We are delighted that Dr Gillian Proctor has agreed to deliver this year’s Mary Kilborn Lecture.

Her lecture is called ‘Being Intraconnected: the ethical implications for relationship-centred therapists’.

She writes:

"This is a call to relate in shared humanity with our clients. We are intraconnected, not separate organisms. In a relationship-centred therapy, we share our vulnerability as humans who need connection and relationship and depend on each other. We share having been hurt but equally importantly, we share the ability and potential to hurt each other and others.

To explore what this means in practice, I shall discuss some potential interrupters for this experience of intraconnection in therapy and consider ways to be alert to this experience. The interrupters are overwhelm, fear, shame and despair. I argue that our ethical responsibility is to be alert to how these and other factors can take us away from a capacity for presence and connection and to work ongoingly to return from these interrupting experiences to the experiences of shared humanity from where we can truly serve our clients."

Who should attend?

As well as attending the lecture itself, our annual Mary Kilborn Lecture is an opportunity for meeting, encountering and networking between counselling practitioners, students, trainers, supervisors, counselling services (including placement organisations) and others interested in the provision, funding, and impact of person-centred therapy in the Scottish community and beyond.

We want to create a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere – arrive in time for tea and coffee before the lecture and stay for a glass of wine afterwards. We will also be joined by long-time friends of the Mary Kilborn Lecture, PCCS Books and PCT Scotland. Find out about their latest publications (PCCS Books) and latest activities (PCT Scotland).

The lecture will last 60 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A.

Unable to attend? Don't miss out.

Gillian has agreed that we can record her lecture and make it available for a time-limited period. There will be a short delay before we release the recording while we make sure that the subtitles are accurate. If you want to watch the video, register for a 'Recording only' ticket.

Mary Kilborn Lecture 2025: Dr Gillian Proctor