Guest editorial:

Seán  Manning

doi:10.9791/ajpanz.2005.01

Seán Manning

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2005.01

Abstract

Five years ago I found myself, more by chance than design, at a conference in London called "The First Neuro-psychoanalycic Congress." I was going to a conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and my good friend and colleague, Geraldine Lakeland, who was going to the same conference, found that this event in London fitted perfectly with the schedule. So we went. The name alone is remarkable - it really seemed as if, for the first time in over a hundred years, neurologists and psychoanalysts were having a constructive dialogue. This is of course too extreme a description, but it was certainly a significant event. Chaired by Oliver Sacks, it featured a series of stars on both sides, including Antonio Damasio, whose books (1999; 2003) I immediately began devouring. An analyst gave a presentation, a neurologist replied and there was a discussion. Then it was the other way round - first a neurologist, then an analyst, and another discussion, for three days. I was enthralled, and began a serious round of reading about the brain in relation to psychotherapy.

Author Biography

Seán Manning

As recorded in 2005.

Sean Manning is a psychotherapist in private practice with a background in psychology and social work. Raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland,he has lived in New Zealand since 1975. He has three grown up children and one grandchild. His primary modality is transactional analysis. He has published occasionally and is active in NZAP and two other professional organisations instead of having a social life. He once had a command of Te Reo, which is still better than his command of Irish. His addiction to collecting stringed instruments is almost under control and his ability to play them is just enough to get him into a series of unsuccessful Irish bands.

Guest editorial

Science and psychotherapy

Abstract

Author Biography