This course provides an overview of Modern Analytic practice focusing on the beginning stages of treatment. Emphasis is therefore placed on assisting clients and therapists in tolerating their anxieties, fears and characterological defenses in order to stay in the counseling relationship. Particular attention is paid to resolving treatment destructive resistances, establishing a treatment contract, developing the narcissistic transference and utilizing joining techniques in specific client-therapist interaction. In addition to readings and lectures, students will have the opportunity to present specific problematic dialogues from cases in order to fashion the most appropriate therapeutic intervention.

Variable credit for partial attendance may not be awarded.

The early psychoanalytic movement was deeply humanitarian in spirit. Freud and his early followers viewed psychoanalysis as a method of treatment and a meta-psychological theory with broad implications for the alleviation of human suffering and the improvement/welfare of society. This course will review and consider the comtemporary relevance of this history especially for Modern Psychoanalysts.

This course begins with a comparison of theories of psychopathology and schemes for diagnostic classificationfrom Classical Analytic, Psychiatric and Modern Analytic perspectives. The class will determine which perspectives are most useful in providing guidelines for the treament process; which are required for communication with insurance companies and other interested third parties, and which formulations foster the greatest clarity and understanding with patients and colleagues. Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Variable credit for partial attendance may not be awarded.

This class provides the student with the opportunity to learn, both intellectually and experientially, about the unfolding lives of human beings. Readings include those derived from the analysis of adults and those developed from the direct observation of infants with their mothers. The course emphasizes theories of attachment as they relate to and parallel the development of the therapist-patient relationship and therapeutic interventions.

Variable credit for partial attendance may not be awarded.

Emotional resilience – the ability to experience disappointments, hurts, ambivalence, strong feelings and impulses, frustrations, failures and successes – and still love, work and play – is the basis for achieving productive personal and social adjustment. It is also an essential tool for anyone in a helping profession, regardless of theoretical orientation. This workshop is designed to facilitate the development of emotional flexibility and resilience through a combination of didactic and experiential learning. 

Variable credit for partial attendance may not be awarded.

An advanced seminar for Senior Candidates interested in becoming supervisors, training analysts, and teachers. Emphasis is placed on understanding transference, countertransference, and parallel processes.

Variable credit for partial attendance may not be awarded.