DESCRIPTIONS of REQUIRED COURSES for CANDIDATES
Courses are offered on a three-year rotation. Number of weeks per course is based on a 1.5 hour class length. Some courses meet for fewer weeks and longer class times.
ADULT PSYCHOANALYSIS TRAINING PROGRAM:
Basic Concepts and Assessment in Psychoanalysis (10 weeks)
This course will emphasize the importance of the unconscious and its universal power in
determining human behavior. In this course, concepts such as psychic determinism,
topographic and structural theory, intrapsychic conflict, defense and symptom formation
will be discussed. Other concepts such as Oedipal dynamics, phasic development (oral,
anal, and phallic will be covered as well.
Psychopathology (10 weeks)
Basic concepts on the development of psychopathology will be addressed in this course.
A special emphasis will be on diagnostic considerations.
Progression in Psychoanalytic Thought (10 weeks)
This course is designed to provide the student with a firm grounding in how disparate
psychoanalytic theories have developed. An understanding of the progression from
Freud’s original theories through the various offshoots of his theory to more
contemporary theories will be emphasized.
Adult Continuous Case Conference (30 weeks, three years = 90 weeks)
Case material will be used to further the participant's understanding of psychoanalytic
technique and theory. Ongoing assessment issues and various theoretical approaches will
also be delineated. Each participant will be sharing his/her clinical material. Enrollment
is limited to Candidates.
Freud’s Papers/ Cases (3 courses at 10 weeks = Early, Mid, Late)
The reading of Freud’s papers and cases will proceed chronologically, with emphasis on
the continuing development of psychoanalytic theory and technique and the implications
this holds for current theory and practice.
Dreams in Clinical Practice (10 weeks)
Beginning with some of the writings of Sigmund Freud, and continuing with
contemporary contributions, this course will emphasize the role of dreams and dream
interpretation in the practice of Psychoanalysis.
contemporary contributions, this course will emphasize the role of dreams and dream
interpretation in the practice of Psychoanalysis.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES:
Ego Psychology (10 weeks)
This course will consider the major contributions to the development of ego
psychology, beginning with classic papers. Prominent contemporary contributors
will also be included. The implications for treatment will be considered
throughout this course.
Object Relations Theory (10 weeks)
This course will consider the contributions of the major object relational
approaches to psychoanalysis, and their implications for treatment. Readings
from British (Kleinian, neo-Kleinian), Scottish (Fairbairn, Guntrip), and
approaches to psychoanalysis, and their implications for treatment. Readings
from British (Kleinian, neo-Kleinian), Scottish (Fairbairn, Guntrip), and
American (Kernberg) schools will be discussed.
Self Psychology (10 weeks)
This course will explore the origins of self psychology theory, from the writings
of Heinz Kohut, through the current off-shoots. Emphasis will be placed on the
exploration of the need for healthy self-object relationships, the development of
narcissistic disorders in the absence of them, and the use of empathic attunement
to understand the shame-based foundations upon which such disorders of the self
are based.
Relational Theory (10 weeks)
This course will explore major tenets of the relational approach, focusing on
concepts of mutuality, intersubjectivity, paradox, dialectic, and enactment. We
will also explore the place of relational psychoanalysis in historical context and in
the wider world of psychoanalytic thought and practice.
DEVELOPMENT: (30 weeks)
Infancy and Toddlerhood Development (6 weeks)
This course covers the integration of biological, psychological, gender and social
development during infancy and toddlerhood. Various theories of development
will be covered (attachment theory, Kleinien theory, ego psychology
developmental theory, etc.).
Preschool and Latency Development (8 weeks)
This course covers the integration of biological, psychological, gender and social
development during the preschool and latency periods. The vulnerabilities and
conflicts of this stage for both boys and girls are elaborated. Various theories of
development during these age periods will be discuss.
Preadolescent and Adolescent Development (8 weeks)
This course will cover the physical development and physiological changes that
affect the psychological challenges that face the child as he/she matures from
latency into adolescence. Early, middle, and late adolescent development will be
discussed. Various theories of development during these age periods will be
discussed.
Adult Development (8 weeks)
This course will explore the developmental issues involved in the transition from
late adolescence to old age, focusing on the consolidation of identity, intimacy
and work. Various theories of development during these age periods will be
discussed.
TECHNIQUE: (30 weeks)
The Beginning Phase of Analysis (10 weeks)
This course concentrates on issues revolving around the introduction of patients to
the analytic process. Issues to be explored include: development of a course of
action based upon assessment, development of a treatment alliance, perspectives
on free association and other treatment structure elements, ground rules and
logistical concerns, the beginning manifestations of transference and
countertransference, and development of an analytic ‘style.’ Readings will span
Freud to contemporary theorists. Clinical material from participants and
instructor will be used for illustration.
Psychoanalytic Process (10 weeks)
This course will explore various theoretical positions in relation to the concept of
working through. Conflict, structural, deficit, object relational and self
psychological positions may be examined. Psychoanalytic technique as it applies
to each theoretical position will be emphasized. Clinical material will be used.
Termination (10 weeks)
In this course we will examine various aspects of the termination process in
Psychoanalysis, not only as the final stage in the therapeutic work, but also in
general as it relates to losses, endings, and death. Analytic and associated
writings, as well as clinical material will be used in an effort to examine the
anxieties and resistances aroused by termination, and to develop an approach to
listening to patients' unconscious communications as a guide through this important process.
