References are used in books, websites, blogs etc. so we can do further study on the subject if interested, and/or afford credit (or offer critical comment) to the person who wrote it originally.
I would like to acknowledge my indebtedness to many sources of knowledge and wisdom.
On the subject of credit I am somewhat taken by what I believe is the Eastern attitude to intellectual property rights, copyright etc. (or was, before the East became influenced by the West). That is, we do not actually own originality – it is given to us by a higher power (some might say that it is God-given) and we are the conduit through which the new ideas, original material etc. flows to the world.
This implies that we are meant to share it with the world if it is of benefit – and not to use it to garner wealth, fame, notoriety etc. I also believe that most of what is original is a synthesis of what went before, and I accept that this website (and the ideas within it) is just that.
Please feel free to use content for the benefit of people in distress anywhere. I would appreciate, however, if, when mentioning theories, topics, propositions or ideas that you read about and that you have not seen elsewhere, to respect the norms and practices of referencing etc.
This is, however, up to you!
While I have copyright on songs, poems etc. there is no copyright, in the traditional sense, on the content itself. Also, I’d like to receive feedback whether it is favourable or not and referencing the website would facilitate that.
It is my intention to write in an informal style and mostly explore ideas and concepts born out of my thirty plus years’ experience in supporting families in deep distress, and observing what works and what does not work. I augment theoretical concepts with many years of both formal and non-formal learning.
In addition to the links as you read the website, I will refer to publications, journals, books, songs, blogs, films, websites, etc. in alphabetical order in a Bibliography And Sources Section which you can look up if you are interested. I will update the Bibliography/Sources as new material is referenced.
When I reference a line from a song, or a quote from a film, and it can be searched for and found on the Internet there is not much point in over-referencing it – but I will always give a link.
If it cannot be found on the Internet I will give it a proper reference so that you can identify it. After all that, if you wish to enquire about any sources please contact me, and I will do my best to point you in the right direction.
I also include, and refer to, non-formal, non-academic sources, because for me they are often as wise (sometimes a lot wiser) than the formal, and the fact that they are often uncensored gives them high value.
Sometimes I interpret (and perhaps reframe) wise or meaningful comments or beliefs gleaned from both families and other concerned workers with whom I worked with, and continue to work with, over the years.
I hope, in my interpretation, that I am faithful to their wisdom.
I also try and write in a way that will be generally accessible. Sometimes, for clarity, I need to use words that may be a little unfamiliar or scientific, but I have endeavoured to keep the website jargon-free.
I learn an immense amount from all the families who I have the privilege of meeting and who allow me to be part of their lives.
It is their honesty and courage, and also their sense of joy, wonder and wisdom that motivates me to address these issues so that more effective services may evolve as time goes on – that is the principal purpose of the website.