A tribute to Dr John Walshe

The Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (PPS) pays tribute to Dr John Walshe

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. John Walshe, a key figure in the founding of PPS.

John was born and raised in County Clare in Ireland. After studying Medicine at The Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, he practised neurology and psychiatry as a junior doctor in the 1960s.

After initially moving to London in the 1970s to specialise in psychoanalysis, John progressed to become a Fellow of The Royal College of Psychiatrists, a Member of The Institute of Group Analysis and a Founder Member of the Essex Institute of Psychotherapy and Analytical Studies.

As an NHS psychotherapist in Colchester, John was instrumental in linking NHS clinicians and students with the University, originally through the highly successful MA in Sociology and Community Mental Health degree.

In the mid-1990s, John served as Medical Director of North Essex Partnership Foundation Trust and had a clinical role as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Psychotherapy.

These positions were employed to forge important collaborative links with the University.

John’s abiding interests in the multidisciplinary study of the mind and mental health created new and exciting spaces for creative collaborations between clinicians, therapists, and scholars.

Based on his own substantial experience as an analyst, John published several important essays on group dynamics in psychotherapeutic practice.

John, contributed decisively to Trust involvement in the founding of the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies (CPS).

It was a timely moment, in which a swell of interest in psychoanalysis crystallized with the programmes already on offer, the readiness of Trust involvement and the keen interest of Society of Analytical Psychology in the project.

CPS was established in 1993, inaugurated in1994, and flourished into the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies.

John brought deep understanding and commitment to the development of the role of psychoanalysis within the University’s academic community.

Over many years he remained its strong advocate. Even after retirement, he was a valued ally to the University. With his understated charisma, good humour and open-mindedness John was ever present at talks and conferences on Psychoanalytic thought and practice.

He was the long-term partner of Dr. Fiona Hughes of Philosophy.

John will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.

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