International conference on psychoanalysis and complex trauma
Collaborations and connections in uncertain times
Call for papers now open
The Tavistock Trauma Service, in collaboration with the South African Psychoanalytic Clinics Johannesburg (JHB), is hosting this inaugural conference to bring together global practitioners involved in applying psychoanalytic ideas to their work with adults affected by severe and complex trauma.
This unique, online event will take place over two days and feature presentations from across the world to highlight different psychoanalytic approaches to working with traumatised individuals. The core focus of the event is collaboration and there will be various opportunities for attendees to develop new international connections, including through small group work. Our hope is that this conference will sustain and build a new psychoanalytic trauma community.
We are currently inviting presentation proposals and anticipate announcing a full programme here early in September. In the meantime, we are pleased to offer an early bird booking discount (20%) until 31 August 2025.
Submit a paper
We are inviting presentation proposals for this conference – plenary presentations of 45 minutes and shorter parallel papers for workshops of 35 minutes. These will run alongside lectures from leaders in the field.
Proposals for papers and presentations could include:
- working with specific populations e.g. non-recent child sexual abuse, asylum seekers and refugees, early relational / attachment traumas, dissociative identity disorders, addictions and trauma, transgenerational trauma
- adaptations in group or individual work that enhance engagement and trauma focused work e.g. using other modalities, development of phased-based approaches, focusing on the body, etc
- community and collective projects that address complex trauma
- neurobiology, attachment and other research in the field that has strengthened the trauma work
- intersectionality and its impact on working with complex trauma
- psychoanalytic trauma work in different settings
- vicarious trauma, burnout and the impact on the professional
- an exploration of trauma-informed care in practice
- trauma and the political landscape
As this is an online conference, we encourage speakers to use engaging tools – such as PowerPoint and other interactive elements – to connect with the audience, rather than simply reading papers. Please submit abstracts of no more than 500 words by email to cpdevents@tavi-port.nhs.uk before 11.59pm (BST) on Friday 29 August. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any potential proposals or have concerns in relation to translation of materials etc.
Who is this conference for?
This conference is suitable if you have an interest in trauma, for example as a professional working within the mental health field or as an expert by experience. You may be a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, mental health nurse, support worker, counsellor or therapist.
What will I learn?
The conference will focus on the value of psychoanalytic ideas in work with patients who have experienced trauma, with a particular emphasis on clinical practice and learning from survivors and people with lived experience. It will bring together global experts to share diverse perspectives on complex trauma.
Structure and timings
Date and timings
This conference takes place over two days:
Day 1: Friday 14 November, 12 to 6pm (GMT)
Day 2: Saturday 15 November, 12 to 4pm (GMT)
Timings have been chosen to enable access from as many different parts of the world as possible.
Please note that this conference will not be recorded.
Delivery
This conference will be delivered remotely using Zoom. You will need a device with a suitably fast internet connection. Although mobile devices and tablets can be used, we recommend the use of laptop or desktop PC for the best experience. Some devices provided by employers may have restrictions in place. Please use the Zoom test link to check your set up before booking.
You will be sent the necessary login link about a week before the conference start date. Should you have any concerns about the accessibility of remote delivery please contact us to discuss how we can best help you
Fees and booking
An early bird ticket of £120 is available to purchase until 11.59pm (BST) on Sunday 31 August 2025. After this date, you will be able to purchase standard tickets which will be £150.
Conference organising group
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Joanne Stubley
Consultant Medical Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst
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Sue Levy
Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst