Clinical Series

Psychoanalysis: Not What You Think, More Than You Can Imagine

Psychoanalytic theory is a major contributor to the foundations of psychology, and many of its tenets are incorporated into twenty-first century study and treatment of extreme emotional suffering. But psychoanalysis is widely misunderstood. This is an exciting time for psychoanalysis, as “neuroscience objectively confirms much of what Freud believed about the mysterious workings of the unconscious (Dennis, 2017).”

This series asks the clinical questions: What are we trying to accomplish in psychoanalytic treatment, and what gets in the way? Each topic includes research-based theory that informs innovative techniques.  These techniques are effective in addressing the difficulties of meaningful and lasting change.

The seminars have much for the experienced clinician, as well as for the person new to the field.

Session III

Why is Change So Difficult?

People take the first courageous step to enter treatment wanting something to be different. Some may even notice repetitive patterns in their lives and may be ready to consider the daunting task of changing something about themselves. This desire, however, brings with it powerful resistances. Why is that? This presentation addresses these challenges, how to identify them, how to understand them and strategies to resolve them. Clinicians are invited to bring their cases to discuss.

Presenter:

Elizabeth Dorsey, MSW, Cert. Psya., is a training and supervising psychoanalyst with several decades of clinical experience. She is on the faculty of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, where she teaches clinical and theoretical courses to masters, doctoral and post-doctoral students. She is in private practice in Brookline. Her particular interest in understanding and resolving blocks to teamwork and progress in the analytic endeavor informs this seminar.

Continuing Education Objectives: 

Participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the challenges of identifying and understanding barriers to change in treatment
2. Discuss strategies to resolve resistance to change
3. Discuss applications of these ideas to participants’ cases

BGSP is authorized to provide CEs for:  Psychologists (all levels), Social Workers, Counselors

Fee:  Free or $20 for 1.5 CE’s/Clock Hours*

*Full refund available if you cancel one week prior to the event. If you have any questions, email info@bgsp.edu.

Offering CEs for:  Psychologists (all levels), Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors

Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. BGSP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5676. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Application for social work continuing education credits is being submitted. Please contact us at ContinuingEd@BGSP.edu for the status of social work CE accreditation.

For information on continuing education credits for nurses, social workers, or marriage and family counseling, call 617-277-3915.

The Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Direct inquiries may be made regarding the accreditation status by NECHE to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: New England Commission on Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Ste 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514, 781-425-7785 or email: info@neche.org