The Weekend University

Right now, billions of neurons in your brain are working together to generate your conscious experience. How does this happen? According to neuroscientist Anil Seth, we’re all hallucinating all the time; when we agree about our hallucinations, we call it “reality.” This talk will provide an insight into how consciousness emerges from the material brain, and how changes to our brain can result in bizarre experiences of consciousness. You’ll learn about the latest research in the new science of consciousness and how cutting-edge experiments in neuroscience are shedding light on the underlying neural mechanisms that give us our conscious experience in normal life, as well as in neurological and psychiatric conditions. Anil Seth is professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience at the University of Sussex, and co-director of the Sackler centre for consciousness science. He is the co-author of the 30 Second Brain and contributes regularly to a variety of media including the New Scientist, The Guardian, and the BBC. Links: - If you are interested in hiring Professor Seth to speak at your conference, please enquire at: http://www.anilseth.com/contact - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduni... - Anil’s book: https://amzn.to/2ATvqkK - Check out Anil’s website: http://www.anilseth.com/ - Check out the neuroscience of consciousness journal: https://academic.oup.com/nc - Donate to Brighton & Hove Impetus: https://www.justgiving.com/BHimpetus

‘Learning how to learn is life’s most important skill.’ Tony Buzan. This talk from a leading Cambridge Neuroscientist will show you how to tap into your hidden potential using discoveries from the neuroscience of learning. Whether you want to master a new language, learn a new skill, or ace an upcoming exam, developing an understanding of the science of learning is one of the most effective things you can do. The talk will explore the neural mechanisms involved in the learning process, how the brain processes and stores new information, and will conclude with practical strategies you can use to accelerate your own learning process. Dr. Michelle Ellefson is a senior lecturer in Psychology & Education at the University of Cambridge. Her work integrates cognition, neuroscience, child development, and education into a multi-disciplinary research, international research programme. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity - Michelle’s bio: https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/ellefson/ - Info on the INSTRUCT Research Group: https://sites.google.com/site/instructlab/

Most of us believe that we are unique and coherent individuals, but are we? The idea of a “Self” has existed ever since humans began to live in groups and become sociable. Those who embrace the self as an individual in the West, or a member of the group in the East, feel fulfilled and purposeful. This experience seems incredibly real, but a wealth of recent scientific evidence reveals that this notion of the independent, coherent self is an illusion – it is not what it seems. In this talk, Professor Bruce Hood reveals how the self emerges during childhood and how the architecture of the developing brain enables us to become social animals dependent on each other. You’ll learn how the self is the product of our relationships and interactions with others, and it exists only in our brains. Prof Hood argues, however, that though the self is an illusion, it is one that humans cannot live without. Professor Bruce Hood is the Professor of Developmental Psychology in Society in the School of Experimental Psychology at the University of Bristol. He has been a research fellow at Cambridge University and University College London, a visiting scientist at MIT and a faculty professor at Harvard. He has been awarded an Alfred Sloan Fellowship in neuroscience, the Young Investigator Award from the International Society of Infancy Researchers, the Robert Fantz memorial award and voted to Fellowship status by the society of American Psychological Science. He is the founder of the world’s largest expert speaker database Speakezee.org, and the bestselling author of ”Supersense”, ‘The Self Illusion”, and the ”Domesticated Brain.’ His new book, “Possessed” is published by Allen Lane in 2019. Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity Follow Bruce on twitter: @profbrucehood Check out Bruce’s books: https://amzn.to/2LPwuul For more information on Speakezee, please see: http://speakezee.org

Dr Kevin Lu will explore Jung’s model of the psyche, with special attention to the definitive concepts differentiating analytical psychology from Freudian psychonanalysis. In particular, the talk will critically assess Jung’s formulation of the archetypal Self, which acts as the end goal of the individuation process. While critiques of Jung’s search for universal patterns of human experience and action — which in turn may have limited his appreciation of the influence exerted by social and contextual factors — are duly noted, Dr Lu suggests that the true contribution of Jung’s psychology cannot be divorced from one of its major limitations: it seeks to say something both general and specific about the human condition. What Jung yearns for is not an imitation of old, worn out patterns, but a creative engagement with them that allows us to experience the fullness of life in all its complexities. Dr Kevin Lu, PhD, is Director of Graduate Studies and Director of the MA Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the International Association for Jungian Studies. Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox:http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity For more info on the MA in Jungian & Post Jungian Studies: https://vimeo.com/67385596

Every society in human history, except ours, accepted the basic human need to lose control, go beyond the ego, and connect with something bigger than ourselves. This experience became known as ecstasy. In this talk, Jules Evans explores various forms of ecstatic experience, argues that transcendence is good for us and through proper practice, can help us find healing, inspiration, connection and joy. Jules Evans is Policy Director at the Centre for the History of Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London and a leading researcher into ecstatic experience. Jules’ first book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations was published in 19 countries and was selected by Matthew Syed as a Times Book of the Year. He has written for The Times, Financial Times, Guardian, Spectator and WIRED and is a BBC New Generation Thinker. Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity Support Jules on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophyforlife Check out Jules’ books: https://amzn.to/2Envsnz Check out Jules website: http://philosophyforlife.org

