Phenomenology in Practice: A One-Day Workshop

The philosophical perspective of phenomenology influenced Freud, R.D. Laing and, more recently, contemporary relational psychoanalysts. What is phenomenology? How can a phenomenological perspective enhance our sensitivity to the meanings of our clients’/patients’ descriptions of their lived conscious and unconscious experiences?

We will explore key concepts in the phenomenological work of Merleau-Ponty and Levinas. Notions of embodiment, time (past, present and future), and language are integral to our relationships with each other. We will reflect on the relevance of a phenomenological perspective in understanding the meanings of symptoms such as trauma, addiction, and psychosomatic symptoms in our practice.

The day, led by Mary Lynne Ellis and Noreen O’Connor, will include short presentations and small-group discussions. Participants are encouraged to bring clinical examples for discussion. The course will be of interest to people whose trainings have been in, or included studies in, psychoanalytic theory or analytical psychology.