Open Dialogue is both a philosophical/theoretical to people experiencing mental health crisis and system of care developed in Western Lapland over the last 20 years. It emphasises a dialogue with not only the person in crisis, but also with and between that person’s social network. In the 1980s there was a shift to a “nothing about us without us” attitude whereby everything is discussed openly and decided together in network meetings. Research into the approach has showed impressive results including marked reductions in the use of psychotropic medication, hospitalisations and long term disability.

This 5 day workshop aims to familiarise participants with the key elements and to deepen the understanding of those already familiar with the approach through a mix of theory and experiential learning.