Join me for a four-part course where we delve into the challenges of working with narcissistically vulnerable clients. We will explore both traditional Kohutian and contemporary perspectives on Self Psychology, beginning with an overview of Freud's original theory of narcissism and moving on to Kohut's radical redefinition. I will address critical questions such as how to empathically meet the psychological needs of clients who experienced deficits in mirroring, mutual idealization, or twinship in childhood. We will also investigate why we might feel chronically bored or tired with some clients and discuss strategies for breaking this gridlock.
Additionally, I will present strategies for recovering from therapeutic disruptions, impasses, and empathic failures, and show how to interpret maladaptive defenses from a self-psychological perspective in ways that avoid both shame and further narcissistic injury. I will also explain how to recognize and work with what self-psychologists call a 'vertical split' versus a 'horizontal split.'
This seminar will provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities by analyzing several brief case vignettes. These practical examples will empower you to apply the concepts directly to your clinical practice. To enrich your learning experience, I will email you approximately 20 pages of optional reading materials before each class. These supplementary resources will serve as valuable references, allowing you to delve deeper into the subject matter and enhance your overall understanding of the course content.
Instructor: Don Schimmel is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst with over 50 years of experience in private practice in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. He has worked extensively with adults, children, adolescents, families, and couples. As a former senior faculty member of the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, Dr. Schimmel taught seminars on Self Psychology, Relational Theory, and Intersubjectivity. He also taught seminars on Freud's historical and theoretical legacy, Ego Psychology, and Object Relations Theory. Additionally, he has led numerous classes and case conferences focused on effective treatment strategies for children, adolescents, and parents.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the tenets of Self Psychology as initially conceived by Kohut.
2. Differentiate between Freud's and Kohut's theories of narcissism.
3. Distinguish between Freud's and Kohut's views of defense and resistance.
4. Describe Kohut's perspective on the "bipolar self," the "vertical and horizontal split," and three narcissistic or "selfobject" transferences.
5. Describe Kohut's views on empathy, disruption and repair, optimal frustration, responsiveness, transmuting internalization, and vicarious introspection.
Fees: $170 for Alliance Members and $210 for non-Alliance members.
Class Size: Class is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. (Registration closes on 8/30/24)
Refund Policy: Refunds less a $30 handling fee will be given up until one week before the first class.
This presentation has been approved for a total of 6.0 CE’s for licensed mental health counselors and associates, marriage and family therapists and social workers by the Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work.