We hope that you enjoy this month's issue, and we hope you'll join NCSPP or contribute to our scholarship fund to assist us in fostering a vibrant psychoanalytic community in Northern California.

Hundreds of Bay Area clinicians and interested others attend NCSPP courses and events each year. The benefits of being a part of NCSPP, however, extend beyond our educational offerings. I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about two new benefits of NCSPP membership.

This fall, NCSPP is launching a new “consultation benefit” that entitles all licensed NCSPP members to one hour of pro bono consultation. This service, which will be provided by senior psychoanalytic clinicians from our community, is intended to forge and deepen relationships between members, as well as improve the quality of the clinical services we all provide. If you are interested in receiving or providing consultation through this new service, please watch for an upcoming announcement of the program’s launch. Information about it will also be available on our website.

Also with the objective of helping members get to know each other outside the context of formal educational programming, NCSPP is offering a series of informal events this year. The next is a “new member” dinner scheduled for Thursday, November 4th. This will be held at a restaurant in the East Bay and will be open to new members and existing members interested in welcoming new colleagues and reconnecting with old ones.

Finally, I’d like to remind you of another benefit of NCSPP membership: discounted journal subscription rates for Psychoanalytic Dialogues and the International Journal of Psychoanalysis. I know that many of you subscribe to these journals, so be sure to put your NCSPP membership to full use by requesting our discount!

Best wishes for a productive and enjoyable fall season.

Warm regards,

Andrew Harlem, Ph.D.
President NCSPP


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THE PSYCHOANALYSIS OF PSYCHOANALYSIS: A CONVERSATION WITH FRANCISCO GONZALEZ, M.D.

In an ever-accelerating world of rapid change, all traditions struggle to reinvent themselves to retain their relevance and stave off death through obsolescence. Psychoanalysis is no different, and in our current climate of hurried lifestyles and quick fixes, the question of how the arduous process of psychoanalysis can stay current looms large. Curious about the future of psychoanalysis and how it can maintain a vital edge in our constantly changing culture, I met with Dr. Francisco Gonzalez to capture his thoughts on the topic.

Dr. Gonzalez cautioned that “unless psychoanalysis can do a psychoanalysis of psychoanalysis ... we run the danger of becoming discursively neurotic, regionalized, and short-sighted.” In order to stay relevant, the field of psychoanalysis “needs to apply to ourselves what it is asking us to do with patients” and adopt an analytic stance towards analytic theory. He advised that “we need to think about where these ideas come from, to not get too attached to their facticity and instead to contextualize them in a continual remaking of history.”

The concept of the frame, for example, has become culturally saturated, “so that we ended up confusing, say a 50-minute hour, with something that is unsaturated, which is the notion of the framed field.” Unless we continually self-reflect, we are vulnerable to “cultural trappings” that may stagnate psychoanalysis as the rest of the world continues to move. Accordingly, Dr. Gonzalez asserted, we “need to do some historical work to liberate these concepts” so that they keep pace with the ever-shifting cultural landscape.

Part of this process includes engaging with other disciplines and bringing sociocultural issues to bear on analytic theorizing. Dr. Gonzalez mused, “Psychoanalysis needs to be more in the world, and the world needs to be more in psychoanalysis.” He is encouraged by the cross-fertilization of increased interdisciplinary work and cited cultural analyses and neuropsychoanalysis as examples of such collaboration.

The future of psychoanalysis seems to rest in our collective ability and willingness to remain open, engaged, and reflective. If psychoanalysis is to stay relevant, it demands a constant reworking and application of its principles, as opposed to obliging the concretion of culturally saturated notions of what it is and how it is best practiced.

Mark McKinley, M.A.
IMPULSE Staff Writer

Francisco J. Gonzalez, M.D., is a graduate of the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California and a past president of NCSPP. He has taught and presented widely in the Bay Area and published on primitive mental states, homosexuality, film, and sociocultural processes. He maintains a private practice in psychoanalysis and consultation in San Francisco.


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MASTER CLINICIANS IN NEUROPSYCHOANALYSIS

On November 13th and 14th, 2010, PINC is proud to present a conference entitled, “Master Clinicians in Neuropsychoanalysis: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, Trauma, and Stress.” Dr. Mark Solms, founder of the neuropsychoanalysis movement, will be joined by leading experts in TBI and PTSD, Dr. Anthony Chen, Dr. Harold Kudler, and Dr. Ronald Ruff. Introducing the conference, Dr. Maggie Zellner will present an optional overview of the brain Friday the 12th from 3 to 6 p.m.

