This presentation explores our tendencies to take too much responsibility for others’ happiness and wellbeing, noting the guilt and shame that inevitably follow when we cannot succeed.

Anger over our ongoing self-sacrifice leads to oversolicitous behavior and a need to be the “perfect mother.” Our fear of doing harm is almost always exaggerated, having been born out of blaming ourselves when we could not save our family members. And we routinely deny the many gratifications that occur in our daily practice for fear of being seen as self-indulgent. In recent years the analytic literature has become more diverse, but also filled with vagaries and references to unconscious and mysterious processes that rely on intuition. Having rebelled against a perceived authoritarian and often dehumanizing classical analysis, are we now somewhat lost in developing new ideas and technique, having failed to examine why and how we do this work?

It has long been accepted that becoming a psychotherapist is an overdetermined vocational choice. The frequency with which we have had depressed mothers has been noted often, including by Winnicott who said he “made his living” by keeping his mother alive. Stolorow & Atwood (1979) added to this narrative by noting that our theories are also born out of our own early experiences. But little has been added to this potentially fertile line of inquiry. Searles talked about our need to rescue and be rescued, has have several others. Sussman noted in his research even analysts remained on the surface when asked why they chose their profession. This lack of exploration of the strengths, weaknesses, needs and desires, that determine the way we create theory and technique, are arguably the greatest obstacle to innovation.

Format

We’d love for you to join us for this virtual workshop with Dr. Maroda on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 2:00-5:00pm PST.

Participants will receive a confirmation email when registering for the event.

Participants will receive a second email with a link to join the event 24-hours prior to the event’s start time.

If there are any questions or if you do not receive these emails, please reach out to: connect@psychodynamicinstitute.com

Fees

**RPT Students are free

**Current Students of any Psychology/Social Work Program - $50

**Alumni RPT Students - $65

**General Public - $125

Karen J. Maroda, Ph.D., ABBP

Karen J. Maroda, Ph.D., ABBP, is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin and in private practice in Milwaukee, WI. She is board certified in psychoanalysis by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis. The author of four books, The Power of Countertransference, Seduction, Surrender and Transformation, Psychodynamic Techniques, and The Analyst’s Vulnerability, as well as numerous journal articles and book reviews. She also sits on the editorial boards of Psychoanalytic Psychology and Contemporary Psychoanalysis. She gives lectures and workshops both nationally and internationally.

Learn more about Dr. Maroda: https://www.karenmaroda.com/

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.