Freud’s Reading Room:
Unraveling 'The Case of Dora'
Dreams, Defiance, and Psychoanalytic Discovery

Presented in partnership with The Freud Museum London

10 Continuing Education Credits

August 16, 23, 30, September 6, 13, 2025
10am-12pm Los Angeles, 1-3pm New York, 7-9pm Paris, 6-8pm London

Embark on a transformative intellectual journey with Mind Body Passport's newest rendition of our Reading Room series. Join us for an unparalleled, in-depth, and collaborative exploration of Sigmund Freud's groundbreaking case: Dora: Fragments of an Analysis of a Case of Hysteria.

Written in 1905, 'Fragments of an Analysis of a Case of Hysteria,' better known as 'The Dora Case,' remains one of Freud’s most famous and profoundly controversial case studies. Here, Freud recounts his treatment of a young woman suffering from ‘hysterical’ symptoms, seemingly caught in a complex web of love-triangles and family intrigues. Yet, as we'll discover, Dora’s symptoms can be read as powerful expressions of repressed desire and a defiant repudiation of the societal sexual and gender norms of her era. The case is also illuminating for its intricate dream analysis and Freud’s own 'novelistic' brilliance, which shines through his vivid descriptions of fin-de-siècle Viennese bourgeois life. Though Freud himself described the case as a 'failure,' it proved remarkably productive, as its shortcomings famously enabled him to develop his pivotal theory of 'transference.' What is perhaps the most enduring and memorable aspect of this text, however, is the figure of Dora herself, who, like Antigone, stands out as a beacon of defiance, boldly rejecting the patriarchal conditions of her time—a theme that resonates powerfully even today.

Dr. Leslee Brown and Head of Research at the Freud Museum London, Tom DeRose, have meticulously crafted a dynamic, highly interactive online environment. Here, you'll immerse yourself in collaborative reading aloud, fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging atmosphere. We will frequently pause between sections for rich, insightful discussions with fellow participants and facilitators, allowing you to gain a profound and nuanced understanding of psychoanalysis by actively engaging with the original material. This unique, hands-on experience transcends traditional lectures, empowering you to develop critical reading skills, deepen your psychoanalytic thinking, and foster genuine intellectual exploration alongside a vibrant community.

Can’t make it live? No problem, all sessions are recorded!

 

Presented in partnership with The Freud Museum London.
5% of proceeds will be donated to The Freud Museum London.


Who Is This For?

"Freud's Reading Room: Unraveling 'The Dora Case'" is designed for anyone eager to engage deeply with classic psychoanalytic text and its enduring themes. This course is ideal for:

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.

Dreaming, in short, is one of the devices we employ to circumvent repression, one of the main methods of what may be called indirect representation in the mind.
— Sigmund Freud

Learning Objectives

- Discuss Freud’s early theory of hysteria
- Discuss Freud’s development of the theory of transference
- Describe Freud’s application of the theory of dream analysis
- Discuss the findings of the Dora Case in the light of Second Wave Feminism.


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.”


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 $75 ALUMNI ONLY EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $174 (regular price after July 27 $249) Payment plan 3 monthly payments of $93
$249 after July 27

5% of the proceeds will be donated to The Freud Museum London.

*Mind Body Passport is committed to offering low-cost webinars during this time of crisis, to educate mental health professionals and others to better serve their communities. As a small business, I know finances are difficult and the events of the past few weeks are a tragic and deeply emotional time for us all. 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