Psychoanalytic Explorations Program: Thinking for Clinicians: How Reading Philosophy Can Deepen Your Understanding of Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice (12 CE Credits, IL)

Course Title: Thinking for Clinicians: How Reading Philosophy Can Deepen Your Understanding of Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice (12 CE Credits, IL)

Instructor: Philip Bestrom, MA, LCSW

Meeting Dates: (2026): 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27; 2/3 & 2/10.

Meeting Time: Tuesdays; 6:00 PM –8:00 PM CST

Location: via Zoom

Description: Many contemporary psychoanalytic theoreticians have been influenced by philosophical works. Often when reading psychoanalytic articles, we come across names we recognize but have never read directly. These original philosophical works can often be unfamiliar to many clinicians who have had limited exposure to reading philosophy. In this seminar, inspired by the book of the same name by Donna Orange, I will introduce you to some of these philosophical works. In the first half of each meeting, we will focus on a specific philosopher and read passages from their work. I will also provide some overview and background of these philosophers. For this seminar we will mostly focus on existential philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Camus to name a few. Then in the second half of each meeting we will turn to the work of a psychoanalyst who has been influenced by that philosopher. This will include Peter Shabad, Robert Stolorow, and Frank Summers among others. By reading the philosopher’s original work I hope you may be inspired and gain the confidence to continue exploring their work and its connection with contemporary psychoanalytic theory and practice. I will also suggest secondary resources that provide more accessibility. Additionally, reading philosophy also helps us understand our own personal ideals, clinical values, and organizing principles which will be explored in this seminar.

Biographical information:

Philip Bestrom is a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalytic psychotherapist. He is an advanced candidate at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis. He worked for ten years as a community psychiatric social worker and is now in private practice. He is licensed in Illinois and Michigan.