‘Peripheral Visions’: A Conference Celebrating the Contribution of Jeremy Holmes and 20 Years of Psychoanalytic Studies at Exeter University, UK

The establishment of the psychoanalytic studies programme at the University of Exeter as a ‘periphery of excellence’ dates back two decades to an encounter in the North Devon Department of Psychiatry between two clinician-researchers: Eugene Mullan, a psychologist trained in cognitive analytic therapy, and Jeremy Holmes, a medical psychotherapist and champion of attachment theory and its clinical applications. Mutual commitment to open enquiry and psychotherapeutic ecumenicalism helped reconcile endemic rivalry between psychiatry and clinical psychology. They saw huge advantages, intellectual and administrative, in an academic rather than guild-based home for psychotherapy training. Coming from those different traditions, they nevertheless moved compatibly to the Psychology Department at Exeter University. Under the indefatigable and skilful aegis of Jungian analyst Richard Mizen, the programme has now matured academically from modest beginnings into a Masters and Clinical Doctorate, as well as encompassing multi-level psychoanalytic professional trainings.

Previously, would-be psychoanalytic psychotherapists in the South West had to travel long distances for training, with consequent depletion of local services. The accredited professional programme now covers the major psychoanalytic models, combining them with a rigorous enthusiasm for research. Attachment theory and, increasingly, relational neuroscience are strongly represented. Group analysis, psycho-sociology and organizational observation form a popular part of the programme. The virtues of questioning, democratic discussion and spontaneity are emphasized throughout.

‘Peripheral Visions’, a two-day conference in March 2018 organized as a ‘Festschrift’ for Jeremy Holmes by Richard Mizen, aimed at capturing the geographical, scientific, political and training implications of peripherality, and to celebrate his contribution to our discipline.

Each of the speakers picked up on aspects of Holmes’ enthusiasms. His US