Description
About the Classical Psychoanalytic Theory Course
The Classical Psychoanalytic Theory course provides a foundation for many of the concepts that have shaped psychoanalytic and psychodynamic thought. This continuing education course examines the basic principles of Freudian psychoanalytic theory and the major descriptive models or paradigms that emerged as Freud’s thinking evolved.
Psychoanalytic theory encompasses a remarkably broad range of ideas, including unconscious mental processes, motivation and conflict, childhood development, psychological structures, dreams, and defense mechanisms. Freud continually revised his ideas as he encountered new clinical observations and reconsidered earlier formulations. As a result, classical psychoanalytic theory is not a single, static model, but an evolving theoretical framework for understanding thought, behavior, and psychological experience.
The course begins with the theory’s fundamental assumptions, including psychological determinism, consciousness, motivation, and the genetic approach. It then examines in depth the dynamic-economic, topographic, structural, adaptive, and genetic models of psychoanalytic theory and considers their relevance to contemporary understandings of human behavior and psychotherapy.
This course may be applied as a core course toward the Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
Instructor
The instructor is Dr. Michael J. Gerson, an experienced psychologist and psychoanalyst in California. He has trained clinicians for over 40 years through his private practice, community counseling centers, and graduate psychology programs. He is a professor emeritus with extensive experience in the therapeutic process and in translating complex concepts into terms that can be applied to clinicians’ own work. A brief video provides opening remarks by Dr. Gerson.Â
CE Credits
This course earns 8 continuing education credits.
The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Conflicts of Interest or Commercial Support
There is no commercial support or other potential conflict of interest for this program, presentation, or instructor.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
We are committed to respecting diversity in all of its forms, including age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, language, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability. We also strive to make all of our activities accessible to individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact us if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding any of our programs.
Sources and Relevance
Our programs and teaching methods are supported by current, empirically-based scientific literature, and are designed to provide continuing education that is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or research, so that psychologists may maintain and expand their ability to serve the public and contribute to the profession.
Target Audience
Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; this course is an introductory-level course. Mental health professionals, educators, and researchers have a variety of educational backgrounds and needs. If you have questions about whether this course would benefit you or is appropriate for your level of training, please contact us.
Course Schedule
This course will be available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you will be able to pace yourself in a manner that is comfortable for you.
Course Format Summary
The Classical Psychoanalytic Theory course includes online audio presentations accompanied by written transcripts, allowing participants to review the material in either or both formats. An online multiple-choice test and Certificate of Completion follow completion of the course.
Cost and Refund/Cancellation Policy
The cost of the course is $119; there are no additional fees. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with the course, please let us know. We will gladly offer you a replacement course or a full refund.
