Whose Intersubjectivity Anyway? Five perspectives across psychotherapeutic modalities

Training from Stillpoint Spaces London

While psychotherapists and counsellors of all types use the term ‘intersubjectivity’ when talking about their work, what do they really mean by it? Different theoretical approaches may use the same words, but the way they mean and work with them may vary widely. Join us for an exploration of the meaning of intersubjectivity through the experiences of five different therapists whom we’ve asked to reflect on this complex subject and share with us:

• Relational psychoanalysis
• Existential psychotherapy
• Gestalt psychotherapy
• Embodied-movement psychotherapies 
• Transpersonal psychotherapy.

The day will consist of a short presentation from each followed by a facilitated discussion between them and the workshop participants. Join us as we explore their differences, resonances, nuances, and mode of clinical practice with reference to this rich and complex theme.  

Relational Psychoanalysis by Aaron Balick

Relational Psychoanalysis arrived on the scene in the 1980s as a major and controversial paradigm shift in response to theoretical challenges to traditional psychoanalysis from other disciplines like critical theory, feminism, queer theory, and continental philosophy. It has now become a contemporary psychoanalytic theory and practice in its own right that is responsive to our changing times. This short talk will place the theory in context and draw on this particularly psychoanalytic way of looking at intersubjectivity. 

Aaron Balick, PhD is a psychotherapist, cultural theorist and author applying ideas from depth psychology to culture and technology. He is a founding member and former executive chair of The Relational School UK and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Department for Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex (UK). Aaron is the director of Stillpoint Spaces International.

Dance movement psychotherapy by Dr Marina Rova

Intersubjectivity is inherently embodied, intentional and reflexive. It is not a fixed construct; it moves us into reciprocal interaction. We will explore kinaesthetic intersubjectivity, our innate capacity to feel with others through movement, not only as a relational phenomenon but as an intervention within the therapeutic context.

Dr Marina Rova is a dance movement psychotherapist, lecturer and researcher with a background in dance education and NHS clinical practice. Her practice-based PhD investigated kinaesthetic empathy through a combination of dance movement psychotherapy, phenomenology and cognitive neuroscience. She is programme convenor for the MA in Dance Movement Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths College and a co-founder of ArtsMinded community interest company. 

Existential psychotherapy by Jonathan Hall

The Self is secondary to the primacy of relatedness. Intersubjectivity is the condition from which self/other arises.  Self-recognition (or consciousness) arises from the intersubjective and is regarded as an ongoing choice (out of awareness) to maintain the status quo. The existential therapist’s job is to disrupt the status quo.

Jonathan Hall, Existential Psychotherapist. A teacher, trainer of teachers, psychotherapist, trainer of psychotherapists.

Gestalt psychotherapy by Jon Blend

The ‘dialogical’, Gestalt’s equivalent term for intersubjectivity, is rooted in the writings of Martin Buber. There is no standalone ‘I’ , only the ‘I’ of ‘I-Thou’ and the ‘I’ of I-It’, two alternating modes of existence. ‘I -Thou’ meeting is ephemeral, a soulful encounter that takes place by grace not by design. It involves being open hearted, authentic and fully present as we turn towards the other in the moment, surrendering to ‘the between’. This form of  relating is integrative, confirming one’s sense of wholeness. A case vignette illustrates how  the work shifts from an emphasis on the ‘between’  to an exploration of the client’s embodied process through  phenomenological tracking. 

Jon Blend MA is a relational gestalt psychotherapist, integrative child psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, speaker and trainer. He has worked extensively with adults and children in various mental health settings and private practice (London W3). Jon teaches the Violet Oaklander arts approach to therapy in UK and Poland and is a faculty member of Institute for Arts in Therapy & Education (Wellbeing).

Jon’s writings include: ‘Am I Bovvered?’ in Relational Child, Relational Brain; ‘I Got Rhythm!’  -International Gestalt Journal and ‘Witnessed, Improvised Diaspora Journeys Enacted’ (in press).  An improvising musician he performs with two Playback Theatre Companies.. www.gacp.co.uk

Transpersonal psychotherapy by Jo-Ann Roden

Intersubjectivity is by definition a transpersonal phenomena; beyond the subjectivity of the ‘one’ and beyond the combined subjectivities of the ‘two’. We could say beyond ego, mind, brain and body. What happens when we let go of our need to know and and our need to define? What happens when we get out of the way of ourselves, by surrendering to the twin possibilities of vulnerability and uncertainty? A trans-personal perspective invites us to consider that Intersubjectivity -as a movement beyond the co-created dyad - has us. When we focus on the Intersubjective field, we are being informed. 

Jo-Ann Roden is psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer with a background in children’s services. As well as a private practice, she works at Re-Vision as psychotherapy course coordinator, supervisor and trainer. She draws inspiration from a hearty and experiential synthesis of philosophy, depth psychology and trauma theory. She finds authentic engagement at the heart of the work. 

Cost

General admission: £40

Stillpoint Spaces Member: £34

About the space: Accessibility: At Stillpoint Spaces our aim is to make our events as accessible as possible. However, the building we currently occupy is accessible only by stairwells. Do let us know in advance any issues affecting your accessibility & we will do our very best to accommodate you. If you aren’t able to attend the venue because of this, please do contact us at london@stillpointspaces.com and we will ensure you can experience the workshop at another location.

For more information and to book head over to Stillpoint Spaces London

*Please note that the views, opinions, and values expressed by presenters, participants, or any other individual in relation to this lecture/workshop are not necessarily those of Stillpoint Spaces London. Our aim is to provide a respectful space for open dialogue between our presenters, facilitators, or workshop leaders and those who attend.