Introduction to Conducting A Psychoanalysis

I. Introduction

The conduct of a psychoanalysis is as much an art as a science. In fact, analysts differ markedly in their views as to what constitutes psychoanalysis and how an analysis ought to be conducted. Psychoanalytic training, with its tripartite model of training analysis, supervision and coursework, is devoted to examining these technical and theoretical issues. This introductory course provides a preliminary exposure to the technical, theoretical and conceptual considerations in evaluating whether and how Ð to offer a prospective patient psychoanalysis.

Readings will examine such issues as: for whom is psychoanalysis most helpful (e.g.ÒsuitabilityÓ), establishing the analytic frame (e.g. recommending analysis, negotiating frequency, setting fee and the use of the couch), differences and similarities between psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, the impact of candidate status on the analytic process and the theory of technique. Candidates will present clinical material derived from evaluating patients for analysis.

Course Goals

This course places an emphasis on the integration of theory of technique and clinical practice. A primary goal is to familiarize candidates with the considerations in beginning a psychoanalysis. A secondary goal is to provide a forum for class discussions regarding the technical, practical and ethical considerations involved in initiating a psychoanalysis. An ancillary goal is to help candidates to develop a preliminary level of comfort in discussing their clinical work in class.

Course Objectives

During this course candidates will become familiar with:

Course Requirements

Readings

Required readings have been intentionally kept brief with the thought that candidates will complete each reading with careful attention. Also, a key component of the class entails applying the readings to case presentations. Each candidate will present several times. Thus, in an effort to allow for time for presentations as well as the careful integration of clinical material the amount of reading is limited.

Course Presentations

Candidates will regularly be asked to present patients who they are considering for analysis. In presenting patients, candidates are encouraged to attend to the following considerations, the patientÕs:

These presentations are for didactic purposes. Actual decisions as to whether a patient is ÒsuitableÓ as a control case are made in consultation with the candidateÕs supervisor.

Reading List

Class Schedule

What is psychoanalysis? And, for whom is it appropriate?

Readings

Class One

Jacobs, T. (2001), Reflections on the Goals of Psychoanalysis, the Psychoanalytic Process, and the Process of Change. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 70: 149-181.

Class Two - (September 17, 2005)

Kernberg, O. (1999), Psychoanalysis, psychoanalytic psychotherapy and supportive psychotherapy: contemporary controversies. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 80: 1075-1092.

Class Three (September 24, 2005)

Rothstein, A (1994), A perspective on Doing a Consultation and Making the Recommendation of Analysis to a Prospective Analysand. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 63: 680-695.

Optional readings

Ogden, T.(2003), What's true and whose idea was it? International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 84: 593-606.

The frame, the couch, the fee and other assorted boundary and technical issues

Class Four (October 1, 2005)

Ross, J. M.(1999), Once more on to the couch. JAPA, 47: 91-111.

Class Five (October 8, 2005)

Earle, J. (1993), On the Setting of Analytic Fees. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 106-108.

Rothstein, A. (1995), Psychoanalytic Technique and the Creation of Analysands: On Beginning Analysis with Patients Who Are Reluctant To Pay the Analyst's Fee. Psychoanalytic Quarterly 64: 306-325.

Class Six (October 15, 2005)

Dewald and Clark (eds) (2001), "Confidentiality" and "Avoiding Exploitation" in Ethics Case Book of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 21-62.

The candidate experience, selecting cases and obtaining supervision

Class Seven (October 22, 2005)

Ehrlich, J. (2003), The impact of being a candidate on analytic process. JAPA 51, 177- 200.

Caligor E. (2003), Converted and clinic patients as control cases. JAPA 51, 201-220.

Class Eight (October 29, 2005)

Kantrowitz (2002), The external observer and the lens of the patient-analyst match. International Journal of Psychoanalysis 83: 339-350.

Vaughn S and Roose S. (2000), Patient-therapist match. JAPA 48: 885-900.

Theraepeutic action and the role of theory

Class Nine (November 5, 2005)

Busch, F. (2003), Telling stories. JAPA 51: 25-42.

Renik, O. (2001), The Patient's Experience of Therapeutic Benefit. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 70: 231-241.

Class Ten (November 12, 2005)