ADULT ANALYSIS TRAINING PROGRAM COURSES

Analyzability and Preparation for a First Case

This course explores assessment of analyzability as an issue at the time of initial consultation and as a subject requiring continued evaluation during treatment. Candidates present their own case material for consideration of analyzability and are encouraged to explore a full range of questions and concerns about beginning as analysts with their first analytic patients. There is an emphasis on the first contacts with a psychoanalytic patient and on the arranging of an analytic situation. Recently reported research and concepts of analyzability in the literature are reviewed. (5 sessions)

 

Child Development I

Psychoanalytic theory is based on a developmental perspective. The study of the developmental process offers

a basis for understanding the earliest forms of psychosexual and psychosocial experience, which remain potentially active throughout the life of the individual and which determine all subsequent psychological phenomena. This course examines the separate and collective interdependent contributions of biogenetic endowment, care-giving environment and life events to intrapsychic development from birth through the oedipal phase. Theoretical, clinical and observational material will be used to explore how the interaction of external and intrinsic factors influence the formation of psychic structure in age-related sequences. Emphasis is given to libidinal and aggressive drive manifestations, ego development, the evolution of psychic structure, the process of internalization, the emergence and elaboration of intrapsychic conflict, and early superego components. The discussions address both normal development and pathologic outcome. (15 sessions)

 
Child Development II

 This course continues the survey of normal and abnormal child development beginning with a review of conflicts occurring during the oedipal years and the role of these conflicts in subsequent development. The course then focuses on the vicissitudes of development in latency, prepuberty, puberty, and adolescence. It traces the shifts in the relationships among the id, ego and superego in early, middle and late adolescence, which result in the normal closure of each period of development. These intrapsychic phenomena are also related to the clinical manifestations characteristically encountered in adolescence. Candidates and faculty present material from clinical work with children and adolescents. (15 sessions)

Clinical Conference

These conferences provide a format in which clinical material is presented over several sessions and is organized around a particular theme.  Examples of such themes include analyzability, the role of action in psychoanalysis, and termination.  Typically, there are three Clinical Conferences, in sequence, during the academic year.  Clinical material may be presented by Candidates and/or Faculty.  Usually, the first meeting in a series reviews the case history and course of analysis to date, and subsequent sessions examine hour-by-hour material.  Participation in this seminar or an equivalent course is required for Advanced Candidates. (15 Sessions)

 
Clinical Conference in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

This course focuses on the application of the principles of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Senior faculty will present process material from their own work; participants will be invited to present their current work as well. The aim is to illustrate such concepts as treatment boundaries, work with defenses, and identification and handling of transference phenomena. (5 sessions)

Combined Child and Adult Continuing Case Seminar

 

This course studies two cases, a child and an adult, in back-to-back presentations throughout the academic year. The cases are matched as closely as possible with regard to psychopathology and other relevant variables, such as gender. Through in-depth comparison of the two cases, the differences and similarities in analytic process, psychoanalytic technique, and the vicissitudes of analytic work in the treatment of children and adults are highlighted. (30 sessions)

 

 

Comparative Case Seminars: Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Adults

 

This course studies a continuing adult psychotherapy case in back-to-back presentation with the psychoanalytic case presented in the Continuing Case Seminar in Psychoanalysis (see below). Faculty bring in relevant literature to help Candidates distinguish psychotherapy from psychoanalysis as well as to compare and contrast various forms of psychopathology. (10 sessions)
 

 

Comparative Case Seminars: Psychoanalysis, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents

 

This course studies the similarities and differences in adult, child and adolescent psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Faculty members bring in relevant literature to help Candidates distinguish among these treatment

modalities as they relate to various developmental issues and various forms of psychopathology. This comparative study is based on back-to-back continuing case presentations. These presentations are typically linked to the Continuing Case Seminar in Adult Psychoanalysis. (5 sessions)

 

 

Continuing Case Seminar in Psychoanalysis

 

