I am please to announce that the Black and Asian Therapists Online network is holding it's fourth annual conference in London for Black and Asian Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the UK. The BAATO network seeks to Promote and develop effective ways of engaging therapeutically with Black and Asian people in the UK.

The theme of this year's conference is about engaging with the hurt of the Black and Asian experience; the hurt that leads to psychological defences, silence and then to violence in it's subtle and not so subtle forms.

This year the speakers will be Harbrinder Dhillon Stevens, Senior Lecturer in Counselling & Psychotherapy and Director of DhillonStevens Ltd providing training, consultancy and Expert Witness assessment & treatment for children & families who will be exploring the themes that arose out of her doctoral research entitled 'Healing Inside and Outside: An Examination of Dialogic Encounters in the Area of Anti-Oppressive Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy' (2004). Luke Daniels will be talking about his new book 'Pulling the Punches - Defeating Domestic Violence'. Luke Daniels is a black counsellor and has many years international experience as a counsellor, trainer and consultant on issues related to domestic violence. Val Watson who has a research interest in ethnicity, race and culture as it relates to the counselling relationship and counsellor education will explore the impact of the black expert in the context of counselling.

These conferences offer us a rare opportunity to come together, share our knowledge, tell our stories, feel connected and gain mutual support and inspiration. It's also a place to meet old friends and gain new ones. I myself have been deeply enriched by the experiences of these gatherings over the years and am again looking forward to our next meeting. The food once again will be culturally focused and delicious.

Eugene Ellis
Founder of BAATO

Some of the comments made by conference goes from previous years:

"A great day. Wonderful to see so many Black and Asian faces and good to know that we are not alone. Wonderful talks and empowering"

" I enjoyed the presence of ethical, moral and intellectual exploration in an environment that represented me"

"It was like coming home. Meeting new friends and old. A place to talk and share"

"Meeting other Black and Asian therapists – feeling of belonging"

"To quote Mayo Angelelou “passion, compassion, humour and style”. The quality of care and attention given to us was excellent"