MINDS AT WORK

IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF PSYCHOANALYTIC PRACTICE

MINDS AT WORK with JONATHAN SKLAR

Jonathan Sklar, FRCPsych, is an Independent training analyst and fellow of the British Psychoanalytic Society, working in full-time private practice. He was a member of the board of the IPA (2015–2019), and has been a vice president of the European Psychoanalytic Federation (2007–2011). He was consultant psychotherapist and head of the Psychotherapy Department of Addenbrooke’s Hospital for twelve years. He taught “Ferenczi and Contemporary Psychoanalysis” on the MSc psychoanalytic studies at University College London, and has taught psychoanalysis regularly in Cape Town, Chicago, Peru and Eastern Europe. He led a study weekend in Paris in June 2024 for EPF candidates on Anxieties in the Clinical Encounter. He is the author of the following books: Landscapes of the Dark: History, Trauma, Psychoanalysis (2011, Karnac), Balint Matters: Psychosomatics and the Art of Assessment (2017, Karnac), Dark Times: Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Politics, History and Mourning (2019, Phoenix) and The Soft Power of Culture: Art Transitional Space Death and Play (2024, Karnac).

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to a three-day in-person event in Lisbon from July 31 to August 2, bringing together candidates and psychoanalysts for a shared, in-depth exploration of our clinical practice.

This gathering is more than just a meeting; it's an intimate working space designed to foster rich and thoughtful discussion around ongoing psychoanalytic processes—cases that are alive, in motion, and evolving. Jonathan Sklar will lead the large group, as we collectively reflect on the complexities and nuances of analytic work as it unfolds, sharpening our clinical sensibilities and deepening our analytic stance.

Core Themes of the Event

Across the three days, we will engage in three to five detailed psychoanalytic clinical presentations of analysis of 3-5 sessions weekly ,each proceeding from a clinical history and two sessions. Dialogues focusing on essential psychoanalytic processes, including:

The cultivation of free association in both patient and analyst, and the creation of a space in a group setting where the unexpected can emerge.
The transference and countertransference matrix, including its negative and erotic dimensions, and how these inform the direction of the work.
Negative capability: sustaining uncertainty and ambiguity without premature closure.
Working with dreams, examining unconscious material, and process.
Clinical considerations around the setting and frame, and how they influence the analytic container.
Developing and maintaining an analytic state of mind amid intense affect and complex interpersonal dynamics.
Resistance: its creative and defensive meanings, and how it can be thought about rather than conquered.
The importance of adapting technique to the level of pathology, ranging from neurotic to more primitive levels of functioning, including cruelties and paranoia.
How we construct and time interpretations, and what it means to speak into the unconscious.

We will discuss in detail actual clinical material from ongoing psychoanalytic processes, presented by two analysts and/or candidates. This format allows us to stay close to the clinical moment and privilege process over theory.

If you would like to discuss your case with Jonathan Sklar and the group send us an email to people@freeassociation.pt and we will assist you with the preparations.

The Setting

Our time in Portugal and time together will not be limited to clinical work. Lisbon—full of light, history, culture, and gastronomy—will serve as a backdrop to informal conversations, shared meals, and time to enjoy one another’s company.

There will be opportunities to explore, engage in informal peer discussions, and rest in between the intensity of our working sessions. You are not just a participant, but an integral part of this collaborative environment.

We look forward to a gathering that is as intellectually enriching as it is personally, where we can think together, hold complexity, and allow ourselves to be affected by one another’s work and presence. This event is not just an opportunity for professional development, but also a unique chance for personal growth and meaningful connections within our community.

The Venue

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REG MATW

We will meet at the Gomes Freire Manison, in Gomes Freire Street 98, Lisbon. There are many hotels and restaurants in the neighborhood.

A curiosity, on the other side of the street, you will find the gardens of the oldest psychiatric hospital, Hospital Miguel Bombarda, founded in 1848. The hospital itself is now closed, but the garden offers shade on hot summer days and hosts artistic residences and a nice little restaurant.

Save 100 euros with early-bird registration until April 30.

REGISTRATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Attending the MINDS AT WORK 2026 clinical meeting depends on your agreement to the Registration Terms and Conditions.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language of any event is English.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

You can cancel at any time by emailing us at people@freeassociation.pt with your bank details. Please note that a 50€ cancellation fee will be applied.

AUDIO RECORDING, FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Participant recordings of any part of the conference are strictly forbidden.

RIGHT OF REFUSAL

The Free Association Lisbon reserves the right to decline to register any individual without further explanation. Meeting registrations are strictly personal to the individual who purchased them and are non-transferable under any circumstances.

By registering, you agree to these rules.