Next Lecture

8 March 2025: Brian StevensonMetamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali

Neurodiversity and Jung

ADHD and autism appear to be increasing. and pose challenges to the traditional methods of the psychotherapies. How do we make sense of what is happening? And how can analysts modify their approach to embrace this diversity effectively?

Psychiatry has typically seen these neurodivergencies as closely associated with learning disability, and psychoanalysis has focussed on the associated dynamic structures related to isolation. More recent perspectives are perhaps liberating us from the straight-jacket of these pathologizing perspectives, allowing a more balanced and optimistic view to emerge which can highlight the strengths that these conditions may bestow.

Based on his clients' and his own experiences, Brian will offer his own perspective on this area which has fascinated him in recent years, and try to dispel some of the associated fear and prejudice. His thesis is that analytical psychology (Jungian therapy) presents us with a ready-made perspective to help us grapple with understanding these conditions and in so doing may deepen our grasp of analytical psychology itself.

Dr Brian Stevenson was, from a young age, fascinated by the mystery of the physical world and of existence, and on leaving school studied to acquire his first degree in Physics, while at the same time avidly reading Jung. Having worked as a physicist and engineer for a few years (in the field of magnetic resonance) he studied medicine, and went on to specialise in psychiatry and worked in addiction psychiatry and pain management. He studied at the Jung Institute, Zurich, qualifying from the newly formed ISAPZurich in 2006. He left the NHS in 2015, and continues to work in private practice as a Jungian analyst. He is a member of IGAP (the Independent Group of Analytical Psychologists), and is a member of the executive committee of the Journal of Analytical Psychology.

General information

Since the early eighties, the C.G. Jung Public Lectures have played an important part in establishing and maintaining Bristol's reputation as an acknowledged centre of interest in Depth Psychology.

The monthly lectures are on current issues and topics broadly related to the field of analytical psychology and are given by a variety of professional and established speakers. They are open to everybody with an interest in depth psychology, the therapies, philosophy, religion, mythology, life and the arts.

The aim is to provide a friendly, informal space for Jung's ideas and philosophy to reach a wider public. There is time for refreshment, socialising, and networking after the lecture followed by participative discussion with the speaker in the round.

 


A reduced-price bookstall is sometimes provided by Bookmark, Bristol. Their website includes a good selection
of Jungian and Analytical Psychology titles (also at reduced prices)!
Tel: (0117) 9672928  www.psychologicaltherapybooks.co.uk

 

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