How to Plan Your Next Psychotherapy Conference Using ChatGPT

The Best Psychotherapy Conferences Around the World round-up blog post inspired me to share: How to Plan Your Next Psychotherapy Conference Using ChatGPT to create a psychotherapy conference-based itinerary. And what better destination than Vienna in Austria – the home, workplace, and final resting place of Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis.

This July (16th – 19th), the World Congress for Psychotherapy will take place at the Sigmund Freud Private University, offering a rare opportunity to experience the city where culture, history, and introspection meet. Freud’s Vienna, the birthplace of psychoanalysis, is filled with historic sites, intellectual landmarks, and artistic treasures – a rich landscape for psychotherapists to explore.

Using ChatGPT, you can design a personalised itinerary that weaves together conference events with meaningful local experiences. As a vegetarian traveler who has visited Vienna twice, I’ve also included some personal favourites for places to eat, reflect, and unwind.

Set the Scene – Use ChatGPT to Research Freud’s Vienna

Start by asking ChatGPT to provide a brief overview of Vienna during Freud’s time. You’ll get insights into the city’s social, cultural, and political landscape – key elements that shaped Freud’s thinking and theories. Vienna at the turn of the 20th century was a hub of intellectual discourse, political upheaval, and artistic expression, which laid the groundwork for Freud’s development of psychoanalysis.

It was a place where ideas from diverse fields – such as philosophy, literature, and psychology – intersected, creating an environment that was ripe for the birth of psychoanalysis. The city’s political tensions, particularly in relation to the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s decline, the rise of nationalism, and the rapid changes in social dynamics, laid the groundwork for Freud’s groundbreaking theories.

This vibrant cultural and intellectual atmosphere would become the fertile soil for Freud’s exploration of the unconscious mind, repression, and human behaviour. Understanding the context in which Freud worked will deepen your appreciation for the revolutionary ideas he introduced to the world of psychology.

Explore Freud’s Life and Work at Key Landmarks

ChatGPT can help you curate a list of important places that connect you to Freud’s personal and professional journey, for example:

• Sigmund Freud Museum (Berggasse 19): Visit Freud’s former home and office, where he lived and worked for nearly 50 years. The museum offers a permanent exhibition of Freud’s life and theories. Explore the rooms he inhabited, filled with historic photographs and cultural artifacts, as well as the story of Freud’s exile after the Nazis annexed Austria. The augmented reality feature allows you to “bring back” Freud’s iconic couch digitally.
• Café Freud: Right next to the Freud Museum, the cafe offers a relaxing environment to reflect on the morning’s experiences. A mural of Freud keeps watch over your coffee as you unwind. It’s an ideal spot for informal reflections and meaningful discussions.
• Sigmund Freud Private University (SFU): As the venue for the World Congress, SFU offers a vibrant academic atmosphere. ChatGPT can help you find additional workshops or small events happening around the Congress. Attending these will give you a deeper connection to Freud’s psychoanalytic teachings. For example:
  • Psychoanalysis in Discourse – “Dream, Consciousness and the Brain”: A free lecture series exploring the intersections of psychoanalysis with contemporary neuroscience and consciousness studies. This event is part of SFU’s ongoing commitment to integrating psychoanalytic theory with modern scientific perspectives.
  • “Trauma, Culture & Mental Health”: An online workshop examining how trauma affects mental health in immigrant and refugee populations, with a focus on inclusive mental health practices. This session is part of SFU’s commitment to addressing cultural dimensions in psychotherapy.
• The University of Vienna is one of the most prestigious and historically significant institutions in Europe, renowned for its pivotal role in the development of psychoanalysis. As the place where Sigmund Freud both studied and taught, it’s a central landmark in the story of psychoanalytic theory. The university’s rich intellectual atmosphere continues to inspire future generations of thinkers, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Freud’s legacy and the broader landscape of psychoanalytic thought.
• Freud’s Lecture Hall: Walk the halls where Freud lectured and stood at the forefront of psychoanalysis. ChatGPT can find open lectures or exhibitions within the psychology department that align with your interests.
• The Freud Collection at the University Library: Known for its vast collection of texts, this is a great place for researchers or anyone interested in delving deeper into Freud’s works. ChatGPT can help you locate more details about visiting and any specific collections or events being hosted.
• Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery): Pay your respects at Freud’s grave. This cemetery is home to many other great minds, including famous figures such as Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Johann Strauss, and Karl Landsteiner. These legendary musicians, composers, and intellectuals contribute to an atmosphere of reverence for intellectual and artistic history, making it a powerful place for reflection and connection to the cultural heritage of Vienna.

