her absence and Valeria Vaccari Rimondi presented Alberto Zucconi in his absence.
The Election Group reminded the meeting that only paid up members of the Association were eligible to vote.
Ballot papers were collected at the exit of the meeting by the Election Group and the results were announced at the Large Group Closing at midday, after the General Assembly. 79 people voted.
The following were elected:
Vera Cury (Brazil) 68
Robert Elliott (USA) 78
Elke Lambers (Scotland) 71
Germain Lietaer (Belgium) 71
Peter Schmid (Austria) 79
Alberto Segrera (Mexico) 70
Janet Tolan (UK) 64
Anne Wunderle (Switzerland) 72
Alberto Zucconi (Italy) 63
The following were not elected:
Jerold Bozarth (USA) 46
Margaret Warner (USA) 62
Elisabeth Zinschitz (Austria) 58
6. Suggestions and Ideas.
7. Miscellaneous.
7.1. Peter F.Schmid informed those present of the website address:
www.pfs.kabelnet.at and www.personcentered.org/pfs
PFS asked those present to check their details on the website and to inform the website admininstrator of any corrections or additions.
He talked of interactional possibilities on the website.
7. Alberto Segrera asked for new ideas to be sent to the members of the new Board
7.2 Advert for 6th PCE Conference in Amsterdam 6 -11 July 2003
The Chair closed the General Assembly by thanking everyone for their patience and wishing everyone a safe trip home
[Second Part of the minutes taken by Suzanne Keys. The new board wishes to thank her very much. Thanks also to Tessa Mearns for her technical support.]
Elke Lambers, Secretary to the Board