Group Analysis North Annual Barbara Dick Memorial Lecture
was held on 21 March 2026, 10am—3.10pm and was presented by Antony Froggett
“Learning from Experience – some reflections on the difficulties of learning in life”
2027 Annual Lecture Details to be confirmed
The lecture argued that the organising idea within group analysis might not be therapy (with its connotations of integration or repair) but the capacity to learn and to change through experience. Both Wilfred Bion and Carl Rogers wrote about learning from experience, but what does it mean by ‘experience’ and how does one learn from it? Sometimes we ‘know’ things, but this doesn’t change our behaviour or relationships with others. Like St Paul we are left thinking ‘I do not understand what I do’ (Romans 7:15). Learning is paradoxical. We often feel the most stupid while we are in the process of learning. The more we learn, the less we feel we know.
Following a welcome at 10am, from the Chair of GAN, Fiona Parker, the lecture and questions was followed by lunch and then there was a large group which followed the theme of the lecture. The presentation ended with a brief closing address from the Chair of GAN before the GAN AGM which ran from 3.15pm – 4.15pm. Venue: Mercure Georgian House Hotel, Blackrod, Bolton, BL6 5RU.
For details please phone 07792775301, or email bethan@groupanalysisnorth.com
Fees: GAN members £30, non-members £75, GAN students £10
