On Not Knowing
Psychotherapy and the Search for Meaning
Recorded Friday 25 September 2020
With Judith Pickering, Meg Harris Williams and David Henderson. Chaired by Alice Waterfall
CPD Credits: 4 hours
In this conversation, we will examine the connection between spirituality, mysticism, contemplation and psychotherapy. Exploring the qualities that inspire growth, healing and transformation in the therapeutic journey, the speakers will consider the many qualities that contribute to these less tangible processes: presence, attention, mindfulness, calm abiding, analytic reverie and compassion. We will ask how these contribute to insight and wisdom, and how they can be developed and enhanced through certain forms of psychotherapeutic attention.
READ MORE...We will also explore the contribution of Wilfred Bion to our understanding of the mystical dimensions of psychoanalysis. Bion brought a radical new vision to psychoanalysis, opening our eyes to “things invisible to mortal sight” as Milton put it, a realm of infinite possibility that is utterly transcendent yet also immanent in every analytic encounter. He taught us to listen in the darkness of unknowing with a third ear of intuition to that which is beyond memory, desire and understanding. In so doing, Bion follows in the footsteps of key apophatic mystics such as St John of the Cross, who suggested that ultimate reality, absolute truth cannot be comprehended by intellect, formulations, images or through sensory perception; it cannot be known, only realised.
This workshop aims to enable psychotherapists from any modality to be with unknowing, the fear of uncertainty, to bear with the discomfort and to trust that realisation can emerge in the analytic encounter through these immeasurable processes.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits for 4 hours are available as part of the course fee. You will need to fill out an evaluation form and pass a multiple choice questionnaire related to the content in order to receive your certificate.
Access to the Talks On Demand runs for 365 days from the date of purchase.
ONLINE BOOKING
Please ensure you have up to date Confer membership before proceeding with this ticket type. If you are unsure you can login to your account and check your membership status, or email support@confer.uk.com.