Toronto Psychoanalytic Society and Institute - branches of the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society and the only psychoanalytic organizations in Toronto accredited by the International Psychoanalytical Association

Psychoanalytic Training

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The Program

Curriculum

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Curriculum

First Year | Second Year | Third Year | Fourth Year

Third Year

First Trimester (September–December) | Click on a course title to see full details

Self Psychology

8 seminars

The first, introductory, course (four seminars) explores the contributions of self psychology to contemporary psychoanalytic theory and technique. Students are introduced to concepts, such as the use of empathy as an instrument of inquiry, the influence of the analyst’s subjectivity on technique, the importance of the repair of disruptions in the analytic relationship to the treatment process, and a self psychological perspective upon the unconscious. The second course (four seminars) focuses on the modifications that have shaped modern self psychological theory and clinical practice, including the evolving concept of the selfobject, the intersubjective approach, attachment theory, and the pathological structures of accommodation, motivational systems theory, and relational theory.

Continuous Case Seminar 4 (Self Psychological Approach)

8 seminars

This course will have a candidate present analytic case material, in order to discuss it from a self psychological perspective. The emphasis will be on using the material educationally, to enhance a group discussion facilitated by the course coordinator.

Dreams

5 seminars

In this section of the dreams course, students will study dreams from four different perspectives: self psychology, Fairbairn, Winnicott, and Klein. The fifth seminar will be devoted to comparing the different models.

Bion	5 seminars

These seminars provide candidates with an overall view of Bion’s main contributions to modern psychoanalysis, mainly in relation to (1) psychoanalytic theory: structure and function of the mind; interaction between unconscious and conscious; and (2) theory of the practice: counter-transference and “O”; phenomenology of listening.

Ethics

2 seminars

These seminars are a continuation of the Ethics course, which begins in first year and continues throughout the candidate’s training. Candidates read and discuss papers on boundary violations in clinical practice, the fate of the transference after termination, post-termination boundaries, and confidentiality.

Second Trimester (January–March) | Click on a course title to see full details

Character

7 seminars

In this series of seminars students are introduced to the concept of character and its place in psychoanalytic thought, including the historical evolution of the concept and current thinking. Clinical examples are presented and discussed, illustrating how analytic work is informed by an understanding of character.

Perverse Formations

7 seminars

In this course, the concept of perversion is explored, beginning with an introduction to Freud’s basic papers, followed by those of important classic and contemporary authors. Students develop an understanding of the dynamics of perversion, the influence of pathogenic conditions, and the defence mechanisms connected with this pathology.

Continuous Case Seminar 5

10 seminars

This course will have a candidate present analytic case material to a training analyst, in order to facilitate group learning and discussion through clinical experience. Relevant theoretical and clinical papers might also be consulted.

Assessment

2 seminars

The questions of extended assessment, preparatory periods of psychotherapy, and conversion from psychotherapy to psychoanalysis will be explored. In our discussions we shall review papers looking at techniques of assessment, the problems faced in evaluating suitability for analysis, linkages with awareness of characterological questions, and addressing special and challenging situations, such as, for example, borderline patients.

Third Trimester (April–June) | Click on a course title to see full details

Comparative Transference

5 seminars

The purpose of this course is to study the transference-counter-transference matrix, which is viewed as the main way to access the analysand’s inner life. The candidate is introduced to and familiarized with the literature on transference and counter-transference by reading, discussing, and comparing papers representing the three major streams of psychoanalytic theory, in order to understand clinical material from various perspectives.

Comparative Counter-transference

5 seminars

The purpose of this course is to study the transference–counter-transference matrix, which is viewed as the main way to access the analysand’s inner life. The candidate is introduced to and familiarized with the literature on transference and counter-transference by reading, discussing, and comparing papers representing the three major streams of psychoanalytic theory, in order to understand clinical material from various perspectives.

Gender and Sexuality

6 seminars

This course covers Freud’s and other early psychoanalytic views, gender identity and sexual difference, contemporary views on sexual orientation, as well as neurobiological aspects of gender and sexuality. Time is set aside to discuss clinical applications, especially including candidate material.

Research in Psychoanalysis

4 seminars

A look at psychoanalytic methods of research, specifically outcome studies as distinct from process research. A visit from an affect researcher or psychotherapy researcher will offer valuable comparisons.

Trauma

2 seminars

This course offers a look at concepts related to trauma and their impact on psychoanalytic process and technique. Information will be presented from both clinical and theoretical perspectives.