BABCP recognises members’ important contribution with Honorary Fellowships

The distinction of BABCP Honorary Fellow is to recognise those members who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.

At the AGM held on 21 July, President Professor Shirley Reynolds announced that this year’s recipients of the BABCP Honorary Fellowship are Amanda Cole and Francis Lillie, in recognition of their distinguished service to the Association and the CBT community as a whole.

Amanda (Mandy) is the first woman in the history of BABCP to be made an Honorary Fellow. A member of BABCP since 1975, she has contributed to the work of the Association in various roles since 1978. Her contribution alone on Accreditation over the past 19 years is clear evidence for the remarkable contribution she has made, not only to BABCP, but also the reputation and credibility of CBT practitioners and educators across the UK.

It is in large part due to Mandy’s leadership that the Association continues to set high, world class standards, raising the quality threshold for CBT through the excellent support provided through Practitioner, PWP, Supervisor, Trainer and Course Accreditation.

She is a practising NHS therapist, and CBT supervisor and trainer across the south west region. Remarkably, she has also found time to remain involved with BABCP at local level, where she is currently Chair of the newly re-formed Devon and Cornwall Branch.

Francis is a highly experienced and well respected expert CBT therapist, with a special interest in developing in vivo applications of CBT. He has held senior leadership roles both within the psychology and general management in the NHS – which played a significant role in him obtaining considerable funds for the development of CBT services for patients.

BABCP has benefited from his management experience and style in loyally and effectively representing the organisation within many arenas.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, he was instrumental in teaching and training a range of professionals in CBT – which enhanced the status and effectiveness of CBT in the eyes of senior management and decision makers across the health service and beyond.

Overall, his significant contribution to the development of CBT in the UK – not forgetting the Association of which he was a founder member cannot be underestimated.

For the first time, BABCP is also this year bestowing Fellowship status on two members. This follows a piloting of the process for nomination and successful application. The process will be available to all members from September 2011.

The distinction of BABCP Fellow is to recognise members who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. The first recipients of the Fellowship are Charlie McConnochie and Nick Grey.

Charlie has been involved in CBT for over 15 years – and a BABCP member since 1997. His significant contribution is amply demonstrated by his involvement setting up of services providing CBT training to counsellors in Scotland.

He has been instrumental in generating activity within Scotland which had hitherto been stagnant. He has also made a significant contribution to the development of BABCP Accreditation services, as well as demonstrating long term commitment to the continued development of the Association as a whole.

Nick has been involved in CBT for over 15 years – and a BABCP member since 1998. His significant contribution has been demonstrated by conducting what is considered to be cutting edge research.

He is recognised as an expert trainer, clinician and researcher, particularly in the field of PTSD. He is also Associate Editor of the BABCP printed journal and has contributed hugely to BABCP conference and workshops.