Existential ideas can be found in Eastern and Western philosophies dating back many millennia, and these have inspired psychoanalysts and psychotherapists for over a century. In this talk, Emmy van Deurzen will give a historical overview of the roots and evolution of existential analysis, and will cover the key contributions of existential philosophers to the psychoanalytic movement, including Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Husserl and Heidegger. She will then present the existential-phenomenological school of psychotherapy in greater detail and will particularly focus on her own, well established, method of existential therapy, including her four world’s model and structural existential analysis (SEA), which includes working with time and space, as well as with the emotional compass. Emmy van Deurzen is a Philosopher, Counselling Psychologist and Existential Psychotherapist. She founded the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s University, the Society for Existential Analysis and the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Existential Academy in London. Her application of philosophical ideas to psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling has been instrumental in establishing the existential paradigm in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and around the world. She lectures internationally, and her books have been translated into well over a dozen languages. Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity Learn more about the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling: http://nspc.org.uk/ Emmy’s books: https://amzn.to/2PpATEA Upcoming courses at the Existential Academy: http://bit.ly/2G8gEMg

CBT offers evidence-based treatments for common psychological problems as depression, generalised anxiety disorder (worry), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), social anxiety, low self-esteem and anger. Stoicism is having something of a cultural moment, offering a more Western alternative to Buddhism for those searching for a less materialistic and pleasure-driven yet more meaningful and purpose-driven life. Stoicism’s aim is not to repress emotions but to develop wisdom and to become a virtuoso at living like an excellent human being. In this interactive and practical talk, Tim LeBon, a CBT psychotherapist and writer on Stoicism and practical philosophy, will explore how CBT & stoicism can be combined to improve mood, create lasting changes, reduce anxiety and worry, and offer practical solutions for living a meaningful life. Tim LeBon is an experienced UKCP Registered psychotherapist and BABCP accredited CBT therapist who has trained in a number of approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), existential therapy and philosophical counselling. He studied P.P.E at Oxford, gaining a first class degree, and then took an M.Phil at London University in Philosophy, Ethics and Ancient Philosophy. Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduni... Check out Tim’s book: https://amzn.to/2P57sHS

This lecture will explore Carl Jung's unique approach to the psychology of religion, which will include a critical assessment of his controversial Answer to Job and his reservations regarding westerners turning to eastern religions and practices. While it is clear that Jung struggled with his own belief and the role of religious institutions in maintaining psychological well-being, there may be an indication that the ambivalence with which he regarded organised religion shifted as he approached the end of his life. Dr Kevin Lu, PhD, is Director of Graduate Studies and Director of the MA Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the International Association for Jungian Studies. Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity For more info on the MA in Jungian & Post Jungian Studies: https://vimeo.com/67385596

A new renaissance is currently underway in scientific research into psychedelic substances. Dr David Luke - senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Greenwich, will explore the latest research into psychedelic substances: - For their potential use in treating mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression and addiction - As catalysts for genuine mystical experiences and spiritual orientation - For how both mental health and mystical experience interact with psychedelics Dr David Luke is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Greenwich where he teaches an undergraduate course on the Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience. His research focuses on transpersonal experiences, anomalous phenomena and altered states of consciousness, especially via psychedelics, having published more than 100 academic papers in this area, including five books, most recently Neurotransmissions: Essays on Psychedelics (2015) and Talking with the Spirits: Ethnographies from Between the Worlds (2014). Check out David’s latest book: https://amzn.to/2ODA1vE Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Support this channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theweekenduniversity

Mick Cooper is an internationally recognised author, trainer and consultant in the field of humanistic, existential and pluralistic therapies. He is a Chartered Psychologist, and Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton. Mick has facilitated workshops and lectures around the world, including Australia, Lithuania and Florida. Mick’s books include Existential Therapies (Sage, 2017),Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Sage, 2018), and The Handbook of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling (Palgrave, 2013). His principal areas of research have been in shared decision-making/personalising therapy, and counselling for young people in schools. In 2014, Mick received the Carmi Harari Mid-Career Award from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association. He is a Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and theAcademy of Social Sciences. You can follow him on twitter: @mickcooper77. This interview mostly focuses on the book ‘Existential Therapies‘ (https://amzn.to/2Ry4DAm), which went into its second edition in 2017. About The Weekend University: The Weekend University aims to make the best psychology lectures available to the general public. To do this, we organise 'lecture days', once per month, where you get a full day of talks from leading psychologists, authors and university professors. To keep updated on upcoming events, new lectures and podcasts, you can sign up for the mailing list at http://theweekenduniversity.com.