A conference to mark the retirement and celebrate the contribution of Professor Robert Hinshelwood in the field of psychoanalysis has been organised.

The conference, Psychoanalytic Methodology in Clinical and Non-Clinical Settings, reflects Professor Hinshelwood’s long-standing interests. It is being staged jointly by the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies and the Department of Sociology on Saturday 14 November in the University’s Lecture Theatre Building.

Professor Hinshelwood worked for many years in the NHS, developing a highly-regarded psychotherapy department at St Bernard’s Hospital and the Marlborough Day Hospital, and directing the Cassel Hospital, a unique NHS therapeutic community. He was a founding member and early chair of the Association of Therapeutic Communities and co-founded, and edited the International Journal of Therapeutic Communities and the therapeutic communities section of the International Library of Group Analysis. He founded the British Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis and History, and wrote books that will become classics, such as What Happens in Groups, A Dictionary of Kleinian Thought, Clinical Klein, Therapy or Coercion? and Suffering Insanity.

Paying tribute to him, conference organiser Professor Karl Figlio said: ‘Bob’s work has had a significant impact on psychoanalysis as a clinical practice and as a methodology and research discipline for inquiry into a range of fields outside the consulting room. He has also made major contributions to clinical and research education in psychoanalysis and related fields both in the UK and internationally’. Speakers and other panellists at the conference will aim to show the extensive influence of his teaching, research, professional activities and colleagueship in their current work.

To attend the conference, contact Alison Evans, e-mail: cpsugrad@essex.ac.uk, or telephone: 01206 874969.