R. D. Laing's Contribution to the “Treatment” of “Schizophrenia”: Responsible responses to Suffering and Malaise

My focus in this paper is on Kingsley Hall, the Philadelphia Association's pioneering experimental residential community household, intended as a place of asylum, started in 1965 and continuing, at that particular place and in that form, for five years. In connection with that topic I discuss the influence of Eastern and Western religious thought on Laing's practice. Drawing on my experience working with Laing and the Philadelphia Association, from when I came over from New York, for what was then intended to be a six-month stay (but was extended over decades), in 1965, as well as on early writings, some published as brochures or circulated internally as memoranda and some drafts and musings by Laing and/or his colleagues during the middle to late 1960s. Finally I present and comment on some short passages from two little-known published writings of Laing, one written in the late 1960s and the other in the last few years of his life. I have also included the question and answer session from the symposium during which I gave this talk. Much of what I have to say is rooted in common sense, courtesy, care, an open mind aware of the limitations of its openness and the heart to engage with vulnerable others who can be provocatively disturbing as well as profoundly troubled. As these qualities are, in practice, uncommon, I'll probably be saying some things several times, in somewhat different ways, where I think and feel reiteration