Alessandra Lemma -Rethinking the Examined Life in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

The Hallam Institute are delighted that Professor Alessandra Lemma will be presenting her paper. There will then be an opportunity for discussion on the topic with Alessandra Lemma.

‘At the Meniscus of Self-Reflection : Rethinking the Examined Life in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’

Just as a liquid meniscus adheres to its container, Professor Lemma proposes that some clients cling to AI for containment. In this paper she draws on her work with adolescents and those who engage intensely with AI, to describe an emerging defensive psychic structure in this context, which impacts the development and integration of the self. The metaphor of the meniscus symbolises this defensive structure, as the role of transference in the consulting room is explored to re-engage the client in self-discovery and integration.

About the Author

Professor Alessandra Lemma is a Chartered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist,  Psychoanalyst and a Fellow of the British Psychoanalytical Society.

She has worked in the NHS and other mental health services sector for over 40 years specialising in the treatment of adults and adolescents with mild to severe mental health problems, and is now a Consultant at the Anna Freud Centre working  with both adolescents and adults.

She has published extensively, both books and papers, on topics ranging from short term psychodynamic psychotherapy models, transgender identities, the body in psychoanalysis, psychoanalysis and the digital age, and her latest upcoming book is titled ‘Psychotechnical Becomings: Psychoanalysis, Identity, Desire and Mourning in Times of AI and Digital Mediation’ (Routledge, May 2026)

About the Organisers

The Hallam Institute of Psychotherapy is an organisational member of the UK Council of Psychotherapy. It has been accrediting psychoanalytic psychotherapists for the last 20 plus years.

It has run face to face events in Yorkshire, where it is based, and online events 3-4 times per year. For more information see https://www.hallaminstitute.org/

Tickets

Buy tickets for £25-45 at https://www.hallaminstitute.org/product/ticket-alessandra/

All ticket holders will receive access to a recording of the presentation after the event, available for 30 days. In order to protect confidentiality, the discussion will not be recorded.

Ticket costs will be used to cover the event costs with any additional money taken being use to support the work of the Hallam Institute of Psychotherapy.

Invitations will be sent out to all those who have registered for the event 24 hours before the event.

Any enquiries about the event, please contact admin@hallaminstitute.org