A continuation of pre-conceptual traumas, genetically structured from absences, constitute highly toxic emotional parasites, or beta elements, that inhabit the mind, feed on time and space, inhibit processes of symbolization, and reproduce incessantly, thereby determining not only all forms of psychopathology, but also the idiosyncrasy of each individual.

 

Contributions made by Bion about the conceptualization of “absences” could be equated to the important input provided to math by the discovery of negative numbers. Thoughts are always set over the absence of things, always offering a binocular vision, which covers both its presence and the place where the thing used to be. Klein had granted the absence of the breast with seminal presence, representing a negative realization that always translates into a series of emotions that consolidate as the presence of a “bad breast.” Such an absence is equated in importance with the true presence of the breast or “good breast.” “Present absences” represent undigested beta elements that repeat continuously in search of an alpha function or thinking mind that could provide them with a meaning. Clinical material from analytical patients will be presented.

 

Session 1: All pregnancies are twins, one baby in the uterus and one baby in the mind. Pre-conceptual traumas and infertility.

Session 2: Evicted from life: Pre-conceptual traumas and time distortion

Session 3: Children from the claustrum: Pre-conceptual traumas and addictions

Session 4: Pre-conceptual traumas and somatic pathology: The body's attempt to dream undreamed dreams

 

 

1. Participants will be able to learn about historical misconceptions that hindered proper comprehension of the significant role of “pre-conceptual” traumas in the consolidation of all forms of psychopathology. Pre-conceptual traumas split the mind into a traumatized (psychotic) and a non-traumatized (non-psychotic) part of the personality.

 

2. Participants will also learn about the phenomenology of diachronic transformations of “pre-conceptual traumas” using Bion's notion of container-contained, as well as a model I depicted as “homeomorphic symbolization.”

 

3. Participants will also learn about Bion’s concepts such as alpha function, reversal of alpha function, contact barrier, and screen of beta elements, as well as the difference between “negative” and positive links. Negative links (-H, -L, and -K) operate as the only form of communication between different split parts. Split parts always stand for representations of absent elements compulsively repeated. Positive links (+H, +L, and +K), are present in the configuration of total objects that constitute the depressive position or the non-psychotic part of the personality.

 

Please note: All course material will be emailed prior to each class. 

 

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.