Yuk Lun Mak, Marco

Marco is not a counselor or social worker trained in traditional mainstream clinical psychology or psychiatry. He is a PhD Candidate rigorously trained in sociology, political science, and Lacanian psychoanalytic theory, and a former Visiting Lecturer at PolyU CPCE.

He opposes the negative labeling and pathologization of "unconventional experiences" by mainstream society and traditional medical frameworks. Armed with research-grade analytical technology, he is determined to stand as an ally to those with non-mainstream experiences—pioneering a new pathway for exploring the human psyche in Hong Kong while resisting the "mental colonization" imposed by clinical medicine.

The Undefinable Outlier: Sociology x Psychoanalysis x Politics

From the perspective of Hong Kong's academic circles, Marco's background and research interests make him a highly undefinable outlier. His concern for human society is inspired by sociology and political science; yet, when contemplating how to actualize this concern within society, he chose Lacanian psychoanalysis as his guide.

Under the doctoral supervision of Prof. Jason Glynos, a leading scholar in Lacanian psychoanalysis and political theory in the UK, Marco cultivated a unique perspective on the human psyche. While revering the infinite and unique nature of the human spirit, he learned to utilize political psychoanalysis to precisely capture the psychic operational logics—both conscious and unconscious—of human society.

The Boundary Walker Between "Rationality" and "Madness"

As someone deeply steeped in rigorous academic training, Marco is passionate about explaining life through theory. Yet, he is equally driven to use his own body and mind as "bait," immersing himself in various underground arts, shamanic journeying, and religious spiritual experiences. He continuously collects "unexplainable" and "beyond common sense" experiences, bringing them back to the academic realm for profound dissection. He constantly navigates the space between the "finite" and the "infinite," attempting to deconstruct the operational logics of the human psychic dimension.

Marco himself has experienced states of mental stagnation: where thoughts seem trapped in an endless loop, unable to "wander," and the spirit feels frozen within the "finite." While delving into Lacanian theory, he discovered that psychoanalysis is not merely a philosophy or an abstract concept; it is a technology genuinely capable of cutting through this "circular loop," bringing individuals from the "finite" back to the "infinite," and restoring a state of fluid wandering.

Therefore, despite his rigorous doctoral training, Marco has no intention of becoming an "authority" who monopolizes the right to interpret. Instead, he aspires to be a guardian for marginalized individuals and those with unconventional experiences, providing an analytical space grounded in the belief of the "infinite." Through precise analytical techniques, he accompanies individuals experiencing various states, helping them learn, explore, and transform through their own experiences, ultimately returning to the realm of the infinite.

"Analysis" as "Praxis"

Following in the footsteps of his supervisor, Prof. Jason Glynos, Marco believes that providing a space for "mental transformation" need not be confined to the "therapeutic space" of clinical psychology or psychiatry; it can also be an "analytical space" driven by the exploration of knowledge. Jason discovered that when researchers (analysts) explore knowledge, as long as specific conditions are met, they can provide interviewees with a space that possesses mentally transformative functions.

This discovery opens an entirely new pathway for mental transformation: individuals passionate about exploring knowledge can, in the process of organizing that knowledge, provide a catalyst for transformation to those experiencing suffering or confusion. This establishes a new direction for approaching the human psyche—centered on "exploratory analysis," blurring the lines between "normal," "abnormal," or "pathological," and wholly embracing each person's uniqueness. As the human psychic domain is increasingly monopolized by psychopathological perspectives, the "analytical space" acts as a protective shield, upholding the belief in human infinity while practically satisfying the need for mental transformation.

A New Trajectory for the Politics of Consciousness

The "Mental Garbage" Recycling Operation, alongside the corresponding Experience Restructuring Analysis (ERA) technology, is only the first step.

This operation addresses "social issues" (de-labeling negatively defined experiences) on one hand, and "psychic issues" (assisting in breaking stagnation and cyclical states) on the other. Moving forward, Marco will continue to collaborate with PsyCode team members, synthesizing cross-disciplinary perspectives from psychoanalysis, sociology, political science, art, and philosophy. Together, they will explore more technologies and topics, providing humanity with greater possibilities for exploring its own psychic territories.