This course involves the discussion of a carefully selected case to illustrate how the analytic process develops and how it is maintained.  Typically, the case is presented by a Candidate. Material from significant periods of time is presented to give an opportunity to discuss technical issues that arise as the analysis unfolds and to consider how the technique employed affects the progress of the analysis. Participation in a continuing case seminar is required during each year of training. (15 sessions)

 

 

Continuing Case Seminar in Psychoanalysis (advanced)

 

This course is geared to candidates who have permission from the Education Committee to take an Advanced Seminar. It is given in collaboration with the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute. Typically, it involves the presentation of one or more psychoanalyses by one or more Candidate(s). Special focus is given to the discussion of technique as it affects the progress of the analysis. Graduate analysts typically participate in this seminar with Candidates. Participants are encouraged to consider alternative interventions, and to review their potential impact on the treatment process. The presentation offers an opportunity to consider topics discussed in the advanced technique courses, including manifestations of transference, countertransference, defense analysis, and contemporary thinking regarding therapeutic action. (By permission, 15 sessions)

 

Core Concepts in Psychoanalysis: Universal Psychodynamic Principles, Freud’s Contributions, Modern Conflict Theories and Other Contemporary Views

 

This course begins with the study of core psychoanalytic concepts such as instinctive impulses/drives, the unconscious mind, free association, resistance, repression and transference. This basic set of ideas will be illuminated as the course considers Freud’s different “working hypothesis” in three theoretical frames of reference: trauma-affect, topographical and structural. The development of analytic thinking invites reflection about different points of view. This course will offer the opportunity to examine modern extensions of the structural theory, including their respective modes of listening and analyzing the patient’s unconscious activity. The course will then move beyond modern conflict theories to consider other contemporary points of view, including introductions to

self-psychology, relational, object relations and Kleinian perspectives.  The course concludes with psychoanalytic developmental points of view. (5 sessions)

 

 

Critical Review of Psychoanalytic Thought

 

This course examines the writing traditions of psychoanalysis, which include pedagogy, theory and empirical research. Selected papers from each tradition of writing will be examined. Psychoanalytic metapsychology and clinical theory will be critiqued. The nature and need for psychoanalytic evidence will be discussed in relation to observation, objective ideas versus personalized and idiosyncratic assertions, testable hypotheses and the essentials of constructing a verifiable theory. (Periodic Offering)

 

 

Developments in Psychoanalytic Theory

 

This course focuses on recent developments in theory, including challenges to structural theory proposed by Brenner and his colleagues, changes in Kleinian theory and the rise of the Modern Kleinians in London, the continuing application of Mahlerian theory and object relations to clinical work, and some recent implications drawn from interpersonal-intersubjective theories in psychoanalysis. It also addresses connections between theory and technique. (15 sessions)

 

 

Dream Seminar

 

This course aims to demonstrate the use of dreams in analysis. Each Candidate presents material that includes dreams from a current case. In the context of the patient’s associations, the course studies the dream from the

point of view of defense, its meaning in that particular hour, its relation to the patient’s past history, and the light it throws on the current state of the transference. Dreams from different phases of analysis are presented. In addition to the clinical presentations, the class will read sections of Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams as well as papers which present historical and modern views on the clinical use of dreams. (15 sessions)

 

 

Ethics in Psychoanalysis (Orientation)

 

This course introduces beginning Candidates to ethical principles and standards in psychoanalysis. The course covers issues such as psychoanalytic competence; confidentiality; boundary issues; relationships with colleagues, students, supervisees, and teachers; and responsibilities to the public and the profession.
(2 sessions)

 

Ethics in Clinical Psychoanalysis

 

This course is taught as a section of the Clinical Conference. It addresses ethical issues from a clinical and theoretical perspective. It focuses on boundary crossings and violations, using Freud’s article “Observations on

Transference Love” and contemporary critiques of that article as a starting point. This material emphasizes the correspondence between the technique of transference analysis and an appropriate ethical position. Gabbard and

