Second Instalment of the ‘Psychoanalytic Act’

After a successful first instalment on my seminar on the Psychoanalytic Act for Parrhesia, we have decided to continue with a second five-session instalment, deepening our engagement with the theory and practice of psychoanalysis.

Lacan has notably shifted the conception of the psychoanalytic act within psychoanalytic thought. Attempting to provide an alternative to the conventional authoritarian and pedagogical trajectory in psychoanalysis, in his seminal paper, “The Direction of the Treatment and the Principles of its Power,” he sheds light on his triad of the psychoanalytic act, namely its tactics, which concerns interpretations; its strategy of transference; and its politics as it pertains to the analyst’s desire. The triad was incorporated in his further teaching and today forms what is known as the Lacanian psychoanalytic orientation.

This seminar is a journey through the intricacies of Lacan’s elucidation of the psychoanalytic act, designed in two installments of five meticulous sessions. Each session of this seminar offers a unique vantage point for dissecting contemporary Lacanian approaches to psychoanalysis. The seminar is an opportunity to delve into Lacan’s theory but also to engage with more “clinical” features in the work of Lacanian analysts today.

In the first installment of our lecture series, we asked “who is the analyst?”, “what is reality?” and “how to handle the transference?” Those who missed but are interested in Part 1, can select the “add access” option during registration for access to the recordings and readings. Note, however, that participation in Part I is not a requirement for understanding and participating in Part II. 

In our second installment, we will delve into the following topics:

1. First Session: Transference for Lacan
2. Second Session: Diagnosis
3. Third Session: Interpretations
4. Fourth Session: The Desire of the Analyst
5. Fifth Session: Supervision – Building a clinical case study

Participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in this rigorous exploration to gain a nuanced understanding of Lacan’s revolutionary approach to psychoanalytic praxis. No prior knowledge about Lacan’s teaching is required.

The seminar will be taught in hybrid format (in person and on Zoom). Video recordings are made available for those unable to attend. Course readings can be accessed online before the school begins. Links to the Zoom classroom are sent out prior to the course starting.

We meet for 5 Wednesdays, 7- 9 pm, January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7.

Venue: Vierte Welt, Adalbertstr. 96 | Galerie 1.OG | 10999 Berlin Kreuzberg.

Or via Zoom.

REGISTER HERE