The Development of Psychoanalysis: An Overview — 3 Sessions
Salman Akhtar, M.D.
This brief course will serve as an introduction to the field of psychoanalysis. It will familiarize candidates with the major nodal points in the history of psychoanalysis and with the evolution of divergent paradigms within the discipline. The role of pioneers, innovators, mavericks, and truly controversial figures will be mentioned.
Motivational Theory — 5 Sessions
Susan Adelman, Ph.D. and Michael McCarthy, M.D.
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.
Basic Ego Theory: The Evolution and Status of the Structural Model — 7 Sessions
Michael Kowitt, Ph.D.
The course traces 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. We start with the pre-psychoanalytic observations on conflict, followed by his early model—the topographic model. We will then consider the empirical problems with this model and its later revisions in the structural model. We will consider various features of the structural model, as well as some of the limitations and subsequent re-formulations. We examine the shifts in emphasis and complexity, and we will look at these in the context of an evolving cultural and psychoanalytic milieu.
Superego — 4 Sessions
Anita Schmukler, D.O.
The origin, structure and function of the superego will be examined from both developmental and conflictual vantage points, using assigned readings and clinical material.
Dreams and Psychoanalytic Process — 5 Sessions
Christie Huddleston, M.D. and Anita Schmukler, D.O.
This course is designed to be an introduction to the study and understanding of dreams as one aspect of the psychoanalytic process. We will focus primarily on Freud’s, The Interpretation of Dreams, which is one of the cornerstones of Freud’s writings as well as of psychoanalysis. Along with the didactic session of each class there will be a discussion of the dream and its associations in order to further develop analytic skills that can deepen the psychoanalytic process. The aim is to understand the place of the dream among the patient’s other material, how it reflects the inner life of the patient, and how one works with the dream in order to further the analytic process.
Basic Principles of Technique — 10 Sessions
Sydney Pulver, M.D.
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.
Analytic Listening — 5 Sessions
Jack Solomon, M.D. and Andrew Smolar, M.D.
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.
Assessment for Analysis — 5 Sessions
Bruce Levin, M.D.
There is an old psychoanalytic adage that an analyst and a patient have a comprehensive diagnosis and assessment of the patient’s problems at the end of a successful analysis. From this perspective our attempts to assess patients at the beginning of treatment put us at a great disadvantage. This being said, what can we learn and know from the patient and what can we not know at the beginning? What specifically are we trying to assess and for what purposes? Are there particular techniques that will best inform us as analysts and engage the patient, while heightening his/her curiosity in order to facilitate the start of an analytic process? Through our readings and discussion of clinical material we will try to develop a clinically relevant working list of what we are assessing in order to decide to recommend psychoanalysis
Conversion to Psychoanalysis — 5 Sessions
Kenneth Cohen, M.D. and Harvey Schwartz, M.D.
The course will review the differences and similarities between psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. In addition to using selected readings from the literature, each week a member of the class will present brief process notes from a case they are considering deepening into an analysis. The goals of our course include clarifying the indications for analysis, enriching communicative skills with colleagues, and deepening our understanding of the psychoanalytic process.
Adult Continuous Case Conference — 10 Sessions
TBA (Faculty changes yearly)
In this course, each student will present one of his/her current psychotherapy cases, beginning with a comprehensive description of the patient and including process notes of one or more psychotherapy sessions. Our aim will be to elucidate the principles of psychodynamic case formation and to discuss the basic approaches to psychodynamic technique.