The Political Clinic: Book Launch Event

Carolyn Laubender’s new book, The Political Clinic, addresses a long-standing debate in psychoanalysis, namely just how ‘neutral’ psychoanalysis can be. Arguing that the clinical encounter is in its very nature an exchange between political subjects held within a political context, Laubender examines historical cases from Britain and its former colonies to uncover the often-hidden political narratives contained therein. Against the backdrop of the cases studies of such luminaries as Klein, Anna Freud and Winnicott among others, Laubender also considers what progressive clinical practice can offer today. Innovative and provocative in its argument, The Political Clinic won the Book Prize of the American Psychoanalytic Association in 2025.

In this special book launch at the Freud Museum, Carolyn Laubender will be joined by Prof. Ankhi Mukherjee, Prof. Stephen Frosh, Dr. Hannah Proctor, and Mr. Barry Watt to discuss psychoanalysis and the implications of The Political Clinic.

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Speakers:

Carolyn Laubender

Barry Watt

Ankhi Mukherjee

Stephen Frosh

Hannah Proctor

Raluca Soreanu (Chair)

Click here to view the speakers’ biographies.

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Tickets: £25

Freud Museum Members and Patrons receive 20% off the standard ticket price on all events, courses, conferences and On Demand programming.

A limited number of £10 bursary tickets are available for those under financial hardship. Priority will be given to UK unemployed and PIP/ESA claimants. Please email [email protected] to apply for a bursary.

The purpose of this event is to raise funds for the Freud Museum London, which receives no regular Government income. We are grateful to you for supporting our independent museum as generously as possible.

The event will be held on the first floor of the Museum. Unfortunately the Freud Museum does not have step-free access at this time. Advance booking is highly recommended as capacity is limited.