President Michael D. Higgins officially opened the 2nd National Conference on Psychotherapy in Ireland today, Thursday, 26th January 2012.

In a powerful opening address President Higgins endorsed Psychotherapy by commending the Irish Council for Psychotherapy in promoting and maintaining the highest standards of training and professional conduct amongst the profession, particularly as we strive to develop psychotherapy as an independent profession.

In addition President Higgins said that society is beginning to see the provision of psychotherapy services not simply in the context of mental health but also in the broader primary care and every day community / societal setting where people in general can benefit from psychological and social therapies at various times in their lives and for a multiplicity of reasons.  He also addressed the historical context where for many years in Ireland the stigma attached to those who suffered from mental health problems was enormous, leading to ignorance and cruelty in the way such people were treated.

The president expressed his concern that many people, particularly young people, who experience mental ill-health are not accessing the help they need. During his Presidential campaign he committed to actively and vigorously promote positive measures to support mental health amongst all our citizens and to support those working to break down negative attitudes and discrimination towards people suffering from mental health problems.

The full text of the President's speech can be read here.

RTE News also reported on this landmark conference under the banner 'More people seeking psychotherapy' and quoted the chairperson of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy, Mary Lalor, who said that psychotherapy was not well supported by the State and that more people need access to services.

Dan Neville TD, and president of the Irish Association of Suicidology gave the keynote address which can be read here.

The Irish Times carried an article on Friday entitled 'Higgins says mental health goal is recovery.'