The Early History of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists and the Related Movement for Primary Prevention in Mental Health: Some Recollections

Abstract

Following his return to New Zealand from London in 1940, Dr C. M. Bevan-Brown gave lectures leading to the formation of the Mental Health Club. In 1946 this became the Christchurch Psychological Society. The New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists was formed at a conference in 1947 and held annual conferences for many years. In 1948 and 1949 training courses for doctors and medical students were conducted. To combat widespread ignorance, a series of pamphlets on various aspects of emotional health was published, and in 1950 a book on psychotherapy and primary prevention. These inspired the formation of Parents' Centres from 1951, which, as branches increased, led to the New Zealand Federation of Parents' Centres. They later gained official medical recognition and played an historic role in transforming some aspects of New Zealand culture and guiding institutions towards greater sensitivity to the emotional and mental health aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and early parent-child relationships. The influence of this movement continues.