I apologize for not identifying myself previously.
I do know that the discourse can be quite "sharp at times." I participated
in Memphis in a number of those discussions a number of years ago. Beverly,
though you may or not remember, was a part of discussions with me late night
along with a number of people from "down under" (I believe Rum and laughter
was involved in some of this discussion). I enjoyed these and still remember
them. Following the conference, I began to subscribe to the Australian
Newsletter on PCP although the subscription did not move when I did.
My earlier remarks are not intended to discourage discourse. Only, at a
number, of levels, to discourage "slot rattling" of repetitious arguments
usually involving the utility of grid work or the purity of the application
of the theory. The "theory" is a body of work that has developed along with
the new ideas and research. The theory will become obsolete unless it is
proven to be fertile and useful in its present and evolving form on the basis
of its utility to its new and old users. Making it more accessible,
useable, and useful must remain a goal of all adherents.
Using the theory effectively to solve problems (or to help the client solve
problems) better than and/or more simply than other theories causes others to
wish to use the theory. Tackling problems others have failed at, or working
with clients other people have been unsuccessful with, causes others to use
the theory. Using the theory to explain and allow another staff "to better
anticipate outcomes of interactions" with previously unexplainable "difficult
clients" are reasons for others to use the theory. Management of staff in a
multi-cultural enviroment has been much easier for new managers when using
PCP as the basis of explanation for management staff. Managers "learn to
understand constructs about where, what, and how a staff is likely to learn
(or want to learn)" rather than what are their "strengths and weaknesses."
This makes people want to learn about this "strange and wild theory" that
looks at things in useful ways others had not thought of before. People
often wonder how in the world I can come up with these ideas and methods.
They want to learn....
These are reasons why tenets of the theory have begun to be incorporated into
the work others around me do. These are reasons why people around me now
pick up books on "constructive alternativism."
I also believe, as has been said in other messages (re History) that David
Winter's work is very important in the further development of Kelly's ideas
and pushing the envelope of good accessible clinical material available to be
used by those interested in pursuing Kelly's work. It is an example of what
will help others to find the theory something for which others will want to
comprehend and use.
The theory has become more accessible. I believe PCP theorists can work to
find more uses for what I find to be the most comprehensive "theory of
theories" and that this forum is one place where it can occur. I am
interested in seeing these new ideas in their infancy and only meant to
dilate the discussion and not discourage it. PCP is a large tent.
I apologize if my remarks were interpreted otherwise.
John
Fallon
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