bridge icon C.G. Jung Public Lectures, Bristol

C.G. Jung Public Lectures,
Bristol

May 8 2027 10.30am-12.45pm

Jay Barlow

Maman

This paper traces a decade-long analytic treatment with Alma, who entered intensive analysis in late adolescence following the death of her father and the intensification of a mother complex. Central to the clinical narrative is the emergence of a recurrent hallucinatory figure, the “She”-spider, evolving from dreams and fragmentary sensations into an embodied presence within the consulting room. The spider becomes not merely a symptom, but a psychic structure through which trauma, dissociation, and an ambivalent maternal object are communicated and lived.

Drawing on Jung, Bion, Winnicott, Bick, Meltzer, Laplanche, and Ferenczi, the paper explores how hallucination, unconscious communication, and participation mystique may emerge when affect regulation is fragile and symbolic function compromised by early relational trauma. Particular attention is given to the analyst’s embodied countertransference and the role of patience, witnessing, and carefully paced containment in facilitating psychological development. Louise Bourgeois’ spider imagery and Maman sculptures are interwoven as symbolic companions to the clinical material, expressing maternal themes of protection, predation, entrapment, and repair. The paper culminates in a significant frame rupture that enables movement from malignant dread toward mourning, separation, and the beginnings of greater psychic agency.

Jay Barlow is Director of Training at the Society of Analytical Psychology where he is a training and supervising analyst. Jay holds an MA in Jungian and post Jungian studies and has worked as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. He supervises and teaches on various analytic trainings. His private practice is in Clapham, London.

June 12 2027 10.30am-12.45pm

Christina Shewell

Sticks and Stones: Voice and Words

We know that the old saying ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ is not true. Words and voices can indeed have a powerful effect, both psychologically and physically, through their impact on the brain and body. In this talk, Christina will talk about the effect of different voice qualities on the body, and the way that actual words themselves can affect a reader, speaker or listener. The talk will include research and references from psychology, neuroscience, literature and poetry. A short (optional!) practical workshop, linked to these themes, offers the opportunity for those interested to explore some of the ideas in practice.

C hristina Shewell, MA, FRCSLT ADVS, is a spoken voice teacher, speech and language therapist, and communication skills coach with extensive experience in voice development, therapy, and training. She has been senior lecturer in voice and counselling skills at University College London, voice teacher at major acting schools, and continues to work in a range of settings, including as a coach for RADA Business. Christina has a particular interest in the links between voice, words, emotion, and the physical body, including voice as a form of healing. As an international lecturer and course leader, her writing, presentations, and workshops are eclectic and exploratory, and combine science-based fact with experiential body and voice work. This is exemplified in her book, Voice Work: Art and Science in Changing Voices (2009/2025), and in her journal article, Poetry, Voice, Brain and Body (2020). She was recently given a lifetime achievement award by VASTA (the International Voice and Speech Trainers Association).

New programme 2026-27

The current series of lectures have ended.

A new programme will be available in shortly.

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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