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istence; it leads to 'illumination ’ and deeper and closer relationship with that which we call 'God' or ‘life’. All things are good; would God have it otherwise?" --Ken Hart, Rickmansworth, Herts,, Bigland.

CALIFORNIA GIRDS FOR BATTLE WITH A. M. A. IMITATORS

By WAYNE L. DUNBAR. HDA. B. Scn.

PROBABLY Africa’s witch doctors have a stronger hold upon the minds of the natives than the medical doctor has upon the minds of the average American. However, the American M. D. has a decided advantage over his African counterpart. He has the A. M. A. And the American Medical Association is so powerful and has so captured the thinking and emotions of such a large percentage of our population that other groups look with envy at its success.

One such group is the American Psychological Association. The APA, apparently envying the AMA its monopolistic control and legislative protection, is conducting a campaign to outlaw other than a very selected few psychologists from practice. Their apparent aim is to include as psychologists all persons engaged in various types of psychological work, Dianetic and Scientology auditing, counseling, advising, psychotherapy, and the teaching of these subjects. The legal definition of “psychologist" becomes more and more inclusive and restrictive as the APA campaign continues. Their argument is that only a person with a Ph. D. in clinical psychology from a recognized university is qualified to practice. All others they label “quacks", getting their diplomas from “diploma mills".

By such name calling and no doubt strong lobbies, the APA has succeeded in getting some very restrictive legislation in a few areas. New York state is the latest with such legislation that went into effect only a few months ago.

The California State Psychological Association (the California chapter of the APA^ has for several years been attempting to get the same type of restrictive legislation enacted. They have actually succeeded in the cities of Long Beach and San Diego, and attempted it in Los Angeles several weeks ago.

The CSPA program would, if adopted, throttle much that is new and unorthodox in psychology. This includes, of course, Dianetic and Scientology auditing. Some believe they will be able to avoid the ban by calling Scientology a religion, but several good legal minds are skeptical.

In Los Angeles and the state legislature, the CSPA has met the determined opposition of the potent American League of Consulting and Applied psychologists. This organization feels that the need is for more, not fewer, psychologists.

For the last six years or more, the CSPA has been attempting to eliminate competition by legislative action, but the ALCAP has blocked every move. How^ ever, it has been a true stalemate, as ALCAP has at the same time been unable to get liberal legislative action. The California legislature, in its 1957 session, will no doubt be the scene of the continued struggles. As this is being written (December, WSS’I it looks like this may be the crucial and deciding battle, as both groups are making an intensive drive for more and stronger support.

At present, the ALCAP has most of its membership in California, and represents about 85 percent of the state’s practicing psychologists. However, it feels that the battle with the CSPA is not a regional one, but undoubtedly will have far-reaching effects thrunut the United States, since California legislative action is often followed by other states.

(Anyone interested in joining ALCAP, or information on its activities, should contact Wayne Dunbar, executive board member, at 607 S. Kenmore, Los Angeles.)