Course Descriptions

Basic Level Courses:

C100
Principles of Psychoanalytic Treatment 22.5 hours

This course addresses the difficult beginning phase of establishing a working alliance, and emphasizes early assessment of strengths and weaknesses, manifestations of resistance and transference. Clinical material serves to illustrate the engagement of the patient in the treatment process. The fifteen-week course is offered in both the Fall semester and in the Spring semester.

C101-102
Psychoanalytic Theory I & II

These two 15- week courses provide a more thorough coverage of basic psychoanalytic theory than is usually taught in academic work. Reading and discussion of the literature emphasize primary and secondary processes, topography and structure, drive, conflict theory and defense. The classic theory of neurosis and symptom formation is presented in the Fall semester; contemporary psychoanalytic theories in the Spring semester.

C101
Psychoanalytic Theory I: Basic Writings of Freud 22.5 hours

Fall Semester -15 weeks

C102
Psychoanalytic Theory II: Contemporary Psychoanalytic Theory 22.5 hours

Spring Semester – 15 weeks

C103
Psychopathology I 22.5 hours

Assessment of pathology, problems of diagnosis and descriptive nosology is discussed with attention to differential diagnosis, and diagnosis as an instrument in treatment. Diagnosis from a psychoanalytic point of view including recent developments in psychoanalysis is presented. Topics illustrated by case material.

Spring semester – 15 weeks

C104
Psychopathology II: Severe Mental Illness 12 hours

Work with patients who exhibit psychotic or psychotic-like traits requires the therapist’s understanding of mental illness, being able to listen and to continue to do analytic work. This course explores several approaches to understanding, covering issues of conflict and failures of development, using the perspective of drive, ego functioning, self experience, and object relations. Summer semester-8 weeks

Matriculate Level Courses:

C200-201
Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Development: From Infancy to Adulthood 45 hours

This course uses the writings of S. Freud, Abraham and A. Freud as a base for the exploration of more recent contributions to developmental theory (Spitz, Mahler, Blos, etc.). Normal development is considered, as well as typical pathological outcomes. Case presentations emphasize clinical application of the theoretical concepts discussed in assigned readings. Fall semester-15 weeks

C202-203
Psychoanalytic Assessment and Treatment 45 hours

The course focuses on the importance of diagnosis and ongoing assessment in the initial phase of treatment and throughout the expected course of therapy. The discussion explores the working alliance, transference, changes in the sources and intensity of anxiety, level of object relatedness, and defensive as well as adaptive responses to treatment. We will consider the impact of developmental arrest on the treatment process. Case presentations emphasize psychoanalytic diagnosis and assessment as the foundation for treatment planning and interventions. Spring semester-15weeks

C204
Object Relations Theories 22.5 hours

All psychoanalytic models, whether classified as drive models (Freud, Klein, Hartmann, Mahler, Jacobson and Kernberg), relational models (Fairbairn, Winnicott, Guntrip and Sullivan), or mixed models (Kohut), have some strategy for dealing with the psychic consequences of the internalization of relations with external objects. This course focuses on identifying these strategies, with attention to their theoretical and technical consequences. Fall semester-15 weeks

C205
Transference-Countertransference 22.5 hours

This course presents a comprehensive exploration of the roles that transference and countertransference play in the psychotherapeutic relationship. The course approaches issues using traditional psychoanalysis as a paradigm from which more contemporary and seemingly less intensive treatment processes have evolved. While the metapsychological underpinnings are observed, stress is on clinical material. Spring semester-15 weeks

C206
Legal & Ethical Issues in Psychoanalytic Practice 12 hours

This course provides advanced candidates with an opportunity to review ethical, legal and practical issues associated with the practice of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Invited guest lecturers in the field of law, psychiatry and psychoanalysis. Summer semester-8 weeks

C207
Psychoanalytic Research 22.5 hours

As a newly licensed profession in New York State, it behooves psychoanalysis to test clinical experience against theoretical concepts that may be outmoded. The course will discuss underlying assumptions of research designs, review past research and discuss the pros and cons when generalized research is compared to the following of a clinical case. Spring semester-15 weeks

C502
Dream Interpretation 22.5 hours

The role of dreams in psychoanalytic treatment is considered. Various topics, such as manifest and latent content, the dream work, anxiety and punishment dreams are addressed. Further focus concentrates on dream symbolism and dreams as resistance. Studies of dreams are explored. Spring semester-15 weeks

C305
Continuous Case Seminar I 22.5 hours

This course must be taken before courses 300-301, 302-303. Students select appropriate cases to be followed over a period of time. Focus is on process and on exploring resistances, transferences and interventions. Special emphasis is placed on patient responses to countertransference. Class is kept small; special readings may be assigned. Fall -15 weeks

C306
Continuous Case Seminar II 22.5 hours

This course must be taken before courses 300-301, 302-303. Students select appropriate cases to be followed over a period of time. Focus is on process and on exploring resistances, transferences and interventions. Special emphasis is placed on patient responses to countertransference. Class is kept small; special readings may be assigned. Spring-15 weeks

C300-301
Theory and Technique of Psychoanalytic Treatment: I 45 hours

Integration of theory and technique and attempts to develop a consistent theory of technique applicable to a variety of clinical syndromes. Normalcy, neurosis, character disorders, affect disorders, perversions and borderline states are compared with an eye to differential diagnosis and formulation of treatment interventions. Case presentations emphasize technique. Course #305-6 is prerequisite for enrollment. Fall semester-15 weeks

C302-303
Theory and Technique of Psychoanalytic Treatment: II 45 hours

A continuation of the previous course. Particular emphasis on the character disorders, affective states and perversions. Extensive case material is utilized. Spring semester-15 weeks

Additional Course Requirements of the Psychoanalytic Training Program:

C600
Clinical Conference 12 hours

In each of the meetings invited experienced clinicians present ongoing work and where evolving psychoanalytic theoretical conceptualizations and treatment technique are discussed. The aim is to involve candidates in a professional community and to introduce/explore a variety of psychoanalytic concepts of theory and treatment. Requirement for all students, both matriculated and non-matriculated, for duration of training. 8 Monthly conference throughout Fall & Spring semesters

C308
Child Abuse & Maltreatment: Recognition & Reporting 2 hours

This seminar for matriculated students may be taken in any year of their training, either at the institute or another certified program. It is required for certification

C304
Case Presentation