Bravery and Self-Agency – Standing Apart from the Crowd

A Talk and discussion with Coline Covington, Jungian Analyst and Writer

Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War 1, the Hallam Institute of Psychotherapy is delighted to commence a new series of events in Sheffield with a talk and discussion by Coline Covington on the theme of bravery.

In the midst of atrocities, there is the silent presence of the brave individuals who act and stand apart from the crowd, who risk their own lives by rescuing others and, in other ways, by voicing their dissent. The actions of these exceptional individuals raise questions as to why they were able to do what they did and why other people don’t. But if we look closer at the histories of these individuals, what we discover is that they may not be as exceptional as we think and that bravery takes different forms in different contexts.

Clinical material of a young male patient, a war hero struggling to separate from his refugee parents, illustrates the role of the ego ideal, insofar as it is consonant with innate morality, as the primary factor motivating acts of bravery. The compulsion to act bravely is largely ascribed to conscience, i.e. being at one with oneself. Those who act bravely do not feel they have a choice because not to act is experienced as a betrayal of self. As such, bravery is a fundamental assertion not only of the self but of a moral order necessary to sustain the self.

Coline is currently writing a book : “For Goodness Sake: Bravery, Patriotism and Identity,” She is an experienced public speaker and writes extensively on current events, politics, and social history from a psychoanalytic perspective.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

On foot: The Circle is a 15 minute walk from Sheffield Railway Station.

By bus: 10 minutes if you catch the 95 bus from Sheffield Interchange bus station, and get off at City Hall.

By car: Plenty of car parks in the immediate vicinity

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

email your question to info@hallaminstitute.org

ring the Chair of the Hallam Institute, Andrew Enever, on 07957-295844

Can I have a CPD Certificate?

Yes.: On request to info@hallaminstitute.org before the event. We’ll give it to you on the day.

Refreshments?

Yes.: Tea, coffee etc. available on arrival between 10 and 10.30. The talk begins at 10.30