Contemporary relational psychoanalysis’ shift to understanding the patient through the interactive effects of the therapeutic dyad requires a different language from the more historical objectivist stance that relied on authoritative interpretations by the analyst, with whom the patient projects dissociated aspects of the self onto the therapist, and the therapist interprets.
Intersubjectivity understands the therapeutic relationship as one of mutual influence – two subjectivities at work. Consequently, the therapist shifts their cognitive formulations “about” the patient turning their attention and speaking “with” the patient of the interplay of deep affective states and experiences stirred within the therapist, the patient and the in-between. The work and the words we find to understand this intersubjective process is much more complex than offering an objective interpretation.
As most methods are cautious in articulating to the patient their experience of the patient - this is one of the most difficult shifts to make when working within a relational model. Learning a new way of articulation involves speaking to the emotional field evident within the therapeutic space.
The course will focus on speaking to the analyst’s experience of their patients, the links and patterns that are emerging, the replications that are occurring and the working through and negotiating of the inevitable impasses and enactments that occur when the therapist chooses to enter into dialogue with their patients.
The course will wrestle with the risks of relational speech as it considers courageous speech alongside disciplined spontaneity. It will address the need for the analyst’s radical openness of their own affective and unconscious states as the major artery to the patient’s own states of being. The course will address the art of metabolization and encourage the therapist to risk their thoughts, affects and experience on behalf of the patient entering into complex dialogue beyond the safety of transference and transference resistance interpretations.
Participants completing this seminar will be able to:
Describe the differences between an objective interpretation and an intersubjective dialogue.
Compare and contrast the difference between the historical objectivist psychoanalytic perspective and the theory of intersubjectivity
Apply new language within the therapeutic encounter informed by the relational model
Apply responsible and ethical use when working relationally within the relational method.
Format
We’d love for you to join us for this virtual workshop with Dr. Barsness on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 9:30am-12:00pm PST. Registrants will receive a link to join 24-hours prior to the event.
Fees:
General Public: $135
Students: $65
RPT Alumni: $65
Current RPT Participants: Free
2.5 CEU Credits: $35
CEUs are granted through our partnership with The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. Continuing Education units at The Seattle School are recognized by the Washington Department of Health (DOH) because of its membership in the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS); member accrediting agencies of the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Seattle School will not be held responsible if individual state or any other professional licensing boards do not recognize the requested CEUs.
Cancellation Policy
For seminar cancellation by participant the deadline to receive a refund is 5 business days before the event. Registration cancellations received prior to the deadline may be eligible to receive a refund less a $10 service charge to cover our processing fees. Cancellations received after the stated deadline will not be eligible for a refund. Refunds will not be available for registrants who choose not to attend an event. Cancellations will be accepted via e-mail and must be received by the stated cancellation deadline. All refund requests must be made by the attendee or credit card holder. Refund requests must include the name of the attendee and/or transaction number. Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment.
Dr. Roy Barsness, PhD
Psychologist, Educator, & Founder
Dr. Roy Barsness, is a Clinical Psychologist, and Founder and Executive Director of the Contemporary Psychodynamic Institute,
Dr. Barsness is a dynamic and passionate teacher/clinician and will be presenting on his recent book, Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis (Routledge, 2018) a clear and concise handbook of relationally-oriented psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Dr. Barsness served as Professor of Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology for 20 years and is a regular presenter at the Alliance and NPSI.