Turning a Deaf Ear: Impediments to Listening in the Clinical Situation
Edinburgh Conference 2026, organised by the British Psychoanalytical Society (BPAS) and Institute of Psychoanalysis

June 13, 2026, 9:15 AM – 5:30 PM GMT
Location: Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh EH2 1JQ

The Edinburgh Conference on 13th June 2026 is the second in-person conference IOPA will hold in Edinburgh. Listening is at the heart of our work with people in psychic distress however there are times when the way we listen to and hear those we work with is hindered or can be distorted. The topic Turning a deaf ear: impediments to listening in the clinical situation seeks to explore these impediments which can stem from diverse and often unconscious beliefs, affects and drives alive between the patient and ourselves.

This event encourages participants to forge new links with psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and all clinicians working with adults and children and those interested in this topic from the UK and abroad.

Conference Chair: Elizabeth Coates Thümmel, President of IOPA

Speakers: Vic Sedlak,  Dr Anuradha Menon, Christine English, Dr Avi Shmueli, Dr Brian O’Neill