Psychological Services

Press, Volume C, Issue 29467, 20 March 1961, Page 3

Psychological Services

Sir.—Mr Shouksmtth's description of Freud as “neither a scientist nor a psychologist” should be seen for what it is—one man’s abuse of the English language. Freud believed that if a person were given an insight into his own condition he might be able to help himself. Commonsense, if not Mr Shouksmith. affirms this method sound. Would Mr Shouksmith deny .that this idea lies behind at least some of his own procedures? Much of Freud’s knowledge of the human mind, and many of his insights into human behaviour, are shared by many writers and artists. Freud remains psychology’s one man of genius, if Mr Shouksmith wishes to be taken seriously, he should define what he has to say with some precision.— Yours, etc., S.M. March 16, 1961. Sir. —A psychologist with ability as a therapist, counsellor .experienced with children and adults, as well as one w’ho can diagnose personality disorders, Mr Shouksmith would appear an ideal director of Student Counselling at Canterbury University. I understand he is now warden of Rolleston House and every day must be in close coptact with the student population. There is already a student health service under the direction of a medical practitioner, whose training must qualify him to care for physical complaints expertly. Perhaps Mr Shouksmith should be freed from his other responsibilities to diagnose and treat emotional problems of students while the medical director keeps them physically fit. Students are very important in our. society and deserve the best that can be provided to promote their well-being and efficiency. Since there is now a talented applied psychologist at the university, students should surely be allocated a good proportion of his time and energy.—Yours, etc., INTERESTED. March 17, 1961. [“The correspondence on Freud, psycho-analysis, ard psychology has been most interesting. However it is rather a pity that correspondents have confined themselves to such a highlytechnical matter and what, after all, is only a side issue.” said Mr George Shouksmith of the Canterbury University applied psychological services division. "I do not feel that a detailed reply to these correspondents would be of any interest to the general reader; but I should be delighted to discuss the matter with them personally.”]