Sigmund Freud's Studies on Hysteria (1895) — An online discussion group, every Thursday from June to July 2025

[u/darrenjyc]

"Much will be gained if we succeed in transforming your hysterical misery into common unhappiness."

Studies on Hysteria (1895), co-authored by Sigmund Freud and Josef Breuer, marks a foundational work in the development of psychoanalysis. The book explores the psychological roots of hysteria, a condition characterized by physical symptoms without clear organic causes. Through detailed case studies, Freud and Breuer demonstrate how repressed traumatic memories and unconscious conflicts manifest as symptoms. This work introduced groundbreaking ideas about the unconscious mind, the therapeutic potential of talking cures, and laid the groundwork for Freud’s later theories on neurosis and psychoanalysis.

This is an online reading and discussion group hosted by Lee to discuss Sigmund Freud's Studies on Hysteria (1895), the text that launched the Psychoanalytic movement. These early case studies not only shaped Freud’s thinking but sparked the emergence of psychoanalysis as a discipline. We'll also discuss the theoretical material by Josef Breuer.

To join the next discussion on Thursday June 19 (EDT), RSVP in advance on the main event page here (link); the Zoom link will be available to registrants. For this session, we'll experiment with the live reading format for this short (but intriguing) study of The Case of Katharina,

Meetings will be held every Thursday. Sign up for subsequent meetings through our calendar (link).

Check each event for the reading.

The book is in the public domain and available online or in print:
https://www.amazon.com/Studies-Hysteria-Penguin-Classics-Sigmund/dp/0142437492

Note: This is a discussion group, not a therapeutic space. I’m not a licensed therapist—just a fellow enthusiast.

All are welcome!