LECTURES
The following is a list of the lectures which are currently available. Please scroll down the page to find out more details about each one:-
L1 THE USE OF DREAMS IN ‘CREATIVE’ THERAPY
Integrating the principles of modern dream-work
L2 A NEW WAY OF UNDERSTANDING THE ‘ANIMUS’
A controversial study of feminine psychology – with help from George Eliot’s ‘Middlemarch’
L3 THE SECRET OF THE STONE
A psychological interpretation of the legend of ‘Parzival’
L4 THE HEALING POWER OF THE UNCONSCIOUS
Jung’s distinctive contribution to the practice of psychotherapy
L5 DIONYSUS: LORD OF THE DANCE
The tension between two ways of being
L6 THE WISDOM OF THE FAIRY TALE
A study of ‘The Juniper Tree’ by the Brothers Grimm
L7 UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF YOUR DREAMS
An introductory talk on understanding the language of the unconscious.
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L1 THE USE OF DREAMS IN ‘CREATIVE’ THERAPY
Integrating the principles of modern dream-work
A client’s dreams, if properly understood, are valuable therapeutic tools. They provide important diagnostic information about what is going on in the depths of the unconscious. Moreover, working with them can accelerate the progress of therapy by leading the client more quickly into the core-issues. As one well-known therapist has written: ‘Dreams translate a person’s problem into images that implicitly contain an energy that moves towards a solution.’
Using a practical example from clinical practice, this lecture demonstrates how the principles of modern dream-work may be integrated into their clinical work by counsellors and psychotherapists irrespective of training and orientation.
L2 A NEW WAY OF UNDERSTANDING THE ‘ANIMUS’
A controversial study of feminine psychology – with help from George Eliot’s ‘Middlemarch’
Many psychotherapists are aware of Jung’s concept of the ‘animus,’ but have little idea of what integrating the ‘animus’ means in practical terms, and how it can help their clients to become more fully individuated.
In the first half the lecture asks how the conventional understanding of the ‘animus’ needs to revised in the light of modern feminist thinking.
In the second half, the audience watches a short episode from the film version of George Eliot’s classic novel ‘Middlemarch.’ This is then used as a basis for discussing how the ‘animus’ manifests in the experience of one of the central characters – Dorothea – so that the implications for modern, therapeutic practice can be elucidated.
L3 THE SECRET OF THE STONE
A psychological interpretation of the legend of ‘Parzival’
The story of Parzival's Quest for the Grail has been a source of mystery & fascination ever since the 12th century when it first hit the European scene.
First there is a brief summary of the tale for those who are unfamiliar with it. Then the lecture proceeds to elucidate many of the psychological insights hidden within its symbolism. The conventional Jungian insight is that the Grail is a symbol of the ‘Self.’
Using humour and insight, this lecture seeks to build upon the traditional understanding – and eventually it leads the audience into new, previously unexplored territory.
In the last section it confronts the audience with a startling and provocative ‘idea’ which has radical implications for the practice of analysis and psychotherapy.
L4 THE HEALING POWER OF THE UNCONSCIOUS
Jung's distinctive contribution to the practice of psychotherapy
This is a lecture for psychotherapists and counsellors who only have a brief acquaintance with the fundamental concepts of Jungian psychology and want to understand: ‘What makes Jungian psychology tick?’ and ‘How can I integrate its principles and practices into my clinical work?’
In particular the lecture explains Jung’s theory of the ‘complex’ in a rich and lively way by drawing on illustrative material from one of England’s most famous authors, Charles Dickens.
This lecture provides an entertaining feast of insights, and shows how the fundamental Jungian principles can help all practitioners, no matter what their orientation, to benefit from Jung’s pioneering work, and help their clients to move forward from the places where they feel stuck.
L5 DIONYSUS: LORD OF THE DANCE
The tension between two ways of being
Dionysus is arguably the most fascinating of all the Greek Gods: revolutionary, anarchic, provocative & highly destabilising. And yet this lecture argues that all of us need to integrate the qualities of Dionysus within ourselves. The warning from mythology is: if you fail to heed him, he will drive you mad!
This lecture is lavishly illustrated with dreams, pictures from Greek Art, and brief episodes from a modern film. It shows how an understanding of Dionysus as an archetypal image helps to explain our inner psychological conflicts. It provides us with a valuable metaphor for much that tends to be ignored, and repressed, within the psyche – at our cost!
L6 THE WISDOM OF THE FAIRY TALE
A study of ‘The Juniper Tree’ by the Brothers Grimm
The 'Juniper Tree' is not so well known as some of the Grimms' cliassics such as 'Cinderella,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' & 'Snow White.' And yet it is a powerful & disturbing story which can be read at many levels. It contains envy, murder, revenge - and even a dash of cannibalism!
Interpreting the fairy story as though it were a dream – this gruesome story can be understood as being the story of an ‘intra-psychic’ dysfunctional family. It tells us much about our own inner psychological conflicts and those of our clients – and it gives us many hints as to how working with Fairy Tales can be integrated into modern, clinical practice.
L7 UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF YOUR DREAMS
An introductory talk on understanding the language of the unconscious
This is an introductory talk aimed at members of the public who have little or no previous experience of thinking about their dreams but are curious to find out more.
The basic message of the lecture is that dreams are powerful tools for connecting with the healing power of the deep unconscious. Understanding them can be a rich and life-changing experience.
The fundamental principles of unlock the secrets of your dreams are explained in an interesting and informative way using real dreams as examples.