The conference aims to demonstrate the efficacy of a psychoanalytic approach in working with neurological conditions, using TBI as a model. Presentations and workshops will emphasize clinical material related to such questions as: “What is Neuropsychoanalysis?” “What do psychoanalytic therapists need to know about the brain?” “Can neuroscientists and psychoanalysts develop a shared language to improve rehabilitation for brain injured patients?”

For details: www.pincsf.org


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THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOANALYSIS, BAY AREA

In 1991, 12 senior psychoanalysts in Los Angeles--including Robert Stolorow and Louis Breger--started the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. Their goal was a free-standing institute (answering to no external associations) governed by a true democracy of both members and candidates, and training that taught all major psychoanalytic perspectives, but especially those perspectives they saw as more therapeutic: “contemporary psychoanalysis.”

The roots of their contemporary psychoanalysis can be found in Ferenczi, Object Relations’ Middle School, American interpersonal and relational psychoanalysis, and especially Kohut’s Self Psychology. Since it began, ICP has taught therapy as an interpersonal experience that emphasizes the healing properties of two people collaboratively making sense of life in ways that create needed change--through meaning that stems from the unique analyst-patient dyad, rather than from some constant that the analyst brings to the work and applies formulaically.

Today, in 2010, ICP is in its twentieth year and thriving. It has more than 150 members, 100 candidates, and 50 corresponding members, many internationally known. ICP offers several psychoanalytic psychotherapy training programs and extension programs in several locations in both southern and northern California, in addition to its standard 4-year training program in Los Angeles. It also offers an L.A.-based weekend psychoanalytic training program for students who aren’t local.

The Bay Area branch of ICP started in 1994 and is now poised for renewed growth, having gone through recent leadership changes. ICPBA has locations in San Francisco and Berkeley and soon will add Palo Alto and Santa Cruz locations. For more on ICPBA’s training programs, visit www.icpla.edu. In addition to teaching all forms of psychoanalysis, ICPBA also teaches infant observation, attachment theory, and neurobiology--all with a focus on therapy. Contact us to learn more.

Eric W. Anders, Ph.D., Psy.D. [www.eastbaypsychoanalyst.com]
Training and Supervising Analyst, ICP
Oakland

Stephen H. Richmond, M.D., Psy.D.
Co-chair, ICP Bay Area
Menlo Park


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"People Who Need People". A recent study by Lachlan McWilliams of Acadia University in Philadelphia shows that attachment insecurity is associated with physical health ailments.

American Psychoanalytic Association Launches Teacher’s Academy. Are you a clinical grad-level teacher who could use an all-expenses-paid opportunity to facilitate your interest in psychoanalytic thought and increase your teaching effectiveness?

The Interpretation of Dreams in Inception. Check out a psychoanalytically oriented review (Note: contains some spoilers) of Christopher Nolan’s multi-layered movie about dreams by writer Caleb Crain in the Paris Review.

Self Psychology in Turkey. The International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology’s annual conference will be held October 21st to 24th in beautiful Antalya, Turkey.

40 Years on the Couch. What happens after a lifetime of analysis? The New York Times wants you to know.


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Achilles Among Us: The Clinician's Vulnerability
Tue, Sep 7 (begins) / 7:30 PM - 9 PM / CPMC, Stanford Conference Room, #309 / San Francisco
NCSPP / (415) 457-9949 / Drew Tillotson, Psy.D. / $95-$175

Lacan, Freud, Taylor, and the Structure of Anxiety
Thr, Sep 9 (begins) / 6 PM - 8 PM / 870 Market St. / San Francisco
Lutecium Psychoanalytic Group / Rebecca Bauknight, Ph.D. / $400

Lutecium Writing Group – “Letters”
Fri, Sep 10 (begins) / 6 PM - 8 PM / 870 Market St. / San Francisco
Lutecium Psychoanalytic Group / group members / $80

Trauma, Foster Care and Long-Term Treatment
Sat, Sep 11 / 9 AM - 12 PM / Private Home / Redwood City
NCSPP & A Home Within / (650) 833-9574 / T. Heineman, DMH and M. Axelman, Ph.D. / $35-$50

Introduction to a Theory of Knots
Sat, Sep 11 (begins) / 11 AM - 1 PM / 870 Market St. / San Francisco
Lutecium Psychoanalytic Group / Robert Groome / $200

