Program Description

In this Psychoanalytic Essentials seminar, licensed mental health professionals will come together virtually to explore the ways in which the establishment, maintenance, and recovery of the psychoanalytic frame serves an ethical and protective function in clinical practice. They also can earn 3 continuing education credits toward their licensing requirements!

In advance of the live seminar, participants will read the paper*, “The function of the frame: To protect the psychoanalytic room” (Künstlicher, 1996) in which the author explores how the “rules of treatment” have a more meaningful function as the “rules of play” in psychotherapy practice. Künstlicher writes, “Their function is to create a frame that protects the two participants on their vulnerable positions, enclosing a room where two persons mutually can listen to their thoughts and partake in feelings and the movements of the unconscious.” We will explore how the analytic frame consecrates the space, guards against violations, upholds the incest taboo, establishes an inner room to think, and allows mutuality that is protected from seduction and violent acting out.

Participants will complete a quiz verifying that they have read the paper in advance of the live session. During the live session, Dr. Kunst will provide an overview of the key ideas from the paper and then lead a discussion among participants.

*For those participants who do not have access to the journal article, access will be made available upon registration. Registration will close 24 hours in advance of the meeting to allow time for registrants to read the paper before the live session.

Number continuing education credits

3 (1.5 credits for reading; 1.5 credits for in-person sessions)

Instructor

Jennifer Kunst, PhD is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Pasadena, CA where she works with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. She earned her PhD at Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and is licensed in the state of California. Dr. Kunst trained at the Psychoanalytic Center of California, where she is a Training and Supervising Analyst and teaches courses on Kleinian theory and technique. She is passionate about distilling the complexity of psychoanalysis into ideas that can be applied to everyday life. She has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed professional psychology journals on the topics of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and the interface between religion and psychology. Her outreach projects include her Psychology Today blog, “A Headshrinker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, and her book, “Wisdom from the Couch: Knowing and Growing Yourself from the Inside Out” (Central Recovery Press, 2014).

Learning Objectives

1. Name three ways that the analytic frame prevents violation between therapist and patient

2. Name three ways that the analytic frame supports involvement between therapist and patient

3. Articulate two ways that the therapist can respond ethically when the rules of play break down

4. Describe how the asymmetrical balance of power protects psychoanalytic treatment

Target Audience

This activity is designed for psychologists and other mental health professionals who have an interest in providing psychoanalytically-informed treatment. The level of the course is intermediate.

Cost: $90 (early bird registration, $80)

CANCELLATIONS are subject to a 20% processing fee and must be received 7 days prior to be eligible for a refund. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Those who attend this workshop in full and complete the appropriate evaluation form will receive CE credits. Please note that credit will only be granted to those who attend the entire workshop. Partial credit is not an option. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credit.

Commercial Support Disclaimer

The planners and presenters for this activity have not received commercial support for this activity nor are there any relevant financial relationships between the sponsors, presenters, program content, research, grants or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.

Jennifer Kunst, PhD is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. Jennifer Kunst, PhD maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences recognizes CPA’s continuing education credits for use by CA mental health professional licensees (psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, etc).

If you plan to use the credits in another state please check with that licensing jurisdiction to see if the credits will be accepted.

To learn more about Dr. Kunst's continuing education program, including complaint processes, special needs accommodation, respect and diversity statement, and more, visit www.drjenniferkunst.com