Dr. Leon S. Brenner

Lehrbeauftragter, Theoretical psychoanalysis

IPU Berlin
Stromstr. 3b - Raum 1.02
10555 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 300 117-711
E-Mail: leon.brenner(at)ipu-berlin.de

Focus in Teaching

My teaching centers on the intricate intersections of psychoanalytic theory, subjectivity, and the cultural dimensions of psychopathology. I approach my lectures and seminars as a deep dive into the philosophical and psychoanalytic frameworks that underlie our understanding of the human psyche. My courses are designed to unravel the complex ways in which language, culture, and identity shape, and are shaped by, psychological experiences.

One of the core insights of psychoanalysis, particularly within the Lacanian tradition, is the notion that our subjectivity is structured by language and the unconscious—a space that is both enigmatic and revealing. In my teaching, I emphasize the importance of understanding these structures, not as static entities, but as dynamic processes that continually evolve with our engagement in critical and reflexive thinking.

In Module 8, we delve into "Epistemology and Subject Theory," where the focus shifts to the theoretical foundations that inform psychoanalytic practice. We begin with Freud's foundational work and trace the development of psychoanalytic thought through key figures like Descartes, Hume, Kant, Foucault, Derrida, and other contemporary theorists. This module challenges students to interrogate the assumptions that underpin psychoanalytic theories and to consider how these frameworks influence our understanding of the unconscious.

Whether through interactive lectures, intensive seminars, or close readings of seminal texts, my goal is to foster an environment where students can critically engage with psychoanalytic ideas and develop their own perspectives. Psychoanalysis, particularly as it intersects with philosophy and cultural theory, requires a willingness to confront and grapple with contradictions, both in the theories we study and in our personal experiences. My teaching aims to guide students through this challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, process.

I am deeply committed to supporting students at the IPU in their journey towards cultivating a robust scientific and clinical style, one that is informed by a rich understanding of the theoretical tensions and cultural contexts that shape psychoanalytic thought.

Research Focus

My research is situated at the intersection of psychoanalytic theory, subjectivity, and cultural studies, with a particular emphasis on how these fields inform our understanding of psychopathology. My approach is deeply rooted in the Lacanian tradition, which I combine with contemporary philosophical and linguistic frameworks to explore the intricate dynamics of the human psyche.

In my work, I strive to advance psychoanalytic theory by engaging it with other intellectual traditions, including phenomenology, critical theory, and semiotics. I believe that psychoanalysis, when integrated with these disciplines, offers a powerful lens through which we can understand the complexities of subject formation, identity, and mental health. My research seeks to illuminate how language and culture intersect to shape individual experiences and how psychoanalytic concepts can be applied to broader social and cultural contexts.



Research Projects

Since 2024
Drive Regulation in Autism
This ongoing project examines the concept of drive regulation in autism, building on Lacanian psychoanalytic theory. The study investigates how autistic individuals engage with the symbolic and imaginary orders, focusing on the formation and expression of drives. This work aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of autism as a unique subjective structure, distinct from other psychoanalytic categories such as psychosis and neurosis.

Since 2023
The Dermic Drive: Skin and Subjectivity in Psychoanalysis
This research investigates the psychoanalytic concept of the dermic drive, focusing on how the skin functions as a boundary between the subject and the Other. The study examines various modes of "dermic punctuation" and their significance in the containment of meaning, particularly in the context of autistic and psychotic experiences and aims to expand psychoanalytic understanding of body and subjectivity.

2019-2022
Epistemic Harm in Empathy: A Psychoanalytic Critique
This completed project focused on the potential epistemic harms embedded in the concept of empathy, particularly within therapeutic contexts. By analyzing empathy through a psychoanalytic lens, the research highlighted how certain empathic practices might obscure or distort the subject’s true experiences, leading to what I term “epistemic harm.” The findings were published in several peer-reviewed journals and have influenced ongoing debates in psychoanalytic and psychological circles.

Collaborations and Publications
My research is highly collaborative, often involving partnerships with international scholars across various disciplines. I am currently engaged in projects with colleagues from institutions such as Ghent University, Ruhr University Bochum, and the International Psychoanalytic University Berlin. My work has been published in leading journals and has made significant contributions to the fields of psychoanalysis, psychology, and cultural theory.

Student Supervision

Open Consultation Hours during the Lecture Period:
Tuesday, 16:00-17:00h

Supervision of Bachelor's and Master's Theses
I offer supervision for student theses primarily in the fields of psychoanalytic theory, subjectivity, and cultural studies. My supervision is particularly well-suited for theses that explore intersections between psychoanalysis, philosophy, and the cultural dimensions of psychopathology. I also welcome topics that engage with philosophical inquiries into language, identity, and the unconscious, provided they align closely with my research expertise.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of my work, I encourage students to approach psychoanalytic concepts not only within traditional clinical contexts but also in relation to broader cultural and philosophical discourses. However, I am unable to supervise theses that focus primarily on empirical psychotherapy research, organizational psychology, or quantitative methods.

Supervision Prioritization
Due to the high number of supervision requests, I prioritize as follows:

  1. Students working on Lacanian psychoanalysis or philosophical inquiries into psychoanalytic theory.
  2. Students who have taken my courses and whose thesis topics align closely with my research interests.
  3. Students writing their thesis in English.
  4. As my capacity allows, other students working on topics where I have sufficient expertise.

     

Application Procedure
If you wish to have your thesis supervised by me, please visit me during office hours—ideally during the winter semester preceding the semester in which you plan to write your thesis. During this initial meeting, we will discuss potential thesis topics. If we agree on a provisional topic, I will ask you to submit a brief outline (no more than two pages) detailing your research question and approach. This outline will help clarify your thesis direction and allow me to determine whether I am the right supervisor for your project.

Plagiarism and Ethical Writing
Adherence to ethical academic writing standards is non-negotiable. Plagiarism, including the use of AI-generated content without proper attribution, is a serious offense under IPU regulations. If you are unsure about any aspect of ethical writing, please consult Miguel Roig's guide on plagiarism here.

Style and Formatting Guidelines
Theses under my supervision should follow the guidelines in the current edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). However, if you are writing a theoretically oriented thesis without data collection, you may deviate from the traditional APA structure. All other APA guidelines, including citations and formatting, should still be followed.

Three Questions, Three Answers

What can students learn from you personally?
My personal goal in teaching is first of all to kindle in my students a desire for knowledge. After that I put an emphasis on developing reading and writing skills required for a successful career as a researcher.


What is it about psychoanalysis and psychology that excites you? 
The mere notion of the unconscious.


Do you have a motto on life or a favourite quote?
"There is no Other of the Other" (Jacques Lacan)