DPC Workshop
Advances in the Neuroscience of Memory and Emotion and Their Implications for Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Richard Lane, MD, PhD
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 9:00 am to Noon Central Time
UTSW, NC8.212, 2201 Inwood Rd., Dallas, TX 75390
and Livestreamed via Zoom
Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Description:
Recent advances in neuroscience have the potential to reposition psychoanalysis on a stronger empirical footing and facilitate improvements in its efficiency and effectiveness. The first advance is the recognition that memories are not fixed but are updatable, a phenomenon known as memory reconsolidation. The second advance is the emerging evidence that emotional feelings are not pre-ordained by biology but are shaped by the construction of mental representations of affective responses. Moreover, evidence suggests that emotions have a particularly strong influence on creating and modifying memories. The third advance is an appreciation that the brain is a predictive organ, only one example of which is transference. The computational principles of predictive processing and active inference together help to explain recurrent maladaptive patterns, their resistance to change and what is needed to change them. These advances have important clinical implications including a heightened emphasis on the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication of emotion with the analyst, an appreciation that the emotional quality of the interaction with the analyst can itself be transformative, and a recognition that emotional experiences may be more important than insight in bringing about enduring change. Together these advances create the opportunity to bridge conflict- and deficit-based models of psychopathology and its treatment within an integrated framework.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this talk attendees will be able to:
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To understand how memories are not fixed but updatable and how emotional feelings are not biologically pre-determined but constructed.
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To describe how memory reconsolidation in interaction with emotion is a core mechanism of change
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To explain how the computational neuroscience concepts of predictive processing and active inference help to explain recurrent maladaptive patterns, resistance to change and their transformation
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To explain why new emotional experiences may be more important than insight in promoting enduring change
Reading/References:
Panksepp, J., Lane, R. D., Solms, M., & Smith, R. (2017). Reconciling cognitive and affective neuroscience perspectives on the brain basis of emotional experience. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 76, 187-215.
Lane, R. D., & Nadel, L. (Eds.). (2020). Neuroscience of enduring change: Implications for psychotherapy. Oxford University Press.
Lane RD. Implications of a constructionist model of emotional experience for the theory and practice of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Target article for Special Issue on “Affective Science and Psychoanalysis” to be published in 2026 (Guest Editor: Stephan
Doering, M.D.). Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association (in press, May 2025.)
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Continuing Medical Education
ACCME Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and the Dallas Psychoanalytic Center. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA Credit Designation Statement
The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this live activity for a maximum of _3_ AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
The APsA CE Committee has reviewed the materials for accredited continuing education and has determined that this activity is not related to the product line of ineligible companies and therefore, the activity meets the exception outlined in Standard 3: ACCME's identification, mitigation and disclosure of relevant financial relationship. This activity does not have any known commercial support.
We offer Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for this activity. We understand professionals from other disciplines may also wish to participate. Please note that it is the responsibility of each participant to verify with their respective licensing or certification boards whether CME credits will be accepted as Continuing Education (CE) credits for their specific credentialing needs.
We recommend checking directly with your board to ensure compliance with any continuing education requirements applicable to your profession.
Licensed Professional Counselors
In accordance with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council rules, Dallas Psychoanalytic Center can provide continuing education to Licensed Professional Counselors. The rules on continuing education course requirements can be found here.
Social Workers
In accordance with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council rules, Dallas Psychoanalytic Center can provide continuing education to Social Workers. The rules on continuing education course requirements can be found here.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
In accordance with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council rules, Dallas Psychoanalytic Center can provide continuing education to Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists. The rules on continuing education course requirements can be found here.
Psychologists
In accordance with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council rules, Dallas Psychoanalytic Center can provide continuing education to psychologists. Licensees are encouraged to read rule 463.35 for complete information on professional development hours and provider requirements. The rules on continuing education course requirements can be found here.
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