Imagining a Life
Sun, Sep 12 (begins) / 4 PM - 6 PM / Private Home / San Francisco
NCSPP / (415) 457-9949 / Peter Carnochan, Ph.D. / $130-$255

Marion Milner: Creative Ecstasy and the Reinvention of PA
Wed, Sep 15 (begins) / 7:30 PM - 9 PM / CPMC Pacific Campus, Board Room / San Francisco
NCSPP / (415) 457-9949 / Francisco J. Gonzalez, M.D. and Julie Leavitt, M.D. / $95-$175

Poetry and Psychoanalysis Study Group
Fri, Sep 17 (begins) / 6 PM - 8 PM / 870 Market St. / San Francisco
Lutecium Psychoanalytic Group / Cynthia Sailers, Psy.D., MFA / $400

Introduction to Lacan
Sat, Sep 18 (begins) / 11 AM - 1 PM / 870 Market St. / San Francisco
Lutecium Psychoanalytic Group / Drs. K. Lichtanski & J. Gasperoni, A. Neumeister, M.A. / $400

Movie Social: The Headless Woman (2008) Lucrecia Martel, Director
Sat, Sep 18 / 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM / 500 William Street, The Uptown Screening Room / Oakland
Lacanian School / (510) 835-6104 / Dr. Raul Moncayo and Dr. Cynthia Sailers / $5

Celebrating the International Psychoanalytical Assoc. Centennial
Sat, Sep 25 / 2 PM - 5 PM / SFCP Auditorium, 2340 Jackson St., 4th Floor / San Francisco
PINC / (415) 563-5815 / J.W. Bernstein, R. Wallerstein, M. Murphy, et. al. / $30-$60

Effective Interpretation in the Presence of Primitive Anxieties
Mon, Sep 27 (begins) / 7 PM - 9 PM / St. John's Church, 2727 College Ave. / Berkeley
NCSPP / (415) 457-9949 / Dori Dubin, Psy.D. / $130-$255


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PSYCHOANALYTIC ORIENTED CONSULTATION GROUP co-led by Diane Strongwater, MFT and Carol Harrus, M.D. Group meets Mondays from 1:45-3 in Palo Alto. The focus of the group is to help psychotherapists learn to use and make ongoing use of analytic concepts in their practices by focusing on beginning treatment, frame issues such as establishing fees, how to structure treatment and how to notice and work with transference and countertransference in the session. Members provide clinical material supplemented by relevant articles with personal and practical input from the group leaders. Call D. Strongwater at (408) 737-1337 or C. Harrus at (650) 328-8935.

PSYCHOANALYTIC CONSULTATION GROUP has openings for Fall 2010. Using participants’ case material and readings, on-going group will focus on listening for unconscious communication and using our countertransference responses to deepen our connection with our clients and our own internal process. Meets on Thursdays from 10:15-11:45 AM. Dori Dubin, Psy.D. (510) 547-2522.

ONGOING CASE CONSULTATION AND READING GROUP. Key readings of middle school clincians including: Balint, Winnicott, Symington, Alvarez. Friday afternoons, Oakland. October 8th-Feb 11th. $885. CE approved. Annie Sweetnam,Ph.D. (510) 531- 5212. Anniesweetnam@sbcglobal.net.

WRITING SUPPORT GROUP. For those writing or interested in writing. Focus on individual voice and style. Saturday AM monthly start Sep.11th. Oakland $85/session. 8 session commitment. Annie Sweetnam, Ph.D. (510) 531-5212. Anniesweetnam@sbcglobal.net.

OPENINGS IN SEPTEMBER IN CLINICAL STUDY GROUP with Eileen Keller, Psychologist/Psychoanalyst. This long-term case consultation and study group has two openings in September, beginning September 9. Currently we are reading Bion’s Second Thoughts together, alternating with case presentations. Over the years we have found that discussing a case for two weeks is very fruitful so we alternate two weeks of reading with two weeks of a case. Twelve week commitment. We welcome child and adult cases. Thursdays 12:30 – 1:45, beginning September 9, 2010, Fee $50. 5435 College Ave, #201, Oakland, CA 94618. kellerphd@gmail.com. Dr. Keller is a psychologist/psychoanalyst, in practice since 1980, member of San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, Chair of the Child Development Program of SFCP. www.kellerphd.com.