Explore Freud’s Cultural and Political Context

Vienna’s intellectual culture was pivotal to Freud’s theories. Use ChatGPT to find exhibitions or walking tours that explain the connections between Freud’s work and Vienna’s broader cultural movements. For example:

• The Jewish Museum Vienna: Explores the cultural heritage of Vienna’s Jewish community, which deeply influenced Freud’s thought.
• The Viktor Frankl Museum: Dedicated to the Author of Man’s Search for Meaning, and founder of Logotherapy, offering an interesting juxtaposition to Freud’s ideas, especially for psychotherapists interested in existential psychology.

Experience the Art that Shaped Vienna’s Psyche

Vienna was not only home to Freud but also to a vibrant art scene that played a critical role in shaping the intellectual atmosphere of the time. Many of these artists were engaged with themes that align with Freud’s exploration of the unconscious, human desires, and the psyche.

• Hundertwasserhaus and Kunst Haus Wien: Visit the whimsical and colorful Hundertwasserhaus, an apartment complex designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Hundertwasser’s distinctive architecture and design philosophy, with uneven floors, was a direct rebellion against the rigidity of modernist design and mirrored the complexity of the human mind, a theme Freud would have appreciated. Hundertwasser believed in creating spaces that resonated with human emotions and nature, much like Freud believed that unconscious thoughts and desires affect our behavior in ways we cannot always control.
• Belvedere Museum: This museum houses one of Vienna’s most important collections of Austrian art, including works by Gustav Klimt. Klimt’s iconic painting The Kiss and his exploration of sensuality, desire, and the human condition resonate with themes central to Freud’s work. The psychological tension present in Klimt’s portraits, especially his depictions of the female form, can be explored through a psychoanalytic lens, reflecting Freud’s fascination with sexuality and the subconscious.
• Leopold Museum: Another excellent stop for exploring Austrian modern art. You’ll find works by Egon Schiele, whose raw, intense depictions of the human form reflect a deep dive into the inner turmoil and desires that Freud studied. Schiele’s art, much like Freud’s theories, delves into the complexities of human emotion and the repressed desires lurking beneath the surface.
• Vienna Secession Building: Home to Klimt’s Beethoven Frieze, a masterpiece of mythic longing and transcendence. The Secession movement and Freud’s theories emerged in the same cultural soup.
• Freud and Film at Top Kino or Filmcasino: Although Freud was disdainful of cinema to express psychoanalytic ideas, look out for local screenings of films related to psychoanalysis or featuring Viennese filmmakers. These independent cinemas often have Freud-themed retrospectives around the time of the Congress.

Reflect and Digest in Vienna’s Nature

While the city’s intellectual offerings are rich, Vienna is also known for its natural beauty. Take time to reflect in serene spots like:

• Türkenschanzpark: Freud’s Vienna was not just intellectual—it was also a place where nature balanced the urban environment. Türkenschanzpark, with its lush green spaces and peaceful paths, is ideal for psychotherapists seeking quiet reflection. Look for the secluded areas and tranquil spots along the park’s winding paths—perfect for quiet walks or meditation. For those with an interest in ecotherapy, this park is a restorative space that complements the work of psychoanalysis.
• Schönbrunn Gardens: The grand Schönbrunn Gardens offer a tranquil escape from the city. With expansive greenery, sculptures, and fountains, it’s a perfect place for psychotherapists to unwind and reflect. The labyrinth garden, in particular, is a great spot for contemplation, offering a sense of peaceful solitude. It’s the ideal place to clear your mind and reflect on your experience at the conference.
• Vienna Woods (Wienerwald): A perfect day trip for solitude and deep reflection, the Vienna Woods offer an ideal escape for psychotherapists after a busy conference. The peaceful forest trails provide opportunities for quiet walks and meditative moments, allowing you to connect deeply with nature while processing the ideas and insights from the conference.

