In a first for Pakistan, Aga Khan University and the University of Exeter hosted a groundbreaking conference on psychoanalysis. Can this transformative therapy find a home in Karachi? Experts discuss its future.
KARACHI: In a groundbreaking move to promote psychoanalytic thinking in Pakistan, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has joined forces with the University of Exeter’s Department of Psychology to host a first-of-its-kind conference titled “Journeying Beyond the West: Can Psychoanalysis Find New Roots in Pakistan?” at AKU’s Stadium Road campus in Karachi.
What is Psychoanalysis & Why Does Pakistan Need It?
Psychoanalysis is a powerful form of therapy that not only helps treat mental health struggles but also encourages deep self-awareness, empowering people to make better life choices. While Pakistan has no formal history of psychoanalysis, many local practitioners and scholars have shown growing interest in the field.
This three-day international conference aims to bring together psychologists, clinicians, scholars, and artists to explore how psychoanalysis can take root in Pakistan. The event provides a much-needed platform for dialogue, research, and future training programs in the country.
Breaking the Myth: Psychoanalysis Isn’t Just for the West
Dr. Duane Rousselle, Associate Dean of Research at AKU and lead organizer, emphasized that psychoanalysis transcends borders. “Psychoanalysis is often seen as a Western concept, but its focus on speech, human subjectivity, and the unconscious mind is universal,” he said. “Karachi, as a thriving mega-city, is the perfect place to cultivate this dialogue.”
The conference featured renowned speakers from the British Psychoanalytic Association and the New Lacanian School, alongside Pakistani experts. Discussions revolved around:
- The hidden traces of psychoanalytic thought in Pakistan
- Culturally relevant clinical practices for Pakistanis
- The potential for psychoanalytic training programs in the country
A Step Forward for Mental Health & Liberal Arts in Pakistan
Dr. Stephen Lyon, Dean of AKU’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, highlighted the importance of such initiatives. “There’s a rising demand for intellectual discussions on psychoanalysis in Pakistan, especially in cities like Karachi,” he said. “This conference aligns with our mission to expand liberal arts education and foster new academic conversations.”
What’s Next for Psychoanalysis in Pakistan?
This collaboration between AKU and the University of Exeter marks a pivotal moment for mental health and academic discourse in Pakistan. By introducing psychoanalytic training and research, Pakistan could see a transformative shift in how mental well-being is understood and treated.
Stay tuned as this pioneering effort paves the way for a deeper understanding of the human mind in Pakistan!