Psychiatric/psychotherapeutic praxis in Vietnam and Algeria post-WWII

• Speaker: Nguyễn T. Thuỳ-Trang, PhD Candidate, Department of Geography, UW-Madison
• Moderator: TBD

About Nguyễn:

Nguyễn’s dissertation project examines radical psychiatric/psychotherapeutic praxis in Vietnam and Algeria post-WWII, within a broader theoretical framing of Afro-Asia intimacies, postcolonial studies, decoloniality, and critical social theory from the Global South. Against the landscape of liberation wars and decolonization across the two continents, her research brings forth a radical reconfiguration of the psychiatric asylum space by studying the encounter between the seemingly distinct identities of psychiatric patient and political dissident. Engaging with archival materials and literary analysis of works produced by the residents of psychiatric asylums, the project draws connections among seemingly unrelated temporal, spatial, and social conditions to problematize the contemporary construction of global mental health. Besides research, Nguyễn is also a practicing psychotherapist, specializing in traumatic stress in children and adolescents. She grew up in Vietnam.

What to expect:

• Networking & Refreshments (African food)
• Presentation
• Panel discussion
• Audience Q&A

Africa Talks Community Lectures is co-organized with the UW African Studies Program, the lectures serve as a forum academic researchers to interact with the public about topics focused on Africa and the African diaspora, igniting intellectual discussions, celebrating cultures, and connecting hypothesis to lived experiences.