An Introduction to the Theory of the Enactive Self

We are thrilled to announce that renowned cognitive scientist and philosopher Dr. Miriam Kyselo will be delivering a keynote at the Trauma Therapy Conference, taking place 2–4 October 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany. In her talk, titled “I Relate Therefore I Am”, Dr. Kyselo will introduce her groundbreaking Theory of the Enactive Self with Implications for Attachment Theory and Therapy.

Philosopher & Cognitive scientist Prof. Dr. Miriam Kyselo

Join the talk between Miriam Kyselo and Ellert Nijenhuis on Friday 4 April 14h - Central European Time.
Register now by clicking on the button below.

An Introduction to the Theory of the Enactive Self with Implications for Attachment Theory and Therapy

“Attachment theory emphasises the importance of the formation of securely attached relationships in early childhood and suggests that secure attachment leads to a coherent model of the self. In my talk, I will look to philosophy and enactive cognition to complement attachment theory with an updated model of the minimal human self as fundamentally social: the enactive self. Attachment theory and the social enactive self are highly compatible as both emphasize the importance of close relations in the formation of the human self. The theory of the enactive self suggests that sociality is the very material based on which a self can exist in the first place. The self first emerges through connection and then acts as a structuring principle of that connection. Connection is thus not something that we have on top of being a self, but it is part and parcel of who we are. The enactive approach suggests that we therefore genuinely vulnerable, not only in childhood, but throughout life. A part of who we are is strongly influenced by how other people relate to us and we to them. The challenge of attachment disruption is then two-fold, it is on the one hand to reestablish the vital human capacity to connect and attach with others, and on the other hand to enable a person to structure and challenge the connection. I will explore some implications of the enactive theory of the self for the client-therapist relationship and the importance of authenticity on side of the therapist in recovering a secure yet flexible sense of self and other. An important focus will thereby be on the bodily and affective nature of the minimal self.”

Join us for a free Preconference Webinar on Friday 4 April, where Dr. Kyselo will introduce key ideas from her keynote. Whether you attend live or watch the recording later, this session is not to be missed.
👉 Register here

Learn more about the conference and secure your spot: traumatherapyconference.com