THE TREATMENT OF ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS - A Weekly Consultation Group, Led by Mary Brady, Ph.D. & Robert Tyminski, D.M.H. Mondays from noon to 1:15, beginning September 13 at 3159 Sacramento St. Approved for CE Credit through SFCP. $55/mtg. Information call (415) 776-3174 or mbrady66@earthlink.net.

ANALYTIC GROUP THERAPY led by Sue Saperstein Psy.D., MFT. Analytic group therapy is an opportunity for a group relational experience that may be adjunctive to individual analysis or act independently. This ongoing long term therapy group presently includes young professionals focused on sexuality and relational issues, cultural and personal traumas, social anxieties, depression, and isolation. Openings available. Each applicant will be interviewed to determine appropriateness. Group meets Tuesday, 7pm–8:30pm. The fee is on a sliding scale: $60–160. For further information: (415) 641-4146, drsuesaperstein@sbcglobal.net.

CLINICAL CONSULTATION GROUPS for child, adolescent and adult cases. The group will focus on helping clinicians stay in close contact with patient’s inner world. Case presentations and readings. Meetings held in Rockridge. Mondays from 2:00-3:20 p.m. 2 spaces available. Reyna Cowan, L.C.S.W. reynacowan@gmail.com, (510) 601-0232.

COMFORTABLE, FURNISHED, NEW REDESIGNED Psychotherapy office in Pacific Heights/Nob Hill. Free parking for clients, daily cleaning service, air conditioning, elevator, and suite is fully ADA compliant. Large enough for couples, families and small groups. Monthly rent is 180.00 per day. Please call Tamara Greenberg if interested. (415) 305-7304.


Old couches, new books, hot jobs, cool internships? Post classified ads on NCSPP's online bulletin board at no charge. We will also feature your listing in IMPULSE for a modest fee. Please see our submission guidelines for details.

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The Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP) is committed to the study of psychoanalytic psychology and the encouragement of its interest in the professional and general communities. We are a multi-disciplinary, non-profit membership organization open to mental health professionals and all others interested in the study of psychoanalytic psychology.

Our more than 650 members form a community that spans the greater Bay Area and Northern California. NCSPP is a local affiliate of Division 39 (psychoanalysis) of the American Psychological Association. Our vast array of lectures, intensive study groups, scientific meetings, courses, our journal fort da, and numerous special events and projects are all brought to you by scores of volunteers who work to support NCSPP's mission. Our educational programs include continuing education credit for psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and licensed clinical social workers. We welcome you into the psychoanalytic community in Northern California. Join us.

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Andrew Harlem, Ph.D., NCSPP President
Matthew Morrissey, MFT, Editor-in-Chief
Bruce Weitzman, MFT, Managing Editor
Meg Earls, M.A., Features Editor
Terra Morais, M.A., Appointment Book Editor
Shlomit Gorin, M.A., Potential Space Feature Editor
Michele McGuinness, Production Manager
Blair Davis, Psy.D., In the News Editor
Jane Reingold, MFT, Mark McKinley, M.A., Staff Writers
Elizabeth Bradshaw, M.Sc., Lorrie Goldin, LCSW, Staff Writers

Cleopatra Victoria, M.A., MFT, Founder and Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Cate Corcoran, Psy.D., Brad Falconer, M.A., Editors Emeriti

Each month, IMPULSE reaches over 1,830 psychoanalytically interested professionals and students in Northern California.

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IMPULSE is a monthly newsletter published by the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology for the purpose of connecting Northern California psychoanalytic practitioners, students, and scholars. IMPULSE aims to foster the development of psychoanalytic practice and thought in our region through collaboration and understanding.

For information on submitting event listings and other content to IMPULSE, please see our guidelines and policies page on the NCSPP web site.

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IMPULSE is published electronically once a month by the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology. Comments are welcome and should be sent via our online contact form.

You are receiving this monthly newsletter from the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP) because of your interest in psychoanalysis. Any mental health professional or student interested in psychoanalytic thought may subscribe free to IMPULSE, regardless of organizational affiliation. To ensure that IMPULSE isn't misidentified as junk mail, we recommend adding impulse@ncspp.org to your email program's address book. If you haven't done so already, click to confirm your interest in subscribing. To unsubscribe, click the SafeUnsubscribe link at the bottom of this message.

Interested in keeping up on psychoanalytic news and events happening outside of Northern California? Subscribe to InSight, the free e-newsletter of Division 39.

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