Hysteria’s history, rooted in Greek myth, evolved into a Victorian belief of a “wandering uterus” leading to disturbing medical practices. We aim to explore the lived experiences on irregular perceptions of reality with an open mind. Each Saturday includes: a live dialogue between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and an International Existential Therapist; a moment to share your thoughts and feelings with the teachers; and a final integration facilitated by Bárbara Godoy. This series of ten dialogues set out to explore the multifaceted dimentions and complexities associated with Existential Therapies. It attempts to engage with various interpretations of insanity through the lens of patients often painful, confounding, and deeply unsettling life experiences. Hysteria- between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Bárbara Godoy “In this talk, I will compare the Histerical patient to the ancient Greek myth of Persephone, the goddess who traversed the boundaries between the world of the living and the underworld. Just as Persephone’s cyclical descent and return mirrored the changing seasons, hysteria was seen as a condition where emotions and experiences defied easy classification. This notion of transgressing boundaries became a cornerstone of early psychoanalysis. In Victorian times, hysteria took a decidedly bizarre turn. Here, the culprit was believed to be a mobile womb, an organ capable of throwing into disorder and confusion. This “wandering womb” was blamed for a variety of ailments and behaviours, particularly any expression of female desire out-of-wedlock. In a truly disturbing reflection of these beliefs, legal rulings based on this theory emerged. In some cases, women diagnosed with hysteria could be forced to undergo a hysterectomy.” Bárbara Godoy. Bárbara Godoy M.A., Adv. Dip. Exi. Psy, UKCP accredited Psychotherapist and Supervisor, MBACP and SEA – Director of Therapy Harley Street. Bárbara’s academic experience in London since 2008 includes lecturing and researching on the theory and practice of Phenomenological Existential Therapy on Doctorate, MA and professional courses at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology, Regent’s University and the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling directed by Emmy van Deurzen. Bárbara has facilitated therapeutic Group Work internationally since 1997. The question about the meaning of Being-Woman was the topic of her thesis completed in 2005 and evolved into two main Women’s Groups: “Nine muses” and “Four Seasons” which she leads in addition to her individual private practice. Currently, as the clinical director of THS, Bárbara leads a team of over 20 professional practitioners in the area of Psychological services and Wellbeing consultancy. Bárbara is also the founder-director of THS’s Personal Development and CPD Programmes. Prof. Ernesto Spinelli was Chair of the Society for Existential Analysis between 1993 and 1999 and is a Life Member of the Society. His writings, lectures and seminars focus on the application of existential phenomenology to the arenas of therapy, supervision, psychology, and executive coaching. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS) as well as an APECS accredited executive coach and coaching supervisor. In 2000, he was the Recipient of BPS Division of Counselling Psychology Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. And in 2019, Ernesto received the BPS Award for Distinguished Contribution to Practice. His most recent book, Practising Existential Therapy: The Relational World 2nd edition (Sage, 2015) has been widely praised as a major contribution to the advancement of existential theory and practice. Living up to the existential dictum that life is absurd, Ernesto is also the author of an on-going series of Private Eye novels. Date and Time: Saturday 13 December from 2 pm to 3 pm – (UK time) Individual Dialogue Fee: £70 Venue: Online Zoom FULL PROGRAMME 2025: 25 January “Knots” with Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Bárbara Godoy 22 February “Healing” with Dr. Michael Guy Thompson and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 22 March “Difference” with Prof. Tod DuBose and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 12 April “Polarisation” with Prof. Kirk Schneider and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 3 May “Character” with Prof. Robert Romanyshyn and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 21 June “Opening” with Dr. Yaqui Martinez and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 19 July “Meaning” with Dr. Jan Resnick and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 25 October “Invention” with Dr. Betty Cannon and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 15 November “Hallucination” with Prof. Simon du Plock and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli 13 December “Hysteria” with Bárbara Godoy and Prof. Ernesto Spinelli Read the full programme here > Course Organised by:
Whether you are new to managing, maintaining or monitoring the SCR or you want to refresh your knowledge, this three-hour masterclass will cover everything you need to know and to ensure is in place and will dispel some of the myths and confusion surrounding the SCR.
