Freud’s Reading Room:
The critique of religion
The Future of an Illusion
Presented in partnership with The Freud Museum London
June 20, 27, July 11, 12, 18, 19, 2026
12 Continuing Education Credits
10am-12pm Los Angeles, 1-3pm New York, 7-9pm Paris, 6-8pm London
Embark on a transformative intellectual journey with Mind Body Passport.
The Return to Culture
Towards the end of his life, Sigmund Freud returned to his deep-seated fascination with cultural issues, embarking on what he described as a ‘lifelong detour through the natural sciences, medicine, and psychotherapy.’ This homecoming to the social realm began with one of his most provocative works: The Future of an Illusion.
This text marks the genesis of Freud's final phase, a transition from the individual couch to the collective psyche. It serves as the essential precursor to his sociological masterpiece, Civilization and its Discontents. In this course, we will explore how Freud paved the way for modern social theory by famously denouncing religion as a ‘universal obsessional neurosis.’
The Relevance of the "Universal Neurosis"
Despite the polemical tone that initially shocked his contemporaries, Freud’s argument is remarkably subtle, deeply persuasive, and arguably more urgent today than it was when first published nearly 100 years ago. As we navigate a world where the lines between belief, science, and ideology are increasingly blurred, Freud’s critique offers a clinical lens through which to view our modern "wish-fulfillments."
We will engage in a close reading of the text, moving beyond the "polemic" to find the clinical brilliance hidden within Freud's cultural observations.
For the practicing therapist, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore how "illusory" systems manifest in the collective. How do these universal neuroses protect us, and at what cost to our scientific and personal maturity?
A Unique Collaborative Experience
Dr. Leslee Brown and Tom DeRose (Head of Research at the Freud Museum London) have crafted a dynamic, interactive online environment that transcends the traditional lecture.
Immersive Reading: Engage in collective reading aloud to foster a deep connection with the original material.
Active Dialogue: We pause frequently for rich, insightful discussions, allowing for a nuanced understanding supported by a vibrant community of peers.
Critical Thinking: Develop your psychoanalytic thinking in a safe, supportive, and intellectually rigorous atmosphere.
Presented by Mind Body Passport Inc. Clinical Travel & Education for the Global Professional
Can’t make it live? No problem, all sessions are recorded!
Uncover the origins of psychoanalysis by engaging with the source.
Presented in partnership with The Freud Museum London.
Once we see payment, we will send your confirmation and instructions!
Who Is This For?
"Freud's Reading Room: is designed for anyone eager to engage deeply with classic psychoanalytic text and its enduring themes.
This course is designed for clinicians, scholars, and curious minds who wish to sit at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and sociology.
Students and scholars of psychology, psychoanalysis, literature, gender studies, and philosophy.
Psychotherapists, counselors, and mental health professionals looking to deepen their understanding of foundational psychoanalytic concepts and case formulations.
Individuals interested in Freud's writings, the history of psychoanalysis, and the complex interplay of human desire, society, and the unconscious.
Anyone curious about exploring challenging yet illuminating texts within a supportive, collaborative, and global learning community.
World and life-learners who appreciate active engagement with intellectual material and diverse perspectives.
No prior experience or knowledge of Freud or psychoanalysis is required. Just bring your curiosity and an open mind!
How Does It Work?
- We will meet via Zoom
- Once registered, you will receive your log-in information and the weekly texts to read
- Everyone who would like to participate will get a section to read aloud in a safe, fun, and playful environment
Can’t make it live? No problem a video recording will be made available.
“Illusions commend themselves to us because they save us pain and allow us to enjoy pleasure instead. We must therefore accept it without complaint when they sometimes collide with a bit of reality against which they are dashed to pieces.”
Learning Objectives
Discuss and Contextualize Freud’s critique of religion within its wider ‘psycho-social’ and cultural context.
To Analyze Wish-Fulfillment in the context of Freud’s nuanced argument that religious belief is sustained by primal wish-fulfillment and functions as a form of collective neurosis.
Discuss Freud’s concept of God and the psychological deconstruction of the concept of God and the paternal authority it represents.
Describe Freud’s rigorous attempt to position psychoanalysis within a scientific Weltanschauung (worldview), distinctly separate from religious dogma.
Testimonials
“Again just blown away! Thank you so much for this offering. Such a wonderfully inspiring respite from “the world”. My sincere accolades for this presentation. So much to consider and in such an articulate form”
“Tom and Leslee have perfected the art of delivering complex reading material which I would otherwise find inscrutable in a way that is relevant, compensable and entertaining. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to encounter Freud’s work in this way, these classes have opened my eyes to his genius. I use to feel like I was cheating on my first love, Jung with Freud, but now I am more inclined to think that it is impossible to really understand one, without the other. Tom and Leslee have an unusual combination of being both highly knowledgeable and incredibly kind, which makes it a safe and enjoyable learning experience.”
