Eugene Ellis is an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and the founder of ‘Black and Asian Therapists Online’ (BAATO). BAATO is a network of therapists that seeks to reflect the many who are committed, passionate and actively engaged in addressing, the psychological needs of Black and Asian people in Britain. He has worked for many years as a child, adult and family therapist and currently works for Family Futures (an organisation that works with adopted and fostered children and their families) as well as working in private practice. Eugene has a special interest in facilitating a dialogue around race and culture in organisations and psychotherapy trainings.

Lennox Thomas trained in child and family psychotherapy the 1970’s before training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the BAP. His career began after training in Child Care, Child Development, working in a children’s home and later in a hospital with neonates and parents. It was at this stage that he became acquainted with the work of Donald Winnicott and John Bowlby and later attended seminars with Claire Winnicott. He worked in the Probation service for many years before working as Clinical Director of Nafsiyat the intercultural therapy centre. This post had academic connections with UCL and he was Co- Director of the UCL MSc in Intercultural Psychotherapy. He is now consultant psychotherapist at the Refugee Therapy Centre. He has a small private practice and is a Training therapist and supervisor. He continues to have an interest in early childhood development and the effect of separation and loss. To this end he is a member of the Separation and Reunion forum and his recent interest is the effect of attachment separation and loss on families who fled their homelands for asylum.

Dr Isha Mckenzie-Mavinga is an Integrative Transcultural Psychotherapist, Lecturer, Published Writer, Performance Poet and Reiki Master. She offers intercultural communications training, creative therapy and group and individual supervision. She is a Senior Lecturer in counsellor training at London Metropolitan University and she also teaches at Goldsmiths College. Isha set up therapy services for the African Caribbean Mental Health Association in the early 90’s and developed therapeutic group work at Women’s Trust, with women impacted by domestic violence. Her Doctoral study located at Metanoia Institute and Middlesex University has been presented at the BACP research conference and the UKCP Congress 2006. She has published several papers from her Doctoral study on the process of understanding ‘black issues’ in counsellor training and practice. She has also co-authored an autobiography and contributed to several anthologies. A booklet ‘Understanding black issues in Counsellor Training’ (product of her Doctorate) can be obtained by contacting i.mckenziemavinga@londonmet.ac.uk . Isha expects her book to be published in April 2008.

Kevin Brazant is a respected consultant particularly known for his contribution to developing service provision for young men and fathers. He is currently studying for his masters in applied anthropology, community and youth work. His current paper explores the emergence of new youth cultures and the influence of black masculinity.