2nd PhenoLab Summer School in Umbria

Phenomenology in mental health. Transdisciplinary approaches and qualitative research

When: June 9-13, 2025

Venue: Palazzo Trinci in Foligno (PG), Umbria

Keynote Speakers:

- Dr. Roxana Baiasu, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham (UK)
- Dr. Valeria Bizzari, Husserl Archive, KU Leuven (Belgium)
- Prof. Dr. Matthew Broome, Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham (UK)
- Prof. Dr. Scott D. Churchill, University of Dallas (USA)
- Prof. Dr. Magnus Englander, Malmö University (Sweden)

- Dr. Cecilia Maria Esposito, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, IRCCS Fondazione Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (Italy)
- Prof. Dr. Susi Ferrarello, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, California State University (East Bay) (USA)
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Fuchs, Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany)
- Prof. Dr. James Morley, Ramapo College (USA)
- Prof. Dr. Giovanni Stanghellini, Universita’ degli Studi di Firenze (Italy)


Call for papers:
In recent times phenomenology is experiencing a resurgence in psychiatry, offering a fresh perspective on mental health. Interested in understanding how human experience can be understood from the individual's viewpoint, the variety of phenomenological approaches focuses on how conscious subjects experience and interpret their world. However, it's important to remark that there is a distinction between describing an experience and diagnosing a disorder: while personal experience is central to the former, the latter requires generalizable, reliable criteria that can predict outcomes.
Historically, mental health research has relied heavily on quantitative methods that emphasize objective measurements. While these methods provide valuable large-scale data, they often miss the subtle, personal experiences of people living with mental health conditions. 

Phenomenology emerged as a descriptive psychological approach that offered new ways to understand consciousness and human experience. By examining how people construct their experience of the world, phenomenology can identify vulnerable points where this mental construction might deviate, potentially manifesting as psychiatric symptoms. When applied to psychopathology, this method allows clinicians to examine various mental states and qualities in detail, as noted by Jaspers (1997). 

While phenomenology doesn't reject the traditional view of symptoms as treatable dysfunctions, it adds another dimension by exploring personal meaning and lived experience alongside causal factors. This approach recognizes patients as active participants in their diagnosis, capable of interpreting their own experiences. As result, phenomenology also serves as a crucial link between human sciences and clinical practice by providing essential tools for understanding human suffering. 

The aim of the 5 days of Summer School is to explore the critical role of phenomenological approaches in mental health research, emphasizing the importance of transdisciplinary methodologies and qualitative research strategies. By examining the lived experiences of individuals with mental health conditions, contributors are invited to explore a person-centred approach to mental health that transcends traditional diagnostic frameworks.

This call for papers is open to scholars, social workers and mental health professionals working in the interdisciplinary field of phenomenology and mental health.

We invite authors to submit two separate files:
· One file, with their short bio and affiliation;
· Another one with 1000 words abstract about themes including, but not limited to, the following:

- variety within phenomenology: historical aspects, key concepts, and advancements.
- challenges in the development of phenomenological method and its application in mental health.
- phenomenological psychopathology.
- critical analysis of the phenomenological method in the clinical settings.
- clinical examples of applying phenomenology in mental health.
- phenomenological interviews.
- phenomenologically informed approaches to qualitative analysis.
- limits of phenomenological approach in mental health.
- transdisciplinary approaches combined with phenomenology in mental health research.
- role of experts by experiences in doing research in mental health.
- discussion of case studies.

Contributions for oral presentations are requested to be sent by email to phenolab2019@gmail.com specifying in the subject CALL FOR PAPERS – PHENOLAB SUMMER SCHOOL

The submission deadline is January 15, 2025
Notification of acceptance will be communicated to the authors by email within February 15, 2025

Registration fees:
Early birds for oral presentations 610 euros VAT included (until March 15, 2025)
Fees for oral presentations: 793 euros VAT included (after March 15, 2025)
Fees for non-presenting participants: 244 euros VAT included (possibility of enrolment until June 1st, 2025)
(Non-presenting participants are invited to participate in the discussions and engage in the activities)

Both presenting and non-presenting participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance

For any query or information please contact phenolab2019@gmail.com