Report from the Fifth Annual Conference of the Bahá'í Association of Mental Health Professionals, held at Louhelen Bahá'í School, September 25-28, 2003

The Bahá’í Association of Mental Health Professionals held its fifth annual conference at Louhelen Bahá’í School, September 25-28. Participants found their hearts and minds deeply stirred by the quality of the presentations, the spirit that pervaded the conference, and the music that enlivened each session.

Dr. Joy DeGruy Leary, founder and developer of the concept of Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome (see www.posttraumaticslavesyndrome.com), delivered the keynote address. Dr. Leary’s presentation made vivid the profound and repeated traumas to which all slaves were subjected, traumas that are alive today through inter-generational transmission. She noted that the dialogue about racial issues in this country has been profoundly limited by the failure to adequately appreciate the lingering effects of American chattel slavery. Dr. Leary also expressed confidence that future generations will be baffled by the attention paid to race by this generation.

Drs. Eunice and Clem Gifford spoke on “Soul in Therapy: A Transpersonal Model for Conscious Evolution.” The Giffords are founders and directors of The Institute for Self-Transcendence, now in Atlanta, which is an educational institution that trains practitioners in transpersonal psychology. Their presentation on the transpersonal model, generally associated with Carl Jung, was both didactic and experiential, leaving participants both mentally and spiritually enriched.

Gayle Gonzalez Johnson, a therapist in private practice in North Carolina, spoke on “Psychotherapy as an Act of Service.” Again, participants were led on an experiential journey through music and meditation on selected Bahá’í Writings, which enabled many to really feel the difference between “helping” and “serving.” It was an opportunity for clinicians to step back from the posture of being an expert and consider instead the position of being a collaborator and servant.

Dorothy Molczyk, a therapist in Aurora, Nebraska, shared her work with adolescents with the presentation, “What’s Packed in Your Suitcase? Making Room for Psychology and Spirituality.” Ms. Molczyk developed her own workbook to assist her young clients with histories of traumas and addictions to transform their negative thoughts about themselves through understanding fundamental spiritual reality. All those who work with adolescents received with gratitude her thoughtful and engaging presentation, which included a substantial packet of useful handouts.

The participants had the opportunity to hear a panel presentation given by Jane Faily, Vida Wachob, Larry McCullogh, and Beverly Davis, who each had a few minutes to speak on Ethical Issues.

Jane Faily, a clinical psychologist in Marietta, Georgia, spoke succinctly on utilizing both Bahá’í and formal education in striving for excellence as clinicians. In order to be effective, clinicians need to be conscious of the many variables that can shape the interaction between client and therapist, such as socio-economics and power differentials. Dr. Faily also encouraged participants to remember that we all have an ethical obligation to care for ourselves, and that the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh can be a spiritual defense for us in these difficult times.

Vida Wachob, a clinical social worker in Charlotte, North Carolina, compared the principles of Bahá’í ethics to secular perspectives. While the Bahá’í code of ethics views work as worship, secular social work teaches strategies to protect therapists from any possible liability. Ms. Wachob maintained that in order to practice therapy with Bahá’í standards, the nobility of each person must be recognized. It is the clinician’s task to work with those who are suffering and help them become their authentic selves.

Larry McCullogh, a corporate trainer, shared his experiences with BNASAA (the Bahá’í Network on Aids, Sexuality, Addictions and Abuse), and explained how conferences strive to create an environment that provides opportunities to tell the truth in a supportive and non-judgmental setting. Dr. McCullogh has witnessed how participating in such an experience can have a life-changing effect, and challenged us to consider the following question: How can Bahá’í communities foster environments that support authentic experiences while protecting the safety and confidentiality of individuals?

Beverly Davis, a project coordinator in community development in Ontario, Canada, began her presentation on a whimsical note, pointing out that in her field, there are no issues of power hierarchy in terms of wealth because non-profit work pays pitifully. Ms. Davis summarized many ideas presented in the conference by bringing participants back to the notion of crisis and victory. She suggested that the most profound thing we can do is to help clients become conscious that they are living in a time of great upheaval, and a time of great hope.

Maureen McCarthy gave a brief report with the provocative title, “Normative Abuse,” referring to the parenting norms of our society that go against the practices of attachment parenting. She drew heavily on the work of Karen B. Wallant, presented in the book Creating the Capacity for Attachment, several copies of which were sold following her talk.

The closing highlight of the entire weekend was the inspired and inspiring music and presentation on “The Healing Power of Music” by Helen Keniston Oney, a professional singer and choir director for the One Human Family workshop. Ms. Oney not only shared with participants the music of her heart, but also repeatedly created opportunities for the group to sing praises along with her. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “although music is a material affair, yet its tremendous effect is spiritual, and its greatest attachment is to the realm of the spirit.” The group singing was truly transformative, and enhanced the effects of every word spoken during the conference. In addition, on Saturday night Ms. Oney gave a delightful concert, in the blues style, that imparted great joy.

During the business portion of the conference two new members were nominated to the Board, Lawrence McCullough and Heidi Unterschuetz, who will replace Carmel Davey-Hatcher and Holly Timberlake, who rotated off the Board following three years of service.

Next year’s conference will, for the first time, be held away from Louhelen at Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California, November 4-7, 2004. The theme of the conference will be Brain and Spirit. Details will be made available as they become known.