October 21, 2025

Psychoanalysis Under Occupation: Practicing Resistance in Palestine with Lara Sheehi (Episode 44)

37 minutes

"Psychoanalysis Under Occupation: Practicing Resistance in Palestine" examines the profound concept of sumud—psychological resilience and defiance—within the context of Palestinian life under occupation and settler colonialism. This episode explores psychoanalytic frameworks that illuminate the complex psychological expressions of both individual and collective endurance in circumstances of ongoing trauma and oppression. Clinical case studies reveal the sophisticated ways Palestinian mental health practitioners and communities navigate lives marked by systematic violence while actively resisting the narrative of victimhood. Moving beyond conventional human rights discourse, we will uncover how psychological resistance manifests as a form of political and existential assertion, offering new perspectives on trauma, healing, and identity in contexts of prolonged conflict.

Dr. Lara Sheehi brings her groundbreaking research to this episode, offering listeners rare insights into how psychoanalytic practice functions as both healing modality and resistance strategy in occupied Palestine. In her dialogue with Professor Sahar Aziz, Dr. Sheehi presents powerful clinical examples that demonstrate how Palestinian clinicians and their clients maintain dignity and agency despite overwhelming structural violence. Her analysis challenges traditional Western psychological frameworks that often fail to account for political realities and collective trauma responses.

Join Sahar Aziz and Dr. Sheehi for this essential conversation about how mental health practices can honor Palestinian lived experiences while contributing to broader movements for justice and liberation in contexts of ongoing oppression.

#Israel #Palestine #Gaza #Genocide #ICC #HumanRights

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