Infancy — 5 Sessions
Barbara Shapiro, M.D.
This course focuses on development in the first year of life. For the first three sessions we will read about and discuss normal development, including inborn and developing psychophysiologic, emotional and cognitive abilities; mutual and self-regulation; dyadic system; attunement, dysregulation and repair; the development of the self; and moods and rhythms. The readings will include works by Beebe, Stern, Pine, and Tronick. We will then take the last two sessions to examine the role of trauma in the first year of life, including intergenerational transmission, and the effect of parental depression on the development in infancy. The readings for this portion include Fraiberg, Stern, and Tronick. Participants are encouraged to relate the readings and information to clinical experiences and observations.
The Toddler and Very Young Child — 5 Sessions
Ann Smolen, MSS, LCSW
This course focuses on the developmental issues that emerge in the second and third years of life. These include: separation/individuation; autonomy; shame; aggression; words and symbolization; object constancy; the discovery of sexual differences; and the development of inner conflict. We will explore the above issues from a psychoanalytic theoretical perspective while simultaneously making use of a developmental perspective to further our understanding. In addition we will look at the multiple determinants of behavior; intrapsychic functioning; and the dynamic interaction between child and family/environment.
These factors provide the underpinnings for technique. While this is not a technique course, and we will concentrate on theory, it is useful to keep in mind how these factors speak to the therapeutic relationship, interpretation and intervention, and clinical challenges. It is useful to contemplate the interplay between theory, clinical concepts and practice.
Years 3 through 6 — 5 Sessions
Theodore Fallon, Jr., MD, MPH
The Oedipal phase: many developmental issues emerge strongly during these years. Oedipal fantasy is the result of and allows for the modulation of sexuality and aggression; the ability to distinguish reality from fantasy; psychic equivalence and pretend mode; the capacity for mentalization and self-reflection; and the capacity for guilt and conscience; and enhanced gender identity and gender consolidation.
Psychopathology and Clinical Technique in Infancy and Toddlerhood — 18 sessions
Taught by the Child Psychoanalytic Faculty
This course examines infant and toddler development in depth, considering the key role ad the parent in this process. We will be including historical work from authors such as Melanie Klein, Anna Freud, John Bowlby, Reney Spitz, Selma Fraiberg, Donald Winnicott and Margaret Mahler, as well as more recent work from authors such as Daniel Stern Ed Tronic, Peter Fonagy, Allan Shore and other contemporary writers. We discuss effects of trauma and deprivation on development as well as biological challenges to development such as heightened sensitivities, learning deficits and autistic spectrum disorders on development. We also consider techniques used in working clinically with infants, toddlers and their parents.
Case Acquisition — 8 sessions
Anita Schmuckler, DO
This course will consider where to find child analytic cases, when to consider parent guidance, psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis, how to talk with parents about the recommendation of psychoanalysis, and how to begin a child psychoanalytic case.
Infant and Toddler Observations — 4 sessions
Using daycare centers, Infant and Toddler Parent/Child groups, as well as videotaped material, we will observe normal child development. This class will require written work.
Young Child Continuous Case Conference Child Psychoanalytic Faculty — 14 Sessions
A Continuous Case Conference will be offered in the Spring of Year One. This conference will focus on a single young child case. The case will come from a candidate if such a case is available. If not, then a faculty will present a case.