NEWS…
It was with great sadness
that we learned over the summer of the death of Richard Rusbridger.
Richard taught in BTPP for many years. Shirley Truckle, who founded BTPP with her unique and indomitable energy, always acknowledged the vital role played by Visiting Tutors in establishing BTPP as a Child Psychotherapy Training School which delivered a training of the highest quality. Indeed, she prided herself in her capacity to persuade teachers of the highest quality to ‘schlep’ up to Birmingham, Richard being key among them. This work he carried out with great grace and we still benefit today from his generosity in doing so.
In quiet moments Shirley could often be seen standing in front of the “Without Whom” wall, rearranging the photographs of those whose contribution she felt was integral to the development of the Training School. A photograph of Richard takes pride of place on that wall. Taken on a sunny day in front of the then BTPP rooms in Queen’s College, Edgbaston, the photo shows Richard standing tall, striking and handsome in his suit, yet comfortable with one hand in his trousers pocket.
In a sense it is an accurate depiction of his teaching style, formal whilst also being informal and, most of all, deeply memorable. Those of us who have been lucky to have been taught by Richard, both in clinical seminars and having heard about his own work via papers delivered in BTPP, have all been strongly influenced by him and his teaching. His influence is memorable for not just for the content, but also for his style and the atmosphere of calm thoughtfulness he was able to create in these settings. Richard balanced deep empathy for the patient’s struggles with a capacity to closely track and name their self-destructive, anti-life elements, alongside a capacity to advise and guide the therapist in how best to respond. He was erudite and learned in the wide range of references he would use to convey his thoughts about the patient’s state of mind. But he equally brought a capacity for empathy for us learning about the psychoanalytic method.
We continue in BTPP to be grateful to Richard and cherish our memories of having been taught by a man of such inspiring capacity.
(See the Guardian obituary written by Richard’s brother Alan, Richard Rusbridger obituary | Psychology | The Guardian)
The Shirley Truckle Essay Prize Competition has been launched …
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Venue: Online
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BTPP News
End of an era…
It’s time for a new generation to take up the reins of Head of Training. Kevin has held the role for the past 11 years, during which more than 50 trainees have qualified as Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists!
In his farewell, Kevin thanked a myriad of BTPP villagers who have supported him and the trainees along the way — starting with Shirley and Brian, who founded BTPP, as well as the trustees, Chair of Training, course leads, tutors, supervisors, trainees, administration staff, and his wife.
We are delighted to announce that
Eva Shehu Whitefield and Jemima Phorson
will now jointly step into the roles of Heads of Training and Directors of Operation
Kevin will continue as Director one day a week and remain actively involved in trainee supervision and teaching.
Helen shared a heartfelt message on behalf of the BTPP staff, beautifully capturing Kevin’s leadership:
“…always been there, showing up as a thoughtful leader who values other people’s views deeply and is also not afraid to take, as all leaders must, the difficult and lonely decisions at times. Building on the work of Shirley and Brian, you have passed on everything that matters.”
Sonia paid tribute to Kevin with a brilliantly delivered poem:
“…Happiness, sadness, smiles and frowns
Yet through it all, he stands like a rock -
The BTPP shepherd guiding his flock
Softly spoken and kind, full of Irish charm
Unselfish, sympathetic, caring and warm
Wise, clever, hard-working and generous
His foresight and ability to perceive are genius…”
Sonia’s Big Birthday!!!!
Surprise Gift from all at BTPP
Kevin and David presented a tearful Sonia with a gift from all staff and trainees. Kevin aptly commented that Sonia embodied ‘BTPP’ness’!!!.
Sonia has lived and breathed BTPP for over 19 years and remembers the early days with Shirley, Brian and Queen’s college….
Time for cake!