Enjoy Mindful, Vegetarian Dining in Vienna

Vienna is home to several vegetarian restaurants that align with a nourishment, conscious, reflective lifestyle. ChatGPT can guide you to places such as:

• Landia – Casual, Austrian-Inspired Vegetarian Meals: Landia offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy Austrian-inspired vegetarian dishes. This casual spot serves wholesome, hearty meals made with fresh, local ingredients. Perfect for a relaxed meal after a day of exploring Freud’s Vienna, Landia offers both a nourishing experience and a taste of local vegetarian cuisine.
• Tian Restaurant – Michelin-Starred, Artfully Plated Dishes: Tian is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative approach to vegetarian cuisine. With beautifully plated dishes that highlight seasonal produce, the restaurant combines fine dining with a commitment to sustainability. For those seeking an exquisite culinary experience, Tian offers a delightful blend of creativity and elegance, making it an ideal spot for reflection and gourmet indulgence.
• Café Landtmann – Freud’s favourite cafe: Freud was a regular here. Café Landtmann is the epitome of the period-style Viennese coffee house: vibrant and relaxed, inviting and charming, cosmopolitan yet so typically Viennese. In Freud’s time, coffee houses were intellectual hubs where ideas in art, science, and psychology were debated and developed. Order a coffee and Viennese pastry and imagine the conversations that shaped psychoanalysis.
• Rupp’s Vegetarisches Pub: Rupp’s is a cosy, old-school pub offering vegetarian and vegan versions of classic Viennese dishes. Think hearty potato cakes, apple sauce, and rich goulash—all without meat. With its relaxed atmosphere and impressive whisky selection, Rupp’s is perfect for those wanting a traditional Viennese dining experience that aligns with a plant-based lifestyle.
• Deli Bluem – Elegant Wholefood Café with a Philosophical Edge: Deli Bluem offers beautifully prepared wholefood dishes in a bright, minimalist setting. With a focus on seasonal, plant-based ingredients, it’s a serene spot ideal for a reflective lunch after the conference. Perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful eating and a calm, elegant atmosphere.
• Venuss Bistro – Plant-Based Viennese Cuisine at Naschmarkt: Venuss Bistro reimagines classic Viennese cuisine with a fresh, plant-based twist. Located near the vibrant Naschmarkt, it’s the perfect place for a relaxed meal before heading to nearby galleries. Light, flavourful dishes make this a refreshing stop for health-conscious travellers.
• Karma Food – Mindful Meals with Ayurvedic Influence: Karma Food blends Ayurvedic principles with modern vegetarian cuisine, offering nourishing meals full of vibrant flavours. With a welcoming, community-focused vibe, it’s an inspiring place to unwind, reflect, and maybe even meet fellow thoughtful travelers after a day of exploring Freud’s Vienna.

These spots offer healthy, nourishing options perfect for psychotherapists seeking balance during their busy days.

How ChatGPT Can Help You Create Your Ideal Itinerary

By combining ChatGPT’s research capabilities with your own reflections on Freud’s life and work, you can craft an enriching and transformative conference experience in Vienna. From psychoanalytic landmarks to meaningful spaces for contemplation and artistic exploration, Vienna offers a journey into the heart of Freud’s legacy that will stay with you long after the conference ends.

Are you a ChatGPT novice? Then check out my introductory course ( ChatAI for Therapists ) on how to use ChatGPT in your therapy practice.