The History of Psychoanalysis in Ten Objects: Materiality and Metaphor in the Development of Psychoanalytic Reasoning

Jed Sekoff, PhD, In discussion with Reyna Cowan PsyD, LCSW

Friday Mar 8, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

2nd Fridays

The material world has seemingly taken a ‘back seat’ to Freud’s investigations into the inner regions of our lives. Inner worlds vs External realities. However, ‘materiality’ has played a central role in the unfolding of psychoanalytic sensibility and practice. Material objects have inspired psychoanalytic metaphors and metapsychology, while at the same time our tangible encounters with material reality--what Marion Milner called the world’s “thusness”- shapes all that we do. This evening we will explore a handful of objects that trace a history of psychoanalysis. From Freud, we will focus on the couch, the cigar, his statuettes of Athena and Toth, as well as his reflections on the “Mystic Writing Pad.” Klein’s toy set will make an appearance, as will Winnicott’s squiggle, spatula and string. Bion and Tustin, if time allows, will offer differing versions of the shell—an object that may in turn prove explosive, encapsulating or containing. Taken together we will find that psychoanalytic history has relied on both metaphor and materiality to form the ways we think, feel, and act.

CE Credits offered: 2

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. To examine the concept of ‘materiality’ by listing the elements necessary for therapeutic attention and intervention.
2. To identify the connection between psychical and material reality
3. in the development of psychodynamic metaphors and reasoning.

db.pincsf.org/events – 415-288-4050 — 530 Bush St, Suite 703, SF CA USA — pincsf@gmail.com

The Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PINC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Visit db.pincsf.org/policies for policies and disclaimers.