The APS requires brief answers to three questions. Here are mine:
I obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from Monash in 1972, after B.Sc. Hons I and M.Sc. at Sydney University. I was in teaching positions at Monash for 5 years and RMIT for 3, then was a Research Scientist with the CSIRO for 4 years. For 2 years, I was a private consultant in energy conservation research, designing and running surveys, training and supervising interviewers. I have been in private practice as a counselling psychologist since 1991.
In the past, I have worked as a Family Therapist for Anglicare, a counsellor at an Aboriginal Health Centre, and as a telephone counsellor. Currently, I see clients face to face individually, as couples and families. I also do therapy by telephone and email. A number of other psychologists and counsellors refer difficult, complicated cases to me. Three of the books I have written are psychology self-help.
My education also includes several degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, leading to expertise in a wide variety of fields such as conservation, sustainable living, solar electricity, owner-building, writing (13 published books, 4 of them award-winners) and editing.
A Member of the APS since 1991, I have contributed by being the Secretary of the Victorian section of the College of Counselling Psychologists since 2003, and of its National Executive since 2006. I also edit this College's newsletter.
In addition, I am a professional grandfather. While only two young people are genetically related to me, I have dozens of grandchildren.
Plato said that a desire for power should disqualify a person from holding it. I am nominating because too many people have twisted my arm to do so. I don't want to run things or tell people what to do, but to contribute to an organisation that has contributed to my welfare.
I am disturbed by the current atmosphere within the APS: divisiveness, conflict, perceptions by many members of manipulation and secrecy. I have been contacted by several people, including Clinical Psychologists, who are reacting against a perceived elitism that favours one speciality over others of equal standing.
Many of these criticisms may be unfair, but a high proportion of the membership believes them. I know of people who have left the APS, or are considering doing so. Rather then joining them, I want to represent their interests so that we can all work together for the benefit of all members.
The APS has done a great deal of good for the community at large, for psychology, and therefore for the clients we work with, the students we teach, the people whose lives will be improved through our research. But, despite its apparent vigour and effectiveness, this organisation is seriously ill. As a therapist, I want to do with the APS what I do with my clients: gently lead it to a path of harmony, strength and wellbeing.
This means that all decisions made should be done in a manner that the membership can understand and contribute to, at all levels. We have no need for hidden agendas, favouritism, or attitudes based on lack of information. If elected, my role will be to be a catalyst for change toward a Society that truly and visibly serves its members.
Whatever I do, I seem to end up on the committee, and have served dozens of organisations, typically as Secretary, Treasurer, Director or Membership coordinator.
While I was a champion debater in my youth, I dislike conflict. It is almost always possible to create a win-win situation so that decisions are acceptable to everyone affected. I do this with my clients in conflict situations, in my private life, and when serving an organisation.
To me, a Director is not a master but a servant. If elected, I will strive for transparency, openness and accountability at all levels of the APS.
While, clearly, I am seeking election as a representative of "The Opposition," I don't want to oppose anyone, fight anyone or engage in power struggles. An organisation is well when its employees and members are happy. Facilitating this is my aim.