Freud’s Reading Room:
‘A Seventeenth Century Demonological Neurosis’
Presented in partnership with The Freud Museum London
10 Continuing Education Credits
March 30, April 5, 6, 12, 26, 2025
10am-12pm Los Angeles, 1-3pm New York, 7-9pm Paris, 6-8pm London
Embark on a transformative intellectual journey with Mind Body Passport's newest rendition of our Reading Room series. Join us for an in-depth, collaborative exploration of Sigmund Freud's seminal essay, "A Seventeenth-Century Demonological Neurosis" (1923). This captivating work delves into the enigmatic case of Christoph Haizmann, a 17th-century Austrian painter who claimed to have made a pact with the Devil.
This essay holds significant value as it showcases Freud's application of historical psychoanalysis, inspired by his mentor Jean-Martin Charcot, who sought to decipher historical accounts of "possession" and "witchcraft" through the lens of contemporary psychological understanding. In participating in our collective reading of this essay, you will witness Freud's application of his groundbreaking structural model of the mind and the Oedipus complex to unravel the complexities of Haizmann's alleged demonic pact. Together, we will discover how deep-seated psychological conflicts can manifest in culturally specific forms, such as beliefs in demonic possession, and explore Freud's insights into the intricate relationship between psychological phenomena and religious beliefs.
Freud's analysis centers on Haizmann's documented experiences, including written agreements and his own artwork, which depict his supposed pact with the Devil. Haizmann's intense distress and belief in his demonic bond led him to seek aid from monks at the shrine of Mariazell. Freud masterfully translates these seemingly supernatural experiences into the language of psychological neurosis, examining the symbolic significance of the "pact with the Devil" as a representation of Haizmann's relationship with his father, the exploration of Haizmann's unconscious desires, conflicts, and the influence of the Oedipus complex, and the role of castration anxiety.
Dr. Leslee Brown and head-of-research at the Freud Museum London, Tom DeRose, have come together to create a dynamic, interactive online environment where you'll engage in collaborative reading aloud in a safe, supportive, and engaging atmosphere. We will pause between sections for rich, insightful discussions with fellow participants and facilitators, allowing you to gain a profound understanding of psychoanalysis by actively engaging with the material, the facilitators, and the group. This experience will unlock new perspectives, transcending traditional lectures and fostering genuine intellectual exploration.
Can’t make it live? No problem, all sessions are recorded!\
Presented in partnership with The Freud Museum London.
10% of proceeds will be donated to The Freud Museum London.
Who Is This For?
-Those with an interest in Freudian literature, poetry, philosophy, and its relevance today
- Those with an interest in Freud’s writings on psychoanalysis
- Those with an interest in exploring Freud’s ideas with a global community
- Psychotherapists
- Mental health professionals
- World and life-learners
*No prior experience or knowledge required!
How Does It Work?
- We will meet via Zoom
- Once registered, you will receive your log-in information and the weekly texts to read
- Everyone who would like to participate will get a section to read aloud in a safe, fun, and playful environment
Can’t make it live? No problem a video recording will be made available.
“If we are right in regarding our painter’s bond with the Devil as a neurotic phantasy, there is no need for any further apology for considering it psychoanalytically …. But for anyone who does not believe in psychoanalysis – or, for that matter, in the Devil – must be left to make what he can of the painter’s case, whether he is able to furnish an explanation of his own or whether he sees nothing in it that needs explaining.”
Learning Objectives
- Discuss Freud’s exploration of a historical case through the lens of psychoanalysis.
- Describe Freud’s analysis to translate what, at the time, was seen as demonical possession, into terms of psychological neurosis.
-Discuss Freud's application of psychoanalysis to historical and cultural phenomena
-Discuss Freud’s exploration of and relationship between psychology and religion.
Testimonials
“Again just blown away! Thank you so much for this offering. Such a wonderfully inspiring respite from “the world”. My sincere accolades for this presentation. So much to consider and in such an articulate form”
“Tom and Leslee have perfected the art of delivering complex reading material which I would otherwise find inscrutable in a way that is relevant, compensable and entertaining. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to encounter Freud’s work in this way, these classes have opened my eyes to his genius. I use to feel like I was cheating on my first love, Jung with Freud, but now I am more inclined to think that it is impossible to really understand one, without the other. Tom and Leslee have an unusual combination of being both highly knowledgeable and incredibly kind, which makes it a safe and enjoyable learning experience.”
“It is such a treasure to spend time putting language to the mysteries, as Freud and others did so well. If not for the depths, what’s the point? This materials is both meaningful and practical. I’m very grateful for you as a resource and for this precious community of friends. Looking forward to the next one!”
