Timetable & Programme

BACP’s annual conference delivers exceptional opportunities for learning, exchanging information, engaging in discussion and debate, and networking. With a range of topics and types of session on offer, as well as providing space to meet colleagues and friends; this event really does have something for everyone.

To download the timetable in Excel format please click: here

Conference programme

In addition to a range of eminent keynote speakers, delegates will enjoy a busy programme of learning throughout the two days. There are over 20 sessions per day to choose from and these sessions have been organised into five strands as follows:

Crossing boundaries
What are the benefits and dangers of exporting western therapy around the world?

Happiness is…? The goal of therapy
The last 12 months have seen a record number of books on happiness and happiness is now taught as a subject in some schools. What can we learn from other cultures about happiness and the meaning of life?

Working with trauma
In the world’s disaster zones, is the arrival of western therapists a curse or a blessing for traumatised people? What have we learnt about responding to trauma both on a domestic and international level?

Diversity training
What can we as western therapists learn from the way other cultures live and cope with life? How should it inform the way we approach diversity training in the UK?

Consultancy and politics
Therapy ‘thinking’ is being sought more and more in the alleviation of political conflict and peacebuilding around the world. This strand focuses on a range of work being done in this area but also on the dangers of taking Western therapy into post-colonial situations.

As well as the core strands described above, the programme will also contain a ‘conference extra’ strand, consisting of sessions which are not directly related to the conference theme. The content of this strand has been chosen to provide delegates with the opportunity to gain information and discuss topics that are currently very pertinent to the profession.

Session types

The programme includes a variety of session types to suit different styles of learning.

Workshop: A two hour session of interactive study in a particular subject, involving delegate participation, eg small group work, case studies etc.
(Max no 30 delegates). Pre booking required

Seminar: A 60-minute interactive session, facilitated by an expert, for discussion, debate and information exchange on a given topic.
(Max no 40 delegates). Pre booking required.

Guest Speaker: A formal 60-minute talk given on a particular subject (to involve little or no audience participation,with the exception of Q & A).
(Numbers limited by room capacity only). No booking required.

Master-class: A formal 60-minute session of tuition with practical demonstration. (Numbers limited by room capacity only). No booking required.

Plan your own conference programme

The conference structure has been designed to allow you to plan your own programme. In addition to the main keynotes, you have the opportunity to attend up to four sessions per day and can choose to follow one strand or mix and match sessions from different strands. Please refer to the timetable when planning your day and remember to ensure the sessions you choose do not overlap.

All workshops and seminars must be pre-booked. These sessions are highlighted by a ‘pre-booking’ icon. A maximum of two workshops or seminars can be booked per day. This is to allow as many delegates as possible the opportunity to attend these sessions.

All other sessions do not require booking and are available on a first-come, first-seated basis on the day itself. Please arrive in good time for these sessions; for health and safety reasons, once sessions are full they will be closed and you will be asked to choose an alternative.

Sessions requiring pre-booking are detailed on the conference booking form and should be requested at the time of booking. You will be informed if your choice is full and given the opportunity to book alternative sessions if required. It is advisable to book as early as possible as places are limited and popular sessions fill up very quickly.

A maximum of two workshops or seminars can be booked per day.