Interpretation in the Clinical Moment: The Modern Kleinian Approach to Working Through the Psychoanalytic Process – Presented by Robert Waska MFT, LPCC, PhD [Class]

NARRATIVE

Case material, disguised for confidentiality, is used to show the way interpretations are made from the Modern Kleinian Therapy approach and how these interpretations evolve during the course of a session and throughout treatment.  Issues of focus on defense and/or internal phantasy conflict are discussed.  Transference, extra-transference, and phantasy are then illustrated with case reports.  The process of working through psychic conflict and resolving psychic distress will be examined using a three-phase model of finding, facing, and challenging old internal and interpersonal patterns. The patient’s internal object relational struggles are highlighted, explored, and challenged with supportive interpretation with a focus on transference, countertransference, and containment throughout the working through process.

The consistent exploration of unconscious phantasy is highlighted as the bedrock of psychoanalytic intervention. Transference is the externalization and direct expression of internal phantasy onto the analyst.  Transference is an essential aspect of the treatment, but not always available to work with. Ongoing extra-transference associations are usually present for the analyst to follow and interpret instead and often easier for the patient to understand and engage with. Interpretation of phantasy, transference, and extra-transference encourages the working through process. The theoretical basis of interpretation will be explored and case material will demonstrate how transference, phantasy, and extra-transference are often all present in every session.  The material shows how to best choose what and when to interpret.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1.   Describe the ways Modern Kleinians work with interpretation
2.   Name the three phases of working though in the psychoanalytic process
3.   Understand the use of countertransference and the application of containment when interpreting
4.   Define the differences between phantasy, transference, and extra-transference
5.   Describe the clinical importance of extra-transference interpretations

COURSE OUTLINE—4 hours

10:00 – 11:00 am

Robert Waska will read a paper highlighting the issues of interpretation from a Kleinian perspective

11:00 – 11:45 am

Audience discussion/questions

11:45 am – 12:00 pm

Break

12:00 – 1:15 pm

Robert Waska will read a second paper continuing to highlight interpretation in the psychoanalytic situation

1:15 – 2:00 pm

Audience discussion/questions

2:00 pm

End of Conference

Content Curriculum:

1. The participant will know more about making interpretations to patients using a psychoanalytic and Kleinian viewpoint.
2. Participant will have more information on how to offer their patient helpful interpretations during moments of conflict.
3. The material is helpful for introductory students as well as advanced audiences.
4. The first paper has been published previously and the second paper is currently being reviewed for publication. 
5. The clinical approach and theoretical positions presented apply to all patients.

BIO:

Robert Waska LPCC, MFT, PhD, is a graduate in Psychoanalysis from the Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies and was a full analytic member of the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. For over thirty-five years, he has kept a full-time private psychoanalytic practice for individuals and couples in San Francisco and Marin County as well as teaching, consulting, and presenting papers internationally. 

Dr. Waska is the author of sixteen published textbooks on Kleinian psychoanalytic theory and technique, is a contributing author for five psychology texts, and has published over one hundred articles in professional journals.  He also serves on the review committee for several journals and book publishers.

His clinical work focuses on contemporary Kleinian topics including projective identification, loss, borderline and psychotic states, the practical realities of psychoanalytic practice in the modern world, and the establishment of analytic contact with difficult, hard to reach patients.  He emphasizes the moment-to-moment understanding of transference, counter-transference, and internal phantasy as the vehicle for gradual integration and mastery of unconscious conflict between self and other.

COST:

CIP Members:

$100 early registration 10 business days prior to seminar; $120 after

Non-Members:

$120 early registration up to 10 business days prior to seminar, $140 after

CEs: 4 CEs for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and Psychologists

Community Institute for Psychotherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.  Community Institute for Psychotherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. 

Requirements for the successful completion of the activity are attending the program in it’s entirety, and completing an evaluation form.

Cancellations must be received in writing 10 business days prior to the seminar, class, or first study group session for a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations less than ten days will not be refunded.

Accommodations will be made wherever possible for those with disabilities. Please let us know of any disabilities upon registration to ensure proper accommodations are put in place prior to the workshop/training.