In the heart of London, a gathering unfolds that feels less like a milestone event and more like a soulful homecoming. “Returning to Love: The Invocation of Hope” marks the 50th anniversary of our dear friend and colleague Dr. Gottfried Heuer’s extraordinary career as a therapist, inviting us all to reflect on what truly makes a life in psychotherapy fulfilling. Scheduled for an intimate afternoon at AJA’s 27 Delancey Street location, with online access for those who can’t join us in person, this special celebration promises heartfelt tributes and meaningful dialogue through four in-depth interviews that capture the many facets of Gottfried’s remarkable journey.
At 50 years in practice, Gottfried has become something of a legend in analytical psychology, his adventures spanning not only decades but continents—from his beloved London base to Russia, Latin America, Australia, and countless places beyond. As an independent scholar with nearly 70 published papers gracing the pages of prestigious journals like the Journal of Analytical Psychology and International Journal of Psychoanalysis, Gottfried has never shied away from the difficult conversations: courageously addressing Jung’s racist prejudices through the powerful Open Letter he co-authored, exploring post-Shoah intergenerational trauma, examining the language of fascism, and celebrating the sacredness of love even as burnout threatens both individuals and our natural world. His books, including Sacral Revolutions (a beautiful Festschrift for Andrew Samuels) and Freud’s ‘Outstanding’ Colleague/Jung’s ‘Twin Brother’ (which brilliantly unearths Otto Gross’s suppressed legacy), continue to push psychoanalytic boundaries, while his graphic art, sculptures, and poetry bring a wonderfully visceral creativity to theoretical work.
Joining Gottfried for this celebration are some eminent voices: the insightful Meg Bisset, offering her gift for relational depth; Professor Andrew Samuels, whose The Plural Psyche Gottfried translated, bringing his signature blend of political and psychological wisdom; Jonathan Chadwick, who has a way of illuminating archetypal nuances; and Dr. Birgit Heuer, Gottfried’s partner in both life and analysis, whose presence grounds the personal within the profound. Together, they’ll explore hope as a revolutionary return to love’s transformative power.
This gathering invites not just celebration, but also serves as an inspiring call to action for all of us psychotherapists trying to navigate our fractured times. You can secure your place through AJA, whether joining us in person or connecting online, and become part of this meaningful dialogue. You can watch two of Gottfried’s interviews below—they offer a wonderful glimpse into the mind and heart of someone who has truly dedicated his life to healing and understanding.