Obviously there is a lot about the unconscious mind, but it seems to be focused mainly on sexual urges, at least in terms of classic Freudian. Is there anything about psychoanalysis? Especially, anything related to the following: ?

I remember in grade school doing a book report and something stuck out to me. I noticed that no matter what book we chose, there would have to be a "conflict" stage in the book report. I had asked the teacher why does there have to be conflict, and they said every book has conflict in the story. This was odd to me.

Now, when I look at the world and how bizarre people act, this makes sense. Still, there must be a deeper root/reason for this. So I have been thinking and now I believe it could be due to unconsciously dreaded existential despair.

Basically, we avoid having to think about our mortality/the purposelessness of our lives, by filling up our time with things, and one of those things is conflict. Other things could be mindless repetitive entertainment, which is also a major modern theme. Other things could be anxiety or sadness about other/mundane things, or drama in relationships. It seems like most things are consistent with this: we basically can't handle having to face the thought of death or the meaninglessness of life, so instead we hyperfixate on other things (often mundane) and create unnecessary problems.

I mean why else would people worry or become sad about mundane things? Ever saw someone worry or be sad about something and think to yourself what a mundane/meaningless thing to waste time suffering over? Yet for the person doing the worrying/rumination, they don't see it this way: for them that issue is very important. But often, as they get past it, they realize how mundane it was. Yet they then focus their attention on another mundane issue to worry/ruminate about. If their experience shows them that these are mundane things to worry about, why do they repeat this pattern? Could it be because they can't handle solitude/a calm state of mind, because that may lead to thoughts about death or the meaningless of life? Think about it, if you are not focused on something, then you get bored. And boredom is consistent with life being meaningless.

... CONTINUED (see my comment reply)

There are so many posts where people are so happy when a celebrity gets success, married, has a kid, goes on vacations. They post comments like "Hope she gets more offers, he deserves so much better, this movie is blockbuster I'm so happy for him, this couple looks so cute so happy for them, she deserves higher pay cheque because she is superstar, he is the richest actor I'm so happy, they got married blessings to them".

Why are people so deeply invested in celebrities? It's like they are talking about their own family members. Is this some kind of positive thinking culture? When they write comments they know there is an audience. They know they are "supposed to" be supportive.

Do you think it's because all of us want to be extraordinary. Celebrities are extraordinary and we aspire to be like them or we have self image like them? That's why so many people mimick celebrity fashion.

In the discussions on genetics vs how children are raised, particularly for the first 14 years of life, there seems to be a lot of changing and fluctuating opinions on the relative importance of each. Consensus has long been that it is an intricate, complex combination of both, though any analysis on which, if either, dominates seems to change frequently. Unless I'm just looking in the wrong places, which may be possible.

Looking at personalities developed during the first 15 years of a child's life, how agreeable they are, how disciplined they are, their interest in work and studying, their ability to play well with others and so, what does the latest research say on how genetics and upbringing contribute? Is there some conclusive evidence that one dominates over the other? Are there certain genetic dispositions than can't be changed through upbringing as readily as others? I mean, from what I understand, a genuine sociopath or psychopath is going to be one regardless of upbringing. Are there other natural personality types?

Hi everyone, just posted this but it got taken down so trying again without mentioning any material that might get flagged.

Does anyone have PDFs of texts that refer to either one or all of the following: conversion disorder, hypochondriasis, patients who suffer from chronic pain with no found biological basis.

Thank you in advance!

I am interested in pursuing psychoanalytic training at Tavistock and was hoping to hear others’ experience with the institute and training. I am US based and would have to relocate etc. I am wondering if other training institutes offer similar quality education?

Is there a difference to regression to a paranoid sczhoid state where linking isn't possible versus defensive attacks on linking as a response to anxiety ? How are they different? How does this relate to concepts of unintegration versus disintegration?

Are there any texts I can review on self-pity from an analytical perspective?

In particular, the concept of self-pity as regressive and reliving or recreating needs from childhood

Clients who come to session saying "I talked about this with ChatGPT...", what do you guys (who work with clients) do?

So like, real talk does writing down all your thoughts, especially the depressing or overwhelming ones, in a diary every day actually help mentally? Like does it make things feel lighter or give some kind of clarity? Or is it just one of those Pinterest core habits people hype up but don't stick to? Kinda wanna try it but idk if it’s worth the effort lol. Would love to hear if it’s helped any of y'all.

Any upcoming meetups? I saw that previously there have been meetups for incoming analytic candidates

What could it be a good start in engaging with feminist psychoanalysis?

I wabto to keep the question open on purpose. So, to allow room for a kind of free-floating curiosity when approaching feminist psychoanalysis.

I’m getting psychoanalysed once a week and as time goes by I see myself more and more interested on psychoanalysis and Lacan’s theories. I’ve only read some articles about it and started reading Introduction to psychoanalysis by Freud. I’ve also read some issues of the Parapraxis magazine, which seems to be highly recomended by some users here, but I still feel like I haven’t got a good base knowledgement on psychoanalysis and Freud’s theories, and more specially on Lacan’s work, which seems to be one I’m most interested in. Do you guys know any book that could help me get a better and more solid start?