Lester’s book, Boundaries and Boundary Violations in Psychoanalysis, provides an additional contemporary perspective on these issues. The course also considers the importance of confidentiality as a necessary condition

that makes an analytic treatment possible, and of ethical considerations pertaining to money. Clinical vignettes from the Ethics Case Book of The American Psychoanalytic Association are used to illustrate a variety of other

ethical issues as they emerge in the clinical setting. (5 sessions)

 

Gender and Sexuality

 

This course examines the development of sexuality and gender roles through the life cycle. Contemporary thinking, recent formulation and culturally informed perspectives are emphasized. Psychosexual development is studied in its relationship to the full range of sexual orientation and other manifestations. (10 sessions)

 

Introduction to Concepts in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

 

This course uses psychoanalytic theory to clarify the distinctions and similarities between psychoanalysis and the psychotherapies. Discussions focus on indications for treatment, technical approaches, and goals with adults and children in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. A major objective of the course is to help Candidates become skillful in the utilization of these modalities. (6 sessions: 3 Adult, 3 Child & Adolescent)

 

 

Introduction to Freud’s Models of the Mind

 

This course introduces students to Freud’s theoretical writings from the 1890s through the 1930s, as well as the history of psychoanalysis. Discussion topics include Freud’s topographical and structural models of the mind, his adherents and dissenters, and the bases for revisions of theoretical formulations. In this context, Candidates address issues related to the development of different schools within psychoanalysis. (5 sessions)

 

 

Neuro-Psychoanalysis

 

This course considers modern neuroscientific findings as they pertain to essential functions of the mind with which we are concerned psychoanalytically.  First, we briefly review some basic concepts of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Then, we rely primarily on review articles from the neuroscience literature to look at how affects, sexuality, pair-bonding, empathy, moral cognition, attention, memory, language, judgment, and action, all emerge from or are reflected in the structure and function of the brain. Finally, we consider how various clinical phenomena may be reconceptualized in these new terms. (5 sessions)

 

 

Orientation to Psychoanalytic education

 

This single session presents an overview of the courses comprising the adult psychoanalytic training program. It emphasizes the history and philosophy behind the curriculum, and the process by which courses and curriculum are reviewed and evolve. The importance of Candidate feedback to faculty and the Curriculum Committee is emphasized. (1 session)

 

 

Preparing Psychoanalytic Case Reports

 

This course is designed to facilitate the development of Candidates’ skills in writing analytic case reports. In particular, there is an emphasis on learning how to convey the psychoanalytic process in the reports. Writing case reports helps Candidates clarify their thinking about psychoanalytic case formulation and process and to convey that thinking effectively to others. By the time the course is taken, Candidates will usually have at least one patient in analysis. Case reports are written in draft form, discussed by class members and instructors, and then revised.

(5 sessions )

 

 

Problems in Psychoanalytic Theory

 

This course examines certain critical concepts: observation, empathy, object, self, and conflict. The bibliography contains papers by Freud, as well as by some contemporary authors. An attempt is made to form a judgment about whether, and in what sense, progress in theory has occurred. (Periodic Offering)

 

 

Psychodynamic Diagnostic Case Formulation

 

This course focuses on the clinical utility of comprehensive, psychoanalytic diagnostic formulation. This includes an emphasis on identifying character structure, level of ego functioning, assessment of the use of defenses, the

study of manifest symptom constellations and psychopathology as it pertains to the individual’s unique history, circumstances and internal experience.  The course is “case driven” with readings selected for their relevance to each Candidate’s case presentation. Both classic and modern papers are assigned and discussed in the “consultation-like” class environment. (10 sessions)

 

 

Psychopathology I

 

This course studies symptom formation, character traits, and other compromise formations in patients with “higher level” (i.e., neurotic) ego-function. Clinical cases are studied in depth, focusing on the development

of neurotic phenomena and their manifestations in the course of treatment.  Freud’s and other classic cases from the literature, as well as more contemporary writings, provide the clinical and theoretical groundwork from which

present day formulations are discussed. Case presentations by faculty and Candidates complement the readings. (14 sessions)

 

 

Psychopathology II

 

