Group Analysis North Annual Barbara Dick Memorial Lecture
Saturday 28 June 2025, 10am—3.30pm
Lecture Presented by Dr Rachel Gibbons
“The Truth About Suicide and Homicide and Their Impact
on Those Bereaved (Including Clinicians)”
Suicide and homicide are among the most challenging experiences for clinicians, patients, and families, leaving a profound impact on all involved, including therapists. This talk will offer a comprehensive exploration of the psychodynamics of suicide and homicide, examining their causes, the states of mind involved, and their aftermath. Using real cases, we will confront complex questions about causation and prevention, challenging common narratives and misconceptions.
Dr Rachel Gibbons is an expert on the psychodynamics of suicide and homicide, with a focus on their impact on clinicians and the bereaved. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in the NHS as a consultant psychiatrist, medical psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and group analyst. She chairs the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Working Group on the Effect of Suicide and Homicide on Psychiatrists and has led the development of two RCPsych guidance documents for all mental health organisations in the UK on the pastoral care of mental health staff following a patient’s death by suicide and a patient-perpetrated homicide (PPH). The guidance on suicide is now incorporated into England’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2023). She has published extensively in this field, including papers in collaboration with Prof Keith Hawton and the Oxford Centre for Suicide Research.
Further resources, including her papers and tools to support those affected are free to download from her website drrachelgibbons.co.uk
Following a welcome at 10am, from the Chair of GAN, Fiona Parker, the lecture and questions will be followed by small groups and then after a lunch break including an online social space, there will be a large group which will follow the theme of the lecture. The day will end with a brief closing address from the Chair of GAN.
Programme for the day
10am
| 10.00am | Welcome from Fiona Parker, Chair of Group Analysis North |
| 10.10 – 11.40 | Lecture and questions |
| 11.40 – 12.00 | Break |
| 12.00 – 12.30 | Small groups |
| 12.30 – 12.35 | Reconvene and thanks to Rachel |
| 12.35 – 1.15 | Lunch break – zoom room available for social space. |
| 1.15 – 2.45 | Large group, following the theme of the lecture conducted by Fiona Parker |
| 5 minute toilet break | |
| 2.50 – 3.00 | Closing thoughts and thanks, led by Fiona Parker |
| 3.15 – 3.30 | Social time |
To book a place please call 07792775301, or email clerical@groupanalysisnorth.com
FEES: GAN members £30.00, £75.00 for non-members and free for IGA students
