What’s the point of boundaries? CPD Cymru inaugural workshop with Philip Stokoe

Severnside Institute for Psychotherapy is pleased to contribute to a deeper consideration of the relationship that develops between clinicians and their patients and clients, particularly in the caring and mental health professions.

It is suggested that pressure to relate in a ‘real’ and friendly manner, as equals, in these relationships often translates into boundary lapses. If overlooked, this risks diminishing the therapeutic value afforded to understanding the powerful dynamic of the unconscious relationship and its motivational contribution to a person’s everyday life.

Phil Stokoe’s thesis is that boundaries are where therapeutic work occurs, whatever the modality. He will present a description of how the conscious, cognitive, mind develops with a particular focus on why this only happens with human beings and no other animals. He will argue that what is different in human beings is an innate ‘curiosity’ drive. He will show how the increasingly complex process of development, which goes on throughout life, also provides the conditions for the development of unconscious beliefs that distort the individual’s views of themselves and the world they live in. Uncovering these beliefs is the task of therapy and they will reveal themselves in the encounter with the therapist most clearly on the boundaries which contain the therapeutic arrangement.

The day will be divided into two sessions with a break for lunch. In the first session Phil will present the theory of how the conscious, cognitive mind develops. This will be followed by an open discussion. In the second session, he will present his thesis on why boundaries are important, how they are misconstrued in the current ethical procedures of all therapeutic registering bodies at great cost to both therapists and clients/patients. Once again this will be followed by an open discussion. Phil’s style is interactive, and he hopes, thereby, to model his concept of how a therapeutic engagement works.

About the speaker

Philip Stokoe is a Psychoanalyst in private practice working with adults and couples, and and Organisational Consultant, to a wide range of organisations. He was a senior manager in health and social care settings since 1978, finally working in the Adult Department of the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust between 1994 and 2012, where he was appointed Clinical Director in 2007. He has been responsible for the creation of a number of innovative services; designed two Master’s courses; and was the co-designer of the Couple Psychotherapy Training at the Tavistock Clinic.

He is a member of the European Psychoanalytic Federation Forum on Institutional Matters, which studies the nature of psychoanalytic institutions.

He has written and taught on a range of subjects. His book, The Curiosity Drive: Our Need for Inquisitive Thinking, was published by Phoenix Publishing House in 2020 and short-listed for the Gradiva® Award for Best Book in 2021.

BSc. MSc. CQSW F.Inst.Psychoanal

Director, Philip Stokoe & Associates

Affiliations: Institute of Psychoanalysis; International Psychoanalytical Association; British Psychoanalytic Council; OPUS; APP