Structural Theory: Ego and Superego
The course will trace the evolution of Freud’s thinking as he worked to develop a model of the mind. At the heart of his theorizing, he wanted his model to reflect the central role of mental conflict and compromise. Candidates will start with the pre-psychoanalytic observations on conflict, followed by his early model—the topographic model. The empirical problems with this model and its later revisions in the structural model will then be considered, along with various features of the structural model, as well as some of the limitations and subsequent reformulations. Candidates will examine the shifts in emphasis and complexity, and look at these in the context of an evolving cultural and psychoanalytic milieu.
Basic Psychoanalytic Process
This course will introduce the first year candidate to psychoanalytic technique. It will cover:
1. Consultation process – initial contact; the consultative interview; recommending treatment; discussing practical arrangements; and discussing the analytic procedure.
2. Finding analytic patients – carving a niche and developing referral sources.
3. On being a psychoanalytic candidate – didactic courses; supervision; supervised cases; participation in activities of the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia; and writing and publication.
4. The concept of a standard or classical analytic technique – Eissler’s curse: the idea of parameters.
5. The analytic attitude – search for understanding; empathy; flexibility; consistency; reliability; and appreciation of the patient.
6. The relationship in psychoanalysis – old versus new; analyst as arbiter; and the therapeutic alliance.
7. Basic principles of technique – neutrality; anonymity; abstinence versus gratification; and confidentiality.
Motivation and Drives
The course examines the nature of theory and how the questions we ask shape the answers we find. Some models of motivation from outside psychoanalysis are presented, as is the question of whether one is looking at a one-person psychology or a multiple person psychology. The question of what information is relevant to a psychoanalytic model is raised; e.g. do we need to consider empirical research on infancy on refining our theories? The course begins with a discussion of what Freud meant by drives and wishes and a presentation of his developmental theory, along with Erikson’s expansion of the psychosexual to the psychosocial model. The psychoanalytic understanding of aggression is discussed, along with its relationship to libido, narcissism and object relations. Motivations related to the self (self-preservation, security, self-esteem, well-being) are discussed. Attachment theory is discussed along with the relative values of one-person and two-person perspectives.
Affect, Defense and Resistance
The first part of the course will cover the role of affect, emotion and feeling in psychoanalytic theory and practice: what they have to do with psychological healing, with psychoanalytic knowledge and with the psychoanalytic process of making the unconscious conscious. Among the specific topics covered will be transference, countertransference, resistance, enactment. The relationship between affects and drives, and the role of affect in personality organization.
The second part of the course will provide an introductory and comprehensive review of defense and resistance as it manifests within the clinical process, starting with Freud and tracing its circuitous evolution over the ensuing decades. Defense and Resistance will be considered within the context of several process elements: transference; countertransference and enactment; as it is connected to a broad range of affective and cognitive dangers: aggression, sexuality, attachment, and narcissism; and as it emerges from various conflictual structures and interventional styles. The complexities of the attitude and the emotional rigors and rewards for the analyst working with defense and resistance will be highlighted across each of these subtopics.
North American Object Relations
This course presents an introduction to the development of object relations theory in North American psychoanalysis and to the specific and varied thinking of some of its proponents. The intention of the course is to show the natural progression of the object relations perspective out of earlier instinct theory and ego psychology. The course will emphasize those thinkers who tended to integrate their perspective with the pre-existing body of psychoanalytic thought. The writings of Hans Loewald will act as the backbone of the course and will serve admirably to accomplish this goal. Also illustrated will be the thinking of Margaret Mahler, Arnold Modell, and Otto Kernberg.
Psychoanalytic Listening
Starting with a psychoanalytic point of view, what the analyst feels, shows interest in, is curious about, conceptualizes and ultimately listens for within the unique working relationship with the patient will be explored. The emotional state of mind of the patient, the inner experience of, and the stance taken by the analyst, and the verbal and non-verbal modes of communication within the dyad will be considered.
Principles of process versus content, primary versus secondary process, free versus elicited associations and activity versus passivity in analytic listening will be highlighted. How the ideas and theoretical focus of various psychoanalytic authors affect the nature of ones listening will be given priority.
This course is organized around the presentation of the points of view and clinical illustrations by various authors concerning psychoanalytic listening. Starting with S. Freud recommendations, we will, in succeeding weeks, review the approaches taken by J. Arlow, P. Grey, E. Schwaber, R. Stolorow, I. Jacobs, T. Ogden, H Smith, P Herman, and J. Sandler.
Beginning Phase Case Conference
Course description to be published at a later date.
Assessment and Conversion
This course investigates psychotherapeutic approaches to effective patient evaluation and assessment. Candidates will explore what can be known and not known at the beginning of treatment and how this information is similar or different from other types of psychiatric consultations. Using articles and clinical experience, candidates consider the methods, purpose, and techniques for effective assessment as well as develop clinically relevant strategies to facilitate the start of a psychoanalytic process.
Senior Analyst Forum
Course description to be published at a later date.