34th Annual Conference
Gozo, Malta
Belonging and Othering:
The Stranger as the Projective Canvas
28 - 30 May 2026
The theme of this year’s conference addresses global concerns around exclusion, structural violence, identity-based hostility and the increasing social, political and institutional pressures affecting both forensic systems and clinical work.
Around the world, governments and institutions are enacting policies restricting personal freedoms, speech, and difference. These shifts generate intense societal anxieties, foster mechanisms of projection and boundary‑making, and create hostile environments for those perceived as “strangers”. The conference examines these dynamics through psychoanalytic and systemic thinking, exploring their impact on individuals, institutions, and societies.
The conference extends over 3 days, packed with an excellent range of spaces to learn and exchange ideas within formal plenary presentations from leading practitioners, Q&As, large group discussions and smaller parallel sessions.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE
Dr Alex Hinton (USA) - Author; Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, Director of the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights at Rugers University; UNESCO Chair in Genocide Prevention
Dr Peter Muscat (Malta) - Consultant Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist; co-founder of Hospice Malta
Anna Motz (UK) - Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist; Author, her latest book If Love Could Kill: the myths and truths of women who commit violence was published in 2024
Andy West (UK) - Author of The Life Inside: A memoir of prison, family and learning to be free which has now been made into the 2026 BBC drama Waiting For The Out; Philosopher in Residence at HMP Grendon
Aliyah Ali (UK) - Trauma Informed Trainer & Consultant; founder of Daddyless Daughters Project; co-contributor to the documentary Holloway, which was released in 2025
Professor Girolamo Lo Verso (Italy) - A prominent Italian psychotherapist, author, and professor at the University of Palermo who has pioneered the study and clinical treatment of the psychology of Mafia members and their families
Dr Jessica Yakeley (UK) - Consultant Psychiatrist in Forensic Psychotherapy; Director, Portman Clinic at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
Large Group Conveners
Dr Christopher Scanlon (UK) - worked in Public health, social care, community justice and prison settings for over 40 years - latterly as Consultant Psychotherapist in general adult and forensic mental health, and Psychosocial Researcher/Consultant and writer
Patrick Mandikate (UK) - Group Analyst & Psychotherapist; former Head of Psychotherapy at HMP Grendon Therapeutic Prison.
VENUE
Our venue this year offers delegates a rare opportunity to have both conference facilities and accommodation provided all in one self-contained location. For those with limited or restricted mobility, the hotel is all on one level. Hotel Ta' Cenc is located on the island of Gozo, close to Malta. We have reserved some on-site accommodation for our delegates - please note that these are not available via booking sites. To secure a reserved room contact the hotel info@tacenchotel.com stating that you are attending the IAFP Conference. There are various room options available on a B&B basis (prices given in Euros).
Classic room for 2 persons sharing €190
Classic room for sole use €170
Suite for 2 persons sharing €250
Trullo for 2 persons sharing €279
Deluxe Junior Suite for 2 persons sharing €270
TRAVEL
It is advisable to book flights early whilst the prices are still fairly inexpensive. Transfers from the airport to the hotel are easily obtained and include a 20 minute ferry journey.
CONFERENCE PRICES
Current IAFP subscribers - £400
Non member or lapsed IAFP subscribers - £495
Day Delegate rate - £165
BOOKING
Please ensure you are a paid up subscriber before booking a Member rate.