IARPP Conference 2026 - May 7– May 10, 2026
Can Hate Last?
Reclaiming Clinical Sensibilities in Relational Psychoanalysis
It has been 25 years since Stephen Mitchell published his last book, Can Love Last: The Fate of Romance Over Time. Now, we find ourselves considering the fate of hate over time as we seek to come to terms with the impact of the hatred we face in our internal worlds (in hating and being hated) and in the social-cultural-interpersonal surround in which hatred and destructiveness abounds and shapes the field in which we live and practice. When uncertainty grows and there is a lack of future prospects and vision, polarizations often offer the illusion of cohesion around something or someone defined in opposition to someone or something else. The commitment to creating or contributing to a sustainable and supportive way of life seems fragile and perhaps futile. Hate can become a strong affective bond as a misguided response to a deeper need for care and recognition. In this context, reclaiming clinical sensibilities to further our recognition of the complexity of bonds and affects becomes a precious counter-cultural commitment that is increasingly necessary.
Relational theory’s pluralistic emphasis on interpersonal relationships and the co-construction of meaning particularly lends itself to a creative exploration of hate’s complexity, allowing us to inhabit a position from which we might hope to metabolize, integrate, and transform it. How, then, does a Relational clinician work when pulled in the direction of being a bad object? How do we manage the intense transference and countertransference engendered by feelings of hate? And what does it all look like in the context of the asymmetrical mutuality of a relational frame?
At this conference, we will explore how we live and work in the context of the hate we encounter, both within ourselves and others, and inside and outside our consulting rooms.
We look forward to seeing you in Toronto, ON, Canada – May 7- 10, 2026.
Conference Co-chairs: Hazel Ipp, PhD and Hilary Offman, MD, FRCPC
International Conference Committee: Anthony Bass, Margaret Black Mitchell, Susanna Federici, Steven Kuchuck, Gianni Nebbiosi, Phil Ringstrom, and Sandra Toribio Caballero
Local Committee: Judi Kobrick, Afarin Kohan, Nira Kolers, Deborah Levine, Jamie McMillan, Faye Mishna, Christian Schulz-Quach, and Bettina Von Lieres
Travel Details: The 2026 IARPP Conference has been registered with the IRCC. When applying for a via, if applicable, use the Special Event Code which can be provided by the Conference Manager after conference registration is complete. Most foreign nationals need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. For information about the TRV and eTA application processes, see: Visit Canada. To find out if you need a TRV or eTA to travel to Canada, see: Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Cancellations/Refunds: If your entire registration must be cancelled, a refund less $75 administrative fee will be allowed if requested in writing (nilou@km-direct.com) by April 6th, 2026. Cancellations made in writing between April 7th - 23rd, 2026 will be refunded 50% plus the $75 administrative fee. We regret that cancellations made after April 23rd, 2026 will not be accepted. Cancellations on optional ticketed items such as the conference reception will not be accepted after April 23rd, 2026. IARPP highly encourages all attendees to purchase travel insurance to cover airfare, accommodations, and any other expenses that may be incurred. This precaution helps protect against unforeseen circumstances that could disrupt travel or participation. Please note that IARPP is not responsible for any losses or costs for travel to/from the conference, including those resulting from weather or force majeure events, including but not limited to natural disasters, personal health issues, bereavement, political unrest, or other disruptions beyond our control.
Featured Speakers