“It is such a treasure to spend time putting language to the mysteries, as Freud and others did so well. If not for the depths, what’s the point? This materials is both meaningful and practical. I’m very grateful for you as a resource and for this precious community of friends. Looking forward to the next one!”
“I'm so grateful for the experience of your fascinating and wholly unique course examining Freud's Reading Room. I enjoyed it so much. I'm especially appreciative of the opportunity for a refreshingly different and stimulating opportunity to earn CEUs. I've recommended your offerings for colleagues looking for new ways to earn CEUs”
“Cannot thank you enough for the fabulous teaching series on ‘Freud: Civilization and its Discontents.’ This has been one of the most enlightening and enjoyable classes I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Many kudos to Tom as your choice of instructors. What a wizard! All so comfortable and accepting of all the attendees. You have indeed made a special virtual spot in the multiverse for those of us inclined!”
“I love these classes! I deeply appreciate how kind and welcoming Tom and Leslee both are. I found the material quite dense this time around and I don’t think I could have stuck with it, without the instructors making it so fun and accessible”
“Many, many thanks for an excellent, smart, and challenging course. You and Tom DeRose are gifted presenters and teachers. I learned a great deal, just so much material. I hadn't touched Freud's work for 25 years. I can't believe what I've been missing! The intense Freudian, theoretical learning has already helped me in my work as a Jungian analyst, even as much as I initially resisted the material. I look forward to joining the next Freud course.”
“It was the most amazing connecting experience I have had as a lonely bookworm always in search for something. I am glad I found you and Tom and the Reading Room events and all others. I am already looking forward to it!”
“Leslee. I wanted to tell you that I hosted and facilitated meetings, trainings and counseling sessions for an international consulting firm using web-based platforms from 1998-2012. I've also attended many c.e.u. trainings and post-grad certification studies before and during the Pandemic. Since I left the corporate consulting world, where anything less than perfect could cost you your job, yours and Tom's style is the best I've experienced. You engage your audience. You don't pontificate about this or that. You keep the audience focused and handle less than knowledgeable questions like mine with care. It's been a pleasure and that's why I signed up again.”
“I was so impressed by the quality of this experience. You both did a wonderful job with both presenting the material and facilitating deep-dive discussions. I enjoyed it immensely.”
I have found Leslie and Tom’s delivery, expertise, and knowledge to be just what I needed to round out my limited understanding of Freud. I will keep attending these readings and lectures for my professional development goals.
Facilitators
Tom DeRose
Tom DeRose is Research Manager at the Freud Museum London. He founded the Freud Museum staff and volunteer reading group in 2015, which has been meeting weekly ever since. His research explores the philosophical aspects and cultural implications of Freud’s theories, and his most recent publications include an article comparing the work of Freud, Wagner, and Nietzsche for the Wagner Journal (July 2017). He is currently writing chapters on psychoanalysis and music for The Bloomsbury Handbook of Literature and Psychoanalysis (forthcoming).
Dr. Leslee S. Brown, PhD
Dr. Brown is President and Director of Mind Body Passport Inc. designing and leading international trips and online international courses for adult professionals, offering continuing education credits worldwide. Dr. Brown's interests are multi-faceted, engaging topics of psychology, culture, art, psychoanalysis, social dreaming, and mythology, and narrative stories as a therapeutic modality. She is passionate about weaving many disciplines and interests together and creating an atmosphere of growth and learning. She also served as The Director of International Seminars and Gastprofessor at Sigmund Freud University, Vienna. International psychology and developing “psychologists without borders” has become her focus. Dr. Brown has been in private practice for over twenty years, has been a research psychologist for The Neurologic Institute and has served on faculty at UCLA Medical School teaching psychology and rapport building techniques to medical students. Dr. Brown was also Assistant Professor at The Chicago School and Director of Centers for International Studies. Leslee lives and works part-time in Los Angeles, part-time in Paris, and the rest of the time is traveling the world.
Cost
SAVE $50 ALUMNI ONLY DISCOUNT Register by April 19 $249
(Regular price after April 19 $299)
Once we see payment, we will send your confirmation and instructions!
*Mind Body Passport is committed to offering webinars, to educate mental health professionals and others to better serve their communities. As a small business, I know finances and cash flow can be difficult. If you are in need and can not afford our seminars, please email us for financial assistance.
Mind Body Passport is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. Mind Body Passport maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
This post-licensure course will be at an appropriate instructional level for participants with a wide range of experience from beginner to advanced.
Mind Body Passport Inc. is also recognized as a CAMFT-approved Continuing Education Provider. Certificate awarded upon successful completion.
* Post-course test is required for continuing education credits if done via recording
Questions?
Contact Dr. Leslee Brown at info@mindbodypassport.com for a free one-on-one consultation.
No refunds will be issued as the recordings are available