Guilt and the primitive superego–On the inner sources of destruction of self and other
In this term we will focus on Klein’s notions of guilt and the primitive superego and their involvement in destruction directed both towards others and towards oneself (e.g., through suicide). We will read selections from: Klein’s “Love, Guilt and Reparation” (1937); “A Contribution to the Psychogenesis of Manic-Depressive States” (1935), “The Oedipus Complex in the Light of Early Anxieties” (1945), and “On the Theory of Anxiety and Guilt” (1948). The close readings of these texts will shed light not only on the specific topic but will also deepen our understanding of the Klein’s approach to the person, pathology and the process of cure.
The first part of each 2-hour meeting will focus on discussion of a text and the second on the presentation of clinical material by one of the participants. This will allow us to put in practice the ideas studied.
18 CEUs
Instructor: Rachel Blass
Dates: January 26; February 9, 23; March 8; April 12; May 3, 17, 31; June 14 2024
Time: 2:00–4:00 pm (*October 6 session will take place from 4:oo–6:00)
Location: Online
Fee: $ 900
Learning Objectives:
1. Deepening the understanding of the foundations of Kleinian thinking and practice regarding guilt and destruction
2. Understanding what is unique to Kleinian thinking relative to alternative approaches
3. Appreciating the implications of Kleinian ideas for analytic practice
4. Developing a capacity to apply Kleinian thinking in clinical situations.
Bibliography:
Klein, M. (1935) A Contribution to the Psychogenesis of Manic-Depressive States. International Journal of Psychoanalysis 16:145-174
Klein, M. [1937] 1975. “Love, Guilt, and Reparation.” In Love, Guilt and Reparation and other works. 306-343. London: Hogarth.
Klein, M. (1945) The Oedipus Complex in the Light of Early Anxieties. International Journal of Psychoanalysis 26:11-33.
For sign up, please RSVP to eskinassistant@gmail.com. We are currently only accepting payments via Chase Zelle at this time.
