LEVEL 2: INTERMEDIATE PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY PRACTIONER
This intermediate level delves into the practical applications of psychodynamic theories with a focus on Ronald Fairbairn’s Object Relations Theory and Martha Stark’s Modes of Therapeutic Action. Designed for practitioners who have foundational knowledge of psychodynamic concepts, this program emphasizes integrating these theories into clinical practice to foster transformative therapeutic outcomes.
The Workshop will cover the following topics: -
Fairbairn's Object Relations Theory provides a robust framework for understanding the deep-seated dynamics of internalized relationships and their impact on psychological functioning. Its clinical applications are particularly useful in treating individuals who struggle with relational patterns, attachment issues, and personality disorders.
Day 1 : Clinical Applications of Fairbairn’s Theories - the Internal World of the ClieNT
Fairbairn's theory shifts the focus from Freud’s drive-centric model to a relationship-based understanding of the psyche. It posits that the internalized relationships formed during early childhood—often in response to unmet needs or trauma—become the core of a person’s internal world.
- Identify and interpret the client’s internalized object relationships, manifest as recurring patterns in the client’s external relationships, behaviors, and self-perception.
- Use psychodynamic techniques to help clients recognize these unconscious patterns and their origins in early relational experiences.
- Recognizing and Addressing Splitting - Fairbairn highlighted splitting as a central defense mechanism where a child divides their perceptions of caregivers into "good" and "bad" to manage inconsistent or painful relationships. This splitting often persists into adulthood, affecting relational stability and emotional regulation.
- Working Through Dependency and Autonomy Conflicts - Fairbairn emphasized that unresolved dependency needs from childhood often resurface in adult relationships, resulting in clinging behavior, fear of abandonment, or avoidance of intimacy. Identify how unmet dependency needs influence the client’s current relational struggles.
Day 2: Treating Personality Disorders and Chronic Relational Issues
Fairbairn’s theory has been particularly influential in understanding and treating personality disorders, especially borderline and narcissistic personality traits, which often stem from fragmented object relations. The session objectives include-
- Identify and modify rigid relational schemas that contribute to maladaptive behaviors.
- Address the underlying feelings of shame, unworthiness, or fear of abandonment that drive the client’s relational difficulties.
- Attuning to transference patterns and how to employ relational techniques to repair these reenactments, providing corrective emotional experiences that counteract earlier relational wounds.
Day 3: Martha Stark’s Modes of Therapeutic Action
- Explore Martha Stark’s 5-step model of therapeutic interventions, bridging insight, relational, and reparative approaches.
- Differentiate between Stark’s modes and apply them contextually in therapy to enhance relational depth and therapeutic alliance to support client transformation.
- Integration of the clinical applications between Fairbairn and Stark - Combine insights from both theories to create a cohesive therapeutic framework.
- Identifying when and how to apply object relations and modes of therapeutic action.
- Intervening with clients presenting with trauma, relational disruptions, and personality disorders.
- Managing challenges such as resistance and countertransference.
- Live supervision and case consultations.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Program Features
- Interactive Lectures and Discussions: Deepen understanding of complex concepts through expert-led sessions.
- Live Supervision and Case Review: Receive guidance to refine therapeutic techniques.
- Reading Assignments: Engage with foundational texts and contemporary applications of Fairbairn and Stark’s work.
WORSHOP DETAILS: -
DATE: March 5, 6 and 7
VENUE: PPP Academy, International Plaza, #36-01, Singapore 079903
TIME: 2pm to 7.00pm
FEE: $1500 NETT
Click on the link below to register -