In this course, we will begin by reviewing the history and origins of the Middle School in England in the 1940s. The Middle School, or Independents, utilized British Object Relations theory but developed that theory in different ways than the Kleinians and the Anna Freudians. The Independents had many opinions about theory and technique, but shared a basic attitude  of acceptance, tolerance, and openness. They respected ideas for their clinical usefulness and truth value—whatever their origin.

In the fall and winter we will read the three Independent British psychoanalysts who by their writing and teaching have had the greatest influence on contemporary psychoanalysis: Fairbairn, Balint, and especially Winnicott. In the spring we will focus on the work of the contemporary independent psychoanalysts Coltart, Bollas, Symington and Phillips. We will discuss both theoretical material and clinical applications, from a historical and a critical perspective.

18 sessions First and Third Tuesday - please click on the registration button to see dates and times of all sessions.

Fees:  Member: Up to August 15: $900, after August 15: $1000

Non-Members:  Up to August 15 $1200 after August 15  $1350