LOOKING FOR: YA/NA FANTASY, SFF, HORROR, ADULT FICTION John Baker (he/him) joined the Bell Lomax Moreton agency in 2019, cultivating a list shaped around his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, though has lately also branched out into action/adventure fiction. John focuses on authors writing in the Adult, New Adult, and YA spaces. John leads the wider agency's film & TV desk, is the Secretary of the Association of Author’s Agents, and the co-chair of the AAA’s Bridge Committee. He also serves on the Kingston University MA Publishing Advisory Board. Under the umbrella of speculative fiction, John is looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, romantasy, or literary speculative fiction. He has built a reputation as a champion of underrepresented voices and stories, be it from creators hailing from the global majority and their diasporas or neurodiverse authors, and naturally gravitates towards this kind of storytelling. In short, if he’s never read a story like yours before, he wants to see it. Adult fantasy: John loves beefy epic fantasy, especially non-Anglo Christian-inspired. Give him an immersive world, a fresh magical or mythic system, and an exciting cast of characters and he’ll be happy. He is a broad church in the genre so loves a political fantasy, swords and sorcery, courtly intrigue, monster hunting and dastardly villains. John is keen to find an urban fantasy that feels fresh and fun and he’s a sucker for a heroic quest narrative. He’s also very open to fantasy that isn’t easily categorised, but it is playing in that world. John is keenly hunting for more historical fantasy, especially inspired by modern history. He’s had fun with mythological retellings in the past, but as ever, let’s make sure it’s shining the spotlight on new stories. He would also love fantasy that centres on types of relationships less celebrated in fantasy, such as established and secure married couples, or siblings. NA/YA fantasy: In this genre, most importantly, John wants to have a good time, whether it’s swoon-worthy kisses in lush ball gowns, or gruesome gore and monsters, so send him pacy, plot-filled adventures. He’d love more books that teenage boys would love: Skullduggery Pleasant forever! Romantasy: The thriving new romantasy genre comes with its own set of challenges, so John wants to know what makes your romantasy different; what will set it out from the (very crowded!) market. Give it completely barmy stakes, cool and unique new settings, or a love story that will make your jaw drop. To be clear, he’s happily sorted for a human person meets a fae creature in the spooky woods. Also, cosmic romance is the genre of the future. Give him romantasy in space. Easy. Horror: John and horror are old friends. He loves horror inspired by myth and folklore, subversive weird horror that leaves your eyebrows in your hairline, historical horror that pulls from ghastly true stories, and anything that you’ll be reading with the light on. He also loves a gothic element and is particularly looking for horror with a strong romantic throughline, fun YA horror, and female & NB horror authors. Science fiction: SF is coming back! And John has been shouting about that. He loves to see an adventurous found-family romp through space or an epic, crunchy space opera. Speculative near-future is fun too, in the vein of Black Mirror’s more uplifting episodes, (e.g. San Junipero). He loves YA science fiction as well; the more creative the better. Literary: John is open to finding more rich magical realism or something character-led yet supernatural and would love a high-concept mystery, in the vein of Stuart Turton. He also loves spec fic that uses the speculative lightly as a way of confronting a deeper truth in society today. Weird stuff: John wants books that will blow people’s minds and defy categorisation. This is hard to describe, but think Gideon The Ninth, The Library At Mount Char, This Is How You Lose The Time War. John loves a pitch that leaves the editors baffled but intrigued. Action/Adventure, Historical Adventure, Espionage: John is branching out into non-speculative adventures, such as John Le Carré, Lee Child, Ian Flemming, and Mick Herron. More as his taste develops, but the hunt is on! Not looking for: military sci-fi or hard SF, or anything with biblical “character wakes up in purgatory/heaven/hell” narratives. The right comedic fantasy has yet to hit his inbox, but please don’t comp Douglas Adams or Sir Terry. John would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first two chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, John is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 15th July 2025
Sharing & Networking - Corporate Fundraising Session aimed at corporate fundraisers. THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE RECORDED
