On 25th November in Geneva I will be speaking at Emotions, arguing that curiosity and empathy help us develop relationships that bring positive change to our lives. The meeting was supposed to be held in February 2022 but has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A brief explanation of my interest in curiosity and empathy (in Italian) can be found in this video.
What is Emotions?
"Reversing the stereotype of women ruled by their emotions and incapable of rationality, the Emotions Itinerant BrainForum has invited brilliant scientists from the most prestigious international universities and institutions to analyse the emotions, considering all their biochemical, genetic, epigenetic, psychological and neurological aspects. And to discuss the fundamental role of women’s emotional expertise in inclusion, empathy, preservation, sustainability, for solving the challenges of the Third Millennium – from migration to global heating to exploitation of resources and the difficult ethical decisions arising form the new technologies.[...] EMOTIONS is dedicated to Rita Levi-Montalcini, and aims to promote women in science, following the path outlined by the Italian nobel Prize Laureate."
Adopting the agential stance
My presentation will be based on the paper I wrote with the Agency in Youth Mental Health team, on how encounters between practitioners and young people who struggle with their mental health can improve if practitioners adopt the agential stance, and listen attentively, validate young people's experiences, legitimise their help seeking behaviour, do not reduce them to their symptoms or diagnostic labels, affirm their capacity to bring positive change, and involve them in decision making.
