HEALING • LOVE • COMMUNITY

We are honoured to invite you to the 22nd International Conference of ISPS in Perugia in 2021
The first regional network working with the country’s mental health services was established in January 1971 in Umbria – and Perugia more specifically. Mental institutions saw an eradication from their violent past thanks to a rise in humanity and political civility. Such was the case in Perugia, Arezzo, Trieste, Gorizia, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Turin, where the first revolutionary flowers of a renaissance in caregiving began to bloom; soon to blossom in the rest of the world.
The ISPS has significantly contributed in this expansion of humane interventions. The passion of its members, their knowledge, and competence were keys to the organisation’s development which represents an extraordinary ongoing voyage full of enthusiasm and hope.
Today after more than 50 years of experience, we ask ourselves, how has the care of psychosis changed in psychological and social terms?
What steps have we accomplished? Where did we get stuck? And, where do we still fall short?
Which methods have flourished and what were and are their limitations which continue to stunt the process of rendering psychotic experiences more humane?
What are the themes that need highlighting within the psychological, social and humane approaches to psychosis present in today’s practice? Which remain unresolved, or invisible? What new approaches are emerging?
In recent months, a questionnaire asked ISPS members what words they would choose for the title of this conference. The three words most frequently chosen were: Healing, Love, and Community.
Love and community both being present in the process of Healing.
We hope to see you in Perugia in September 2021.

Claudia Mazzeschi – Maurizio Peciccia
Conference Chairs