In January 1980 a 'Refresher Course in Clinical Psychology' was held in Liverpool. The aim of the course was to apply a contemporary perspective to issues of significance and interest to clinical psychologists in Britain, and more specifically to afford the opportunity for past graduates in clinical psychology from Liverpool University to meet together to share their working experiences. Following the success of this event it was decided by the Mersey Regional Group of Clinical Psychologists to embark upon a long term project; The Annual Merseyside Course in Clinical Psychology, as a means to provide a post-qualification training forum for practitioners of clinical psychology and related profess­ ions. In the tradition of the refresher course, it was designed to impart to it~ delegates and to readers of this book, the most recent ideas in a variety of fields of enquiry within clinical practice and theory. The growing emphasis on post-qualification training from within the clinical psychology profession marks an important milestone in its development and the inception of this course reflects this growth by fulfilling its further purpose of providing a regular platform from which national and international innovations and developments can be presented and discussed.