This course studies the formation and nature of symptoms, character traits, and other compromise formations with emphasis on patients with “midlevel” ego functioning. It focuses on development of disorders of character

and ways in which such disorders manifest themselves in the course of treatment. Clinical examples and theoretical elaborations are drawn from four current competing models of psychoanalysis: ego psychology, the

British Object Relations/Modern Kleinian school, self psychology and the relational school. Substantial attention is devoted to descriptions of narcissistic disturbance as viewed by contemporary authors, including a presentation

of the seminal works of self-psychology. (10 sessions)

 

 

Psychopathology III

 

This course studies the formation and nature of symptoms, character traits, and other compromise formations with emphasis on patients with severe character pathology. Patients are discussed from the perspective of ego psychology, self psychology and the British Object Relations/Modern Kleinian schools. Clinical cases are studied in depth, focusing on the development of severe disorders of character, and their emergence and manifestations in the course of treatment. These include borderline personality disorders, profound symptom syndromes, and psychotic phenomena. Although an historical overview is provided, this course focuses on the recent literature and presents a current psychoanalytic perspective. (15 sessions)

 

 

Readings in Contemporary Psychoanalytic Theory

 

• Modern Kleinian Psychoanalysis

The main objective of this seminar is to facilitate a discussion of some of the clinical differences between the contemporary British Kleinian and the American ego-psychological approaches to psychoanalysis. Participants are provided an introduction to the writings of selected contemporary British Kleinian analysts and the clinical thinking, in general, of this group. The approach throughout is to discuss theory in relation to clinical phenomena. Clinical material provided by participants is discussed from the two theoretical and technical perspectives, assisted by selected writings from the contemporary Kleinian group.

 

• Relational Psychoanalysis

This seminar explores contemporary relational psychoanalysis beyond the introduction in earlier courses. The format is discussion of some of the better-known readings of the relational movement.  Focus is on both theory and technique, with comparison and contrast to ego psychology. Readings will include Irwin Hoffman, Owen Renik, Lewis Aron, Stephen Mitchell, and others.

 

• Transference, Countertransference, and Therapeutic Action: Contemporary Thinking

This seminar presents a succinct overview of contemporary thinking regarding transference, countertransference, and therapeutic action. Readings are selected to compare and contrast classical theory, relational theory, and self psychology. Additional emphasis is on implicit relational knowing, the work of Peter Fonagy, and integrations by Glenn Gabbard.

 

• Advances in Ego Psychology

Developments in ego psychology are considered from recent clinical contributions in the literature on psychoanalytic diagnosis and process. The course addresses the post-structural debate concerning Brenner’s modern conflict theory by reviewing the work of its proponents and its critics.

 (15 sessions)

 

 

Technique I, Fundamental Principles of Psychoanalytic Technique

 

The course presents an overview of important areas of technique including the use of free association, interpretation, defense analysis, transference, countertransference, dreams, and the goals of treatment.  Another important area of emphasis is the maintenance of a psychoanalytic approach to treatment in the face of current practice challenges. (15 sessions)

 

 

Technique II, Topics in Psychoanalytic Technique

 

This course continues the study of psychoanalytic technique. Classes focus on important technical concepts such as transference, countertransference, resistance, analytic neutrality, therapeutic alliance, defense analysis, the nature of therapeutic action, working through, and termination.  The course stresses the relationship between technical approaches and psychoanalytic process. Candidates and faculty present clinical vignettes to illustrate problems in technique. (14 sessions)

 

 

Technique III, Advanced Course In Psychoanalytic Technique

 

This advanced course on technique focuses on current trends and controversies in psychoanalysis. Clinical vignettes illustrating technical problems are presented by both Candidates and faculty. Topics include such issues as transference and countertransference, neutrality and abstinence, the analytic surface, defense analysis, analysis of compromise and fantasy, enactment, inter-subjectivity, and termination. Topics can vary according to the particular interests of the participants. (15 sessions)

 

 

Theory and Technique of Adolescent Analysis

 

This course examines the theory and technique of adolescent analysis during mid, early and late phases of adolescent development. Covered topics include the developmental history, assessment of analyzability, work with the parents, transference, countertransference, resistance, reconstruction and termination. Illustrative clinical material is used throughout. (5 sessions)

