Lacan in Australia

PSYCHOANALYSIS

Lacanian psychoanalysis emphasises the function of desire, the division of the subject, and the structure and use of language. It begins from the premise that we do not entirely know why we think, feel, choose or repeat the things that we do.

In analysis, you are invited to speak freely about whatever comes to mind: what is troubling you, certainly, but also memories, relationships, dreams, fantasies, mistakes, repetitions and apparently insignificant details. Particular attention is paid to your words — to what you say, how you say it, and to what may be said despite your intentions. Symptoms are not considered simply as problems to be eliminated, but as formations that may have particular meanings and functions in a person’s life.

Rather than offering advice or interpreting experience according to a predetermined psychological framework, psychoanalysis provides a place in which the particular logic of a speaking subject’s symptoms, desires and unconscious life can emerge.

Analysis can be a long-term project; an adventure.

Eugénie Austin

Eugénie is a Lacanian psychoanalyst and a Practicing Analyst (PA) with the Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis. She works in person in Melbourne CBD, online via Zoom, and by phone.

Eugénie is a member of the Australian Centre for Psychoanalysis (ACP) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

A psychoanalytic session involves talking – and nothing else – but it is a way of talking with another person that is quite different from an ordinary conversation. You are invited to say whatever comes to mind, without preparation, organisation or censorship.

The analyst listens not only to the story being told, but also for repetitions, unexpected words, hesitations, contradictions, slips and associative chains — and to what isn’t being said.

There is no correct way to ‘do’ psychoanalysis, and each subject is radically singular. You do not need any prior knowledge of Freud, Lacan, or even of what you want to say — analysis proceeds perfectly well regardless.

Fees are agreed prior to the beginning of analysis, with individual financial circumstances taken into consideration.

Payment is due at the end of each calendar week for sessions held during that week.

You may pay by direct debit or credit card, or via international transfer facilities such as Wise.

You are welcome to contact Eugénie here if you would like to arrange a complimentary 15-minute Zoom conversation before a first session. This provides an opportunity to ask questions or briefly discuss your situation.

Analysis usually proceeds with regular session times, at least weekly.

Urgent or immediate sessions can sometimes be accommodated.