Let's talk about work! - First International Conference on Work Discu...

Work Discussion is a method of learning, teaching and research which was developed at the Tavistock Clinic in London, from 1967 onwards. It was initially an application of psychoanalytic infant observation and now has a significant presence in many locations for analytically - based learning. The Universities of Vienna and Klagenfurt in Austria have become strong centres for research in this field in recent years.

Work Discussion is a practice which invites reflection on the meaning of interactions in a variety of work settings. These include teaching and education, early years’ provision, nursing, mental health care, youth and community work, social work and the creative therapies.

Work Discussion is a significant element in the curriculum of some professional trainings and in the continuing development of experienced staff members, leaders and managers. It is also very significant in the training of psychotherapists and psychoanalytic organisational consultants. In fact there are no obvious limits to the organisational settings for which the exploration of unconscious personal and social dynamics are not relevant.