Course Title:  Applied Relational Theory:  Key Tenets and Misunderstandings (12 CE credits)

Instructor:  Steven Vogelstein, M.A., LCSWz

Meeting dates (2021):  April 10, April 17, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15

Meeting time: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Location:  Virtually (Zoom);

or 540 Frontage Road, Northfield (if conditions permit)

Course Description:

This clinically-based course will begin with an exploration of the evolution of Relational Theory within psychoanalysis.  Particular emphasis will be given to the influence of the infant research of the 1970’s and 80’s, the emergence of a new “psychoanalytic baby,” and post-modernism.

In this course, we will elucidate the clinical implications of Relational Theory and explore our clinical assumptions.  We will consider fundamental theoretical and clinical issues and questions, including the following:

- Reconceptualizing transference and counter-transference
- Where is the “therapeutic action”?
- What about technique(s) and therapeutic stances?
- Developmental Theory and the Developmental “Tilt”
- Dissociation, Multiplicity, and Trauma
- Culture, Race, Gender, Sexuality, and the “Normative Unconscious” (Layton)

Attention will also be devoted to other applications of Relational Theory that are of particular interest to course participants.  A list of (optional) related readings will be provided.

Biographical Information:

Steven Vogelstein M.A., LCSW is Visiting Faculty at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis (CCP), where he is an advanced candidate, has taught in the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy program, and was Chair of the Progression Committee.  Steven is faculty at the Institute for Clinical Social Work where he teaches in the doctoral program.  In addition, he has been Lecturer at the Loyola University School of Social Work.