LOOKING FOR: MG, ADULT FICTION Jo Williamson has been in publishing for over 25 years. Having worked in Children’s books PR for Dorling Kindersley, HarperCollins and Orion, she started as an agent with Antony Harwood in 2008. She feels very privileged being with authors at the very start of their publishing journey and enjoys close working relationships with all her clients. From editorial help, general advice on the publishing world, guiding careers long-term and general cheerleading, she feels she has the perfect job. Although nothing is off limits and she loves being surprised by submissions. In middle grade children's fiction, Jo is particularly looking for books with heart, epic adventures with voice-led characters, and younger funny fiction with series potential. In adult fiction, page-turning Commercial Women’s and Book Club fiction are right up Jo's street, including psychological suspense, thriller, cosy crime and books that don’t quite fit the mould. Above all, she wants stories that linger long after the final page has been read. Jo is not the right fit for police procedurals. Jo would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Jo is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 24th June 2025
Learn to craft top-notch videos for your business using your mobile phone in this interactive workshop. Enhance marketing, visibility, and attract more clients through video. All-in-one workshop for diving into the world of business videos. #VideoCreation #BusinessBoost
Have you heard of Q fever? Join this free informative session about the disease and how it impacts herds and flocks in the UK. We will share our findings and bring forward case information, where herds have been impacted by the disease and are now beginning to take control of the disease through a number of steps, including vaccination and biosecurity measures. Q Fever is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which can infect cattle, goats, sheep and many other mammals. Studies on the UK cattle herd indicate that Q fever is highly prevalent. Q fever is zoonotic, with those people in direct contact with ruminants at most risk – This will be a great opportunity for those working with livestock or going onto farms, to get the answers to the many questions that this disease raises. Join us for a free webinar to explore the disease behind the “silent troublemaker” that is Coxiella burnetii. Find out how Q-Fever can affect your flock, cattle or goat herds, and some of the challenges with diagnosis and management. Your speakers We are delighted to be joined by our expert guest speakers to share their insights and experiences. Prof Jonathan Statham, MA VetMB DCHP FRCVS. RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health of Bishopton Farm Vets & chair of AHWBE Jonathan graduated from Cambridge Veterinary School in 1996. He is a cattle vet, partner & chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group, a 40 vet practice in Ripon, North Yorkshire (a member of XL Vets) and is director and Chief Executive of RAFT Solutions Ltd (an innovative veterinary research, consultancy and knowledge exchange company). He is past-president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) and the Yorkshire Veterinary Society and has sat on the GB ‘Cattle Health & Welfare Group’ (CHAWG), GB ‘Sheep Health & Welfare Group’ (SHAWG), the Veterinary Policy Group (VPG) of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and is a past director of Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS) and member of the ‘Farmskills’ Steering Group. He is an examiner for the University of Liverpool, member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Advanced Practitioner Panel, a member of the Nottingham Dairy Innovation Forum, the International Embryo Transfer Society & served on the Veterinary Residues & Products Committees (VRC & VPC) of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). He currently sits on UK Animal Science Advisory Board (ASAB) Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), is a fellow of Askham Bryan College & is a non-executive director of the Animal Health & Welfare Board of England (AHWBE). Main veterinary interests include reproductive technologies, nutrition, mastitis control and progressive herd health & production management. He has published a wide range of papers, articles and book chapters and is a co-author of textbook ‘Dairy Herd Health’. He holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Diploma in Cattle Health & Production, is a RCVS recognised specialist in Cattle Health & Production and was named UK Dairy Vet of the year 2015. He became visiting Professor of Sustainable Livestock Health & Welfare at Harper-Keele Veterinary School, Institute of Sustainable Health & Welfare (InSHAW) in 2020. Katherine Timms, BVetMed (Hons), MRCVS. Ruminant Veterinary Advisor, Ceva Animal Health Katherine grew up in Leicestershire and went to the Royal Veterinary College, graduating with honours in 2007 before working in mixed practices in the Midlands with dairy, beef and equine clients. Katherine has a busy home life being married to a beef and sheep farmer with three children and having an active involvement in rural life. Katherine joined Ceva Animal Health in 2014 as part of the technical team, covering the UK in the role of veterinary advisor for the ruminant part of the business. Registrations are open to vets, farmers, SQP’s and those in farm supporting roles. Time permitting, the webinar will finish with a brief Q&A session.