Community Dialogues: CPS Collaboration

The debate continues about how CPS impacts (or doesn't impact) and protects children from harm and how it should be done. HGI therapists also continue conversations about what we are doing since we are both producers and consumers of the discourses that inform the CPS system. For over 15 years, CPS has referred its clients to HGI, one of the contractors for psychotherapy. In our efforts to add our voice to the process of social reflection, dialogue and transformation we have created two projects:

1.        Response Letter to the editor: A team of our CPS therapist will be responding to letters by Randy Burton and Richard Wexler that were published in the Houston Chronicle, August 24, 2003. Our effort will include informing the two discourse positions so as not to set up a polarizing debate rather a context for continued dialogue from multiple perspectives each bringing value to the shared concern of protecting our children from harm and strengthening and providing families with resources to prevent child abuse. Contact Carolyn Callahan for more information.
2.        Larger Conversations: Several HGI therapists are exploring the possibility of hosting community conversations to share ideas, dreams, concerns, and energy. The idea would be to foster dialogue and collaboration from diverse members of the community who participate in and are touched by the CPS system. We are in the planning stages and hoping to include as many interested voices as possible in this process. Contact Sue Levin for more information.

Collaborating Performances with Second City, Chicago

In the continuing production of the performative turn, Saliha Bava will be visiting Second City, Chicago from September 19 thru September 24 to observe and understand their training culture and improv practices. The inquiry is needed to plan a more extensive and immersive experience in the world of improv training. Saliha is going with an emergent performative methodology to learn: 1) how improv trainers/teachers use theater improv, as a tool, a process, or an end product? 2) How do we (as therapists) perform our understandings of gift-giving, flexibility, teamship or partnership and build on our mistakes? 3) How can our learning from theater improv trainers be transferred to therapy and its trainers? Please contact Saliha if you share similar interest or have ideas or questions!

Crises Consortium in Houston
A training team of Texas Crises Consortium from Austin visited Houston from August 18-21, 2003 to train folks on the need and process of developing a regional crises consortium as preparation for human, organizational or natural disasters. The focus was on how to get mental health an active spot in emergency plans. Representatives from City of Houston, Fire Department, Rice University, Baylor, UT, MHMRA, HAMFT, Victims Assistance, APA Disaster Response were among the many who attended the training. HGI was represented at the meeting and plans to continue its active participation in furthering the development of such a consortium in Houston. If you are interested in more information contact Saliha Bava.

Participant's Polyphony: Reflections from International Summer Institute, 2003

"The validation I was given after my comments helped me to feel like I was given a new 'voice'. Sometimes it only takes one small event to change a perspective&this was it for me."

"The most important thing I learned at the ISI is that I will be a visitor in my client's story. As the client talks to me about their problem I should be listening not only to what is being said but also to what is not being said."

"I was glad to see this [collaborative philosophy] can be applied to our everyday work challenges, such as committees, negotiating, and teaching."

"I listed to different stories being shared, learning that it's not about changing client, but changing our assumptions and ourselves."

"I had a wonderful time. I was able to meet and get re-acquainted with people from many countries and cultures. Oaxaca is a nice little town and has a lot to offer those who have never been there before. The experience was wonderful. Thank you."

"I gained deeper understanding of the concepts of conversations and relationships going hand in hand. The way we talk with people influences how we relate to them. I saw this demonstrated with the two live clients we observed."

"I found the group exercises, reflections sessions and the time I spent reflecting in what was going in my thoughts revealed what rules my life. I now see those past stressors more as superficial since I'm more aware of my inner dialogue and the connection to my physical well-being."