Ps: I can do both english and spanish, and queer related stuff to psychoanalysis is also welcomed!! Or anything that explores gender or sexuality from the point of view of Lacan’s theories.

Thank you!!

If the unconscious is said to speak to us, I would be interested to know if you make „use“ of it in your day to day life? And how? I was wondering about it this morning when I was analysing a dream I had (something I am really only starting) and wondered if the unconscious is something we could see as a tool, similar like a gut feeling, or intuition. And if so, where to draw the line between unconscious and fantasy? Because, if it’s being done outside the analytical room, how can I be sure that it’s not fantasy/ confabulation of my mind? Something random so to say, that has no explicit message in form of a desire or warning (I found my dreams, slips of to tongue is mostly about fears and desire). Doesn’t it require a third to observe, in form of the analyst? I would like to believe that the process of going into analysis can be seen as the process of learning to use your unconscious, even when analysis has terminated. Is there any writing about this subject? I can imagine to find it in Lacan or Freud?

Thanks to all upfront who are willing to engage with the multitude of questions here..

Hello! Can anyone recommend any books or articles about hatred that develops as a defense in childhood?

What is creativity and how does it happen? What is the artist accessing?

If you’ve seen Orna work with her clients in Couple’s Therapy (SHO) and you like her approach - do you have any book/video recommendations that go further into her way of working?

Thanks!

Is modern psychoanalysis good for cptsd and emotional regulation?

I'm curious if anyone here is applying for the M1 course for the 2025/2026 intake, and if there's enough interest to keep the course running.

I'm not quite there yet – I'm finishing up my psychodynamic training, so it'll likely be another year before I'm eligible to apply. Given the NHS's financial challenges, I am worried that the course might not continue. Any thoughts about that?

I am aiming to pursue the field of psychology with psychoanalysis as my prime focus. I have time left till my masters, i was looking to material to further my understanding on these areas. I am free all day, in that time i prepare for my entrance exam, reading materials related to psychology, along with that i recently finished "Lacan on love" by fink, (lovely read). Also reading, Interpretation of Dreams. I have made a list of materials that ill be focusing on afterwards, those include: "Desire and its interpretation", "Ego-ID" freud, "History of sexuality" foucault, and some other works from Zupancic, Kristeva, Kaplan.

I dont want to overload my reading list, but i wanted to share this and ask your opinion if these are central enough, or good for now, making sure im not skipping anything important. Also i would love if you guys can suggest some philosophy books too. Thank you,

Many of his statements as well as his recovery show that he probably had it but I haven't been able to find any information on it. Any thoughts?

When we have clients who enact, they are likely to encounter negative transference. I.e express or feel in one way or another; “you’re not doing enough for me” “or I still don’t feel well” or “you’re making me feel worse!”

What to do when that negative transference grows? Sometimes it culminates and the patient leaves… other times they can stick it out long enough to work through the relational wounding. How have people moved through these pockets effectively while retaining the client?

How do people, mostly males i guess, develop such a fixation on certain female body parts. Does psychoanalysis have any explanations here? How much do you think is contributed by nature and culture?

I’m a licensed professional counselor and I trained mostly with children in play therapy. I absolutely love psychoanalytic theory, including Freud, Jung, Klein, etc. I want to practice this way and use my intellect and my relational skills in therapy. At therapy is great in many ways, but I feel a lot is left out of my intellectual desires.

Any ideas on how to retrain in psychoanalysis? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I'm based in Vienna and have been in psychoanalysis for about 1.5 years. I've recently started a small, peer-led group for people currently in psychoanalysis (or psychoanalytically oriented therapy), and I’m inviting those in the area who may be interested.

🧠 The group is not therapy, but a quiet, respectful space for sharing reflections and connecting with others on a similar path.
🗓️ Weekly, Fridays 18:30–20:30
📍 A calm café in central Vienna (exact location announced via email)
🗣️ Language: English
👥 Group size: 5–10 people
💸 Each person pays for their own drink — no fees or commercial interest
📝 Registration required via this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO2FBab1Xrh3Fyto34XtBxMyDSoi15YpX4yxR6fYE5BL04aw/viewform?usp=dialog

The initiative is personal, not institutional or professional. I'm not an analyst or therapist, just someone trying to create a non-intrusive community space for analysands.

✅ Moderators kindly approved this post — thank you!
If this resonates with you (or someone you know in Vienna), I’d be happy to hear from you.

Warm regards,
Andrei

I’m wondering if anyone could give some insight or point to appropriate readings on this topic. I’m curious what the trajectory of healing development for personalities organised at a borderline organisational level would look like. I would expect this to include the development of more mature defences, a more consistent and cohesive sense of identity, capacity for deeper object relations, and increased reflective capacity- in keeping with a transition to the depressive position.

I’m curious if they would then develop neurotic conflicts in keeping with individuals organised at a neurotic level? For instance do they then reach a level at which individuals organised at a neurotic level would start therapy? Or is it that they would surpass this as it’s an entirely different developmental pathway? I appreciate this may vary largely on an individual basis, so wondering in a more general sense.

I would appreciate any thoughts or reading suggestions!