~~~
Psychoanalytic Relationship and Transference/Countertransference (2 @ 10 weeks)
These courses will be an exploration of the discovery, evolution and clinical experience of these most fundamental aspects of the therapeutic endeavor by oscillating between historical and contemporary conceptualizations of the interrelated concepts of transference and countertransference, between theory and class participants’ and the instructors’ actual experiences in clinical work, between adults and children and adolescents.
Treatment of Neuroses (10 weeks)
This course develops an understanding of the traditional psychoanalytic term, "neurosis," and examines causes, manifestations and treatment of disorders traditionally termed neurotic, including hysteria, conversion neurosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, war neurosis, and depression.
Ethics (3 weeks)
An ethics course will explore such topics as reporting of ethical violations, confidentiality, analyst impairment, exploitation and sexual and non-sexual boundary problems, self-disclosure, professional relationships, dual relationships, conflicts of
interest, unusual fee arrangements, and post-termination contact, responding to subpoenas, etc.
Psychoanalytic Writing (5 weeks)
This course will serve as an introduction to psychoanalytic writing and is intended to teach candidates how to write an article that integrates theoretical and clinical material.
Character, Narcissistic and Borderline Disorders (15 weeks)
This course examines the various causes, manifestations and treatment of these very
difficult to treat disorders. Differential diagnosis will be emphasized as well as a through
understanding of transference and countertransference manifestations.
Introduction to Contemporary Analytic Theory of Gender and Sexuality (10
weeks)
Contemporary psychoanalysis challenges us to think more flexibly about what constitutes
psychopathology from a “normal” range of human experience. This course will explore
contemporary psychoanalytic theories on gender and sexuality. Current views on
male/female gender identity development, transexualism, transvestism, sexual phantasy,
behavior, desire, erotic phantasy, passion and love will be examined. Topics to cover
include aggression, perversion, sadomasochism and the erotic transference.
Electives - see current course offerings
CHILD PSYCHOANALYSIS TRAINING PROGRAM:
Basic Concepts and Assessment in Psychoanalysis (10 weeks) - see above for
description
Psychopathology (10 weeks) - see above for description
Introduction to Child Psychoanalysis (10 weeks) - description for this course will be
here in the near future
Child Continuous Case Conference (30 weeks, three years = 90 weeks)
Case material will be used to further the participant's understanding of psychoanalytic
technique and theory in working with children. Ongoing assessment issues and various
theoretical approaches will also be delineated. Each participant will be sharing his/her
clinical material.
Freud’s Papers/ Cases (3 courses at 10 weeks = Early, Mid, Late) - see above for
description
Dreams in Clinical Practice (10 weeks) - see above for description
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES:
Ego Psychology (10 weeks) - see above for description
Self Psychology (10 weeks) - see above for description
Object Relations (10 weeks) - see above for description
Attachment Theory (10 weeks) - description for this course will be here in the near
future
DEVELOPMENT: (30 weeks) - see above for descriptions
Infancy and Toddlerhood Development (6 weeks)
Preschool and Latency Development (8 weeks)
Preadolescent and Adolescent Development (8 weeks)
Adult Development (8 weeks)
CHILD TECHNIQUE: (40 weeks) - descriptions for these courses will be here in the
near future
Beginning Phase of Treatment (10 weeks)
Psychoanalytic Process (10 weeks)
Termination (10 weeks)
Working with Parents (10 week)
This class will focus on the understanding of parental dynamics, developing a treatment alliance with parents, and the problems that often arise when treating children. Premature termination can occur in child therapy as a result of parental dissatisfaction, unilateral decision-making, changing dynamics between parent and child, misunderstandings of the treatment process and a number of other issues related to the parent-child and parent-child therapist relationship. Using clinical and reading material, techniques that enhance parent and child treatment will be explored.
Psychoanalytic Relationship: Transference/Countertransference (2 @ 10 weeks) -
see above for descriptions
Ethics (3 weeks) - see above for description
ASSESSMENT AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: (30 weeks)
Assessment and Psychopathology of Infancy and Early Childhood (10 weeks)
This course will focus on the understanding of the assessment and indications of psychopathology of infants, young children and their relationships with their parents. Various methods and theories of assessment will be studied, including Greenspan and Hampstead Profile. It is suggested that participants have a child case to enroll in the course, but not mandatory. We will share clinical material where appropriate.
Assessment and Psychopathology of Middle Childhood and Preadolescence (10
weeks)
This course will explore symptomatic presentation and etiology of psychopathology of latency aged children and preadolescents. Emphasis placed on fixing these problems within the context of the Developmental Profile developed at Hampstead Clinic to understand the component drive derivatives, ego, superego and defensive structure, and self/object issues. Structuring the course within a developmental context will amplify the unfolding of development, concentrating on why and where it goes awry
Assessment and Psychopathology of Adolescence (10 weeks)
This course explores symptomatic presentation and etiology of psychopathology of adolescence. Emphasis will be placed on fixing these problems within the context of the Developmental Profile. Adolescence is a particularly difficult time to initiate and sustain treatment, due to the need to separate and individuate from all adults, parents and therapist alike. Understanding the particular developmental and psychopathological issues of this stage of development is essential for the treatment process to occur.
Introduction to Contemporary Analytic Theory of Gender and Sexuality (10 weeks) - see above for description
Electives - see current course offerings