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This second meeting of Liaison Officers and their committee members, chaired by Professor Sandler, focused on the ways in which different Societies distinguished between the role of the President and that of the Liaison Officer. Dr Layland, of the British Society, introduced the discussion by describing the experience of the British Society where the Liaison Committee relieved a busy President of the task of interacting with the IPA. He said that there had been no confusion of roles and that the liaison function was a popular one, evidenced by the election of the previously appointed committee members. Dr Layland felt that even when the projected House of Delegates was in place, there might still be a useful role for the Liaison Committee.
Dr Buckle reported that the Australian Society had found that the Liaison Committee enhanced links not only with the IPA but between its own three geographical centres; the Committee acted as a think tank and distribution centre and spared the President, who was too busy to function in this dual role. Dr Sachs noted a similar improvement in the distribution of IPA information from the central office of the American to its Affiliate Societies.
Although in some Societies one person combined the role of President and Liaison Officer, there was general agreement amongst those present that the liaison function was a helpful one.
Training in psychotherapy was also discussed and different views were put forward by representatives from the IPA's three geographical regions. Some stressed the opportunity for progression from psychotherapy courses to psychoanalytic training, whilst others were concerned about the effect on patients, particularly in countries such as Germany where insurance payments were beginning to govern the number of sessions.
The Liaison Officers felt that the meeting had been worthwhile and it was agreed that they would meet again immediately before the San Francisco Congress on Sunday 30 July 1995.