Advance Notice 2nd International Conference on Work Discussion

Abstract

Unconscious Meanings in the Workplace 14th – 16 June 2019 University of Sussex (Falmer, Brighton, W. Sussex, UK) Work Discussion is a method of learning, teaching and research developed at the Tavistock Clinic in London from 1967. It was initially an application of psychoanalytic infant observation, giving participants opportunities to reflect on situations at work at which they are active participants, as well as attentive observers. This form of learning now has a significant presence in many locations for psychoanalytically-based learning, for example in Austria, Italy, France, Argentina, Taiwan, China and Britain. It is a practice which invites reflection on the meaning of interactions in a variety of work settings, including teaching and education, early years’ provision, nursing, mental health care, youth and community work, social work and the creative therapies. Two symposia of papers were given at the first ‘International Conference on Work Discussion’ in Vienna appear in this and the following issue of Infant Observation. Further publications are expected to arise from the proceedings of this conference and of the Second Conference in June 2019. The second ‘International Conference on Work Discussion’ – entitled ‘Unconscious Meanings in the Workplace’ – is to take place from 14–16 June 2019 in the Conference Centre, University of Sussex (Falmer, Brighton). It will follow the Vienna precedent in arranging Work Discussion Seminars as part of its programme. Reports will be presented to small seminar groups and discussed by facilitators, presenters, and members. For more details, to purchase tickets and accommodation, and/or to apply to present your own paper, visit http://www.sussex.ac.uk/socialwork/cswir/ research/wdc.