It turned out that these tests were so poorly and cynically constructed that they gave the same ‘results’ to those completing them regardless of the answers entered – or even if the test was completed without entering any answers at all. The test had been taken – without permission – from a US psychologist linked to torture techniques such as waterboarding. (The author then objected to the unethical use of the test by the UK government!)
Once exposed, both government departments tried desperately to deny what they were doing, but then contradicted themselves more than once, then inadvertently admitted it again. The government claimed that the tests were a trial in just a few areas that had since been discontinued, but this was then shown not to be the case. Claims that the test had been designed and implemented by ‘experts’ turned out to be false and the ‘training’ given to JCP operatives on how to decide who should complete the test turned out to be ‘an informal chat’.
National newspapers started to take up the story and the British Psychological Society even became involved, investigating the psychologist responsible, at least notionally, for the decision to conduct the enforced-test programme.
You would think the government would have learned its lesson, but no.
An article on the ‘Same Difference’ blog reveals that Jobcentre Plus staff are sending people diagnosed with depression a link to an online CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) course, claiming not that it might be helpful but that it will cure their depression. Or, in their words:
Beating the blues is just a click away
Read the rest of this important article here.
The Implementation of Computerized Cognitive Behavioural Therapies in a Service User-Led, Third Sector Self Help Clinic
This relates to trials carried out by the DWP in relation to Anxiety and Depression and is evaluating outcomes of using CCBT on a very small sample group.
:https://www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/BCP_Cavanagh_et_al-2.pdf
enigma
December 2, 2014 at 9:07 pm
They may as well not waste any time or money assessing the trials or even running them.CBT run as group or individual “script based conversations” or as computer based courses, by Positive Step (owned by ATOS) had a drop out rate of 84% and has only been assessed for effectiveness “against waiting list” so the tiny percentage who stuck the course and eventually rated it as “helpful” may as well have sat on the waiting list and had no help at all.
This kind of offensive garbage being doled out to the vulnerable by clerks, is the worst kind of crude behaviourism and is pretty much social control, the last time I looked, social control is against the law, and any compulsion or coercion to undertake therapy of any kind (physical treatment or this kind of crap) is illegal. The issue of consent looks like it has been completely disregarded, sadly as per usual.
There’s only a very few professionals working in psychiatry and psychology who actually know and promote the truth – that every single one of the mental health conditions currently used to label/discriminate against vulnerable people are made up bullshit, based on the flimsiest of science, manipulated by arrogant, unethical psychologists, greedy pharmaceutical companies, lazy and greedy psychiatrists (Simon Wessley for an example) and a MH industry that is nothing more than a massive parasite living off the backs of the people it should be helping.
Every one of these so called MH “illnesses” are actually rooted social problems caused by trauma or multiple trauma early and/or throughout life. It is nothing to do with chemical imbalances in the brain, the arse or anywhere else. Trauma and its effect is classless.
The answer is love. Kinder communities, kinder people, therapeutic, sociable lives lived freely by people allowed their full rights of self determination.
But who has the energy to be kind or thoughtful when at every turn in every corner of society, all we are encouraged to do is hate ourselves and others?
They lead us to hell by example.
Fuck them.
Lucy
December 3, 2014 at 11:12 am
HELLO LUCY. AS WITH THE PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS CARRIED BY SOME MAJOR FIRMS, OR APPLICATION TESTS WHERE THERE ARE NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWERS, THERE ARE ”CORRECT ANSWERS”. THESE ARE THE ANSWERS THE PERSON CONDUCTING THE TEST WANTS. IT’S A NO WIN SITUATION IF YOUR FACE DOES NOT FIT OR YOU KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND THE SYSTEM. PLEASE EXCUSE THE BLOCK LETTERS BUT I AM HAVING VISION PROBLEMS WITH CATARACTS.
NORTHOLT
December 3, 2014 at 11:22 am
This cbt was given out by telephone call on the work programme,it didn’t make any difference what so ever. the helicopter view,one might as well be hovering overhead with the same results being achieved. agree it is about social control,dictating people into (un)voluntary work.its about “the way”.
Torture goes on in the jobcentre,people with mental health problems/learning difficulties are being subjected to abusive advisers causing a breakdown as they cannot cope under stress. this government is capable of the most despicable acts.
ken
December 3, 2014 at 9:49 pm
super ted
December 2, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Seen that one! we’ve all went nuts at out screens!
enigma
December 2, 2014 at 9:58 pm
“our” even!
enigma
December 2, 2014 at 9:59 pm
WHO RUNS THIS CRAP ATOS
NORTHOLT
December 3, 2014 at 8:45 am
My own reaction on reading this is that not only are the Job Centre Coaches your Judge and Jury, they are now your bleeding therapists and counsellors.
Andrew Coates
December 3, 2014 at 10:49 am
Off topic
A company called “PDS”, (parcel delivery service) posting cards through letter boxes stating that they were unable to deliver a parcel, and you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (premium rate number) if you call the number and hear a recording you will already be charged £315 for the call.
enigma
December 3, 2014 at 12:52 pm
WAS’NT THIS AROUND A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TOO. HOW COME WATCHDOG ON THE BBC HAS NOT PICKED UP ON IT OR AM I MISTAKEN. IF I AM I APOLOGISE
NORTHOLT
December 3, 2014 at 2:34 pm
I received an email about this yesterday from sussex police, the phone number on the card may change.
enigma
December 3, 2014 at 8:13 pm
THANKS FOR THAT. IF YOU DO GET AN UPDATE PLEASE POST HERE
THANKS
NORTHOLT
December 4, 2014 at 8:18 am
http://citywire.co.uk/money/postal-scam-email-is-a-hoax/a451251
enigma
December 3, 2014 at 8:29 pm
Your right Northolt, it was in 2005 as stated on the above website. but the scam is around again.
enigma
December 3, 2014 at 8:33 pm
Thanks enigma – that is interesting because everything bad like that always ends up happening in Ipswich!
Andrew Coates
December 3, 2014 at 4:56 pm