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

Dream Interpretation within the Therapeutic Process

10 Sessions

In this seminar series students learn about dreams in significant depth, including theory and technical implications during the clinical encounter. Dreams are studied from three perspectives: Freudian, Object Relations, and Self Psychology. The basic hypotheses of each of these schools of thought are reviewed and then applied to help candidates understand dream interpretation as an integral part of the psychotherapy process, regardless of the theoretical framework.

Transference and Counter-transference

10 Sessions

This seminar provides an opportunity to study the concepts of transference and counter-transference in greater depth, from both a theoretical and clinical perspective. Topics include transference love, the working alliance, the nature of therapeutic action, working through the counter-transference, and counter-transference with borderline patients. Multiple clinical examples are utilized to consolidate the theory.

Classical and Contemporary Freudian Concepts and Theory

4 Sessions

Authors covered in these seminars include Klein, Fairbairn, Winnicott, Guntrip, Balint, Bollas, Mitchell, and Greenberg. The readings are supplemented with clinical case examples, which provide a departure point for further discussion and implications for clinical practice. Issues presented include the development of signs, symbols, and meaning, affect, internal object relations, the development of character and the self, and the contributions of both the patient and the therapist in the psychotherapeutic process.

Theories of Object Relations

8 Sessions

This seminar provides a translation of theory to technique in clinical situations using object relations models. It is intended to complement the theoretical seminar and to help consolidate the theory through clinical examples.

Technique Based on Object Relations Theories

10 Sessions

This seminar explores in depth central Freudian concepts such as the unconscious, the topographical model, free association, dreams, narcissism, sadomasochism and aggression, depression, and melancholia, the structural model, psychic conflict, anxiety and signal affects, and defences. The majority of the readings are from Freud's Standard Edition of Complete Psychological Works, and clinical examples are utilized to illustrate the theory.

Self Psychology and Intersubjectivity

8 Sessions

This seminar provides an in-depth examination of the contemporary theories and clinical application of Self Psychology and Intersubjectivity. Readings include Kohut, Basch, Stolorow, Wolf, Lachmann, Bacal, Brandchaft, Fonagy, Orange, Fosshage, and Kindler. Topics include empathic understanding, selfobject transferences, and recent developments. Also, concepts such as counter-transference, defence, and resistance will be revisited.

Technique Based on Self Psychology and Intersubjectivity

10 Sessions

This seminar provides a translation of theory to technique in clinical situations using Self Psychology and Intersubjectivity models. It is intended to complement the theoretical seminar and to help consolidate the theory through clinical examples.

Termination

2 Sessions

This seminar addresses a variety of themes pertaining to termination, including indications suggesting termination, models of termination, self-disclosure, patient contacts outside of therapy, and specific technical considerations.

Self Harm

1 Sessions

This seminar focuses on the complex counter-transference reactions that arise working with suicidal and self-harming patients, with multiple clinical examples.

Impasses in Treatment

1 Sessions

This seminar examines in depth the factors involved in impasses during clinical work, including concepts such as negative therapeutic reaction, masochism, and the therapist's contribution.

Consultation, Medication, and Referral

1 Sessions

This seminar presents the value of and indications for consultations of various kinds, of medication, and of temporary or permanent referral. Practical approaches to the handling of what can be difficult situations in treatments are discussed using clinical examples.