The Philadelphia Association
The Philadelphia Association was founded in 1965 by RD Laing and others to challenge accepted ways of understanding and treating mental and emotional suffering. This continues to be our aim.
We do this through our;
Community households where people with serious emotional difficulties can live with others for substantial periods of time and try to make sense of their difficulties and live more productive lives.
Psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups (including low cost therapy for those on low incomes).
Psychotherapy training programme which encourages critical thinking and open mindedness.
Introductory course which provides an introduction to some of our ideas and ways of working.
We continue to hold the values which brought our founders together, above all:
A recognition and respect for the individuality of each person.
A belief in the value of ordinary ways of living and being together.
A scepticism towards ways of thinking that are too often taken for granted.
A commitment to conversation as a way of articulating what disturbs people.
We believe in the value of community as a way out of isolation and despair and as a way of fostering dignity, responsibility and greater autonomy.