In the first part of the day we will discuss the contribution of psychoanalysis to this discussion, in particular the move from instinct to Object Relations that was explored by Guntrip. We will consider the transition from literal to symbolic thinking and the religious and psychological importance of transitional space (Winnicott). The inner world, and the God in whom we do or don't believe (Rizzuto) will be explored in relation to the Christian psyche.

Part II of the day covers the theme of psychoanalysis and ontology: the strange world of psyche, unconscious communication, splitting, and projective identification. We will look at the work of several psychoanalysts - Klein, Fairbairn, Winnicott, Bion, Meltzer, and Matte Blanco - and the psycho-theological implications of their theories. In particular, we will explore the thinking of Jung on complexes, archetypes, and synchronicity. The direction of this session will be towards an integrated understanding and practice.

Working with religious patients throws up specific therapeutic issues. In this discussion we will ask how we find a home for infinite desire. The psychological functions of authoritarian religion, and charismatic religion, will be explored. Particular attention will be given to working with victims of clerical abuse.

Christopher MacKenna is an Anglican priest, a Senior Member of the Jungian Analytic Section of the British Association of Psychotherapists, and an honorary member of the Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, London. He has published a number of peer reviewed papers on the resonances between Christian and psychotherapeutic understandings, including From the Numinous to the Sacred which was awarded the Michael Fordham prize for the most original contribution to clinical analytic thinking published in the Journal of Analytical Psychology in 2009. Currently Chris is Director of St Marylebone Healing and Counselling Centre, London, which offers professional counselling and psychotherapy within a Christian setting, and Chaplain and Clinical Director of the Guild of Health.

PDF brochure of full programme.