Generating Conversations Conference

GENERATING CONVERSATIONS CONFERENCE
A SYSTEMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY CONFERENCE IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY YEO
(VCF PRE-APPROVED)

Initially the name of the conference was to be 'Beginning Conversations'. However, we found it to be rather problematic. 'Beginning' suggests a definitive point, a linear progression and in many ways we found ourselves constrained by the word 'Beginning', despite the initial euphoria with the title.

By naming the conference 'Generating Conversations', we acknowledge the conversations that had taken place about systemic thinking and practice in Singapore and at the same time, hoping to generate more  conversations,. Like ripples in the ocean, these ripples would generate more dialogue amongst practitioners, academia and policymakers to allow mutual stimulation, growth and development within the larger context of irreverence to ourselves, our own ideas, and to what we had established for ourselves to be true.

Perhaps with this, a local stream of ideas would evolve and together, like many tributaries, connect to form a surge of ideas that we would be proud of, a stream that flows in a certain direction and yet, vibrant and energetic.

At another level, 'Generating Conversations' could be understood from a social constructionist position. How do we create conversations about topics that we do not have the language for? What language do we have to journey with a couple struggling with their sexual intimacy?  What words do we have to use with a dying man about his impending demise?  What words do we draw on to adequately engage those from a culture different from ours?

Without the bricks, how can we hold a decent conversation about these topics not to mention a therapeutic one? As we meet to talk about our inability to talk, perhaps in our awkwardness, we develop and discover a way to have a dialogic experience that is artfully aesthetic and affirming of the human existence.

During this conference, the focus will be on:

• Exposure on the Theme
• Skill based workshops demonstrating the art of therapy as collaborative and dialogical
• Panel convsersation on Trends and Challenges for Systemic Thinkers and Practitioners at the global and local level
• Symposiums on counselling, training and supervision issues

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