Upcoming conference on Jungian psychology

By: A. Melcon

On the 22nd and 23rd of May, the Association of Analytical Psychologists of Russia (AAPR) will be hosting the much anticipated XXI international Jungian conference. The topic of the conference is "the inner world of collective trauma" and it can contribute to the development of humanity's understanding of trauma, as well as the inner workings of our brains. The event will be organized by the Interregional Training Center for Analytical Psychology (ITCAP), Institute for Analytical Psychology (IAP) and Professional Society of Analytical Psychologists (PSAP).  


The topic to be discussed, the “Inner World of collective trauma”, links to previous research done with the same Jungian approach. Donald Kalsched, a Jungian analyst, described trauma as “an injury to the capacity to feel”. Many advanced analysts view trauma as the effect of exposing someone to an experience more intense than they can bear, defining trauma as a result of witnessing shocking events. This then makes the patient experience anxiety and even self-loathing.   
 
Kalsched wrote a book on his findings, which inspired the theme of the conference. In his work, he explores many aspects of traumatization and trauma survivors' mental health. He describes and explains the traits of anger issues amongst trauma patients, who, in turn, seem to have trouble expressing their feelings of anger. They instead internalize their fury and allow it to accumulate inside of them. This cycle is called the “victim-perpetrators” cycle, as instead of getting angry at their abuser or traumatic experience, the victim blames themselves, resulting in self-loathing and eventually more cynical thoughts.  
 
Kalsched also describes how you do not necessarily have to experience a very traumatic event to be traumatized. Sometimes, when contemplating death (be it our own or a loved one's), or when reading about other shocking events of the past (such as the holocaust), anxiety attacks and sleeplessness can occur. Kalsched states that “reality confronts us with things that breaks our heart”, he describes how our present world and everyday experiences can be enough to lead to traumatization of even ordinary, stable people. 

Many experts in this area are expected to attend, hopefully leading to promising results. Among them are the prestigious analysts Dr Dale Mathers, Marina Conti, Thomas singer and Giorgio Tricarico. Dr Dale Mathers is a member of the association of Jungian analysts in London, and Marina Conti is a clinical psychologist that is also a member of the Jungian analysts in Russia (AAPR member). Likewise, Thomas Singer is a psychiatrist and Jungian psychoanalyst, whose interests include conflicts and cultural complexes. He practices in San Francisco, the Bay area, and has also written and edited many books. Furthermore, Giorgio Tricerion is a psychologist, psychotherapist and Jungian analyst. He has a master's degree in Clinical Psychology and attended post-university analytical training at the Centro Italiano Psicologia Analitica. He generally works with adult patients and is currently a supervisor for the GAAP. 


Through continuous research and specialization into diverse fields of psychology, we are increasing our understanding of how our mind works. Therefore, many people with interest in this incredibly interesting part of Jungian Psychology are extremely excited for the 22nd and 23rd of May! 


Sources: 
https://www.pacificapost.com/trauma-and-the-soul-psychoanalytic-approaches-to-the-inner-world  
https://conf.aapr.info/en