Jacques Lacan was a major contributor to the psychoanalytic world through the last half-century. Early on, he commented on Freud’s writings, suggested additional interpretations, developed a model of the mind and motivations based on the effects of language and speech in psychoanalysis, and proposed related technical innovations. In later work, he developed further areas that took into account complex affects, the functioning mind, and social, political, and literary applications of his theories. Work inspired by his theories and technical recommendations have continued to evolve, including considerations of the “hypermodern”—patients, therapists, and treatment settings. 

This course will provide a systematic introduction to Lacan’s work for anyone interested in becoming familiar with his contributions before having to “read Lacan.” It comprises a series of overviews and summaries of Early Lacan, Middle and Late Lacan, and Contemporary Lacanian Studies.

Participants would find it beneficial to have a copy of: Dylan Evans, An Introductory Dictionary of Lacanian Psychoanalysis (London: Routledge, 1996). And for the clinical applications of these conepts,  Michael J. Miller, Lacanian Psychotherapy: Theory and Practical Applications (New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group, 2011).

Clinical examples will be offered  to illustrate application of the concepts.

Learning Objectives

1. This course will make participants aware of the basic concepts of the work of Jacques Lacan, a noted French psychoanalyst of the last century whose work is difficult to access.

2. The course will make participants aware of contemporary work of practitioners in the Lacanian Orientation such that they will be able to compare the theory and techniques with their own understanding and practices.

3. The course will provide participants with an opportunity to think together about the changes and related implications of "modern" patients and their social and technological environments.

4. The course will acquaint participants with the use of Lacanian theory and techniques in the psychoanalytically-oriented treatments of patients with psychosis, psychotic character, autism, and addictions, and patients in brief therapies and in a variety of settings.

Please note that this course is offered in two distinct parts.  For additional seminars, please see the description for Course One B.

For those wishing to attend both Course One A and One B, there will be a refund of $75 after enrolment.

Full-time students in universities and colleges, and mental-health trainees are eligible for a 25% reduction in course fees. Proof of 2012/2013 status needs to be provided. Please contact the tps&i directly to register at a discount.

Refunds must be requested in writing two weeks prior to the beginning of a course. A handling fee of $30 will be retained. After these two weeks, fees cannot be returned.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for psychiatrists, as accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and for family physicians from the College of Family Physicians, are available.

Faculty

Judith Hamilton, MD, psychoanalyst in private practice; faculty, Advanced Training Program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy; faculty of tps&i