First Year

FALL

Basic Concepts in Psychoanalysis: Introduction to Freud
Introduction to Freud's basic concepts with special focus on the unconscious, resistance, and transference.

Seminar: Principles of Dynamic Psychotherapy
Introduction to the practice of intensive psychotherapy. Beginning with the candidate's experience of being with patients, an investigation of the therapeutic relationship leads to identifying the basic phenomena and concepts of transference, countertransference, resistance, anxiety and unconscious processes.

WINTER

The Classical Tradition: Freud through Ego Psychology
Overview of late Freudian theory, including revisions of earlier concepts, and beginning understanding of Ego Psychology.

Seminar: Principles of Dynamic Psychotherapy II
Introduction to the basic constructs of technique and method, with continued investigation of the basic concepts of transference, countertransference, resistance, anxiety, and unconscious processes, using case materials and readings.

SPRING

Developmental Perspective and Theory in Psychoanalysis
Studies the individual's historical development and how it influences his/her current being, focusing on the role of the ego. Overview of selected major developmental theorists, including Mahler, Bowlby, D. Stern, and Beebe as examples of those using direct observational experience to gather data.

Seminar: Principles of Dynamic Psychotherapy III
Introduction to the importance of unconscious processes, seeking to sensitize the candidate to listen for unconscious themes in context of the session. Dreams as an important avenue of such investigation are introduced.

---

Second Year [back to top]

FALL

The Interpersonal Approach in Psychoanalysis
Explores the development of the interpersonal approach to intensive psychotherapy via selected readings from the works of seminal interpersonal psychoanalysts.

Interpersonal Seminar
The key concepts of transference, countertransference, anxiety and resistance are explored from an interpersonal perspective by way of case material from candidates and readings where applicable.

WINTER

Theory of Character Structure
Presents theoretical perspectives regarding character formation, using and integrating the major psychoanalytic schools of thought, including classical, contemporary interpersonal, and object relations perspectives. Developmental and structural aspects of one's unique personality organization are emphasized, using case material from instructor and candidates to highlight theoretical formulations.

The Relational Approach in Psychoanalysis
Introduction to relational concepts in psychoanalysis, using case material and readings to explore the impact of relational configurations on the analytic work.

SPRING

British Object Relations I
Foundation in British object relations theory through in-depth survey of the works of Melanie Klein, Fairbairn, Guntrip, and Winnicott, using primary source readings.

Object Relations Seminar
Course will explore the above theoretical approaches to , and clinical implications of case material. Provides the opportunity to relate Object Relations theoretical underpinnings to candidates' clinical work.

---

Third Year [back to top]

FALL

British Object Relations II
Building on the object relations framework, this course focuses on the impact of object relations theory on current patient treatment, through modern writings of Spillius, Joseph, Ogden, Bollas, and others.

Seminar: Listening to the Patient
An examination of the ways the patient speaks to us in dreams, fantasies and metaphor. Analyst's belief systems and countertransference experience will be addressed in this communication matrix.

WINTER

Narcissism: Theoretical Perspectives and the Therapeutic Relationship
Course will explore various theoretical approaches and clinical implications of the concept of narcissism.

Clinical Issues: Borderline States
Through an examination of relevant theoretical writings and clinical material, this course explores the important concepts and issues involved in understanding and treating borderline patients.

SPRING

Theories of Self Psychology
Introduces the basic theoretical concepts of psychoanalytic self psychology, including empathy, selfobject transferences and optimal frustration/responsiveness, primarily through the fundamental works of Heinz Kohut and secondarily from the more recent perspectives of Robert Stolorow and others.

Seminar in Self Psychology
Candidates' case material will be used to demonstrate the integration of self psychological theory and clinical technique within the treatment relationship.

---

Fourth Year [back to top]

FALL

Transference and Countertransference: Clinical Applications
This course focuses on how the analyst's participation influences the patient and permeates every interaction.

Case Conference
Intensive preparation for candidates' case presentations

WINTER

Issues in Contemporary Interpersonal Psychoanalysis
Explores selected issues and trends currently in focus in interpersonal approaches to treatment, using readings and case material from candidates and instructor.

Character Style and Treatment
Studies applications of character theory for clinical practice. Readings and case material from candidates and the instructor will be used to explore different character styles such as obsessional, hysteric, depressive, and paranoid.

SPRING

Advanced Dreams and Unconscious Processes
Exploration of the intra-psychic and communicative aspects of the dream as the ultimate regression of the patient's inner life. Course content to include discussions involving recent psychological theories and neuro-psysiological findings.

Termination
Investigates the process of termination as it relates to various clinical situations, incorporating a focus on the candidates' personal experiences of ending their formal analytic training. Related readings and case presentations will amplify the exploration.

{ printer friendly version }