This symposium is an introduction to Joseph Newirth’s work, and will be based on his most recently published book. The class will trace the evolution of concepts of symbolization, alpha function, reverie, the container-contained, and the use of transitional experiences to integrate these concepts with the relational paradigm emphasizing the transformation of concrete experiences and enactments within the transference-countertransference relationship into metaphorical symbolic experiences. Newirth offers an opportunity to bring developmental, cognitive and neuropsychological concepts into a mutually influencing, beneficial dialogue of the human sciences. Clinically, Newirth focuses on the transformation of signs and symbols in psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and psychoanalytic supervision. He focuses on the development of the capacity for symbolization in patients, therapists and supervisors. He describes the process of transforming concrete experiences into symbolic experience, how we move from being reactive to the push and pull of inner and outer stimuli, to becoming self-reflective, thoughtful and able to understand another’s mental states and act intentionally.
Joseph Newirth is a Professor at the Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University. He is a supervisor at the Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New York University and is on the faculty and is a supervisor at the National Training Program in Contemporary Psychoanalysis of the National Institute of the Psychotherapies in NYC.
He received his BA from the City College of New York, his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, and his psychoanalytic training at the William Alanson White Institute. He encourages dialogue, critical thinking, and opportunities for students and supervises to deepen their understanding of how psychoanalytic theories relate to the practice of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. He has published numerous articles in professional journals and frequently presented papers at national and international conferences. His first book, Between Emotion and Cognition: The Generative Unconscious (2003) received the Gradiva prize for critical analysis and interpretation in 2004. His second book, From Sign to Symbol: Transformational Process in Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapy and Psychology was published in 2018 by Lexington Books.
