2007 ISCP Meeting in Mexico City, Mexico   includes symposium description

ISCP at 2007 APA Convention in San Francisco, California

Listing of ISCP Meetings

Ninth Annual ISCP Meeting        Mexico City, Mexico      July 1-5, 2007

Host:  XXXI Interamercian Congress of Psychology  

ISCP is delighted to join the Interamerican Psychological Society (SIP) for their 31st Congress, being held in Mexico City.  Attendees will find a rich scientific program and social events, in addition to the wealth of sights and activities available in this exciting city.  For more information on the Congress and to register, please visit their website at http://sipmexico2007.org.mx.

An exciting ISCP symposium is planned, Chaired by Dr. Juan Jose Sanchez-Sosa of the National University of Mexico with 6 distinguished presenters.  The symposium is titled:  TOWARD THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: BENEFITS AND PERSPECTIVES.

Symposium abstract: Why internationalization? The active exchange of evidence-based knowledge and clinical experiences by experts from diverse regions of the world contributes to the achievement of valuable goals for Clinical Psychology as both scientific discipline and profession. On the one hand, the analysis of well-documented cultural and social variables affecting maladaptive functioning is highly likely to help modulate professional interventions in order to maximize their clinical effect. In fact, a systematic analysis of such variables may well lead to the development of novel clinical procedures. On the other, canvassing the development of Clinical Psychology in diverse world regions and countries regarding historical background, education and training, local context, practice regulation, etc., is probably the first step toward real international enrichment of the specialty. The present symposium includes presentations by highly distinguished colleagues from diverse world regions on these and other related issues. The International Society of Clinical Psychology is gratefully indebted to the Scientific Program Chair of the SIP Congress for supporting the organization of the present symposium.

Clinical Psychology in Latin America: Four Refugees from the Spanish Civil War, Garma, Lafora, Mira, and Rodrigo.

Presenter:  Dr. Donald Routh

Florida Gulf Coast University, USA.

Abstract:  In the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, Franco defeated the  Republican forces, and his fascist regime remained in power for the  next 40 years.  Many Spanish academics and professionals, including  psychologists from Madrid and Barcelona, were thus forced to seek  refuge elsewhere.  Many of them chose Latin America and thus made  significant contributions there to the development of the field of  clinical psychology broadly defined.  These include: Angel Garma, so  important to the emergence of psychoanalysis in Argentina; Gonzalo  Rodriguez-Lafora ( discoverer of Lafora disease), who was affiliated  with a private Institute for Mental Diseases in Mexico; Emilio Mira-Lopez, who founded the Instituto de Seleccao e Orietatacao Professional (ISOP) in Brazil; and Mercedes Rodrigo, who settled in Colombia and created a degree program in psychology there.

The organization of international clinical psychology: The long way to go.

Presenter:  Dr. Rubén Ardila

National University of Colombia.

Abstract: The relevance of professional associations is analyzed for the particular case of Clinical Psychology. This area has presented a tremendous growth at the international level during the last decades. Clinical psychology has become the field with the larger number of practitioners, training centers, students´ interest, and polemics. There are clinical psychology societies in many countries of the world. A strong International Society of Clinical Psychology is very much necessary , and it could help in the training, legislation and certification, research, specialized publications, relations with other helping professions, and public image of the clinical psychologists, at the international level. Key words: organized psychology, international dissemination, clinical psychology, International Society of Clinical Psychology.

The role of evidence-based practice in a multicultural world.

Presenter:  Dr. Sharon Brehm

Indiana University, USA.

Abstract: Evidence-based practice refers to the integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient characteristics. Culture is certainly one of the major patient characteristics that must be addressed in evidence-based practice. This talk will discuss the importance and challenges of utilizing evidence-based practice in various cultural contexts.

Internalization of Clinical Psychology in SAARC Countries: The road ahead.

Presenter:  Dr. L. Sam S. Manickam

JSS Medical College & Hospital, Mysore, India.

Abstract: Among the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) it was India which initiated clinical psychology training as early as in 1955. However the present number of qualified clinical psychologists available is negligible when compared to the existing demand in this region. Psychologists trained abroad in clinical psychology from these countries seldom return back to the home countries due to various reasons. The two-tier level training programs need to be revamped to match the international standards. More training programs matching international standards are required to meet the needs of the Caste And Religion wise, Culturally, Ethnically And Linguistically Diverse (CARCEALD) population in this region, and lots of flexibility in the programs is required in addressing the various challenges. The professional associations of psychology and clinical psychology  have to be strengthened with the help of the international associations to achieve consultative status with the policy makers and governmental agencies of the respective countries for the uplift of the profession of clinical psychology. Increased exchange programs for the students and faculty may also enhance the process of internationalization of clinical psychology.

Who's Publishing What in International Psychology?
Presenter:  Dr. Danny Wedding

Missouri Institute of Mental Health

This presentation by the editor of PsycCRITIQUES: Contemporary Psychology--APA Review of Books and co-editor of The Handbook of International Psychology and the IUPsyS CD-ROM titled PSYCHOLOGY: Global Resource will review the extant literature on the practice of clinical psychology around the globe.  The presentation will identify those books, journals, organizations, agencies and institutions most relevant to international clinical psychology (e.g., ISCP, the APA Division of International Psychology, the International Union of Psychological Science, the Interamerican Psychological Society, etc.).  All participants will be provided with a list of websites relevant to every psychologist interested in international clinical psychology and the group will have an opportunity to plan a jointly administered web log (blog) focused on international issues in clinical psychology.

International psychology: A personal history with implications for International Clinical Psychology

Presenter:  Dr. William Masten

Texas A. & M. University

This presentation will summarize the author’s experience in and outline implications for International Psychology. Experiences included working in South Korea for 14 month and later for two summers. Also working in Monterrey México for six months (with two additional summers in Saltillo), where I studied Spanish and taught psychology. Learning Spanish was helpful in understanding the culture. I have been active in international psychology associations and have completed research with Mexican nationals. International has a heavy Western emphasis. One way to reduce the Western psychology predisposition may be to conduct research for theory formation with individuals who have no formal education.

SYMPOSIUM KEY WORDS: clinical training, exchange, evidence-based practice, international societies, professional experience, history, culture, world regions.

For further information on ISCP Programming, please contact the Program Chair, Juan Jose Sanchez-Sosa at johannes@servidor.unam.mx

2007 ISCP Membership Meeting at APA Convention in San Francisco, California

ISCP Board Members invite all ISCP members and those interested in international clinical psychology to attend a meeting to discuss ISCP goals, share news in international clinical psychology, and enjoy colleagiality.  Details of the ISCP Membership Meeting time and location to be announced.    For more information on the Convention, visit their website at convention07

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Listing of ISCP Annual Meetings:

On even years, ISCP meets with either IAAP or IUPsyS, each of which hold their meetings every four years.  During the odd years, the ISCP Executive Board elects to meet in conjunction with other major psychological conferences, such as the European Congress of Psychology, the International Council of Psychologists or the American Psychological Association Convention.   In earlier years, ISCP held their meetings separately on a single day.  More recently, our program is being integrated within the larger host conference.

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