Kleinians since Klein Study Group 2021-2022

Organised by:

WPF Therapy

Description

This study group will be delivered via Zoom online.

Target Audience:
For training counsellors and psychotherapists who are actively engaged in clinical work.

What does this programme offer?
How could Kleinian thinking and practice help you in your work? Perhaps you have read articles by Hanna Segal, Wilfred Bion, Betty Joseph, John Steiner, Ron Britton or their colleagues and found them thought-provoking. This programme offers an opportunity to explore Kleinian approaches in greater depth in a supportive setting – to get hold of connections and understand better what goes on in and beyond the consulting room.

It has been a century since the publication of Melanie Klein’s first psychoanalytic article, ‘The development of a child’, in which she argued for the liberating effect of responding honestly to children’s questions. Since then, Klein, her associates and those influenced by her have played a major role in the development of psychoanalytic thinking and practice. Much that was once considered innovative and controversial in her approach has been widely taken up. Lively debates continue among those sympathetic to Kleinian ways of thinking and working.

Intended audience:
This study group will be of interest to practising counsellors and psychotherapists, whether in private practice, in the NHS or in related roles where a grasp of unconscious dynamics is helpful, such as in adoption agencies and nursing; it is also relevant to those engaged in academic work in the field. In previous years the programme has been fully subscribed.

In the seminars we consider developments in Kleinian theory and practice over the past seventy-five years – what has remained central, what has been discarded, what has become better understood and what is contentious today. The programme is designed to work at different levels, offering food for thought to those less familiar with psychoanalytic thinking as well as those who wish to extend and consolidate their understanding of current practice. There has been a lively dynamism in previous groups: members have felt able to share impressions, thoughts, confusion, connections and insights, with a focus on clinical issues.

For 2021-22 all twelve meetings will be held online, so that those who live outside London can take part.

By participating in this study group, you can expect to gain:

• A deeper understanding of processes of splitting, projection and identification in clinical work.
• A broader conception of how internal and external worlds interact and affect each other.
• Greater clarity about where you stand on key theoretical and ethical issues.
• An overview of what the Kleinian tradition has contributed to mental health and wellbeing.

Comments from Previous Participants:
“This once monthly format is really good value, as I have learnt so much more compared to the equivalent amount of hours in an average 2 days CPD course.”
“I’m finding the papers enriching whilst at the same time challenging as well as questions and views raised by the group.  This is good as its stirring me up out of lazy thinking.  I have found the relevance/benefit of theories has been demonstrated in the group on several occasions and also it’s helping me with often confusing work.”
“Linking the reading to our clinical work is most valuable.”
“The things I found most useful and enjoyable were the readings suggested, the session notes sent in advance and the clinical examples in the sessions.”
“I feel that I’ve consolidated my understanding of Klein, and made good progress internalising her concepts.  It’s proving very helpful with my training patient, that’s for sure”.

Course Reading:
Detailed reading lists will be sent to participants on booking. WPF Therapy gives participants electronic access to texts.

David Smart’s first career was in multi-disciplinary work in mainstream educational and off-site settings with secondary-age pupils experiencing difficulties. He trained with WPF Therapy to practice as a school counsellor and work privately as a psychotherapist with adults. He is committed to collaborative learning and understands development as a life-long, spiral process. Publications include “Play’ in practice in psychotherapy and education’, European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling, Volume 10, Issue 2, 2008, pp. 147 – 158 (with L. Gomez).

This course will be relevant to trainees engaged in clinical work and to those engaged in academic study in the field. There will be a focus on working with the ideas and issues clinically.

Please note that by booking a ticket for this event, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions for CPD events, so please read through them carefully before making your purchase.

If you experience any problems during the application process then please email us.

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