Title: Intersubjectivity Luminaries of the Interpersonal and Relational Psychoanalytic Traditions
Faculty: Harry M. Evans, PhD
Date/Time: Sep. 13, Oct. 11, and Nov. 8 2025
Location: Live, via Zoom, from Dallas, TX
Credit Hours: 4.5 credits total
Course Description:
This study group offers an in-depth exploration of key figures and foundational texts in the interpersonal and relational psychoanalytic traditions, with a focus on the concept of intersubjectivity—the shared space between therapist and patient. Through close readings and collaborative discussion, participants will engage with the work of pioneering thinkers such as Harry Stack Sullivan, Stephen Mitchell, Jessica Benjamin, Philip Bromberg, and others. Emphasis will be placed on how these theories illuminate the therapeutic process, particularly the co-creation of meaning, the role of mutual influence, and the use of self in clinical work. The group will support clinicians in deepening their capacity for emotional attunement, reflexivity, and therapeutic presence, fostering more effective and transformative patient care.
Learning Objectives:
-
Describe the core theoretical contributions of at least three key figures in the Interpersonal and Relational psychoanalytic traditions (e.g., Harry Stack Sullivan, Jessica Benjamin, Stephen Mitchell) and explain their relevance to contemporary clinical practice.
-
Analyze how the shift from a one-person to a two-person psychology impacts the therapeutic relationship, with specific reference to concepts such as mutuality, enactment, and intersubjectivity.
-
Apply principles from Interpersonal and Relational psychoanalysis to a clinical vignette by identifying relational dynamics, potential therapeutic ruptures, and opportunities for repair within the therapeutic dyad.
Syllabus/Readings:
Preview Donnel B. Stern (2005)
Introduction to the Fallacy of Understanding and Ambiguity of Change by Edgar Levenson, MD
September 13
Edgar Levenson
Pursuit of the Particular: On the Psychoanalytic Inquiry: (1988) Contemporary Psychoanalysis (24) 1-16
October 11
Edgar Levenson
The Purloined Self (1987)
American Academy of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry (15)(4), 481-490
November 8
Edgar Levenson
Whatever Happened to the Cat? Interpersonal Perspectives on the Self (1989)
Contemporary Psychoanalysis (25), 537-553
|
Continuing Medical Education
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 the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) and The Dallas Psychoanalytic Center (DPC). APsaA is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 4.5 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.
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.
|