THE FREUDIAN CURRICULUM

Introduction

Contemporary Freudian psychoanalysis has developed from Freud's original conception over a hundred years ago and reflects both continuity with the past and evolving changes in theory and technique. The Freudian track curriculum encompasses the diversity of viewpoints that characterizes Freudian psychoanalysis as it is practiced today, building upon a rich tradition of psychoanalytic knowledge while incorporating new developments in theory, research, and practice.

The foundational concepts of the curriculum are Freud's ideas about the organization of the mind and the motivating forces within it, the role of infantile sexuality in human development, the centrality of psychic conflict and anxiety in human suffering, the role of unconscious fantasies and wishes in compromise formations, and the therapeutic value of analyzing transference and resistance.

Contemporary Freudians have modified and integrated many different ideas into their technique: ideas about the origins and vulnerability of the self, early object relations and trauma, and the interactional aspects of the analytic relationship. Central concepts are Winnicott's ideas about the necessity of building trust into the analytic situation before one can interpret; Kohut's understanding of the narcissistic patient's need for mirroring and idealization; and Loewald's notions of the new object relationship as a crucial element for therapeutic change. These contributions have incorporated both one-person and two-person psychologies and widen the intrapsychic focus of psychoanalysis to include the intersubjective. The therapeutic relationship as well as interpretation and insight are viewed as central mutative factors.

A Guide to Course Selection

To help guide candidates in their course selection, a list of Freudian courses, organized by topic, is available by clicking on the "Courses" link on this page, or by contacting the chair of the Freudian track, Steve Solow (spsolow@aol.com), or the chair of the Freudian curriculum committee, Gil Katz (gilkatz@nyc.rr.com).

In keeping with the Program's goal of providing exposure to a variety of psychoanalytic approaches, the candidate may take Freudian courses in any desired proportion or sequence. For those seeking to combine courses from more than one orientation, the guide will provide assistance in identifying Freudian courses that may be integrated within a diversified program.

For those seeking a systematic course of study primarily in the Freudian orientation, the guide will provide information about core areas of theory and practice, and suggest ways to plan and organize a comprehensive program. 

Candidates are encouraged to contact the chair of the Freudian track or the chair of the Freudian curriculum committee to discuss individual questions and concerns. Consultation can address further details about the track's curriculum and specific courses; explain the different levels of courses, including ideas about which ones might provide a foundation for others; and offer recommendations based on the candidate's particular interests, needs, and background.