PSYCHOANALYSIS IN TIMES OF CATASTROPHE: Annual Lecture of 2026

Please join us for the 2026 Annual Lecture featuring a rich and timely discussion with analyst, author, and professor, Jamieson Webster, Ph.D., and discussant Francisco Gonzalez, M.D.

In this live discussion, we will think about psychoanalysis in times of catastrophe, especially political conflict and war. What role does psychoanalysis play? What is the role of political commitment in the position of the analyst? What can be seen historically, especially in texts that specifically treat the question of America? Looking at Freud’s contested book on President Woodrow Wilson, especially the new manuscript that has been found in the Yale archive, to Erik Erikson’s diagnosis of America in his esteemed book “Childhood and Society,” we will encounter some surprising answers to these difficult and pressing questions. Surprisingly, Freud and Erikson’s politics amount to a diagnosis of the collapse of fantasy in the face of catastrophe or breakdown and the variety of attempts at compensation.

Dr. Webster will take up these ideas and questions live with analyst, author, and professor, Francisco Gonzalez, M.D. Both will challenge us to expand our understanding of neutrality and ethics beyond political allegiance, commitment or ideology and bring a broad history of thinking into our awareness to help place us in the current moment.

*This event will be available to attend in-person and virtually via Zoom. In-person attendance pricing includes coffee and pastries in the morning, as well as catered lunch. Virtual attendance pricing is reduced because it does not include any food costs.

For more details about this event, CE, and general information, please visit the "Psychoanalysis in Times of Catastrophe" event page on our website.