In this workshop we will investigate the archaic Oedipus complex according to Klein’s theory focusing on the composite parental figure and Meltzer’s claustrum concept.
Then we will discuss the myth of the Minotaur as described by Grotstein and will search our own infantile deamons through experiential activities .
Narcissism is prevalent in our culture and consequently often met in our work. In this seminar we will discuss:
the clinical signs of narcissism,
specific forms of narcissism ( malignant narcissism, masochistic-narcissistic dynamics)
narcissistic issues in relationships
and the difficulties inherent in psychotherapy with this type of clients.
In our life we often encounter difficulties and disappointments. Our goals and desires get blocked by the circumstances of our life or by our own passivity and procrastination. Despite our weariness, we keep watching endless repetitions of “ the same old movie”.
Who is the dragon we need to confront? Who is the evil witch who keeps us enslaved? What stops us from realizing our desires? In this workshop we will use the wisdom of folktales and psychoanalytic theories to trace the basic motifs in our life.
At what point is a client ready to leave therapy? This important question puzzles not only beginners but also experienced clinicians and its appropriate resolution determines to a large extent the ultimate success of therapy.
In this seminar we will discuss:
Early indications for a client’s premature flight from therapy
Appropriate management of issues surfacing at the end phase of therapy ( what if the client gets worse? What if the client claims that she is ultimately disappointed with therapy? Are we going to slowly wean the client or continue having regular sessions till the last minute? Are we going to schedule regular follow-ups?)
Presentation of clinical cases where therapy gets into a rut or ends prematurely.
Advantages and disadvantages of short term vs long-term therapy.
Loss is an integral part of human life, however, several people cannot get over an intimate loss. In this workshop we will analyze the experience of loss
Such an analysis reveals that not everyone is able to process their loss and be in touch with their feelings, therefore realistic goals and individually tailored interventions are a necessity.
We will also reflect on whether we can “cure” or “ get over” our past wounds; this is the existential dimension of loss, poignantly depicted in the myth of Chiron.
In this seminar we will explore Malan’s model of short term psychodynamic therapy. We will discuss the selection criteria and the clinical problems which are more suitable for this type of intervention. Valuable qualities of this perspective include the careful diagnosis; focus on a single aim; and the intensive working through of client’s issues in the transference relationship.
Many therapists have discovered that inside an adult client there is a small child with his/her own needs trying to heal his/her wounds. In this seminar we will discuss how we can best approach this partly dissociated aspect of the client’s subjectivity and the problems usually encountered in this process.
