AChiPPP Conference 2006 Press Release

There was a palpable air of excitement and expectancy at the launch of AChiPPP - the Association for Child Psychologists in Private Practice. Founded as a link network for child psychologists themselves and as a contact point for families and others who want to engage a psychologist on a private basis AChiPPP aims to promote the highest standards of professional conduct and expertise. Many delegates commented that this was an idea 'whose time has come'. There was a determination to make as much of the day as possible in terms of getting to know each other, looking at ways of taking the Association forward and learning from the main speakers.

The expertise on hand from the main speakers did not disappoint. Theo Paphitis, well known as a non nonsense dragon from BBC2 series 'Dragons Den' challenged the delegates to recognise that being skilled in the financial and business details of a private practice is as necessary as the professional skills and training child psychologists bring to their work. He warned that without attention to the business details psychologists would not be around in private practice long enough to be able to help the children and families who are their concern.

This timely wake up call was echoed by a team from Grant-Thornton who spelt out the implications of ignoring Theo's advice. Making enough money to stay in business and avoiding the 'busy fools' approach was the key. In their session 'Avoiding the pitfalls', Martin Ellis the firm's spokesperson on 'Rescue Culture' offered guidelines to make sure their new ventures didn't need rescuing! His two colleagues looked at Taxation and Financial Planning in talks packed with useful up to the minute information.

After lunch the focus returned to psychology. Karen Jones of Educational Guidance Services Ltd talked about her research into why psychologists move into private practice. A desire for autonomy was top of the list with psychologists wanting to spend more time in the aspects of their work they find most fulfilling. Alex Griffiths managing director of Educational Guidance Services Ltd shared his experience of the nuts and bolts of running a team of child psychologists in private practice. The remainder of the conference was spent in regional discussion groups looking at key shared issues.

Denise Thornton and Terri Hall, Founder Members of AChiPPP paid tribute to the hard work of the steering group. The support of these members who freely contributed their time and their wide range of skills was essential in taking AChiPPP from an idea to a reality. Dr Peter Rankin, consultant paediatric neuropsychologist, Ruth Birnbaum educational psychologist, Jennifer Stockley, independent consultant educational and neuropsychologist and Dr Jonathan Reed, clinical psychologist and child neuropsychologist make up the current steering group. They were rewarded for their time and efforts by a strong turn out and enthusiastic response from the delegates. The overwhelming mood after the regional discussions was one of optimism and a desire to promote further development of this Association.