 

 

Theory and Technique of Child Analysis

 

This course addresses the theory and technique of child analysis and their application to children of different developmental levels: pre-latency, latency, and pre-puberty. Covered topics include the developmental history, assessment of analyzability, work with the parents, transference, countertransference, resistance, reconstruction and termination. Illustrative clinical material is used throughout. (5 sessions)

 

 

The Use of Psychological Testing in the Assessment of Analyzability

 

This course explores ways in which psychological testing can be used effectively in the Assessment of Analyzability. (2 sessions)

 

 

Topics in Clinical Psychoanalysis (Three 5-session segments)

 

• Advanced Analyzability

This section covers recent concepts and controversies concerning analyzability. Writings from Zetzel, Erle and Bachrach are read as precursors to recent contributions of Abend, Schwartz, Rothstein and others. Cases are presented at each class for purposes of illustration. (5 sessions)

 

• Termination

The concept of termination is reviewed from the point of view of recent contributions to the literature on clinical technique. Current controversies are considered, and a case in the termination phase of psychoanalysis is presented. (5 sessions)

 

• Selected Topics in Clinical Practice

Topics offered are selected in consultation with the candidates, and range from issues specific to the treatment of certain disorders (e.g., the use of medication, eating disorders, panic disorder) to technique issues pertaining to the recommendation of psychoanalysis. A recent representative offering, “Resistance to Beginning an Analysis,” focused on issues related to making the recommendation for psychoanalysis and working with resistances that often emerge in the context of that recommendation. The course uses clinical case material, as well as articles from the contemporary literature, to explore the relevant theoretical and clinical issues. (5 sessions)

 

 

Visiting Adult and Child Analyst Seminars and Case Conferences

 

These seminars are designed to give Candidates the opportunity to participate in presentations to, and by, distinguished visiting analysts. It is anticipated that such participation will enrich the Candidates’ perspectives on a wide range of topics pertinent to their training. Participation in this seminar is required during each year of training.

 

 

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT ANALYSIS TRAINING PROGRAM COURSES

 

 Advanced Seminar in Child and Adolescent Analysis

Complex problems of assessment, theory, management, and technique of child and adolescent analysis are studied in depth, utilizing appropriate case material. Relevant literature will also be used as a basis for discussion.

 

 

Continuing Case Seminar on Adolescent Analysis

 

This course focuses on the presentation of material from the case of an adolescent in analysis. The developmental considerations are highlighted.  The discussion includes an emphasis on both theoretical considerations and the technique of analysis with adolescents.

 

 

Continuing Case Seminar on Child Analysis

 

This course focuses on the presentation of material from the case of a child in analysis. The discussion emphasizes aspects of the process of initial assessment, work with the parents, and establishing the therapeutic alliance with the child. The technique of working with resistances, transference manifestations, and other issues are examined as the material develops.

 

 

Concepts and Technique of Adolescent Analysis

 

This course is based on the concept of adolescence as a distinct stage of development characterized by unique physical and psychological features. Psychoanalytic treatment of adolescents requires particular technical methodology. This course addresses the technique of adolescent analysis in the context of adolescent development and emphasizes the relationship between the theory of adolescence as a developmental stage, the theory of technique and clinical practice. Case presentations illustrate the concepts and techniques presented.

 

 

Psychopathology of Childhood

 

Selected topics in child psychopathology are considered from a developmental perspective with the aim of studying the complex interaction of biogenetic endowment, ongoing object relationships and critical life experiences in the etiology of each disorder. Topics covered include attachment and psychosomatic disorders, regulatory disorders, anxiety and mood disorders, and learning disorders as well as more serious disturbances of the sense of self, object relations, and ego functioning.

 

 

Technique of Child Psychoanalysis

 

This course examines the technique of child analysis in depth. It emphasizes the centrality of psychoanalytic process and examines the major contributions to the literature. Covered topics include defense, transference, interpretation, developmental adaptations, transference neurosis and reconstructions.