“I'm so grateful for the experience of your fascinating and wholly unique course examining Freud's Reading Room. I enjoyed it so much. I'm especially appreciative of the opportunity for a refreshingly different and stimulating opportunity to earn CEUs. I've recommended your offerings for colleagues looking for new ways to earn CEUs”
“Cannot thank you enough for the fabulous teaching series on ‘Freud: Civilization and its Discontents.’ This has been one of the most enlightening and enjoyable classes I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Many kudos to Tom as your choice of instructors. What a wizard! All so comfortable and accepting of all the attendees. You have indeed made a special virtual spot in the multiverse for those of us inclined!”
“I love these classes! I deeply appreciate how kind and welcoming Tom and Leslee both are. I found the material quite dense this time around and I don’t think I could have stuck with it, without the instructors making it so fun and accessible”
“Many, many thanks for an excellent, smart, and challenging course. You and Tom DeRose are gifted presenters and teachers. I learned a great deal, just so much material. I hadn't touched Freud's work for 25 years. I can't believe what I've been missing! The intense Freudian, theoretical learning has already helped me in my work as a Jungian analyst, even as much as I initially resisted the material. I look forward to joining the next Freud course.”
“It was the most amazing connecting experience I have had as a lonely bookworm always in search for something. I am glad I found you and Tom and the Reading Room events and all others. I am already looking forward to it!”
“Leslee. I wanted to tell you that I hosted and facilitated meetings, trainings and counseling sessions for an international consulting firm using web-based platforms from 1998-2012. I've also attended many c.e.u. trainings and post-grad certification studies before and during the Pandemic. Since I left the corporate consulting world, where anything less than perfect could cost you your job, yours and Tom's style is the best I've experienced. You engage your audience. You don't pontificate about this or that. You keep the audience focused and handle less than knowledgeable questions like mine with care. It's been a pleasure and that's why I signed up again.”
“I was so impressed by the quality of this experience. You both did a wonderful job with both presenting the material and facilitating deep-dive discussions. I enjoyed it immensely.”
Facilitators
Tom DeRose
Tom DeRose is Research Manager at the Freud Museum London. He founded the Freud Museum staff and volunteer reading group in 2015, which has been meeting weekly ever since. His research explores the philosophical aspects and cultural implications of Freud’s theories, and his most recent publications include an article comparing the work of Freud, Wagner, and Nietzsche for the Wagner Journal (July 2017). He is currently writing chapters on psychoanalysis and music for The Bloomsbury Handbook of Literature and Psychoanalysis (forthcoming).
Dr. Leslee S. Brown, PhD
Dr. Brown is President and Director of Mind Body Passport Inc. designing and leading international trips and online international courses for adult professionals, offering continuing education credits worldwide. Dr. Brown's interests are multi-faceted, engaging topics of psychology, culture, art, psychoanalysis, social dreaming, and mythology, and narrative stories as a therapeutic modality. She is passionate about weaving many disciplines and interests together and creating an atmosphere of growth and learning. She also served as The Director of International Seminars and Gastprofessor at Sigmund Freud University, Vienna. International psychology and developing “psychologists without borders” has become her focus. Dr. Brown has been in private practice for over twenty years, has been a research psychologist for The Neurologic Institute and has served on faculty at UCLA Medical School teaching psychology and rapport building techniques to medical students. Dr. Brown was also Assistant Professor at The Chicago School and Director of Centers for International Studies. Leslee lives and works part-time in Los Angeles, part-time in Paris, and the rest of the time is traveling the world.
Cost
Alumni only discount save $50 register by March 8th $179. (regular price $229)
Payment plan 3 payments of $93
10% of the proceeds will be donated to The Freud Museum London.
*Mind Body Passport is committed to offering low-cost webinars during this time of crisis, to educate mental health professionals and others to better serve their communities. As a small business, I know finances are difficult and the events of the past few weeks are a tragic and deeply emotional time for us all. If you are in need and can not afford our seminars, please email us for financial assistance.
Mind Body Passport is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. Mind Body Passport maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
This post-licensure course will be at an appropriate instructional level for participants with a wide range of experience from beginner to advanced.
Mind Body Passport Inc. is also recognized as a CAMFT-approved Continuing Education Provider. Certificate awarded upon successful completion.
* Post-course test is required for continuing education credits if done via recording
Questions?
Contact Dr. Leslee Brown at info@mindbodypassport.com for a free one-on-one consultation.
No refunds will be issued as the recordings are available