Aspects of international mental health--Leeds

Mental Health Nursing, May/Jun 2001 by Flowers, Kathie

CPNA News

Yorkshire & Humberside along with CPNA North East hosted an afternoon exploring current mental health care practise, studies and experiences on an international basis. Professor Phil Barker, University of Newcastle spoke of The Tidal Model which has now been widely adopted.

The international theme continued with Helen Radlaar, consultant psychologist and Tom Mullin, mental health nurse/DBT therapist, Leeds CMH Trust who presented the introduction, development and service delivery of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

The therapy was introduced by Professor Marsha Linehan, University of Washington, as a response to the failure of standard CBT in helping clients with recurring suicidal behaviours.

The final presentation was given by Ruth DeSouza, mental health trainer, Auckland, New Zealand. Ruth spoke of the mental health needs of the Pacific people, issues involving the Maori people who remain alienated from their culture and caught in 'revolving door' services.

Ruth described 'large-hearted services' involving support workers who believe formal mental health nurse training is not essential and for whom skill training/development is more appropriate and useful.

Delegates gave much positive feedback on the event and its usefulness to individual practice. CPNA Yorkshire & Humberside and North East extend thanks to all presenters, delegates and especially to Lilly Psychiatry who provided educational funding to support this event. It was organised within a four-- week deadline with the support of Caris Vardy (CPNA North East) and Andrew Bradley (Lilly Psychiatry).

Kathie Flowers, CPNA regional coordinator - Yorkshire & Humberside