Dear IARPP Members,

In organizing our 21^st Annual Conference, we set out to reflect on the paradox of freedom in Relational Psychoanalysis, both in and out therapy – and we did so in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization.

The Athens conference offered an immersive experience to further explore the challenges facing Relational Psychoanalysis. The world around us is becoming increasingly complex – and so is our profession. In times of polarization, our work invites us to resist binary thinking and absolute truths. Instead, we are invited to be bridge builders, holding space for multiplicity and contradiction. And we do this while carrying our own personal and collective histories, often supporting trauma while experiencing trauma ourselves.

Having had the opportunity to share these days together, learning from colleagues from all around the world, we return to our practices revitalized. We have also strengthened our ties with colleagues who are already dear friends.

I would like to once again thank the conference co-chairs, Stavros Charalambides, Fotini Doumoura, and Alkinoi Lala, along with the rest of the Local Organizing Committee and the International Conference Committee, and also to Nilou Mostofi, Elisa Zazzera, Valerie Ghent, and Lucía Lezama. Their work made it possible for all of us to enjoy such a rich and meaningful conference.

It is now time to think about our next annual conference, which will take place in Toronto, Canada, in May 2026, entitled “Can Hate Last? Reclaiming Clinical Sensibilities in Relational Psychoanalysis.” You will be finding updated information on our website at https://iarpp.net/conferences-and-events/

Wishing you all a pleasant summer,
Sandra Toribio Caballero
IARPP President

Sandra Toribio Caballero, Ph.D.
Madrid, Spain
Email Sandra Toribio Caballero